She is so calm

We had a long weekend. There is a large mess awaiting me this morning strung all over the house. I feel like my brain is on overload!

The bible says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

What does this mean? It is not as obvious as it seems. It means that I can do all that God would have me to do…and that he will give me strength for it.

Take (for instance) a steam enginge. If a steam engine keeps going without ever filling up with water, the machine will stop moving. Let’s hope that the engine doesn’t stop on a hill!

I know too well what it is like to run out of steam. I do things on my own agenda. I do things in my own strength. I run out of water. I don’t refill my engine.

Jesus promised us ‘living water’ that will never run out. What a blessing it is to know this in a world of instant gratification and dashed hopes. God offers us the right measure of strength for each job he calls us to. We can rely on that…even when we have a kitchen full of  dirty dishes.

Children are so creative. 

I remember being a pre-teen and saying, “I don’t want to grow up. Adults are so cynical.”

At dinner time my second oldest son pushed sliced cucumbers through the tips of his fingers until they turned into ‘rings’. He was so excited, he showed the entire family. He then ate the cucumbers; nibbling each and every corner until they fell off his digits.

Children see life so differently than we do. Yes, they are just starting out in life and a lot of things will happen to them that will make them conform…I just never want to loose those wide opened eyes of wonder. I hope that my boys keep a little bit of that.

What about you? Is there anything you need to see through the ‘eyes of a child’ in your life?

Some shade loving flowers ready for planting!

“Look mom! Bus drive in dirt!” My two year old exclaimed.

Today was a day that was both short and long . I got a lot done, which made the day feel long…but now that everyone is in bed and the lights are turned down I reflect on how short the day seemed. Ever have a day like that?

We had another day where most of the time was spent outdoors. The boys have been so restless lately; just the opposite of what I’d expect with so much outdoor play going on. This has made homeschooling very interesting. Not bad, just interesting 

Our indoor floors have been so muddy. I think that I forgot what springtime cleaning entailed! I just stocked up this weekend on a whole load of my favorite cleaning supplies.  I switched to Mrs. Meyers Clean Day  products.  These cleaners have eased the sneezing/sore throat/throat closing and skin rashes associated with all the other stuff we’ve used in the past. The scents are natural and fresh…an added plus.

Well…I better get peanut settled into bed. He dozed off on daddy and is ready to snuggle in under his little blanket. I’m going to miss these days! 

Today a lady in my women’s group had a life changing lesson to share. I wanted to share one of the resources that we used with you, too. It blessed me. I hope it does the same for all of you…(click on the link below)

A Pride Test

I went to the garden center. The boys were so well behaved when we were there, I told them that they could play outside while I planted tomatoes.

Back at the house…

After planting, I turned around to behold this sight….

my two year old, mud caked child.

And then I looked down….

My nearly one year old was even more mud caked…and was playing with the water spout.

Good thing today was a good day, otherwise I might have cried. Just kidding.

Can’t get much prettier than this!

 Mint…I better keep an eye on this plant!

One of the old barns. It houses tractors and tools and cats. Tractors and tools and cats…oh my. Tractors and tools and cats, oh my!

What the cats really do in the barn: