Good Morning May!

Mornings=Pondering on life

Good Morning May! 

Although I am not really ready for you I do have a few requests.......can we please work together and make this an awesome month?  I'm thinking healthy eating is in order.....you know lots of fruits and veggies. What about an extra dose of Super Hero will power???  And what about great weather?  That would be amazing.....cool mornings, pleasant days and maybe not so humid.  Can we have easy days with the boys,  accomplishing every task on my list and no arguing!! And what about weekends filled with FUN and no drama?  No heartache this month!  And absolutely no surprises!!  Please May be good to me.

Is that all too much to ask??  I know May can't do these things for me.  I just have to set my mind to them and DO IT!

If you follow me on Instagram I shared my thoughts about life yesterday.

Pondering life as I do most mornings....life is, and never has been, what I expect it to be.  That is wonderful and at times maddening!  I don't have all the answers but I do have some.  And know without a shadow of a doubt Who has them all.  Those I do have answers to I have learned the hard way.  This morning as I see my daylilies about to bloom and anxiously await their show I can rest knowing my faith tells me no matter what lies ahead of me God is already there.    

 As I start a new month (which is AWESOME!!) and am anxiously awaiting what will come I CAN rest.  I can be at peace, rejoice in the fact that The Almighty, my Almighty, God is taking care of every single detail.  He is working it all out for His Good not mine.  And YOU can have that too!!!!  It's not easy this thing called life.  I get kicked in the gut DAILY!!!  And that is exactly when I call on and hold especially tight to my Heavenly Father.

Maybe life is just peachy keen, but something seems to be missing.  Maybe that is the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart.  Listen He is talking to you.  Be still and have a chat with Him.  He is waiting.......

 I speak from the heart friends.  My words are all kooky at times, but He knows what I mean and knows my heart.  And really that is all that matters.  I hope my humble thoughts speak to you today and hopefully lift you up as we begin a new month in this life.

Good Morning May.  

God's Box of Chocolates

God's Box of Chocolates--A Valentine's Day Devotional

by LauraLee Shaw

Everywhere I look near Valentine's Day, there's chocolate: boxes of chocolate in all the stores, chocolate on tv promising to be the only love you need, chocolate girl scout cookies--CHOCOLATE! I even saw chocolate Altoid breath mints in the grocery checkout aisle the other day! I think that's what led me to remember the famous quote from Forrest Gump: "Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get." (I even remembered it with his accent.)

In reality, that phrase can be true in many ways. We wake up every morning completely unsure of what the day may hold for us. We've made our plans. Sometimes they even happen the way we make them. But we never know for sure, do we?

The days that come with caramel in the middle are my favorite. The ones with the strawberry goo are just so so--but the ones with coconut--YUCK! I'd rather go back to bed. Then there's the days where tragedy or difficult times come out of nowhere, and the chocolate sits in the pantry untouched...there's no sweetness to be had in those moments, it seems.

God knows that life as it pertains to circumstances is uncertain for us. That's why He comforts us and reminds us so many times that He is our constant companion, our steadfast friend, our consistently loving God and Savior. He doesn't keep promises the way we do:

"When people make promises, they guarantee them by appeal to some authority above them so that if there is any question that they'll make good on the promise, the authority will back them up. When God wanted to guarantee His promises, He gave His word, a rock-solid guarantee--God can't break His word. And because His word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable." (Heb. 6:16-18, the Message)

You see, no matter what chocolate we are "in the middle of" right now, He is there--with the certainty of His promise today as well as His hope of heaven in the future. Listen to how the verse above continues to encourage us: (vs.19-20)

"We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up His permanent post as high priest for us, in the order of Melchizedek."

I love the visual picture of grabbing on to Him with both hands as He runs ahead of me to the Father. That makes me able to get up today and praise Him for whatever comes my way. This faith, this confidence, this hope is our unbreakable spiritual lifeline--HIS love for us no matter what, when, how or why. Let's binge on His priceless box of chocolates today...the sweetest and most satisfying of them all.

"Taste and see that the Lord is good;
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."
Psalm 34:8

LauraLee Shaw is a disciple of Jesus Christ disguised as a wife, mom and writer. She is a contributing author to "Women of Passions," and a writer for "Internet Cafe Devotions.

You Can Give Something

 

 

A sweet lady I follow on Instagram posted this the other day.  I love what it says.  For me the ONE thing that matters at Christmas is to never forget the true meaning.  But I do get what this is saying.  And it got me thinking about those who have nothing.

