Frosted Window Panes...

"Frosted window panes, candles gleaming inside,

Painted candy canes on the tree,

Santa's on his way, he's filled his sleigh with things,

Things for you and for me.

It's that time of year when the world falls in love,

Every song you hear seems to say "Merry Christmas,"

"May your New Year dreams come true!"

And this song of mine in three-quarter time,

Wishes you and yours the same thing, too."

Giving Thanks

It is the season when we are reminded to give thanks.  Although this season seems to be but a mere "blip on the retail radar screen," it is no less important...maybe even MORE so.

Some may find it difficult to consider all they have to be thankful for.  Recently, the kiddos read a short story for school: "It Could Always Be Worse."  It is the story of a farmer, whose large family is crowded into a small home, tightly packed.  He wants a break from the chaos of his family, and asks his rabbi how this could be accomplished.  The rabbi tells him to move all of his farm animals INTO the house.  As you might imagine, this only made his living arrangements worse, so he moved them back to their respective places.  Subsequently, circumstances that he once believed to be unbearable in his home seemed even better after experiencing the tighter and more chaotic living arrangements with his family AND animals.

Obviously, the lesson to be learned from this fable is in its title.  We ALWAYS have much to be thankful for, regardless of our circumstances, whether great things or small ones. 

With that in mind, here's a month's worth of giving thanks: 



Music practice



For the privilege of teaching my children each day.

For my husband, a patriot, who gladly serves our country every day...he is a hero! 

For food in the fridge/pantry, warm blankets on the bed, the swagger wagon in the driveway to take me where I want to go, and a family to share it all with.

For 16 years of marriage to my sweet hubby...what an adventure the past 16 have been...wonder what the NEXT 16 (and beyond) hold for us.  



Community Naptime (should be a LAW)!



For the chaotic family "dog pile" in our bed first thing in the morning: Mommy, Daddy, 3 kids, a BIG baby dog, and even the kitty!

For the respite of a GOOD afternoon nap!

For the beauty of Fall!

 

For a good, hot, steamy cup of coffee!





2007



For sweet kisses from sweet babies (although they swear they aren't babies anymore)!

For having had the privilege of serving my country in the U.S. Air Force, alongside my sweet hubby in the U.S. Army.

For time spent with my little family...warm breakfast, playing games, working on puzzles, grilling, watching the game, going for a walk...special times!

For the conveniences of modern appliances.

For the peaceful calm of morning...however brief that might be, it is still valued and appreciated!

For smart, well-adjusted, happy, healthy children!

For God's grace and mercy.

For the love, comfort, and joy from our furry family members.

For a sweet 90-year old's perspective on life!

For warm beds, fireplaces, gloves, knit caps, scarves.

For periods of rest...a good night's sleep, sweet dreams, breaks from the regular routine.



Thomas' LEGO Tower--an original


For children's imagination at work and play.

For a difficult, hard-working task accomplished.

For modern technology (telephone, computer, even FB!) which enables me to stay connected with friends and family, although they are a far distance from me.

For friendly, considerate neighbors.

  

For special music for a special season.

 

For nice temperate weather, cool rainy days, and the occasional snow to build a snowman and have a snowball fight with the kiddos.



Daddy's Return 2011-3rd deployment



For good food shared with good company.

For chocolate.

For special reunions after long absences.

For God's personal and special gift of a Savior.

  

So, what are YOU thankful for?  Consider all that you are, all that you have, all the special people and experiences in your life...give THANKS!

 

Daddy's Return 2009-2nd deployment



"For flowers that bloom about our feet;

For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;

For song of bird, and hum of bee;

For all things fair we hear or see,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee!"

~Ralph Waldo Emerson



Celebrate

Celebrate...to observe in some special way, with ceremonies, rejoicing, or festivities.

Around these parts, there is much to celebrate in the months of October and November.  Things have been rather hectic (more so than normal) in our household for the past two months!!  Things are slowing down, just in time to swing into the Holiday Season!  

We have two birthdays, along with Halloween, then our wedding anniversary, and of course, Thanksgiving. It seems as though the celebrating is continual and ongoing! 

There are no ceremonies involved, unless you count singing Happy Birthday to the celebrant. However, there is always much rejoicing, and occasionally festivities.  We mark the various occasions with special meals, a night out to a special place for dinner, cake, song, gifts...all to recognize that THIS is a special time, and should be treated accordingly.



Our 16th Wedding Anniversary

What are some of the things that you celebrate?  Birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, special accomplishments?

HOW do you celebrate? A special night out? A special gift?

Although we do celebrate the bigger life events, we also celebrate some of those things that there may not necessarily be a Hallmark sentiment for...

A special reunion on a return home...

Daddy returns home after a long time and long way away

An important life decision...



Jesus in her heart





A big accomplishment...



A soccer goal...SCORE!



An end to a great season



 





A ballerina's big night

 After recently traveling to Walt Disney World, one thing they know how to do (and do very well) is CELEBRATE.  It's fantastical, and also very infectious.

