“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
I’ve always loved this quote and I hope it brightens your day too!
Losing Quote
February 15, 2013 by 1 Comment
Oh, by the way!
January 3, 2013 by 10 Comments
If you know my husband very well you probably know that he likes to goof off and play around. Part of that includes singing. Singing constantly. Not too many of them are songs you would actually know but a few are. Most of them he makes up to the melody or rhythm of other songs but by my request he won’t make a parody of George Strait or Alabama. {Is it melody or rhythm? I have no clue about music!} The only exception was when he rewrote George Strait’s song, Baby’s Gotten Good at Goodbye. The original lyrics are, “That’s got me worried thinking maybe my baby has gotten good at goodbye” and his lyrics are, “That’s got me worried thinking maybe my baby is having her baby tonight.” I promise I had that song stuck in my head during labor! I love him! If you’re still reading, you can tell by now that this is one of those personal babbling type posts that probably won’t add much to your life but I hope it’s fun to take a peek inside mine. : )
Where was I? Oh yes, my husband likes to sing. A lot. Whenever we are going throughout the course of our day and one of us will accidentally say a line from a song he’ll start singing the song. It’s pretty fun actually! I’ve always done this in my head but now I’m married to someone who does the same thing, except out loud. I love it! If you have no clue what I’m talking about, here’s an example. While writing the fourth sentence to this paragraph {The third, if you don’t count “A lot.” as a sentence} I typed, “Whenever we” and I started singing in my head, “Whenever we go out, the people always shout, “There goes John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt!” Na na na na na na na.” It’s really a wonder that I get anything done!
One of the songs my husband frequently sings is By the Way by Joe Scruggs. I’ve heard him sing this song for years now so I know all of the words but today he messaged me excited that he had finally found a video of the song so I could hear it. It’s a cute song, here are the lyrics to it!
By the Way
It’s Monday morning,
I’m running late,
There’s not a minute to spare.
Mom calls out, “Come on, let’s go,”
As she finishes drying her hair.
Now I’m in my place with a smile on my face,
Just thinking about my day,
Then I think of some things I’m supposed to bring,
And that’s when I say,
“Dear Mom, oh, by the way,
I need an orange juice can,
Four cotton balls, and
Six rubber bands,
And by the way, I’m an angel in the play,
I’m gonna sing and I need some wings.
Well, I guess I’ve induced some stress
Mom’s smile begins to fade,
And she runs to the kitchen and digs though the trash for the can from the lemonade.
Now I start to protest but she’s doing her best so then I try to make it right…
I say, I need everything by 8:15. BUT I don’t need the wings till tonight.
Oh by the way, I need an ORANGE juice can, if it’s lemonade will the teacher understand?
And by the way they’re having meatloaf today,
if you don’t mind a bunch…I’m gonna need a lunch.
Sometimes I just don’t believe how resourceful mom’s can be.
She gets the cotton balls and the rubberbands from her vanity.
I’ve got a lemonade can not quite the right brand, but mom says ‘It will do.’
Then we’re out of the door it’s 7:54, I won’t be late for school.
Oh by the way, meatloaf is better than it seems…
for my lunch mom packed a can of sardines.
And for the play it’s sisters costume from ballet I’m gonna sing in her butterfly wings.”
Ha! Ha! Isn’t that awesome? I can see why my husband loves it so. How many parents of elementary school children have not lived that morning before at least once? If you can’t identify with this song from your present circumstances in life, maybe you can remember doing that to your parents at one time or another. I know I sure can! My poor Mom put up with so much. Mom, if you’re reading this, I love you!
Doing a little research I found that Joe Scruggs got his singing career started by writing songs for his wife’s kindergarten class. Who knows, maybe my husband will be the next great parody song writer? I really think he would do awesome at it. He’s got some good ones! Weird Al, are you listening? If you need any ideas, I know someone who can help!
You can watch the video of “By The Way” here on YouTube.
Oh, by the way, once you’re there don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. : )
Counting Blessings!
December 10, 2012 by
With Christmas just around the corner, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of to-do lists, lights, and tinsel and miss out on the real blessing of Christmas. Parents focus on buying gifts, wrapping presents, and attending parties. Kids can focus on the exciting gifts they’re going to get. I know I can get caught up in making a Pinterest perfect Christmas. You know? A gorgeous Christmas card I wouldn’t mind sending the President, a tree that belongs in a storefront window, Christmas cookies that are so perfect they’ll earn thousands of repins on Pinterest, and beautifully wrapped, perfectly chosen Christmas gifts that will make their recipients squeal with joy. I’m not standing on a pedestal by any means. I can get caught up in the whirlwind just as much as the next person. It’s very possible for Christmas to come and go without everyone realizing just how much we already have. The enormous amount of blessings we’ve already received and the real reason for celebrating in the first place. This time of year, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, it’s the perfect opportunity for kids to experience the joy and blessings that comes from sharing the unconditional love of Christ, through giving to and selflessly serving other.
Here are a few simple ideas I’ve came up with to bless others:
- Donate can goods to a local food pantry
- Donate new toys in your gift drawer or closet to Toys for Tots
- Make and deliver a meal to a grieving family or a family with a sick loved one
- Donate a couple of hours of free babysitting for new parents
- Rake up the leaves in an elderly friend’s house
- Clean out your closets to donate to GoodWill or the Salvation Army
- Give few more dollars in the plate at church
- Prepare a gift for those new to the neighborhood
- Send a letter and a box of non-perishable goodies to a soldier
- Have the kids make and mail cards to missionaries
- Put together a shoebox (or more) for Operation Christmas Child
Mercy recognizes the stress that we allow ourselves to be put under during this season that is meant to be full of joy. They want to remind us that ‘Our greatest blessing is to see others blessed.’ Let’s take a moment to count our blessings together here and later visit www.ourblessingscount.com to share how you’ve been blessed with others!