I think spending time with family is pretty important around the holidays.  It's what I want my boys to remember.  Not that I don't want them to remember spending time with family every other day of the year.  But there is just something about being with family during the Christmas season.  It's about making memories. 

But what if you do not have a family to make memories with? Or what if this month brings struggles financially?

That is where I sat pondering.  What are some simple things I can do to give?  How can I be a light to others?  We all know Christmas time brings out the best in many people. We just want to do good to our fellow mankind.  But unfortunately there will always be crabby people.  And those that are a big Scrooge at Christmas.  How can I spread cheer to those that have nothing?

-Be kind with your words.  Speaking kind words, its simple really, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.  Christmas time for lots of folks is a hard time for many different reasons.  I believe in speaking kindly to the person at the grocery store ringing up my groceries or the stranger I pass on the street because I just may be the only person to say anything nice to them that day or maybe the only person to say anything to them at all.  I just might make their day by saying something nice.  Last year when me and the boys would go shopping we made a special point to tell every single cashier at every single store "MERRY CHRISTMAS".  Many looked at us like we were crazy because we all three would say it, but many were so happy and appreciative that someone was taking the time to be kind.
-Smile.  Surprise people while your out shopping.  Smile at them as they pass you by.  Smiling makes me feel good anyway.  And doesn't it feel good to share what you love?  When I do this people often think I am up to something.  It's my little secret to get people wondering.
-Be of Good Cheer.  It would be easy to become discouraged and cynical about this time of year for some.  All the excessive shopping, buying and gift giving.  Especially when you may not have as much as others. None of us makes it through this life without problems and challenges—and sometimes tragedies and misfortunes.  BUT each day is as bright as our faith.  It really comes down to this, "It's all about attitude!"  You make the choice each day as to how your day will go.  Give yourself and the those around you (family and or strangers) a gift of kind words and a positive attitude. 
-Volunteer or Give.  SO MANY organizations at this time of year are in need of clothing (coats), food, and of course toys for Christmas.  And don't forget older kids and seniors.  We have been volunteering since before Thanksgiving helping to sort and stock food at a local non-profit organization my mother is director of.  Because she is director the boys are able to go.  Call and check guidelines at your local organizations for your children to volunteer.  The boys last about an hour .  It is not much, but every little bit helps.  Maybe you don't have the free time to volunteer.  Give a donation to an organization.  A gift card to a family in need.  Other ways to give during the holiday season might be visiting a nursing home.  Maybe making a meal for a busy mom with a new baby.   Sickness still comes during the Christmas season.  Check in on those who are ill.  Visit them at home or in the hospital.  Meals, shopping, babysitting are all gifts to give.  

Bottom line is there are many people hurting at this time of year.  Step out.  Reach out.  God made us to need each other. 

Saying NO in December

Well Hello December! I swear just yesterday was November and I blinked and December is here.  Are you ready for the whirlwind of a month?  Have you started decorating yet?  What about shopping? 

Like so many others December is probably my very favorite time of the year........the gift of Jesus, the lights, the cheer, the memories to be had, the sweets treats to make, bake and share, the perfect gift to buy, that amazing wrapping paper and trying to make that department store bow, the carols to sing, the parties and get togethers, the Christmas cards to send, pictures to be taken, the crafts (darn Pinterest!) and more crafts, the days of decorating inside and out, the Christmas movies, the anticipation of the countdown and SO MUCH MORE!!!!!!  ALL while life continues to go on......school, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, washing, drying and put away clothes and SO MUCH MORE!

Oh I could just go on and on about the JOYS this month can bring!!!!!  BUT, did you sense a but coming, I am taking a different approach this December.

After reading a recent post on The Nester's blog I felt like she was speaking to me!  It was just what I had been thinking.  And pretty much feel every December, but usually give in.

Are you one who over commits to things in December?  And then you find yourself tired, run down, wanting to throw a fit like a child to give up and then eventually end up mad at yourself?  Or maybe you are the one who sees all the cute crafts on Pinterest and must make each and every one?  And let's not forget all the recipes!! 

Yep, that is me!  And I usually feel guilty because I made SO many plans and we barely even accomplish half?! 