One of the parade themes:  CELBRATE TODAY!

 

 

Regardless of the cause for celebration or the manner in which we celebrate, we SHOULD. absolutely. celebrate...

...the important dates on the calendar, the milestones, but also the little everyday things!  

 

Celebrate that A on the Spelling test. Celebrate that winning score, or even a great play. Celebrate those special times.





Completing the Half-Marathon



Whatever is happening, whomever you are with, CELEBRATE it!  It is the gift given to you today, this moment, this special time.

"Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living."~~ Amanda Bradley

Learning How to "Times"

Around here, learning multiplication is in full-force.  Yesterday, when Daddy arrived home, amongst the usual chaotic squealing, yelling, howling (yes, Rex greets him wholeheartedly, too) welcome home, my Little Man (6) excitedly informed his Daddy, "I learned how to TIMES today!"  Although he has known how to do this for awhile now (yes, kind of a scary-smart little guy), when put in the context of a multiplication problem, using the correct symbol, he was amazed, "you mean, I KNOW how to TIMES??  This is EASY!"

When teaching the same concepts to his brother a few years ago, he preferred to do it all in his head, building on what he knew, rather than learning or memorizing the tables.  Then, when their sister learned these same concepts, she preferred to learn the multiplication tables, so she would "just know" and not have to continue to figure it out every time.  Same teacher...same concept...three DIFFERENT ways to learn!!  As they continue to learn and use these concepts, they will find the products more quickly.  Eventually, after repetition and continued use of multiplication, eventually it becomes second nature, or you "just know." 

"Learning never exhausts the mind."~~Leonardo daVinci

Although they have each learned how to multiply in different ways, they all have a grasp, an understanding, of the concepts.  We may each come to understand things in a vast variety of ways ourselves.  There is no "standard" way to learn something.  Like the multiplication tables, knowledge can become second nature, a "just knowing," when used continually.  How much do you think and ponder when driving a car?  How hard do you consider and think when writing your name, or reading a sign?  What may have once been difficult to grasp, or confusing, can become enlightened understanding.

There is never an end-point to learning or understanding, just a continual progression.  Just as I am teaching them things they need to know, I also continue to learn, not only from the experience of teaching, but just in the world around me.  I have a great appreciation for the moments of excitement they have in discovering what they DO know, or having that "light-bulb moment." 

Explore the world around you...where you are.  Discover something new that you hadn't known about or noticed before. Hopefully, like these children, the excitement of learning will happen!

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."~~Benjamin Franklin 

Seasons

When you think of seasons, you think of varying times of the year...Spring, Summer, Winter, or Fall.  Each season brings its own characteristics, activities, and celebrations.  In Springtime, we celebrate new beginnings, Easter, rain, new growth and new life.  In Summer, we enjoy the warm temperatures, enjoying water activities, and time off for vacations.  In Fall, we celebrate the harvest and thanksgiving.  In Winter, we celebrate Christmastime, and the Earth rests. 

Each season has characteristics unto itself, and things remain the same for a brief time.  Then, a gradual transition occurs, blending, changing into the season that follows.  Many of us have our favorite seasons throughout the year.  Each season brings its own exciting times and downsides (110 degree days of Summer, anyone?).  Additionally, each season reaps some of the benefits from the time before it, while also leaving some things for the time that follows.  One thing is constant for all seasons...the seasons CHANGE.

"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn."~~Hal Borland

There are many seasons throughout our lifetime as well.  Some seasons are experienced by all, and some by only a few.  Seasons of life might include childhood, adolescence, death, illness, marriage, new family, friendships, work, just to name a few.  Like seasons of the year, everyone has their own favorite seasons throughout their life.  Some of these seasons reap benefits from ones that come before it, and provide benefits for the ones that follow.  However, unlike the seasons of the year, while some seasons of life are gradual transitions, others are more sudden.  Again, one thing that is constant for ALL the seasons....the seasons CHANGE.

The critical task we face is to embrace the season in which we find ourselves. 

What does this season bring or provide? What can we learn or glean from this time? It is important to pay attention IN the season in which we find ourselves, to do our best WITHIN that season.  Sometimes, we are more successful in some seasons than others.  In particularly difficult seasons, we may remind ourselves that we can rely on it changing.  Although in particularly joyful seasons, we must remind ourselves that a transition is surely coming.

EMBRACE this season.

RESPECT what its purpose is for your life.

REFLECT on what needs to be gleaned from it. 

Whether this season is a difficult or joyful one, as seasoning adds flavoring, allow this season to ADD to this life!

"There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every even under heaven--

A time to give birth, and a time to die;

A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted.

A time to kill, and a time to heal;

A time to tear down, and a time to build up.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn, and a time to dance.

A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing.

A time to search, and a time to give up as lost;

A time to keep, and a time to throw away.

A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together,

A time to be silent, and a time to speak.

A time to love, and a time to hate;

A time for war, and a time for peace....

