We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him

This morning, as the kids and I sadly watched the footage of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, I took the opportunity for us to pray as a family before we left for school.  We specifically prayed that people who were looking for loved ones would find them quickly.  Minutes later in the car, we were listening to Air1.com and heard a man calling the station to let them know, after calling earlier for prayer to hear from his brother in Japan, he had just received word from his sister that she had gotten a facebook message from their missing brother.  It was literally less than 5 minutes from when we had prayed!  I glanced back at the kids and saw their wide eyes and smiles.  Amazingly, a terrible tragedy has been used to show 2 children that their prayers are heard and answered.

It's almost SPRING!

Today's mail brought the Spring/Summer Parks and Recreation Activities Guide. The trick is, finding something for each kid that is at the same place, at roughly the same time so mama isn't driving all over hells half-acre!

A few of my favorite things...

Touched off by a post from Cat, I thought I'd post a few things that are making me happy these days.

I grew an actual cucumber.  This is big for me, I'm not known for keeping plants alive.  I planted a flat of pickle cucumbers and they're thriving!  Here is the first one I picked.

I bought a soda maker a few months ago.  Now, I'm not spending $$ on bottled or canned carbonated water, it has more than already paid for itself!

I love being entertained by people who can make fun of themselves.

 And by those who make fun of others.

She Worf

Keep Calm

Earlier in the year, my friend Mindi found this poster she felt was a great addition to her home. Besides being right up her history loving ally, it's a nice moral booster in the midst of life.

This week while in Schulers, a small gift bag caught my eye

I had a laugh, but it got me thinking that there were probably more amusing parodies of this particular piece of propaganda.  Indeed there are.

Today...

Outside my window...it's dark,  I can see the neighbors 4th of July lights
I am thinking... I wish I had a maid
I am thankful for...a lazy Saturday, and the ability to recover from life's ups and downs
From the kitchen... an oil and vinegar slaw summer salad
I am wearing... jeans and a tshirtI am creating... ways to keep the kids occupied. 
I am going... to bed, and then to church in the morning
I am reading... an illustrated biography of Benjamin Franklin
I am hoping... lots of people show up for Delta Haven's last service tomorrow
I am hearing... A man from the Philippines named Luigi sing and play the guitar
Around the house... random socks on the floor
One of my favorite things... coke in a can
A few plans for the rest of the week... make camping plans, Hawk Island!

The Strength of a Man

The Strength of a Man

by Jacqueline M Griffiths

"The strength of a man isn't seen in the width of his shoulders.
It's in the width of his arms that encircle you.

The strength of a man isn't in the deep tone of his voice.
It's in the gentle words he whispers.

The strength of a man isn't how many buddies he has.
It's how good a buddy he is with his kids.

The strength of a man isn't in how respected he is at work.
It's in how respected he is at home.

The strength of a man isn't in how hard he hits.
It's in how tender he touches.

The strength of a man isn't in the hair on his chest.
It's in his heart, that lies within his chest.

The strength of a man isn't how many women he's loved.
It's in being true to one woman.

The strength of a man isn't in the weight he can lift.
It's in the burdens he can carry."

The start of June

For some reason I didn't want to blog after Karen's day this year. Amazing, the processes we go through!

For Mothers Day this year, I got some wonderful gifts. My favorite from Alexis was a list of things I do for her that she made at church, mothers day morning. As much as I'd like to keep the huge poster size list forever, I don't think it would make it lol

Here are the things she thought of that I do for her, unedited:

17 things my mommy das for us.

1. Cleen my room
2. Loves you
   
3. Cares for you
4. feeds you
5. give home
6. wash clowes (clothes)
7. look after you
8. sings you to sleep
9. buys things you need
10. buys candy
11. takes shopping
12. plays games with you
13. helps you with your homwerck (whoops, guess I need to help more!)
14. gives you presens
    
15. takes you out to dinner
16. drives you to school
17. gives you chocolate.

I love this list <3