Friday, October 30, 2009

Special Surprises





Children just have the sweetest hearts!
I opened my drawer the other morning and this is what I saw.
Two tiny hearts!!!
Knowing that the child who put them there was filled with excitement as she imagined my surprise,
brought tears to my eyes.
I also was moved to be passionate in serving others.
Just as Chloe was so happy in my joy, I want to be full of joy in "surprising" others.
How have you been surprised lately?

Thursday, October 29, 2009

You are 8 today!!






8 years ago you made me a mother!!
When you came into our world, we were overjoyed.
We spent most of our time awake just gazing at your face, your tiny fingers and toes...
it nearly made our hearts burst with love!
You have grown into a lovely young lady full of curiosity and creativity.
What a gift you have been to our family and we know God has great plans for you.
Happy 8th birthday precious Chloe Grace!!!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Wednesday




But let the godly rejoice.
Let them be glad in God’s presence.
Let them be filled with joy.


Psalm 68:3 (New Living Translation)

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Peace


Even in the middle of the mess and chaos,
there can be peace.
If for only a moment!!!
I'm unwrapping this peaceful minute/second with Emily at Chatting at the Sky!!!

Monday, October 26, 2009

How was your weekend?





This weekend was full of...relaxing and having fun!
The weather was perfect!
There are finally enough leaves in our yard for jumping.
Hope you're ready to face the week with anticipation and hope!!


Philippians 2:5-11 (New Living Translation)

5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

6 Though he was God,[a]
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[b];
he took the humble position of a slave[c]
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,[d]
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.


Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. ~Author Unknown

Friday, October 23, 2009

The Pirate and the Princess



The kids participated in a project offered by the local library to decorate pumpkins.
After searching through book after book on "How to Decorate Pumpkins", Chloe and Sawyer finally decided that a pirate and princess their pumpkin would be!
Whadda you think?
I'm joining Julia at Hooked on Houses!!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Greatness




Yesterday was GORGEOUS!!
After school, we were itching to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.
While the older kids rode their bicycles, I pulled Sophie in the wagon.
As I had a little "quiet" time to myself, God spoke to my heart.
Everything around me seemed to speak of his glory and greatness.
The leaves on the trees are about to burst forth with a dazzling display of color.
The sky was so vividly blue with not a cloud to be seen.
The laughter of children in the background made me smile.
Sophie's sweet little voice saying, "Mommy, mommy...yook!" (look)
God can speak to us in many ways...
if we just take the time to notice.

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD


The splendor of a King,
Clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice,
All the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light,
And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at his voice,
And trembles at his voice

CHORUS(1):
How great is our God,
sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great, How great
Is our God

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Psalm 139



Psalm 139

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Sweetness





“It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.”

Laura Ingalls Wilder

I love nap time and the sweetness of a sleeping baby.
I also love bath time and the laughter it brings.
The last picture is what I encountered as I went into the bathroom to take a shower late one night. I had a heavy heart thinking about a troubled marriage and health issues that some of my friends were dealing with.
As I stepped out of the shower, I saw the tooth brushes and laughed out loud.
And for a moment, my heart felt lighter!!
I'm joining Emily at Chatting at the Sky to Unwrap this moment!!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Murder-Mystery






Saturday evening was full of secrets and espionage!!
Not really, but my husband and I went to a 70's murder/mystery party.
We had so much fun.
Fortunately I was not killed and did not have to kill any one.
Some of the costumes were over the top and some were not.
Mine was NOT! (Sorry, no pictures of me!)
Just a "normal" 70's outfit.
Hope your weekend was fun too!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Quack and Fluffy


This Quack and Fluffy.
Chloe, Sawyer and Sophie made 2 new friends while we were away.
The pair greeted us each morning on the patio outside our room expecting a treat!
The quacking was incessant until the door was opened and their presence was acknowledged.
No kidding.
Only when the kids said hello, with or without a treat, would they waddle away!
Seeing them each morning was the highlight of the day!!!
Even trumped Sea World and Magic Kingdom.
WOW!

“The central focus of parenting is the gospel. You need to direct not simply the behavior of your children, but the attitudes of their hearts.”

Tedd Trip



Thursday, October 15, 2009

Like the faint, exquisite music of a dream. - Thomas Moore,

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.”


Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Laughter

A day without laughter is a day wasted.
Author: Catullus (Caius Quintus Valerius Catullus)






Monday, October 12, 2009

The Gift of Being a Parent





I'm unwrapping the joy, tears, exhaustion and laughter that these 3 blessings have added to my life!
Dull and quiet moments are things of the past.
Relaxing? Yeah right!
But at the end of the day when I step on the lone Lego piece for the hundredth time and place the pillows BACK on the couch...again,
I am thankful for the chance to shepherd these precious hearts and know that this season will pass before I'm ready.
Unwrapping the blessings of being a mama!
I'm joining Emily at Chatting at the Sky!!!

Thrifty Treasures from the Past

Happy Monday!!
I wanted to share a few finds from the past.
All of these things were either discovered at Goodwill or yard sales and were under $3!



Little lampy requests a coat of paint.

The frame surrounding this print is chipped and begs for a repair.


These sparkling acorns were collected by my sweeties and then lovingly dressed in glittering array!

My favorite...
this cute purse sporting beautiful autumn colors.
Hope your week is full of love and laughter!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Sunday



"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalm 126:3

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Home

A few photos to share of the many wonderful sights of Florida!









We loved this fountain at night!!


This restaurant was such a fun place for the kids.
There were many "live" dinosaurs to interact with and even a meteor shower every 20 minutes!


No one needs a vacation more than the person who just had one.

We decided to drive all night from Florida with the hopes of avoiding some of the anxiety that comes with traveling in the day.
I know you know what I mean...2 parents & 3 kids + 8 hours in a minivan = 5 cranky people

We arrived home safely around 4:30 this morning!
While we had a fabulous time enjoying the many things Disney World has to offer, we are exhausted!!!
I need a vacation to recover from vacation.
Breathing a sigh of relief and whispering a prayer of thanks to be home!