under-the-eye

[under-the-eye]

Matthew has begun the next portion of the co-op! He’s a very handsome boy, and has a laid-back personality, never shaken or bothered by anything. I can’t wait to see how he grows up!

Nehemiah: You look beautiful, Miriam. Do you like the new clothes?

Miriam: I do. I’ve never had things this nice before. 

Nehemiah: You deserve all of this and more.

[under-the-eye]

A few days later…

Manny: Mom? What are you doing here?

Mariah: Oh, you know, I was just tidying up.

Manny: Tidying up? I didn't know you were coming over.

Mariah: Manny, I found this book lying on your bed– what are you doing with this? 

Manny: That’s my business. What are you really doing looking through my things? I know I didn’t leave that out. 

Mariah: I was just… the Elders were worried about you. You haven’t been to Hall in weeks and now with this book–

Manny: The Elders sent you to spy on me? 

Mariah: We’re worried that you’re losing your faith–

Manny: Mom, just… Please just go home. I’ll call you later.

[under-the-eye]

It’s time for Miri’s wedding! She insisted on making her own cake– it turned out to be more of a cupcake display, but she was so proud of it.

We chose the old Parish as a venue– after the wedding Miri intends to become an Irisite and fully support Nehemiah’s ministry.

Miri wanted a very traditional wedding, so of course we followed her lead.

Once again Edie served as the flower girl, and once again she thankfully completed her duty without any wild behavior.

Matthew did the honors as the ringbearer, a duty he took very seriously.

Then Javi walked Miri down the aisle. She chose to wear my dress just like Gennie did, though she added a veil. She looked absolutely beautiful.

I’m going to miss her terribly, but Miri looked so happy during her first dance with Nehemiah. This is everything she’s been waiting her whole life for, and she certainly deserves it.

It was such a beautiful night. It was perfect, just like Miri wanted.

Nehemiah: We don’t have to right away. I’m a little nervous, and I know you must be too…

Miri: I am, but I want to do this. Really. 

Nehemiah: Ok, in that case…

[under-the-eye]

We had a surprise visitor to the house this week, and not another burglar!

Nehemiah came all the way out from Newcrest to see Miri. The two of them have been courting long-distance since the wedding.

The two of them are so cute together. Nehemiah is so sweet and gentle with her, which is exactly what Miri needs in a headship.

So it was no surprise when he proposed! Miri of course said yes! I can’t wait for another wedding! 

Meanwhile…

[under-the-eye]

Miri: Eden, what are you doing? You’re in a skirt– it’s going to show your underwear if you hang upside down like that! Get down this instant!

Edie: You can’t tell me what to do! Just because you’re older than me doesn’t mean you’re in charge!

Miri: This is not Watcherful behavior–

Edie: I don’t care! This isn’t fair!

Mariah: Edie, you listen to Miri. She’s older than you and in a higher position of authority. Besides, she’s right, a young lady shouldn’t be playing like that. 

Edie: But this isn’t fair!

Mariah: According to the Book it is perfectly fair. 

Edie: I don’t care about the Book!

Rachel: I think Edie is right. You’re not mom– just because you’re eighteen doesn’t mean you can boss us around. 

Miri: Well Mom doesn’t seem to agree. 

Naomi: Should we let her out? She’s been in there for a while…

Miri: No, not yet.

[under-the-eye]

The big day has arrived!

This is potentially the most advanced wedding cake I’ve attempted to date, and it came out pretty well if I do say so myself.

The wedding was being held at a traditional venue in Tartosa according to the wishes of Yasmin’s family. Luke was generous enough to use the advance from his new job to fly our family out for the event.

Yasmin’s traditional dress was a little revealing if you ask me, but that was up to her father and Luke, and neither of them seemed bothered.

The ceremony began with Edie as the flower girl, and for once she did as she was asked without dramatics.

The ceremony was gorgeous, and both Luke and Yasmin looked like it was the best day of their lives.

Luke had been kind enough to invite Nehemiah, and after the cake cutting, he asked Miri to court! Of course she said yes.

The reception was a lovely mix of two cultures. They had the first dance as is traditional for our family, and afterwards Luke served tea for Yasmin and her family, according to their tradition.

I’m going to miss my little boy terribly, but I couldn’t be happier with how You have blessed his life. Amen!

[under-the-eye]

We’ve had another close call!

Early in the morning, a burglar broke into our home!

Javi happened to get up and spotted the man in the act. While he was calling the police, Luke came out of the kids room and leapt into action!

He was able to subdue the burglar long enough for the police to arrive and arrest him. We are all so thankful to You for once again keeping our family safe in the face of danger!

The next day…

Miri: Ok Luke, spill, what is Yasmin like?

Luke: She’s perfect. She’s so meek now– it took a few months of Book study to re-teach her role to her, but now she does whatever I say and doesn’t argue. 

Rachel: So you basically beat the personality out of her?

Naomi: Ray, please…

[under-the-eye]

Luke has graduated from university!

Thanks to his hard work, he graduated with Honors and has already been offered a very lucrative job in San Myshuno! Javi and I are proud beyond words!

He’s also become engaged to a lovely girl named Yasmin. They originally met in class, but after they started courting he managed to convince her to return to her Watcherful role as a helpmeet and drop out.

The wedding is set for a couple of weeks from now. In the meantime, Luke will come home to stay with us for a little while longer before starting his new life.

Javi: I’m so, so proud of you, Luke. 

Luke: Thanks, Dad. That means a lot.

Meanwhile, Miri has been talking with Nehemiah from the conference. So far they seem to be getting along great! With any luck we’ll be hearing even more wedding bells on the horizon.

[under-the-eye]

At a store in Magnolia Promenade…

Manny: Huh, what’s this? 

