wondering

 

I’m sending birthday wishes to my grandpa who turns 94 today!

My sister and aunt took Grandpa out for lunch and sent me this cell phone picture.

Unfortunately, Grandpa recently fell and needs a sling to keep his arm secured while his shoulder heals.

We all admire Grandpa for his cheerful spirit and ability to be thankful for his blessings amidst the trials of life.  Grandpa has always been able to look at the bright side.

 

I’m wondering. . . will I live to be 94?

Only God knows.

If I do, I no doubt will have been through more life challenges, heartache. . .

and joy and well.

But will I be thankful through the trials?

I look ahead at the future for my kids. . .

And wonder how we will lead, guide, let go and watch them fly, fail, laugh, cry as they navigate their own waters of life.

More and more I find myself thinking (the Holy Spirit nudging). . .PRAY!

I must pray without ceasing.

During our school table time we are reading the book, Heaven is for Real, A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back.

Our reading today was an encouragement for us to pray because God really is listening!

Here’s a brief synopsis of the book:

Colton, not yet four years old, told his parents he left his body during the surgery – and authenticated that claim by describing exactly what his parents were doing in another part of the hospital while he was being operated on.  He talked of visiting heaven and relayed stories told to him by people he met there whom he had never met in life, sharing events that happened even before he was born.  He also astonished his parents with descriptions and obscure details about heaven that matched the Bible exactly, though he had not yet learned to read. 

This book gives a thrilling glimpse into eternity for those who believe and encourages those who doubt.

As believers we wonder what heaven will be like.

The kids ask questions about heaven.

Although some details leave us wondering we know it will be perfect.

Perfect joy, perfect peace, perfect worship, perfect love. . .

Whether age 94, 44, or 4 we are all one day closer to eternity.

I am thankful beyond words that I know where I’m going and I don’t need to wonder about that.

May we as believers be a beacon of light to share our Jesus with those who may not know Him.

Let’s not let others be left wondering. . . and let them live life with the peace of knowing.

 

Happy Wednesday. . .last one in February!

Heather

family time

I am noticing that as the kids get older, activities outside the home increase and the amount of family time at home decreases.  In the last six months we have tried to be intentional about setting aside a weekly “family night”.  We usually have dinner together, play a card game, or watch a movie.  Today was a good family day. 

After church and a simple sandwich lunch we watched the inspiring movie, “Miracle” staring Kurt Russell. 

Here’s the synopsis.  I’m sure many of you have already seen this movie and may remember watching the actual game in the 1980 Olympics.

Storyline

The inspiring story of the team that transcended its sport and united a nation with a new feeling of hope. Based on the true story of one of the greatest moments in sports history, the tale captures a time and place where differences could be settled by games and a cold war could be put on ice. In 1980, the United States Ice Hockey team's coach, Herb Brooks, took a ragtag squad of college kids up against the legendary juggernaut from the Soviet Union at the Olympic Games. Despite the long odds, Team USA carried the pride of a nation yearning from a distraction from world events. With the world watching the team rose to the occasion, prompting broadcaster Al Michaels' now famous question, to the millions viewing at home: Do you believe in miracles? Yes! Written by Sujit R. Varma

Rated PG for language and some rough sports action.

 

We then went to a local indoor pool for some fun swim time. 

I brought my suit with the intention of getting wet but ended up sitting on the sidelines and taking pictures since I only brought the TOP of my suit and not the bottom!  Ooops!  My suit bottom is definitely not a bikini! It’s a skirt. You know, the kind that covers more?! 

Have you seen this card from Hallmark? 

The caption is. . .

"I think the ruffle really makes a difference, don’t you?"

I giggle every time I see this! 

I even have a package of napkins with this drawing and caption.  I’ll have to pull them out for a girlfriends get-together.

Anyway, back to family time. . .

We then ate Pizza Hut pizza (thanks to a gift card!) and got everyone to bed by 9:00.

The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family.  ~Thomas Jefferson

Happy Sunday!

 

socks

Sometimes I wonder. . .

Am I the only mom who constantly finds socks all. over. the. house?

Socks here, socks there, socks everywhere.

Socks belong on feet, in a drawer, or in the dirty hamper, right?

Not so in this house. 

Socks are strewn throughout.  Simply left wherever they are removed.