Well NOT this year.  I am making a decision right now to do things differently.  I am NOT saying I will be a Scrooge this year by any means.  Nope, no way!  What I am saying is all those fun things will happen, just a little differently.  And maybe not quite as much.

This year I am saying NO in December and will NOT feel guilty.  I am making a "to do list" as well as a "NOT to do list".

Many will come as the month goes on.  Many I am sure will be spur of the moment.  BUT here are a few I will intentionally give my all to.

NOTS:
-we will not have a big tree this year.  Although we did last year we now realize this house is way too small for a big tree and all our furniture.  We have already decorated and it feels so much like Christmas!  Even without a big honking tree.  And nothing say Christmas more to me than LIGHTS!!!  Our LR and DR is covered in lights this year.  The question popped in my head a few weeks back...a tree or furniture?  I personally prefer being comfortable with furniture thank you very much :)
-I will not over commit to things in December.  The boys start Upward Basketball practice this week so that in itself will make our week different.  Our family does better sticking to our schedule as much as possible.  And we all LOVE our bedtime.
-I will not send out Christmas cards to every Mary, Suzie and Tom this year.  I didn't last year either.  And if I do give any cards out they will NOT be a picture card!!!
-I will not go Christmas cRaFt CrAzY this year. Nope, not gonna do it.  As I type I only have one craft in mind to share with you.  And really it is not a craft now that I think about it.  SIMPLE is my other key word for this December.  SIMPLE and NO.
-I will not feel guilty saying NO to things in December.  Doing something that you truly do not want to do and then holding those feelings inside is much worse than just saying NO.

*** Christmas Jar is up in the air.  I am NOT saying we will NOT make it a part of our December, but I am saying I'll let the boys give me the cue.***

To DO:
-Use PAPER NAPKINS!  I told you SIMPLE was a key word.  This December I have decided this somewhat paperless family WILL use paper napkins on the weekends.  Good grief all the months we have not used paper we have already saved a zillion trees!  (I might even go so far as to buy paper plates and make it the whole month!!!)
-I will allow the boys to help more.  I will give them the pleasure of wrapping gifts and doing more of the baking in the kitchen.
-We will make memories.  Baking cookies, playing football in the yard or driving around looking at Christmas lights in our PJs......it's all about the memories. 
-Daily I want to remind my family of what this Christmas season is truly about.   

Most importantly I want this December to be as stress-free as I can possibly make it.  I realize things will come up and totally mess up my plans.  And that is OK.  Life happens.  I'll go with the flow.  But because I am saying NO to so much this December it will make it that much easier to deal with the heat.  At least that is what I am hoping......think positive!

How does your December look so far?

Happy Thanksgiving Week

Today is our second day of constant rain with cool temps.  Many prefer to be all snuggled up under a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa, but I love getting out in this mess.  The boys can only take so much.  And yesterday they had their fill.  So today we will stay in.  That in itself creates a little havoc after a while.

Two eight year old BOYS inside all day eventually leads to trouble.  And when you throw a cat in the mix this Momma goes a little CrAzY! 

I see DoodleDrawArt in our future and lots of DVDs and reading!  School is sorta out this week, but learning is always taking place.   

Blogging has been far from my mind lately.  If you blog you know these times well.  I have not been good at following up with comments either.  I do apologize.  With that being said I will likely turn off comments during the holidays.  Unless I am sharing a recipe or craft where someone might have a question.  It is too easy to ignore this blog right now.  I do check emails though.  Lots of thoughts are going through my head right now for this December.  And I'll post about that next week. 

But for now I couldn't let this week go by without saying Happy Thanksgiving.     

With the holidays in full mode now it is so easy to forget the meaning of Thanksgiving.  I know for me I get caught up in the preparations.  I'll spend Wednesday preparing desserts all the while thinking about decorating for Christmas this weekend.  Then we'll sit down, eat an amazing meal and have wide eyes for dessert.  Then it is OVER!

Be intentional about being thankful.  Teach your children about the real meaning of Thanksgiving.  Start a new tradition.  Maybe use the five kernals of corn this Thursday before everyone devours their meal.

Whatever you do I am certain you have many things to be thankful for. 

Happy Thanksgiving!  Enjoy the FEAST!

    

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Goodbye October and Hello November

 

Goodbye October.  It was fun, but I am happy to see your friend today.  Hello November!  November brings lots of excitement.....or stress whichever way you want to look at it.  Lists are made to begin Christmas shopping for some.  November also brings a special intentional time of thanksgiving for many.  And the beloved FEAST!  Hello November.

