Wordless Wednesday…

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Psalms 143:10

Kindness…

Ok, so I am done being kind. Well, maybe not done-- but done trying to come up with creative and unusual ways of being kind. It was a fun little exercise if self awareness. I actually found it a stretch to come up with ways to do things without people knowing it was me and doing things that were not in direct response to another’s kind act. It definitely comes easy to treat those we are surrounded with daily with kindness, we know their likes and dislikes and our acts are often reciprocated. Stepping out and offering hospitality to complete strangers that probably don’t even have a clue what just happened is a different story.  Also, my kids did not understand why I would leave extra money at the Burger Spot--- “who was it for, what if the person behind the counter steals it” or why we had to get to school so early, or why they had to bring treats to random people at church. All in all it made me aware of others, always being on the lookout for someone in need. Like the lady at Wal-Mart who was a little short of cash, she could not believe why in the world I would give her $5.00 but I knew God wanted me to and it felt right. I feel like although I won’t be sneaking treats to co-workers all the time or leaving extra change at the paper-box on Sunday, I will try to be aware of a need when it arises and act on it. We are “God’s workmanship” and were “created to do good  works” {Eph. 2:10} and not just to those we already like, to everyone!

Love this quote…

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to ALL people; especially those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Ok, so my too cool son wouldn’t even let me take his picture with his tiny little store bought valentines that he “didn’t really have to do anyway” --really, I had no idea third grade was just so cutting edge! However, here is the squirrel. I love-love-love the mustaches and was super excited that she went along with this idea, she is usually all princesses and fairies. She insisted on wearing her own mustache all day—she now has a lovely rash, but it was worth it to walk in and see her at her desk quietly doing her math with a big black mustache like it was normal… Too cute!

A few friends from class!

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 1 Corinthians 14:6

I remember when…

Valentine’s Day was so much easier! There were not 18 other kids (per child) to make goodie bags for, or my own class of 19, or two amazing school teachers,  plus 2 equally amazing Sunday school teachers, 14 other immediate co-workers, and all the other lovely people in my life that need recognized. Don’t get me wrong I love doing these things, it’s fun… But it sure was easier when it was just the kids and me and some simple do it yourself ideas. Maybe I was doing it wrong back then or maybe it was the lack of Pinterest? Anyway, this edition of I remember when is dedicated to the simpler Valentine’s day’s—so simple in fact there really wasn’t a lot of documentation!

2006 Grandma gave them tons of beads, this fun lasted for days. We still have some in the playroom, that are used for tie down straps for trailers and dollhouse decoration.

A

2007 we made surprise color play-dough and used cookie cutters to make hearts. We also added 2 more stuffed animals to the pack, which are still on their beds.

A

2008 the year of the giant lady bug (which now lives in my loft at school) Look at those cuties! It was also Riley’s first year at Pre-K with super sweet Mrs. Franne and Mrs. Angie!

A

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. I Peter 4:8

Mugshot Mondays…

We are all about the fake mustaches these days!

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

100th day of school and the 80’s…

So, this week at school two of my favorite things came together. the 100th day of school—only 80 days left and counting-- and 80’s dress up day. While, as my son pointed out I was only 3 years old in the “80’s”—he didn’t quite grasp that the “80’s” was an entire decade not just a year,  I remember all the crazy colors and wild hair. I wore my leg warmers and jelly bracelets proudly all though elementary school, this phase quickly passed with the arrival of hair bands and the 90’s grunge rock. I wonder when they will have a grunge dress up day, I could so put on some flannel and my Vans. Anyway, I knew the 80’s would be right up my daughters alley. The 100th day of school was bittersweet this year, my son is officially too old to do an individual project, something he was happy about but made me a little sad. We made Ansley’s project from one of her crazy ideas, since she has never shown any interest in sheep or cotton balls before, but it was super cute.

Our cute shirts Mrs. Franne found in here 

Riley is too old for matching shirts, too

Ansley’s 100 day project

Rocking the side pony, and the overlay shirts, you can’t see the bright turquoise leggings—sorry!

Devote yourselves to prayer being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

I Remember When…

Riley was an only child, at least he claims to remember this very well. This was the topic of our discussion during Bible study, no less. Now let me just say he was exactly 23 months old when baby Squirrel entered the picture but he claims that life was so much simpler and “easier” before she came. So, this post is dedicated to my first born and the time that he spent being an “only” child.

We were all sooooo chubby!

His best buddy Pappa.

All the presents were for the boy!!

His 2nd best buddy.

Patiently waiting at the duck pond for his life to change—he had no idea!!!

His life would never be the same thanks to a little mohawk wearing baby…

Be encouraged, all you who worship God. Psalm 69:32 NCV