...He has made everything appropriate in its time."~~Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11

Contentment

Are you content?  Contentment....being satisfied with one's circumstances, status, possessions.  It is not a pinnacle reached, but an attitude, or bearing, of the soul and mind, continually needing cultivation and reassessment.  The challenge lies in attaining contentment REGARDLESS of those circumstances, status, or possessions.

"...for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am."~~Philippians 4:11

Thinking about times of greatest contentment, one must realize that it is not a mantle that falls about your shoulders, but one that must be CONSCIOUSLY donned.  At times of greatest contentment, it is as though my "soul sighs" in agreement.  During difficult times, or unwanted circumstances, contentment is most difficult to achieve, but not unattainable.  It is a matter of perspective, evaluating the position in which you find yourself, and viewing this time in the greater scheme of your entire existence.  In taking that proverbial "step back," you may identify a broader gratitude, leading to contentment with the particular circumstance.

Some things that make my "soul sigh": 

               A child's hearty laughter

               A waterfall

               A cool, crisp morning

               A good song

               A family dinner

               A gentle kiss

 What brings you to be contented?  What makes YOUR soul sigh?

"Be glad of life, because it gives you the chance to love, and to work, and to play, and to look up at the stars."~~Henry Van Dyke

  

FORTY

Forty.

The symbolism of the number forty:  the waiting, the preparation, the test, or the punishment; the completion of a significant time period.

The number forty, and its symbolism, is prominent throughout the Bible: the forty days/nights of rain, flooding the earth; the forty days Moses spent on the mountain; the forty years Israel wandered the wilderness; the spies searched forty days for Canaan; the forty years David reigned as King, as did his son, Solomon; Jesus fasted forty days in the desert; He was tempted for forty days, and forty days after the resurrection, Jesus ascended.

Reflecting on the past forty years, I have to ask myself, “Have I passed the test?” “Am I prepared for what lies ahead?”  My kids think I am SO old, but my grandparents think I am SO young…hence the monikor “middle-aged”?

Well, I have done a few things, made a few mistakes, learned a lesson or two, and I am pretty confident that I’m prepared for whatever lies ahead. No agonizing or lamenting the turn of the decade here. After a weekend of celebrating, there was time to reflect. While many of these may seem trite or cliché, they still ring true. Here are a few things I have come to know in this life, so far:

40. When my mom turned 40, I was 13. She seemed so OLD (as I’m sure my children feel), but I don’t “feel” like I thought I would at 40.

39. I want to teach my children more than I was taught…about everything.

38. The more I learn, the less I know.
37. I am about 80 % comfortable in my own skin, and about WHO I am.

36. Education is a good thing. Get it while you can. Always keep learning something new.

35. There is nothing like having your child fall asleep on your chest, or in your arms.

34. Talk to your grandparents while you can. They possess a ton of wisdom.

33. Unanswered prayers can be the greatest blessings we receive.
32. No one “LIVES” in a clean house.

31. I have a unique perspective on technology: rotary to cell phones; letters to emails; Atari to Xbox; 8-track to mp3...I could go on…

30. Burn the best candles. Use the good dishes. Don’t save it for a special occasion…TODAY is special.

29. It’s hardly ever quiet enough. Many things are much too loud!

28. It’s ok to laugh at yourself…laugh, laugh, laugh…it’s good for your heart. You can’t take life too seriously. Find the humor in your situation.

27. Cryptic crosswords and Sudoku are increasingly more diverting entertainment.

26. What other people think of you is really none of your business.
25. Take deep breaths. It calms the mind.
24. 6:00 AM is when you get UP, NOT when you go to bed…this is painful if you don’t adjust.
23. Sleeping on the couch now makes your back ache.
22. Living life to the fullest takes effort and purpose on my part. This is NOT a spectator sport. You must be an ACTIVE participant.

21. Remember your failures. Learn from them, so as not to repeat them.

“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”~~Zen saying

 

Oma's 90th birthday (me approaching 40)

20. Being wrong is ok (on occasion).

19. There is an ART to moving a household, and relocating across the country (multiple times).

18. Age is not a number, but an attitude, a frame of mind.

17. Children keep you young.

16. There is always Hope.

15. Forgive everyone everything.

14. True friends will love you no matter WHAT you do.

13. Love is a gift, I am LOADED.

12. Do what is right, even when the other person doesn’t.

11. Study, learn, and do things that give you JOY.

10. Being organized can help your daily life immensely, but so can spontaneity. An equal measure of both is better.

9. Be passionate about SOMETHING.

8. Do what you SAY you are going to do.

7. Give more than you take.

6. I still have a lot to learn.

Holding Daddy Up!

5. Your children only get ONE childhood...make it THE most memorable one possible.

4. Take the opportunity and make a point to tell those you love how you feel about them...every chance you get.

3. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. Thankfully, God never blinks. (see #4)

2. The hardest, most excruciating, and tiring experiences often double as the most rewarding, satisfying, and meaningful.

1. Be THANKful for all that you have, and demonstrate your gratitude often.

“You are as happy as you make your mind up to be.”~~Mark Twain

Here’s to HALFTIME!!