Here are a few photos taken moments ago displaying proof of our sock chaos. . .

Hmmm. . . better add this sock training to our morning table time, huh?

Training. . . I’m always a bit afraid that I may forget to instruct my children in some basic task.  Such as, “Wash behind your ears.” (I think about this one frequently when I’m taking a shower.)

Or, “Don’t put a knife inside the toaster!”.

Have I said all I need to say for their safety, health and welfare?

Have I trained enough and instilled Godly character and principles into them?

And then I remember this:

Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be. David Bly

Now that gives me pause.

I’m God’s work in progress and whatever good is in me now, or will be a part of me in the future is from Him, through Him and in Him. 

Only by His grace, love, patience and wisdom will I ever be what I want my children to be.

And I realize. . .They are each His work in progress and all the good that is in them now or will be a part of them in the future is from Him, through Him and in Him.

Only by His grace, love, patience and wisdom will my children ever be what I’m desiring them to become.

Happy Saturday,

Heather

mamas and papa

This mama is coming up for air after a day of swimming in a sea of paperwork as I move forward in my month of home organization projects.  Drawers which look like this . . .

are my goal.  They bring a smile to my face.  And woe to him who may try to mess up my newly organized drawer!  I really should have taken a before picture of this particular drawer which had turned into a place to stash everything and anything.  But I was afraid to stop my momentum by retrieving the camera. . . if the momentum stops, I may opt for a nap which is always a nearby option in my mind!

At the end of the day, tucking my little ones into bed always brings a smile to my heart too.  Little A has moved into a “big girl” bed this weekend.  I’ll be selling her crib set on Craig’s List to make more room for her “things” which seem to be growing as rapidly as she.

 

Mama Lucy is beautifully caring for her four little kittens who are now on the MOVE!

 

 

Expending all that energy into learning how to walk makes for a tired little kitty!

And this papa?  Very proud indeed.  He LOVES watching these kittens grow and play.

I do too.  It’s amazing how much time passes as we sit and watch these cute little ones.

As we grow to love them, we also know we will be selling three of them, and keeping the brown spotted female.

I’ve set up a website and we’ve advertised on several free classified sites which the breeder recommended.  We’ve sold one of the males already and have received two inquiries of the snow.  Our website is www.simplygrand.webs.com.  On the bottom of our front page we have this verse. . .

"You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased." Revelation 4:11

We’re enjoying His creation!

Happy Saturday,

extracurricular

Here are the kids’ latest top three extracurricular activities. . .

ELECTRONIC MONOPOLY!

Due to the generosity and kindness of a friend, the boys were given and taught how to play the Electronic Banking Monopoly game.  They love it!  It’s the daily school break fun!

SLEDDING!

And if they’re not playing Monopoly, they’re sledding outside on the “hill”. . . no matter how cold the temperature. The slope out front provides hours of fun for all.  Yes, even Little A has a blast and now wants to sled “by myself” and bursts into tears when I call them all back inside.

EATING!

The boys are always ready to eat!  Especially when they come back inside after playing outside in that cold winter air.  Tonight we had a surprise treat. . . Grandpa’s Apple Slices!  Grandpa made a fresh batch of this special dessert and drove up north for us to eat it together.  This was Great Grandma E’s famous recipe.

Thanks, Grandpa!

That pretty much sums up the kids’ life outside of school and basketball! 

Mom’s extracurricular activities do not include sledding or Monopoly AND I’m trying to cut back on the eating. . . a total of 5 lbs. over the holidays as I decided to step on the scale this week for my moment of truth.  Those pounds sure go on easier than they come off, huh?  My spare time has been spent creating our new website for our Simply Grand Bengals Cattery.  Our hope is to advertise on the cat websites and sell at least three of the four kittens.  I’ve also cleaned and organized  a few drawers in the kitchen and bedroom closets.  Love it!!  What a difference. . .I smile every time I open them.  Now to just keep them this way, right?!

Happy Wednesday,

Heather

kittens-11 days

 

See how much bigger they are?!

Their eyes opened yesterday at 10 days old.

Little A  says, “I want to hold it on my yap.”

Their nails are super sharp!

The white one seems most content being held.

No doubt, all these kittens will be well socialized. . . whether they like it or not!

