Thankful Thursday!

Today I am thankful for the Sunshine that came into our lives 7 years ago today!

She has always added so much life into our home. There has never been a dull moment in our lives since her arrival. She is so energetic, creative, and musical. She doesn't walk through the living room, but dance and sing and flip around. She loves to be a helper and cares deeply for others. She adores her little sister and looks out for her. (Yes, they fight- alot!) I love her sense of humor and her desire to explore and learn about life.

Although her independence and free-spirit can be challenging, I know that she will be a leader someday. It was a proud moment when one of her teachers told me that "She will do great things in this world."



Happy Birthday, Sunshine Girl! Momma loves you so much!

Wordless Wednesday: Laughter!

Laughter is the best medicine!

Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." Genesis 21:6

For more W.W., be sure to visit 5 Minutes for Mom. Also, check out this inspiring post on the Universal Language.

I hope that your day is filled with laughter and great joy!

Jen

Slow Down and Enjoy the Beauty

How awesome it is to slow down, stop, and explore all of the wonders and beauty in this world! So often we are rushing from task to task and place to place, that we are missing all of the wonder around us. Isn't it great how children can slow us down and remind us of the simple things that bring joy? Below are some of the treasures we found on a recent nature walk.













We are looking forward to using the above photos for our Nature Journal that we will be creating. Not only will it guide in the children's reading and writing, but it will remind them of the beauty in this world. To read more about creating a nature journal, visit Creative and Curious Kids!

Blessings,
Jen

Beth Moore: Living Proof Live

I'm so excited that Beth Moore is coming to my hometown! If you aren't familiar with Beth Moore, I highly recommend that you read one of her books or participate in one of her studies. God truly uses her to educate and to bless others through her ministry. Years ago I had the opportunity to see her speak at a weekend conference in a nearby state. How nice it will be to be able to see her so close to home. I'm hoping that I'll be able to attend during the weekend that she will be here. Be sure to click on the link below to see if she will be visiting your hometown or just to learn more about this amazing Christian woman.




http://www.lifeway.com/livingproof

Many Blessings,

Jen

Thankful Thursday: Happy Birthday!

I am thankful that my husband, David, was born 40 years ago!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband!

I've spent over half of my life with him. Meeting him at the age of 14 in a local grocery store, was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I honestly wasn't shopping for a husband at the age of 14, just a crush, but boy did I get more.

I got a best friend, a life companion, a loving father to my children.

Married for almost 14 years- we have truly been here for each other through sickness and in health, richer and for poorer, good times and yes, we have had bad- who hasn't!


Dave as a teenager


Our Wedding Day


Family- Today!

So today on his 40th birthday, I am feeling thankful for him!

Blessings,

Jen

Wordless Wednesday: Yeesh, Big Snake!

Loving all God's Creatures! Happy Earth Day!

For more Wordless Wednesday, be sure to visit 5 Minutes for Mom!

Jen

Slow to Anger, Easy to Forgive

Slow to anger, easy to forgive- I strive for this. It is easier said than done, though. Isn't it? Especially if we aren't putting God first. Yesterday, an incident occurred that saddened me, but also caused me to feel anger. I had to hold back to not say something that I would regret later. This usually happened when it involves someone I care about- like Sunshine girl. Sunshine is very impulsive, outgoing, speaks her mind, questions authority, but is also very loving, sensitive, and caring. Yesterday at a family picnic, she kicked a rock and was accused of doing it maliciously. In my heart I can't see her trying to hurt an adult with a rock- it's not her nature. Kicking rocks out of anger or impulse, yes. This is her nature and it's wrong because someone could get hurt. The person that was injured yelled at her and then shortly after found me and basically told me off. She believes that Sunshine kicked a rock at her because she said no to her about taking her dog for a walk. Luckily, there weren't too many people around. I wanted to discuss things with her, but I didn't feel it was appropriate. This was my husband's and my brother-in-laws birthday party and the last thing I wanted to do was make a scene. What saddens me is this is the sister of family member that I am very close to and now I feel like things are unsettled. She even was rude with my mother and told her that if people continue to make excuses for her, she will continue to do it. It is as though she is 1. accusing me of not disciplining my child and 2. assuming that it is common for my daughter to hurt people with rocks. My daughter cried for the longest time yesterday and swore to me over and over that she didn't mean to hurt anyone. She then sat alone for the longest time, because she was too uncomfortable to go back to her father's party. I just feel horrible today about this and would like to forgive and just let it go, but it is hard when you see your child hurting. I'm going to lift these concerns up today.

Prayers are greatly appreciated! Enjoy your day.

Blessings,

Jen

Thankful Thursday: Hallelujah, He is Risen

What a wonderful Easter I had with my family! The weather was beautiful and it was wonderful worshipping with my family and friends at church. We also hosted Easter this year, so my home was filled with family. I am thankful for Jesus today and the Easter holiday- the opportunity to celebrate Jesus' resurrection.

Have a blessed day!

Jen

How do we share Good Friday with our Children?

If you are looking for ideas on how to observe Good Friday with your children, I found a few ideas at ehow.com. One of the ideas that I liked was baking hot crossed buns. The cross on the bun to represent Jesus on the cross. Trying to figure out ways to teach about Good Friday in an age appropriate way has been a challenge for me as a parent. I did use the resurrection eggs, but was still a bit uncomfortable with the spear and other symbols used in the eggs. The way that Jesus died was so awful that I don't want to scare my children, even though I believe that they need to know that he died for them. If you've struggled with this, I'd like to hear from you. Or if you've found a way to share the truth of Jesus in an age appropriate way, please share suggestions.

Have a blessed Easter!

Jen

Resurrection Eggs

"An imaginative tool to teach your kids the real message of Easter. Each carton comes with an easy-to-understand booklet that explains how to use the eggs, plus stories that reveal the significance of the symbols hidden inside the eggs."


Little ones learn best when they can experience concepts in a concrete manner. This is what I like about resurrection eggs. You can find these eggs at a Christian store

or if you are creative, like my daughter's preschool teacher, you can create your own resurrection eggs to tell the story of Jesus.

Materials:
-a dozen colored plastic eggs
-an egg carton or basket for storage
-small items from around the house to fit into
each egg to tell the Easter story.
-Celebrating Easter: Resurrection Eggs Great website that lists each item and a verse to go with each.

Also, found a great post over at The Masked Mommy.

Thanks, Ms. Cheryl for making these for my girls!

Many Blessings,
Jen

Thankful Thursday!

My Peanut is turning 5 in just 2 days! It is so hard to believe that my youngest will be five. Where did the time go? Wasn't it just yesterday that I was changing diapers and rocking her to sleep? Today, I am thankful for the birth of my little peanut. I am thankful that even though she is going to be five she is little enough for me to pick up in my arms. I love her little smile, her curiosity, and her love for language. I adore her very sweet nature and when she says Momma, I love you more than 100, 100, 100, 100 ...............There is so much that I love about her. I am so thankful that God gave me her- what an awesome, beautiful gift!


Many Blessings,

Jen