Heavy is the Gaze, by Maxine Loomis.

Manny: Isn’t that…?

Think about it. Really sit with it, let it stew. How much have you given to this belief? How many parts of yourself have you excised for not being Watcherful enough? How many people have you left behind? How many people have left you behind? How many personal wounds have the Watcher lurking behind them?

Now consider: what are you getting back? 

Then ask: is it worth it?

Manny: Is it worth it…

[under-the-eye]

The day after we got back from the conference, I realized that Miri had graduated from the co-op!

She’s a beautiful woman, entirely firm in her belief in the Watcher and more than eager to start her life as a helpmeet. I’m sure it’ll be no time at all before she’s married and running her own household.

Meanwhile…

[under-the-eye]

The last day of the conference…

Miri: This is kind of embarrassing but… I was thinking about the pastor, Nehemiah. 

Mariah: Don’t be embarrassed sweetie. He’s only a couple of years older than you, he’s established, very Watcherful…

Miri: So, does that mean you’d be ok with having dad… uh… reach out to him?

Mariah: Of course. Don’t worry about it.

Naomi: Ray, you’re going to get yourself in a lot of trouble if you keep acting like this.

Rachel: Aren’t you fed up with all of this too? You know this is ridiculous, don’t act like you don’t.

Naomi: I believe in the Watcher. But all of this gender stuff…

Rachel: Exactly! So why are you coming after me?

Naomi: I’m just saying that it might be easier for you if you’re less obvious about it. Until we’re eighteen. 

Rachel: Hmph.

[under-the-eye]

Day two of the conference fell on Baptism Day, so I got to show my family the Baptism Center we attended when I was a child.

Unlike the ETW one at home, this Center is run by the Cornelian church, so there was no entrance fee. I’ve really missed this place!

Mariah: NiNi, where’s your sister? 

NiNi: I don’t know.

Mariah: Ray, what are you doing out here? We’re all doing our baptisms inside. 

Ray: I don’t want to. 

Mariah: What?

Ray: I said I don’t want to do the baptism. It’s stupid.

Mariah: Young lady, how dare you say anything from the Watcher is stupid! This is a holy tradition!

Ray: How is it holy? All we’re doing is getting wet! It doesn’t make any sense! Nothing happens, it’s just water!

Ray lost the argument.

Javi: Eden, no splashing in the baptism pool!

Eden: Awwww dad, you’re no fun. 

Javi: Baptism isn’t supposed to be fun. Now quiet.

[under-the-eye]

Another year, another Fellowship Conference. What’s different is that this one was being held in Newcrest, at my family’s parish! Javi and I saved every dime and penny to be able to bring the whole family. 

Unfortunately Derek no longer owns the family house, but we found an adorable little rental for a very reasonable price.

I was so excited to show my blessings the old Parish. The only times we’ve been back to visit were for my parents’ funerals, and it was so nice to see it bright and cheerful like it used to be.

Before the events of the day, I went to the back garden for a moment to pay my respects to my beloved parents.

Then it was time for the sermons and workshops. The current Pastor is named Nehemiah Bollman– he’s only twenty, but he’s so eloquent and educated on matters of the spirit. I found his sermons incredibly moving.

Ray: I’m going to die of boredom, I swear. 

NiNi: Shhhh, you’re gonna get in trouble!

That afternoon we went to visit the old community center, and to my delight, it was still open!

We had a great time with the games inside. There were so many more things to do than we can afford to have at home– all of the kids were ecstatic.

Then in the evening, the family went out to eat while I went to visit my older sister, Isla. It’s been so many years since we’ve seen each other!

Stay tuned for part two of the conference!

[under-the-eye]

Today all of the kids went off to the co-op, and for the first time in I don’t even know how long, Javi and I were completely alone, with no littles underfoot. It was surreal, but also so very nice to be able to give Javi my truly undivided attention.

Meanwhile…

[under-the-eye]

Today we got the scare of a lifetime. NiNi was outside grilling something for dinner when the barbeque caught fire!

Both NiNi and Ray came running, and thanks to You no one was hurt, and all we had to do was replace the barbeque. It could’ve been so much worse!

[under-the-eye]

Thank the Watcher above, Edie is out of the terrible toddler years!

Unfortunately her wild energy hasn’t abated– she’s always outside, getting herself covered in sand and dust.

Not to mention her… strangely aggressive behavior towards her sandcastles.

On the bright side, this means she gets along spectacularly with her older brother. They play outside for hours on end.

Logically, I knew Edie would be my last blessing. But today I had to confront the reality by selling the baby furniture and repurposing the nursery– I bawled my eyes out!

To fill the space we moved the computer desk in here and got a few other items. As it turns out, NiNi is a natural with a paintbrush, and she’s been having a great time with the easel we got.

As stressful as these last few years have been, I wouldn’t trade any of my blessings for anything, and I thank the Watcher every day to have them in my life.

[under-the-eye]

Javi: Eden, what are you doing in the trash?

Eden: Digging for tweasure!

Javi: Edie, no, that’s dirty! You know you’re not allowed to make messes like that!

Javi: Eden, did you just hit me? That is NOT ok! 

Later…

Ray: I SWEAR to the Watcher if I have to set this DAMN table one more DAMN FU–

Mariah: Rachel Dominguez, don’t you dare finish that sentence!

Javi: I just don’t know what to do with them anymore. I’m out of ideas. 

Mariah: I know. Me too. Maybe we could ask the elders for advice? There’s also that ETW summer camp for troubled kids…

Javi: You know we don’t have the money for that. 

Mariah: I guess we just… do our best?

Javi: sigh

Javi: Now lets ask the Watcher for forgiveness for being bad, ok?

Edie: I’m sorry I was bad.

Javi: Good. I love you, Edie.