Names are being tossed around. . . Rudy, Desi, Cheerios, Theo, Trudy.

The kids like to think of names from the TV shows we are watching on DVD.

A nasty cold bug has landed on four of our crew.

So far, Mr. C and I continue to be healthy.

The masks and gloves we wear 24/7 must help!

Just kidding, but every year during flu season I think of doing just that!

Happy Friday!

onward we go

 

It was a blessed holiday.

Lots of traditions and celebrating. . . truffle making, Chinese take-out on Christmas Eve,

cinnamon rolls and egg bake, knitted hats & slippers, happy birthday Jesus cakes,

sparkling cider, Pictionary, measuring the kids’ heights, stockings, gift giving, root beer,

caramel corn, the Cosby Show, gingerbread houses, visiting with friends & family, fruit

fondue, pajamas, caroling. . .

And now a new year is upon us.

I don’t make resolutions per se, but I do find myself considering this a time of year for new beginnings.  I’m cleaning kitchen drawers, re-organizing the pantry, making new chore lists for the kids, aspiring to accomplish more at homeschooling, committing to use more coupons, and desiring to add another day or two to my exercise program.

Onward I go, not in my own strength but in His.

Ephesians 6:10,  “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” (KJV)

Onward I go, remembering the battles I face are His, not mine.

2 Chronicles 12:15,   “He said, "Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's.” (NLV)

“Go back?” he thought. “No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!” So up he got, and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him and one hand feeling the wall, and his heart all of a patter and a pitter.
- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

Onward I go, in joy and peace.

Isaiah 55:12 - "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." (NIV)

(photo by Grandma E.)

Onward I go, in prayer.

Psalms 145:18 – “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (NIV)

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16(NIV)

Happy New Year!

kittens!

 

We arrived home from our holiday travels on Sunday evening.

We were thankful that Lucy had not delivered her kittens while we were gone.

(as were her loving caretakers)

Yesterday afternoon it became evident that “the time” was near.

Her water broke around 3:30 and she was “meowing” quite a bit.

I decided it was best that she stay in her room so that the birthing process did not

make a mess elsewhere in the house.

At 10:15pm Mr. C called for me to quickly come downstairs with the camera!

During the labor and delivery, Lucy was surprisingly very quiet.

Mr. C sat by Lucy for over three hours, petting her and making sure all went well.

Of course we had to wake the kids so they could witness the miracle of birth.

Her litter totaled four.

I had guessed three.

As you can see, the fourth born was a snow and the other three are either spotted

or marbled like Chief, the king.  It’s hard to tell so soon.

We have not named them and we don’t know whether they are male or female quite yet.

Today Lucy has been sleeping with the little kitties cuddled up close to her.

Oh, so cute.

And oh sooo little.

Happy Tuesday!

favorites

Favorite shots. . .Favorite things

The sun at your back in the coolness of a winter day;

A beautiful, red poinsettia plant;

Meeting your brand new, baby sister for the very first time;

and touching her little hand;

The taste of cold, wet snow;

A mother and her newborn child;

Laughing with your loved one;

The glow of the sunset;

And a strong shoulder to lean on.

 

Happy Saturday,

lights, camera, action

 

The boys are playin’ with Christmas lights . . .

Mom’s playin’ with her camera. . .

And Lucy the cat?  She’ll soon be adding to the action around here. . .

She will give birth to kittens later this month.

Her due date?  December 25th.

When we are out of town!

We are praying for Lucy.

That’s she’s late. . .or early.

I’m praying for me.  Adding to the ACTION around here?

Anyone want to buy a kitten?

Mr. E., our resident Bengal lover and breeder, would love to sell you one. . .or two!

Pictures of cute little kittens coming soon!

Happy Saturday!

the reason

 

the hunt

the find

the treats

 

the reason!

through all the. . .

busyness,

gift giving,

card making,

busyness,

celebrating,

decorating,

busyness,

memory making,

baking,

and. . .

the busyness of this season,

I want to remember the REASON for it all.

 

The Word of God, Jesus Christ, on account of His great love

for mankind, became what we are in order to make us what

He is Himself.  Bernard of Clairvaux

 

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

Fall on your knees, O, hear the angel voices

O night divine, O night when Christ was born. John S. Dwight

 

Happy Thursday!