I would love to hear the ways that you consciously choose to bless your family by allowing them to give and serve others. If you have any suggestions for raising grateful, giving children I would love to hear them!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Mercy. The opinions and text are all mine.
Albert Einstein’s Thoughts about Beauty
October 16, 2012 by 6 Comments
“The ideals which have lighted me on my way and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. . . . The ordinary objects of human endeavor – property, outward success, luxury – have always seemed to me contemptible.” -Albert Einstein
Don’t you just love that?!
It isn’t the great big pleasures that count the most
August 28, 2012 by 19 Comments
“It isn’t the great big pleasures that count the most;
it’s making a great deal out of the little ones.” – Jean Webster
This has always been one of my favorite quotes. I love to slow down and take pleasure in the little things in life. Having a one year old, who is amazed with the world, often helps put things in perspective.
She enjoys just sitting and watching Daddy mow the grass.
She enjoys reading a good book and taking breaks to sing loudly.
She doesn’t care what anyone thinks.
She whole-heartedly loves splashing in water!
Pure, unadulterated, happiness!
I ran across this quote today and I found it to be a good reminder to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. If you will, Embrace the Beauty in life. : ) I hope it was a good reminder for you too!
The stranger who has never had kids but yet is compelled to give you unsolicited advice on how to parent yours.
August 19, 2012 by 6 Comments
5 Things My House Says About Me
August 8, 2012 by 16 Comments
I’ve always thought that you could learn a lot about a person by looking through their Bible, their home, or their car. Today, I’m going to be sharing with you a little from my home! Trisha from Mom Dot created a blog carnival, challenging bloggers to share 5 things that someone would learn about you from walking through your house. Here are my five!
1. I love the color pink and frilly girly things. These are the ballerina bears from my little girl’s mobile. I hate to admit it but she’s getting so big that we should probably take these down soon.
2. I have an amazing husband who cooks and bakes. This is a loaf of bread from my husband’s latest hobby, growing sour dough yeast cultures. It sounds gross but it really is fascinating and it’s nice to always have a fresh and yummy loaf of bread handy.
3. Reading is important to me. You don’t have to look far in this house to find a children’s book or a piece of art work. We have a little library of kids books in each bedroom, the living room, our office, and a few randomly scattered books in between.
4. I like animals. This is the view from my front door. Whenever you look out you can usually spot a bunny or two running around. I don’t want anyone to touch or play with them but I think they’re fun to watch. I feel like Beatrix Potter who, as I’ve heard it told, would keep bunnies around her home for when kids would come to visit.
5. I’m kind of corny. My family loves Chicken Pot Pie and whenever I make the crust I always like to add a little message or picture to it just for fun.
Now that you know a little more about me, tell me, what would I find out about you by walking through your house?
Live Your Life So That…
August 7, 2012 by 4 Comments
“Live your life so that when something bad is said of you no one will ever believe it.” This has always been a favorite saying of mine and I was reminded of it recently when a friend’s Facebook account was hacked. Someone was under my friend’s name and they were posting things that weren’t in line with his character. I immediately reported the images to Facebook and signed under my husband’s account to do the same.
Today my friend had posted an an apology and all the comments following said that they knew it wasn’t him and several had reported the images to Facebook as well. Here was his apology which I think was well written, “Several of you received a very inappropriate photo in which I was supposedly tagged. My apologies; it was a hack. I am sad that juvenile minds think they are adult when they post such rubbish. Get a life, whoever you are! Better yet, get the Savior and live a life that amounts to something!” Well said from a man who knows about living a life that amounts to something! This godly man recently retired from being an associate professor and librarian at the Bible college I went to. He loves God and that is exemplified through his life of service! Live your life so that when something bad is said of you no one will ever believe it!
Simple African Family Holidays
July 13, 2012 by 1 Comment
A holiday in Africa can create memories that last forever making it the perfect destination for family fun. There are a multitude of experiences to be had in this enigmatic continent, some of them wilder than others, but for the perfect family trip, here are some of the more advisable notions:
Safari is the first thought for many African holiday goers and for good reason. Viewing of ‘the big 5’, is on many people’s lists of things to do in their life and rambling through the diverse stunning terrain of the African countryside will offer sights akin to no other on earth. Kenya, Botswana and Tanzania are some of the more famous destinations for safari and all of which have conservation areas in which you can spot your favourite African wildlife. The better funded national parks have a high standard of service and safety so you know you and your family are in good hands when you visit.
Egypt, with its ancient pyramids, infamous rivers and spectacular culture is a definite one for the family African wish list. From what I’ve heard though, you really have to do your homework with Egypt, especially when it comes to accommodation as many parts of the country are very poor and run down. Perhaps if you are taking young children to Egypt you should think about searching for luxury African holidays with Mahlatini.com. I would love to visit Egypt one day!
If you are looking for a more relaxing break with the family and are simply dreaming of white sandy beaches, clear waters and glorious weather, a visit to South Africa’s Cape might be the best option for you. You can indulge in the amazing tropical food; try your hand at the local water sports or just relax in the South African sun.
I’m speaking here more personally than professionally when I say that Africa is a great place to visit on a mission trip. I sit with a lady who now has Alzheimer but was once a missionary in Central African Republic for many years. She had great stories to tell! A good friend of mine, who was also a guest writer here {you can read her article about Peace here}, recently visited Africa and she said it was a life changing experience. The picture above is hers. She now blogs at blind-faith-ministries.com and I’m sure she’ll have a lot to say about their trip to Africa in the near future. Would you like to visit Africa one day?
