Grains of Sand

I am getting so much joy out of all the fun things my 3 year old daughter says.  Just today on our way home from the store, we were passing a field spotted with dandelions.  M said, "Oh mom, it's a flower day today.  Those dandelions sure are awake early." 

My three year old daughter wanted to take some pictures.  So, here is a walk around the house through M's eyes. Going down the stairs. The foyer. Pink poodle! More stairs. Her brothers enjoying a favorite pastime. Looking into her brother's room. I love all the feet pictures, even if they are a bit blurry.

We headed out to the botanical gardens to enjoy a spring walk and explore.  Our first stop was the fountain.  The kids were inclined to stay and play in the water, but then I mentioned there was a map to guide us on our journey.  We were then treasure hunters in search of hidden treasures waiting around every corner. Following the path to the children's garden we came across this field of daffodils.  Too pretty not to stop and take a picture or rest on one of the many benches. This frog greeted us as we arrived in the children's garden.  This slide was very fast.  This is M's first and last time down. Such a handsome butterfly. On the path to the pond. What a delight when this little green friend popped up out of the water.  The kids were elated.  We spent a lot of time watching and trying to catch this one. The botanical gardens allows you to grab a backpack that is filled with activities to supplement your time.  Our backpack was ...

For today April 27, 2010 Outside my window....  gorgeous sunshine after a weekend of rain. I am thinking.....  of the cake my daughter wants for her third birthday tomorrow. I am thankful for.....  steadfast faith. I am wearing.....  comfy pants and my husbands old UMASS sweatshirt. I am hearing.....  the fan of this old laptop as it tries to keep up with me. I am going..... shopping for my daughters birthday present today. I am finished reading.....  The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  Good book.  I find it interesting that I read this on the heels of What Difference Do It Make by Denver Moore and Ron Hall.  I am hoping.....  to see an answer to prayer for friends someday soon. I am creating.....  a rough itinerary for our summer vacation. On my mind......  the song, Until The Whole World Hears by Casting Crowns From the learning rooms.....  an odd combination of yay's and ugh's as we are finishing ...

We are blessed to be expecting baby #4! As Patrick and I were discussing our family and the possibility of not having more children, God gave us His answer.  I just love hidden treasures and I could just picture the smile on God's face as he began His work inside my body.  This little one is fearfully and wonderfully made and already being loved by all.

For today April 20, 2010 Outside my window.... fresh mulch in some of the planting beds, red-winged blackbirds at the feeder and the sun lighting up the neighborhood. I am thinking..... of how challenging it is to love your enemy. I am thankful for..... a husband who helps out around the house. I am wearing..... a red shirt and black pants. I am hearing..... some construction vehicles intermixed with chirping birds. I am going..... to read through a few old magazines and then finally recycle them. I am reading..... Get Out Of That Pit by Beth Moore and The Help by Kathryn Stockett I am hoping..... I'll have the energy to get a lot of chores done today.  I've been very tired lately. I am creating..... wall art. On my mind...... I can't even begin to sort through all the jumbled thoughts racing through my head today. From the learning rooms..... a special unit to celebrate Earth day and a few projects to go with it. Noticing that..... home improv...

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17) Gifts straight from God's hands: 41. The chatter of birds at sunrise 42. A reliable vehicle to take us from place to place 43. Wisdom for those tough decisions 44. A dishwasher that effortlessly washes two or three loads in one day 45. Double-stuffed Oreo cookies 46. Being able to live in a house where my children have room to grow 47. The sound of a Northern Cardinal on an early morning walk 48. Sorrows that come to stretch out places in the heart for joy 49. The first bite of a savory meal. 50. Learning from my mistakes. 51. The expectation of Spring. 52. Green grass tickling my toes. 53. Medical doctors who are able to diagnose and treat illness. 54. Raindrops on spider webs. 55. Political discussions that challenge the participants. 56. Pitter patter of little feet running with abandon. 57. Mou...

For today April 13, 2010 Outside my window.... gray sky, rain and active robins. I am thinking..... of some loose ends and errands I'd like to tie up this week. I am thankful for..... the treasure I have in Christ. I am wearing..... my jammies and will be getting ready for the day after I finish this post. I am hearing..... my own thoughts in a quiet house. I am going..... to the dentist this week for an implant consultation.  (I still have a baby tooth that won't be holding on for much longer.) I am reading..... The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I am hoping..... to finish cleaning the house today. I am creating..... a gift basket for a neighbor who recently had a baby girl. On my mind...... the heaviness of rejection. From the learning rooms..... reading, writing, arithmetic, the human body and nature. Noticing that..... I'm feeling quiet today. Pondering these words.... "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself u...

For today April 6, 2010 Outside my window.... a nice soft rain, little itty bitty leaves on the trees and birds singing in the rain. I am thinking..... of how my neighbors will react if I start keeping bees. I am thankful for..... God's perfect timing. I am wearing..... my jammies.  However, I will be getting ready for the day after this. I am hearing..... the rain and birds through the open window and the ice maker dropping ice. I am going..... to bring the kids to the pediatrician for a check-up today. I am reading..... What Difference Do It Make? by Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent, Get Out of That Pit by Beth Moore and Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby.  (I will be cutting this list down and prioritizing so that I can give each one my undivided attention!) I am hoping..... my husband will find favor with his new employer and that business picks up soon. I am creating..... a list of artisan cheese's I'd like to try. On my mind...... h...

For my sweet mother-in-law who is quite certain she has never had an avocado in her entire life! A lso known as Alligator Pear. V egetable or fruit?  Technically a berry. O riginated in Mexico. C ultivated this tree from seed. A re high in fiber , folate, potassium, vitamin E and magnesium. D elicious as guacamole, on burgers, in salad..and the list goes on. O ptimistic this might someday bear fruit.