As we say goodbye to October we turn the page on Halloween.  It was just plain different this year for us.  Maybe because we decided to do this whole Halloween thing and had high hopes of such fun.  On Wednesday we took the boys to a church function.  "Light in the Night" it was called.  It was basically a carnival/trunk or treat.  And it was very obvious the boys are too old for this kind of thing.

All the games were for much younger children in my opinion.  But the boys had to check it out.  Their favorite part inside was the face painting.  But truly all they were concerned about was trunk or treat.....the candy part.  Once that started they made their rounds to all cars and trucks, filled their buckets and we were gone. 
We had planned to go trick or treating on Halloween, but our weather was the pits.  100% rain all around us.  It stayed dark and gloomy all day and rained, and rained and rained.....we knew trick or treating was out of the question.  So yesterday morning I did what any mother would do.  I got up and put on my costume and encouraged the boys to do the same.  They may have had candy for breakfast too.  I was determined to make it a fun day regardless of the rain!  We also ran to Sonic for fifty cent corn dogs for lunch....in costumes.  And then made a stop to see my mom at work.  And of course paraded all around in costumes to visit everyone. 

My crystal ball showed rain most of the day, but I was seeing an end to it right here.

It did indeed stop raining by dusk, but it was too wet, too soggy and we were ready to get comfortable and settle in for the night.  As promised I made kettle corn and we all piled on the couch to watch Tom and Jerry cartoons.  And we I decided this would be a new Halloween tradition---kettle corn and TV....all piled on the couch together.  Cartoons are optional :)

Perfect ending!

As we begin November I quickly put out the "Thankful Acorn". We started this in 2009 and it went well.  I started sharing it here on the blog the next year.  I love going back to see how it has changed (not much) and getting a glimpse of each year past.  I love reading the "thankfuls" from years past.   The little stem on the acorn basket has seen better days, but we press on with it.

I'll spare you another year of explaining it and just say, be thankful.  Make an effort to really think about all the many, many blessings you have been given.  Although we thank our Heavenly Father daily, we like to spend this month setting aside a time every night to talk about and discuss those blessings. 
If you are interested in learning more about the "Thankful Acorn" you can read about each year HERE or HERE or last year's post HERE .  It is a fun and meaningful way to be intentional about being thankful. 

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
    “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

Happy Friday Y'all!  Enjoy your weekend.

Five on Friday #4

One
As Halloween gets closer and the thought of trick-or-treating gets the boys all excited costumes have changed.  I am now putting a stop to it so they will have to make some tough decisions.
Soldier and Gladiator.  Or Red and Blue Ninja.

 

Even at 8 1/2 the boys still love to dress-up.  Costumes have been a big part of their play for many years.  We don't spend much on costumes, but to get two before Halloween is a BIG treat to say the least.  After Halloween we stock up.  My mom along with me and my sisters score 2-3 costumes for the regular price of one the day after.  These have made great Christmas gifts in the past.  Of course the best costumes are gone and what is left the day after are not so great.  BUT with a little imagination and effort you can throw in some accessories to make a fun costume.  Homemade costumes are the best!  I'm having a blast putting mine together. 


Two
The COOLEST APP EVER!!!!!  Oh my goodness, this is one of the best apps I have purchased.  And I don't purchase very many.  The other day Brant told me about an app a friend at work had on his phone.  He knew it would be perfect for us since we are studying Astronomy this year in school.  And boy was he right!  Search for Google Sky in the app store.  On my phone it was called "StarMap 3D".  Here are pictures of the screen I took with my phone.  It tracks where you are and shows you the sky....stars, planets, the moon, the sun, constellations and galaxies!! 

The SUN at the top!  And then Saturn and Mercury at the bottom here.

Orion's Belt!

The MOON and the Milky Way!

You must check it out!!!!!

Three
I used my book again to make a simple fall banner for the LR.  It took me all of about 15 minutes after a quick look through my stash.  I traced leaves and pumpkins, added cardstocks squares and stickers to spell out F A M I LY.  I like it....I like it alot :)

Four
Do you have days you wish would just go away?!  Maybe weeks or months?  The Good Lord knows what we need best, but often times we think we know better.  Life changes, times are tough, our days don't go as planned and I run to my room like a little child and throw myself on the bed to cry we want to throw our hands up and give up.  I saw this yesterday on Girltalk and it hit me.  HARD!
Find comfort in these words.

