THINK

Something that made me 'think' today from a sermon on gossip.

Will Rogers once said something like, "Live as so you wouldn't be ashamed to sell the family parakeet to the town gossip."

T - true Is it true?

H - helpful

I - involve Does it involve me?

N - nunya Is it nunya business?

K - kind Is it kind?

Basically, he said to run whatever you are saying through this acronym if you question what you are saying might be gossip or not. 'Think' before you speak.

This makes me think of another acronym that he used several months ago that I think of a lot.

H - hungry

A - angry

L - lonely

T - tired

He said that when we act or speak in regretful ways then often we are either hungry, angry, lonely, or tired. So, 'halt' before you hurt those around you. I've used this in my mind several times when I could tell I was about to argue with Dan. Although... rarely do I find myself lonely. I enjoy alone time more than I get these days with small kids - but that too I'm sure I'll miss one day.

What are you grateful for?

First I will apologize in advance for this post... I can tell it will be full of, well, what is on my mind... ramblings.

For some time now, I've felt impressed to deepen my blog, but for distaste of the vulnerability it brings, dare I? I started blogging a year ago just to have some sort of record of life- home with our babies AND I wanted something they could easily look back on, to know what we did together day to day while they were home with me... close by my side and underfoot. I have often wondered what life was like for my mother, me and brother while she was a young mother and we were all home. This is to remedy that missing piece for my kids one day should I not be able to tell them. What precious times these are... and how you truly can't appreciate your parents until you become one yourself.

In the next couple of weeks I will reflect more on spiritual, inner, thoughts, ideas, and well- deeper things than just fun photos and play by play of our life. I love pics of my kids and our outings and traditions, but life can be more than just that and so here is a little of the 'more' for me. This has been a leap for me... not being open about my faith, but open about my thoughts about my faith. Again, more for me than you, but welcome if you want to help or ride along.

On my quest to find ways to demonstrate, explain, and integrate God in our house (and into the mind of a 3 yr old little girl), I've come up with 'what are you grateful for'?

Over the past couple of months- (I guess I started around November in light of Thanksgiving) instead of saying a blessing for our lunchtime meal we've just asked each other (Ali & I) what we are thankful for... each giving the question and answer. It is quite simple, but became a great habit and reminder of all the joy in our lives. She cracks me up sometimes with her thought process... like... I'm grateful that daddy didn't make me get a bath last night, or for my Ariel princess panties, or one like last night that made me pause and give her an extra long - almost tearful hug as she said, I'm grateful I was born mommy... in my mind I was thinking....God! I am so glad you were born too!! We've also incorporated it at bedtime as well, while Dan usually says our evening meal prayer.

I've noticed that with Ali this 'sticks' with her much easier than some of the more formal prayers I've tried to get her accustom to. Sometimes, in effort not to leave our dear brother Ben out, we guess what he might be thankful for... food and a clean diaper perhaps... kid eats and poops more than a grown man. Really unbelievable.

So, I thought I'd share our little (& quite big) childlike way of experiencing God everyday. Dan even gets in on it if he happens to be passing through. It is special times.

If any readers have other suggestions for small inquisitive kids wondering and pondering GOD... please do pass it along.

What a wonderful smell

This weekend was our 3rd annual Spring Reconnect camping trip with the student leaders Dan works with. The kids and I look forward to this each new year. The first year we went I was pregnant with Ben (but didn't know it yet) and for those of you who remember... it was when Ali had a cast on from breaking her arm.

Last year, it ended up being the coldest weekend in Florida... (28 degrees @ night) and Ben was only around 4 months old. It was still a fun trip.... though he probably didn't appreciate it.

This year was almost perfect weather. It was very chilly at night (around 50) and it warmed up nicely during the day.

So that campfire (along with its enchanting smell) was very welcomed come sunset in Hillsborough Rive State Park.

Ali was mesmerized...

until we pulled out the smores.

Good friends, good stories.

Our cozy casa

Camper Linc... soon to be big brother Linc!!

Camping Buddies...

Look at the dirt on that face! He is definitely my nature boy.

Two great dads... and master fire starters.

kind of reminds me of all the pictures I have of Ben and Linc.

Ben, out to explore the new world...

armed only with his trusty wagon and his blanky.

Sarahi and Paola running with the kids.

I am grateful that they get 'loved on' by so many fun interesting and diverse Christ followers around them.

Games

Wheelbarrow Race

Three Legged Race

One of my favorite pics... and one of Ben's favorite toys.

Alone Time

My thoughtful husband left me to myself for a few lovely hours yesterday. He took the kids out to play and have some special time with just dad. I took the opportunity to do a little crafty with my hands. And I ended up with a hat for Ali. Not bad for a first try.

Ali was doing a little crafting of her own.

You may wonder why she would need a hat such as this in Florida... All I can say is that if you knew my daughter, then you would understand why! She is a peculiar little accessorizer.

Ben wanted to try it on... I guess I need to make him one next.

The Chairs

I have admired this set of chairs in our friends home for a couple years now. Recently she found that she had no need of any extra furniture so.... she gave them to me. I was beyond excited to receive these incredibly cute, matching chairs. They remind me of a couple of cottage friends sipping tea and chatting it up with a quaint side table between them holding their lastest sewing project or book, atop worn wood floors.

Their legacy will continue nicely in our home for a long time... thank you Katie!

Too Soon....