Summertime

Summer is now in full swing and I wanted to share a few fun ideas to keep the kiddos occupied. I started playing with a few ideas that I found at a blog called "Brown Paper Packages".I found $1.00 flower pots at Walmart and painted a letter for each of the childrens names, then let them decorate with stickers and markers. Every time they read for 20 minutes they put a tag in their flower pot. I have an awards system set up so that every time they have 7 tags, they get to pick a prize. The older ones are allowed to count a tag if they spend time reading to the younger ones. It has been exciting to see them all sitting and reading books without my prompting. Another thing that has been a lifesaver so far is this handy dandy old window that I found out in the shed. I used permanant marker to make the Chores and Piano Points chart(for my daughter who is taking piano lessons) and use a washable marker to write daily chores. I also decided to make the hallway into an art gallery. The children love it! They are so proud of their work. Everytime someone comes to visit they like to show them the beautiful display. Ah yes, summertime...Only 3 weeks into into and still so many adventures to come!

Refreshment

This morning I have had one of those rare, but refreshing mornings. Yesterday was a busy day for us and a long day for the kids. So this morning they are sleeping in and it is almost 9 am!! WOW!! This doesn't happen very often. In the past the 3 & 4 year old wake me up. Now that they are getting a little older they are sleeping in just a little longer. So this morning I actually have a few hours to myself. I enjoyed an extra long devotional, reading my bible and praying. Had time to sit still and enjoy my coffee while reading the paper, went for a short walk, now want to plan my menu for next week.
Last night we picked up our 10 year old daughter from summer camp. She had a blast and was already talking about going back next year! I can't believe she is 10 already! She has grown into a lovely young lady.


I know God has something special in store for her. His hand has been guiding her life every step of the way. If you've never heard her life story so far, well, you should=) Some day I might just have to write a book about the many blessings God has given us....even in the some of the hardest, most difficult times in our lives...God never stopped holding us in the palm of His hand and just told us to trust Him!! Please never believe that God has forgotten about you and left you to fend for yourself. He never stops loving us, even when we fail him over and over again. He always has the best plans for our lives, we just have to wait on His timing, not ours.

Caught!

Daddy~ "Hannah, what did you do?"
Hannah~ "Nothing."
Daddy~ "Where were you?"
Hannah~ "I went potty."
Daddy~ "What did you do in there?"
Hannah~ "Nothing!"
Daddy~ "Did you get into mommy's make up?"
Hannah~ "NO!"