Showing posts with label Spring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring. Show all posts

Monday, March 21, 2011

Spring is coming


Brielle's hair is getting longer. I have always said (for 13 years) that I was fortunate not to have to "do" a girl's hair! Nevermind me, SHE was fortunate. Then, I began practicing when Brielle's hair required it, and well, it actually became fun. The thing I thought I'd hate to do.
She's jumped on the cereal wagon, just like her male examples in our home. She has to use soymilk (or her skin breaks out) but she's not "allergic" to dairy.
Today is first day of Spring (I think). It's a perfect first day. It is 78 outside, the windows are open and the breeze is flowing through our house. Brielle enjoyed jumping on the trampoline this afternoon with her neighbor friend. She loves life and people so much. She enjoys watching Caillou off of Netflix. At the end of some of the episodes Caillou says that when he grows up he wants to be just like Daddy or Mommy. So Brielle has picked up on saying that too and I return the compliment by saying, "when I grow up I want to be just like Brielle." And I do mean that in a way. Of course I want the wisdom that can only be gained by time and going through the many learning experiences I've had...I want to have that growth. But at the same time I want to receive life and the kingdom of God like a child. She LOVES life and people. She finds joy in bubbles, sunshine, family, friends (everyone is a friend - but she sure has begun to treasure those she has seen more often), going some place, being close to her Mommy, Daddy, brothers...
The Little Children and Jesus
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

She finds joy in things that are not material and she never worries about her needs being met. How can I watch her and not want to be at least like that about her? Ahhh...sweet love.
Josh and Tyler spend most nice hours of the day outdoors playing basketball. I hear Josh now has his iPod connected to speakers out there now and they are listening to that while they play. His friend from school is over now too. Earlier they were in the kitchen reviewing the Drivers' Permit information across the table. His friend goes for the test tomorrow. Josh has definitely asked about his. I savor this. It is a great joy of my life to watch him become his own guy.
Tyler, ever perceptive, is always learning and sharing his knowledge and information with me. I let him educate me (mostly), even if the subject is less than interesting (to me). I like watching the way he contemplates situations and his surroundings. He is very thoughtful and likes to shares his opinions. He offers many suggestions and calls me out on things occasionally, and I try to take it in stride, but ya know....I have to make sure it isn't saturated in bad attitude. Ah, but we all have attitude from time to time. Tyler is the "keeper of Fair." I like when he notices my inconsistencies and brings them to my attention (in the long run). Ha!
We've been softball practicing. It's nice outside and I love it. The dogwoods are blooming like big puffs of snow balls, and on bike rides I can take in their splendor a little more slowly. But I'm puffing harder with that trailer on the back that Brielle rides in. That's fine though, I need the exercise, and we need this economical way to get to the store. Yesterday, we all took a bike ride to the store. Yes, that is Will included. It was quite enjoyable. The trees in my backyard have not yet budded. That is like me. Just waiting. Being patient. Spring sometimes comes slowly, but doesn't mean that it isn't still pleasant to watch coming.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

What I've been thinking about:

Well, I finally planted a few things in my garden, with the help of my good friend Tiffany. Fortunately she knows a lot about what to plant, when to plant it, and where to locate it in the garden arena. It was fun, very hands in the dirt, and gritty. I am excited, but skeptical still.
Our trip to Arkansas went well. We didn’t get to go camping there because of the weather conditions but I did have a great time seeing my friends there and visiting with my Gramma and my Grandma. I learn more about their histories and heritage every time I visit them and I find that to be both fascinating and important. Sometimes I have to admit more than I want to: the importance of an older mentor in my life is sorely lacking. I try to keep my antennas up for one of these ladies entering into my life (preferably she’d be local) but our society is just not set up this way, and many people just don’t really think about the idea. Sometimes I just want someone to show me how to cook something or how to crochet or whatever, but maybe I’m not being as open as I’d like to think and I know, I know…I am generally busy most of the time.
Which brings me to another theory I’ve been thinking on a lot lately: electronics. Televisions, computers, video games, music devices, cell phones, etc… they really get in the way. Oh we THINK we are better for them and couldn’t live without them and blah, blah, blah. But in all honesty some days I wish I could just trash them all. And then just get on with life in REAL TIME.
I finally finished The Shack. Great book. Read it if you haven’t. I am still thinking on the thoughts and ideas laid out in that book. Especially this one: If anything matters, it all matters. That’s deep! and yet, so simple.
As I type this I am sitting on my front porch tuning in to Spring arriving around me while Brielle sleeps away her afternoon nap in the car. Yes, I know, I’m typing on my laptop, the item I just said I want to junk sometimes. Hate it and love it, I do. Just another confusing topic, I suppose. If it weren’t for yours you wouldn’t be reading this either, I presume. But I’d sure appreciate sharing our lives together in other ways too, ya know. It’s just that society isn’t set up like that. How hard it must be to break through that when one becomes so used to it. Why can’t we all just live like the Amish (without their hardcore religious beliefs though)? I know, the grass is always greener.
Guess I’ll just have to make efforts where I can, and go CAMPING more often!!!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Camping List

You may think I am crazy. But I am So ready for Spring!!!! I am so ready that I already have a camping PACKING list, reservations in Indiana, plans to camp in KY, TN, and maybe even AR this summer!!! I also have seeds to plant in my FIRST EVER GARDEN!!!
Don't get me wrong...I am still enjoying the cool fresh air, and even sometimes brisk and cold, but nevertheless refreshing wind on my face in in my lungs. But when I see the chance of buds on trees and birds exercising their vocals I get EXCITED! I am enjoying no bugs, no humidity, and less business right now....
but I'm still writing my packing lists!!
If you're excited, read on and ADD anything you think might help:

water shoes
rain ponchos
outdoor picnic-type blanket
sunscreen
bug spray
citronella candles
long lighter
lighter fluid (just in case)
newspaper to start fire (twigs are usually gathered around campsite)
firewood and ice can be bought at camp store
travel high chair
plastic baggies and a few clothes pins
fan
beach towels - 1 per person (use the same one 4 everything)
line - for towels/clothes
trash bags (2-3)
hammer
citronella candles
lantern, flashlights (with new batteries)
tarp (to go under tent)
pack-n-play, crib sheet, blankets
blow-up mattress
pool float for Brielle
sleeping bags, pillows, blankets
swimsuits, hats, a few swim toys, life jacket
1 basketball, 1 volleyball (large orange), 1 wiffle ball and bat
smallest hand pump ever
Frisbee, cards, dice
aluminum foil
cooking spray
can opener
skillet
sos pads
1 gallon of water
BBQ spatula and tongs
metal sticks for hotdogs/marshmallows
small pot for boiling water (4 coffee/cocoa, oatmeal)
1 roll of paper towels, 1 roll of toilet paper or box of tissues