Monday, June 30, 2008

Catching some fireflies



Creating some memories - kids catching fireflies with their Dad.

Summer memories for our kids

Do you have fond memories of your childhood? What I remember most is the things we would usually do every holiday and the vacations we took as a family. I also remember as a kid we would go to my grandma's house in Michigan in the summer and close by we would be able to go and pick blueberries, strawberries and apples. That was a fun time and I have fond memories of doing that with my cousins.

How many of you would love to take your kids out to pick some berries?
Who knows of any places in the Kansas City area (or less than an hours drive) where we would be able to do so?

It's important for us to create happy and fun memories for our children.

What fond memories do you have?

Let's share our fun memories and some ideas for new ones. They don't have to be expensive to do or involve leaving the house. Creating a weekly "pizza night" or a "movie night" and having popcorn and soda.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Things aren't always what they seem

Two Traveling Angels


Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family.

The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room.

Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.

As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it.

When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied,

'Things aren't always what they seem.'

The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife.

After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest.

When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.

The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen?

The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused.

The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.

'Things aren't always what they seem,' the older angel replied.

'When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it.'

'Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed,the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead.

'Things aren't always what they seem.'

Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things
don't turn out the way we think they should. If you have
faith, you just need to trust that every outcome
is always to your advantage. You just might not
know it until some time later.


Some people come into our lives and quickly go....

Some people become a friend and stay awhile, leaving beautiful footprints on our heart and we are never quite the same because we have made a good friend.

Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow a mystery.
Today is a gift.
That's why it's called the present!


I think this is special...live and savor every moment... This is not a dress rehearsal!

Never take away anyone's hope. That may be all they have.

This was from a forwarded email that I thought was a nice reminder to have.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Have you had your "peace" today?


Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.
~ Psalm 90:12, NLT


I saw this in the Sunday comics and I had to laugh. I was just telling someone the other day that we "Moms" need to make sure to take a bigger piece of the pie for ourselves. That piece we make for ourselves can give us PEACE! Even if we have to squeeze it into our day for just a few minutes - I always feel more at peace with myself and with my family. We should also make time to "get away" from everything to do something you want to do at least once a week. Even a 20 minute run or walk outside can do wonders for you physically, mentally and spiritually. Helps you to be more productive and in much better spirits to handle all of the whines and cries we deal with every day. I've found that when I take the time for me I'm much happier which usually makes my kids and husband happier too! So making the time for ourselves doesn't just benefit us but the entire family!

It seems like our excuse for most things is that "I don't have enough time" or "there aren't enough hours in the day". Is that how you feel sometimes (or all of the time) too? This morning I saw the encouraging word of the day (above)....it reminds me that I need to make the time for the things that are important. What matters the most to us in life? What is more important....a clean house or happy kids and yourself? Usually your kids can help you answer that one. One day Alyssa asked me if I felt like Cinderella? I asked her why and she said because I was cleaning all day! :) We really need to listen to our kids - they usually are able to put things into perspective for us!
Do you take the time everyday for yourself?
What do you do to help you relax and "get away from it all"?

Monday, June 23, 2008

Family Activity on June 22nd - T Bones game




On Sunday June 22nd we met at a T-Bones game. The kids enjoyed playing on the playground, rolling down the grassy hill, blowing bubbles and watching some of the game! A few bumps and bruises after being told "don't do that or you'll get hurt" so it was so hard not to say "I told you so" to the kiddies! :) Looking forward to seeing more of the group at the upcoming events.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Why do they call it Summer Vacation?

I hope all of you are enjoying your summers so far. For some it's a time to slow down the pace and relax a little....for others it's busier than during the school year....still not what any of us would really consider a vacation!
I am trying to figure out if I am going to sign up my kids for any activities this summer. I am thinking swimming lessons would be great for both since John will be 4 in about a month and Alyssa will be turning 6 in September.

It was nice meeting up for the Mom's Time Out on Tuesday night. The next Mom's Time Out will be on Tuesday, July 15th at Mi Ranchito (14154 119th) which is a walk from my house but I will miss out on the fun. I will be on a family trip (note - I did not call it a vacation - because it will not be one....vacation's are relaxing times - like to the beach!) to see my parents two brothers and sister and their families. We will be meeting up at a rental home on Lake Michigan. We will also be stopping in Chicago to see my husband's grandma, parents, and two sisters and their families. Will be nice to see everyone since it's been too long. And I will get to see my nieces - twin girls born in November last year - who I haven't seen yet!

Does anyone else have any trips or plans for this summer?
Any fun camps or activities your kiddies are involved in?