Grains of Sand

Top ten reasons why installing the new dishwasher is a good DIY project... 10.  It saves you time and money. 9.  It strengthens your reading skills after looking at the installation instructions time and again. 8.  It sparks your 4 year olds imagination so that he too will be installing a new dishwasher alongside dad with various items he found around the house. 7.  You have all day to devote to a two hour project. 6.  You will enjoy the beautiful day when you run to the local hardware store not once, but twice to pick up other items necessary for correct installation. 5.  The Styrofoam packaging makes a great bed, car or jail for the kids' stuffed animals. 4.  It reveals character, or character traits that lie dormant most of the time. 3.  You enjoy clean dishes, the first time through. 2.  You have room in your toolbox for the extra screws that were hopefully not necessary. 1.  Our dads woul...

So true!

I am trying to be fun and creative this year in school.  Actually, that is my goal every year, but somehow I fail miserably for one reason or another.  Well, the reason I fail is because I have very lofty goals and unreal expectations.  This year is different.  I made no goals and I'm working on not having expectations.  And you know, I think it's working.  Instead of stressing about what the next project should be or how messy it might be, I'm just going with the flow.  Bending with the wind, keeping calm and carrying on.  And, it's working! One of the easiest and fun activities that Mason did recently (and one that I actually remembered to grab the camera for) was writing in shaving cream. Not too sure about this.  He was wondering if this is really an approved activity. Oh yeah!  Look at that smile.  He has mom's blessing to dig in and enjoy.  The letter writing portion of the activi...

FOR TODAY October 27, 2014 Outside my window... clouds are moving quickly to the east and blue sky is peeking through while the earth dries out after an overnight rain. I am thinking... of how easy it is to get caught up in the web of life and lose sight of what really matters. I am thankful... for the warm days of autumn when the sun warms my face and I am surrounded by the smell of leaves and earth.  In the kitchen... three of Mari's recipes are sitting on the counter waiting to be made.  Apple Streusel Pie, Crockpot Spaghetti sauce and Chicken Tortilla Soup.  After I go shopping for the ingredients today, I have meals planned for the rest of the week! I am wearing... a heart of compassion, kindness, humility and patience from Colossians 3:12. I am creating... a master reading list.  There are so many books I want to read that I can no longer keep them all inside my head. I am going... to bring my shaggy dog to the groomer t...

  dare verb \ ˈ der\ : to have enough courage or confidence to do something : to not be too afraid to do something : to do (something that is difficult or that people are usually afraid to do) : to tell (someone) to do something especially as a way of showing courage     D esire to follow Jesus with A ctions, not just words. R elate with others in love with an E ternal perspective. Five Minute Friday is a wild and wonderful flash mob of words.  Five minutes on one prompt. No overthinking or editing.  Please visit Kate Motaung and link up with Five Minute Friday  to see more.    

  Trust in the Lord with all your heart,      and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him,      and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

FOR TODAY October 21, 2014 Outside my window... red, gold and green trees beneath a gray sky. I am thinking... of my dad.  Today would have been his 69th birthday.  Miss him! I am thankful... for a new perspective of my 'old' life. In the kitchen... thankfully it's pizza night for dinner.  I don't have to strain my brain to figure out what to eat tonight. I am wearing... gray and blue sweatshirt and jeans. I am creating... a photo book about my mission trip to Burkina Faso, Africa. I am going... to start training classes with Milo (the dog) again.  Hoping to get him certified as a therapy dog by the end of 2015 or sooner. I am wondering... what I will do with all the apples I have in the house and garage.  Peel, slice and prepare for freezing, make apple crisp and then? I am reading... Words Unspoken by Elizabeth Musser I am hoping... to adjust the household budget to free up more 'giving' money.  I am l...