Five
And last but certainly not least......recently my inlaws were over and told us about a little treat.  They said you take candy corn (or corndy can as Ryan called it when he was little) and peanuts, eat together and it taste just like a PayDay Candy Bar.  We tried it and they are so right!  Lets say this is a little addictive.  And now Brach's makes the candy corn with the salted peanuts already in the bag.  This jar was full JUST YESTERDAY!  Needless to say I need to hide the jar.   

Happy Friday Y'all!  Enjoy your weekend. 

Thankful Thursday-Strength and Freedom

Lots to be thankful for today and this week.  Here are just a few that are close to my heart.

First up during my Bible study/devotion time this week I came across these words...........

"We are not made for the mountains, for sunrises, or for the other beautiful attractions in life-those are simply intended to be moments of inspiration.  We are made for the valley and the ordinary things of life, and that is where we have to prove our stamina and strength".

Oh the mountains are beautiful.  And the sunrises are a sight to see, but it is the everyday--the good, the bad and the ugly---all the changes and the times we never planned for that make us strong.  As selfish humans we want to stay on the mountain. 
"The true test of our spiritual life is in exhibiting the power to descend from the mountain".
God gave us those amazing moments of inspiration to step back and realize they are not the everyday...they are unique and meant for something in God's purpose.

*Source-My Utmost For His Highest-Oswald Chambers
Day-October 1


Number two-my Dad had a little heart procedure on Tuesday morning.  Everything went well and he is home now recovering.  Praise God!  The boys went along and stay the whole time.  There were times they were bored, a little too loud and a little cranky, but they made it through the whole time.  Life lessons are important.  Children are stronger than we think.  And I feel they should at least be exposed to all life lessons.....even if it is for just a little while.  It is what makes them stronger and able to endure life in itself.  The best part of the day was to see them standing next to my Dad's bed and all three of them giving the thumbs up.

And number three-as hard as many days are with homeschooling the boys nothing beats "spur of the moment" learning.  As we were standing in the front yard watching squirrels devour hedgehog galls we heard what sounded like a peacock on the next street.  We wanted to run!  But it had been raining and we were all still in pjs.  So I did what any other mother would do.....I ran in the house grabbed my keys (and shoes!), jumped in the car (with the boys) and we were off searching for a big bird.  We drove around for a few minutes and saw nothing.  Well actually we saw lots, but no peacock and no sign of a big bird.  Homeschooling allows this kind of learning and I am thankful for that freedom.

 

What are you thankful for today?

Thankful Thursday-Mornings

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
    his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;
    great is thy faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

 

 

Out of the Wreck I Rise

Stunned and excited!  Sans the make-up

A couple of months ago I came across a blog that I instantly fell in love with.  I wasn't looking for a blog at the time, but the leather cuffs this blog writer makes and sells in her Etsy shop.  Much to my dismay I learned her shop was closed at the time.  BUT I also learned it would reopen in September!  So I settled to learn more about this blogger.  She quickly captured me with her adventures, love of our Heavenly Father, her style and obsessive picture taking.

Becky Strahle of Farmgirl Paints is one super talented woman.  She paints, is funny, loves to thrift shop, has an amazing positive attitude, a tremendous wit and makes some super rocking leather cuffs! 

Oh the cuffs.

When I saw the cuffs I knew I had to have one.  These leather cuffs without a doubt are my style.  They are inspirational word cuffs.  I love inspirational words.  Little reminders to help me in life.  Little reminders to encourage me at any given time.  I needed a cuff!  And I needed words to wear!  OK wanted. 

So I started following her blog in hopes to find out the exact date she would reopen her Etsy shop.  It seemed quite fitting she would reopen during my birthday month!  So thus my birthday gift was born.  Brant was fine with me picking out my own gift.  Especially one like this with wording I would wear on my wrist.

After thinking about what I would order the words came to me.  Words I have been reading for a few years now.  Words I refer to often during trials of life. 

Her shop opened on September 3rd and I placed my order in less than 5 minutes.  You might say I was super excited to order my cuff.  Becky was great to work with!  And so kind when I totally forgot to order the "blank".  The blank is the silver plate the wording is hand stamped on.  She emailed me back and I picked out a blank and the order was made. 

