Grains of Sand

Once upon a time there was a little girl who went shopping with her mom.  Among the items purchased was a bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips.  When mom and the little girl arrived home they were putting the groceries away when the little girl spied the chocolate chips and sweetly asked, "Mama, can I have some of these?" Mama replied, "No, those are for chocolate chip cookies that we will make another day."  The little girl obediently put away the chocolate chips and went on her merry way.  Chocolate chips forgotten, or so mom thought. A few hours later, mom was outside shoveling when Big Brother popped his head out the door and asked, "Did you tell M that she could have some chocolate chips?"  Mom replied, "No, she may not."  "Oh, she told me you said yes." said Big Brother.  (Hmmm, I better keep a close eye on that one, thought mom.) The next morning Mom was about to get in the shower when Little Girl peeked her sleepy head in the d...

This past weekend we joined some friends out on the lake for their 2nd annual "Chili Dump".  If you don't know what a chili dump is, you are not alone.  A chili dump is where you make chili, along with everyone else in attendance and throw it together in one large pot.  Makes for some interesting chili.  The thing is, the chili keeps changing as people keep adding to it.  You can go back for seconds, thirds or fourths and it will taste different each time. We also enjoyed some winter activities out on the lake in between bites of chili.  There was four-wheeling and sledding behind the four-wheeler.  The kids also enjoyed climbing the ice shoves and pelting unsuspecting sledders with snowballs as they rode by. Our friend Hayes on the four-wheeler.  He wanted to drive all day! The line to climb the ice shove. Precariously perched on top of the ice. Look at the determination to make it to the top. A victorious smile! Drawing on the ice, relaxi...

For today February 23, 2010 Outside my window.... the sky is gray and a little snow is expected. I am thinking..... about an article I just read on my homepage about "The Bachelor: The Women Tell All" which I had no desire to watch last night. I am thankful for..... spontaneous hugs from my non-huggers. :D I am wearing..... clothing to match the gray day, gray and black. I am hearing..... the refrigerator making a strange whining sound.  In the quiet of the house it's really loud! I am going..... to my very first retreat this weekend.  It will be my first time away from the whole family all by myself. I am reading..... nothing at the moment.  Wondering what to start?   I am hoping..... I can continue to endure winter as I am growing impatient for spring. I am creating..... I haven't been feeling very creative the last few weeks.  However, I have been saving fun art projects from magazines to do with the kids.  Now to do them. ...

For today February 15, 2010 Outside my window.... a beautiful red sunrise gave way to snow flurries. I am thinking..... of the wonderful weekend spent with good friends. I am thankful for..... the promise of spring. I am wearing..... my jammies. I am hearing..... the birds greeting the morning outside. I am going..... to celebrate my oldest's birthday today! I am still reading..... Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall and hope to finish by the end of the day. I am hoping..... to finish reading Total Forgiveness and start a fictional book that might be a bit lighter than Total Forgiveness. I am creating..... a menu for Friday's small group get-together. On my mind...... I can't believe I am the mother of a 9 year old.  Where did the time go?  It seems like yesterday he was toddling around with Thomas the Tank Engine in one hand and Percy in the other. From the learning rooms..... reading, writing, arithmetic and George Washington. Noticing that...

A lone walk, Filling my lungs with fresh air, Checking the clock, Who will be there? Rounding the corner with anticipation, The small group, Sudden trepidation, Deep breath to regroup. Some friends, Some not, Some doing backbends, Some not. Air is filled with chatter, An odd silence overtakes, On the ground backpacks are scattered, Fog hangs over the lake. Yellow and black in the distance, Wes guiding the wheels on the bumpy road, Flashing lights and squeaking brakes interrupt the silence, Doors open and student faces fill the empty windows.

For today February 1, 2010 Outside my window.... cloudy and cold with intermittent sunshine. I am thinking..... I need to pay our property taxes today. I am thankful for..... family time. I am wearing..... a warm and cozy outfit. I am hearing..... the boys making random crazy noises. I am going..... to bake bread today. I am still reading..... Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall and The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. I am hoping..... to enjoy a relaxing start to the week. I am creating..... a kitchen gear wish list. On my mind...... the amount of bills that need to be paid. From the learning rooms..... reading, writing, arithmetic and Abe Lincoln. Noticing that..... there haven't been any birds at the feeders for quite some time. From the kitchen..... ham, baked potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower for dinner and Amish cinnamon bread for snacks. Around the house..... evidence of a birthday celebration.  Happy Birthday E! One of my favorite th...