P52 "Things that grow" (Week 16)

Mary, Mary, quite contrary..........

I planted my garden a few weeks ago.  It's so cool to see my little seeds growing and coming up through the soil!  My yard is alive with colors and wonderful smells and bees busily collecting nectar.  I love this time of year!

This year, I planted tomatoes, zucchini, strawberries,

Kale

Spinach

 My boys planted honeydew melon on the other side of the yard.  Last night two of the plants flowered! They are so excited!

My girls opted for flowers

Easter

This Easter was different.  Once church was over, we had no commitments.  We were able to just stay home and relax. It was nice.

We celebrate our risen Savior every day of the year.  So, we don't have issues bringing in the cultural fun of candy and eggs on this day.  The easter bunny does not visit our house however.  The whole concept of a giant rabbit hiding eggs all over the place  somehow seems a little...creepy.

After church, we kicked the kids outside and hid their baskets full of goodies somewhere in the house.  Then they came barreling into the house looking in, over and under things listening for our shouts of "Hot!" or "You're Cold now".

Once they found their baskets and had a good sugar high going, we sent the younger 3 kids upstairs.  The older 4 hid eggs for their younger siblings.  Each child had their own color of eggs and got to find 12 of them.

After that, the youngers helped us hide eggs for the older kids.  We hid them really good too!  I think a few of them would still be looking if we hadn't helped them!

The rest of the day was spent playing together and watching movies.  It was the best Easter I've had in about 5 years!

P52 "Sacrifice" (Week 15)

This one was a no brainer for me.
Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice.  He has paid a debt He did not owe because I owed a debt I could not pay.  I am so thankful that He allowed me the privilege of becoming His daughter!
It sure didn't happen easily.  Yet He waited patiently by as I warred within myself for so long. There were angry tantrums, repentant tears.  I even got up and walked out of a church service because the pastor said something that pricked my heart.  Still He waited.
One evening I finally gave in and offered my dirty and broken heart to Jesus.
That was many years ago.  Seems like a lifetime.  I've never regretted that decision.  My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.

One Thousand Gifts (51 - 60)

51.  My daughter got the job she wanted

52.  I get to babysit my sweet granddaughter while she works!

53.  Hope

54.  Today - the Day of Salvation!  Thank you Jesus for giving Your life that I might live!

55.  Praying with my husband

56.  My little girl turning 6.

57.  The flowers my kids planted in the backyard.  The yard already looks brighter and more cheerful.

58.  Fun times with my homeschool group

59.  9:00 pm.  That's the kid's bedtime and then the house is quiet.

60.  Chocolate covered strawberries.  Quite possibly the most perfect combination of foods!

P52 "Foolin' Around" (Week 14)

With 7 kids, someone is always foolin' around at our house!  These are just a few of the latest documented cases.

My kids are great!  They bring me so much joy. I love to hear their laugh, and to see them being carefree.  

One Thousand Gifts (41 - 50)

41.  Surprising the kids with a day off of school!

42.  My babysitter came today!

43.  Hanging with my great friend at Starbucks - kid free!

44.  Weekly P.E. class for the kids  (I get adult interaction!  woo-hoo!)

45.  My grand daughter and her sweet, sweet smile!

46.  The flowers (dandelions) my kids bring me every day

47.  Coffee

48.  My extra large crockpot

49.  My garden - I just planted my spring veggies today!

50.  Long, hot showers

P52 "Details" (Week 13)

I've been thinking a lot about details this week in response to the challenge.  I have realized that life is lived in the details.  I spend so much of my time on "top level" things such as getting meals together, schooling the kids, daily chores, etc. that I have missed those all important details.

Yesterday we watched a science documentary on Netflix called "God of Wonders".  I was, once again, struck by the perfect way that God has orchestrated the details of the universe,  plants and animals to work in perfect harmony to sustain and promote life.

Did you know that the type of bird, and where it is on the food chain, determines how it takes off?

Just a few weeks ago, the tree was covered with beautiful white flowers.  Now, in their place, are tiny apricots.  How amazing is that!  

I am working my way through the parenting book "Shepherding a Child's Heart" with a group of ladies from my homeschool group.  What an enlightening and convicting book that is!  Successful parenting lies in the details.  Taking the time to have a long talk with a child who has strayed; and really listening to what the child has to say.  Or, admiring a painting they took so much time to create.  And listening to the story behind the painting.

I need to refocus my attention to the details.  The laundry can wait.  Gourmet meals can wait.  (Okay, I never make gourmet meals!!) For the next few days, school can wait.  I think I will go smell some roses!