Yesterday a little package came in the mail.  I was so excited to see "Farmgirl Paints" on the envelope.  I quickly opened the package to find the cutest little bag and card.

I opened the bag and there it was.....my leather cuff.  Of course I instantly put it on and was like a little kid (see picture above).

LOVE!

Isn't it amazing!  Don't you want to order one with your own custom wording?!  Well if you do you better act fast.  Becky's shop will close today.  She is an occasional shop.  Because she hand picks her supplies and each item is handmade it takes time to restock.  She will be closed for October and reopen in November for 10 days.  So act fast TODAY!  Or start thinking about the wording and google "Farmgirl Paints leather cuffs".  You'll get tons of ideas.  She also has ideas on her blog.  Link above.  Click HERE to go to her Etsy shop while it is still open.

You can find out more about the wording for my cuff here.

Infantile Scoliosis-Great News!!

I thought I would have had time to post earlier, but you know how that goes. 

We arrived at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas on Thursday and the boys were immediately entertained.  Thank you Children's Hospital creators.

Our first stop was at respiratory for a few breathing tests. After doing these tests several times now he was a pro this go around.  Because Ryan is in a study at Scottish Rite they do all kinds of test on him to see how a child with Infantile Scoliosis develops in certain areas.  Although Ryan does NOT have a severe case of scoli it still aids them in their research.  Next we were off to Xray and then a LLLLLOOOONNNNGGGGG wait to see the doctor.  Two hours after his set appointment we finally saw a doctor.

Hiding from the parade of people coming in and out to talk, look at his back and take measurements.

BUT after that long wait we received GREAT NEWS!  The resident training under Dr. R came in first and told us the xray looked the same as last time and they would continue to watch him.  We thought this was great news, but wanted to wait to hear it from his doctor. 

Dr. R came in shortly after and did indeed feel the same way.  Because Ryan is not in a rapid growing stage he does not want to see him back for ONE YEAR! 

Praise God!!!! 

Ryan was so excited.  He and Matthew had talked off and on all morning about "what if" he had to wear a brace again.  It was such a relief for me and Brant, but more of a relief for this little guy.

 As usual we left the hospital with popcorn in hand.  And later went out for a celebratory Mexican meal with my sister and her family.  I ♥ MiCocina....I hope to see you again soon!

Friday the boys had FUN spending their money at ToysRUs and later we had a pizza night at my sister's.  I taught her how to make homemade pizza dough.  Her first time homemade pizzas were amazing!  We enjoyed our time with family and were off to head home on Saturday morning.  You can't make a trip down 45 without stopping at Buc-ee's

A perfect place for a pit stop (great bathrooms!), trying on Buc-ee slippers or just looking around at the over priced items off the highway!  

It was a good trip, but it is always nice to be home.  Now I must push myself to get things done and begin some major planning for school!!! 


Thanks for the sweet comments here on my blog, text messages and on Instagram.  The support I receive from "friends" I have never met face to face blows me away!  Thank you for being so kind.

And most importantly thanks be to God for another year without a brace!!

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen

Romans 11:36

FUN Friday-Do We Celebrate?

Happy Friday to you!!  At some point I WILL make this a FUN day.  In some way, shape or form I will succeed! 

I just haven't figured it out yet......silly string, water fights, a movie, popcorn, party food,?????

You see this morning I am thinking of all the changes that have happened over the past year.  Today is a very significant year mark for our family.  Today marks one year since we moved. 

Stress, sadness and fake smiles

I know you are saying BIG DEAL you moved a year ago.  Get over it already and MOVE ON with life.

Yep, I sure wish we could.  We are trying, but it has not been that easy.  In that picture above was a family walking away from a house where they had built a life together.  We're over the house in case you are wondering.....it was really too big to clean anyway.  It's not the house it's the memories that were made there that affect us.  And everything that came with building a life there.  Maybe things would be different now if it all happened under different circumstances.

It was a hard, painful move that we had little to no control over.  We came to a fork in the road and had to choose which way we should go.  Hands down we decided to take the one where our family could continue to eat and sleep with a roof over our heads.  We are so very thankful for family taking care of us during that trying time, but it was far from what we ever imagined at that stage in our life.  Needless to say it has been a hard year.  The whole move took a toll on Brant and I that many will never understand.  And I have the grey hair to prove it!  We both still mourn in some ways.  Life is good, but does not feel normal.  We have no idea what the future holds, but there is always hope.

God has always taken care of us and I have NO doubt he always will.  That being said as humans it is natural to still look back.  And at times to have trouble looking forward.

How do you celebrate when you feel this way? 

Well I do think it requires looking back.  You must look back at all the ugly to see the beauty that you have now.  I think you have to realize what you have overcome....just how far you have come.  And as hard as it is to look ahead you (we) MUST!  You must look ahead and make little goals to move forward-reachable goals. 

God lead us to where we are today and we have so much to be thankful for.  We are thankful to family and friends for words of encouragement and love they showed during that time. 

But today it stings.  It is a numb sting that leaves you feeling ill.  The numbness affects your eye sight making things a little blurry.  And then comes the attitude.  Oh WOW the attitude!  The cynical attitude that at any given moment could be right on the verge of stinking pretty bad. 

I have been here before.  It is not pretty. 

So YES we WILL CELEBRATE! 

Life at this time continues to give us lemons, but darn it I know how to make some sweet lemonade!

And I know how to squirt life with those lemons too!  I also know I can do all things through Christ which gives me strength and will somehow find joy in these trials.

So today, this special day, the one the Lord hath made, I WILL rejoice and be glad in it.  And all that it brings.  Lemons, rain and dark clouds. 

And then later when my honey gets home we WILL celebrate.  We'll count our blessings and enjoy our porch time as the boys enjoy their sweet lemonade and do bike tricks.

 Maybe squirt each other with silly string too!  It WILL be a FUN Friday!

What are your plans for today?  Whatever you do make sure you get OUTSIDE and have some FUN!

Thankful Thursday-Seeing Beauty

I find it hard to go a day (a minute or hour) without taking in beauty.  Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, forms and textures.  It can be a person, a place, a thing, an object--whatever you see with your eyes.  It can also be an action where you see beauty.

I also find it hard not to pick up my pitiful camera or phone to snap a picture of what I see.  The saying usually goes in my case......beauty IS in the eye of the beholder. 

I squealed with delight as I opened the boys' blinds and saw this mushroom in the flower bed.  I quickly grabbed my camera and called the boys.  I do this often.....squeal and call anyone around to see what I see.  They come running, but most of the time they do not see what I see.

The Boys-"Mom, it's just a mushroom".
Me-"I know, but look at the details God put into creating it!  And the way the sun is shining on it!"

They pay notice, but it is just not as exciting to them.  I will keep calling them and I will continue to take pictures.

So here is the beauty I have seen over the past couple of days.

 

 

I see beauty in learning too. 

I see God's hand in this child's ability to read without really ever being taught.  His love and desire for picking up a book to learn is beautiful.  And writing stories too!

 

I see beauty in this child as his reading improves.  I hear beauty in every little words that flows from his mouth.  It's like angels singing sometimes!! And it is beautiful to this Momma.  So are his awesome Lego "longest 18-wheeler trucks" too.

I have always loved pictures of my sweet boys from behind.  I like to think about where they are off to as I go back and look at such pictures.  Here I see beauty as they are off to a class to LEARN about leaves.

They may not remember every single thing, but to hear them explain what they learned (saw, heard, tasted, felt, etc.), AHHHH, that is beauty.

 

Are you seeing (or even looking for) beauty today?

My Little Tub of Sunflowers

 

I pretend my little tub of sunflowers is a giant field.  I watch them grow and imagine visiting a field of sunflowers one day.  I have thought of starting a practical bucket list before fifty.  This would be on the list for sure.  Five years to find that field!

 

When they are young sunflowers follow the sun.  They gain their strength and energy to grow and reach their full potential from the warmth and light the sun provides.  As they mature they learn which direction to face to obtain the most light possible.  Then they stand tall and firm. 

By this point they permanently are facing the direction that offers the greatest opportunity for growth.  There they will receive the most light and strength.  They continue to grow and share the blessing of growth they have received from the sun with everyone they come in contact with.  They share seeds of hope, joy and love.

~Author Unknown

I can only dream of visiting a field of sunflowers one day.  For now I am thankful for my little tub of sunflowers.  My walk with the Lord is very similar.  If I follow the light the Savior provides I can learn to gain strength from Him & His teachings.  I can stand firm in my convictions.  And share that light with others.

"Out beyond ideas of rightdoing and wrongdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there."  ~Rumi

We're half way there!  Hope your week is going well.  Have a great Wednesday!