Childhood is a Journey...

I love this quote.  

I first saw it on Facebook and was thankful for the reminder.  So often, as a mom, I feel like I should be doing more, enrolling her in more.  And while I do enjoy being involved in several community activities and events and do support the many wonderful options that are out there for our littles, each family needs to do what's best for them.  And as I stopped for a moment to read this quote, it was a breath of fresh air to remember that it's okay to slow down, cherish today, and simply play.  

Having worked in a preschool for a couple of years, I gained a huge appreciation for early childhood education, and it opened my eyes to the importance of "play."  It was so neat to witness children learning so much...just by playing...with one another and by themselves.  As a mom, it's easy for me to get distracted and become busy, too...even with just the regular busyness of maintaining a household.  This quote reshifted my focus.  And I became much more aware of the learning opportunities and moments all around us, as parents, in a given day.  

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The leaves are falling outside.  

Let your child run and play in them.  Have them stomp on them to hear them crunch.  Collect the leaves and glue them onto paper or place the leaves under the paper and use crayons to color over them.  Explore the different sizes, shapes, and colors of the leaves around you.  

Pumpkins are everywhere.  

And for really good prices right now.  Buy a couple.  Even different varieties.  Carve one together.  Paint one.  Cut one open and have your child play with the seeds and goo.  Roast the seeds in your oven.  

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Sometimes the simplest things bring the greatest joy to our little ones' lives.  What other Fall ideas/activities do you enjoy doing with your children that incorporate play?  Please share!  

Spider Web Project for Kids

Thanks to I Can Teach My Child, here's a super easy craft to do with your kids.

It literally involves only THREE things:
Light Corn Syrup
Black construction paper
Squeeze bottle  

A pipe cleaner or yarn could also be used to create a spider for the web.  Click on the picture or link above for a complete explanation of the spider web project.

Unexpected Kindness

I'm a huge fan of "random acts of kindness."  While growing up, I remember there being a big push during my elementary school years to do random acts of kindness...and (if my memory serves me correctly) rewards from the teachers for being spotted doing those kind acts.  It's something that's stuck with me and really resonated in my heart all of these years since then.  It's something I still like to do...but wish I did more often. It takes a conscience effort to even consider doing this for someone...and sometimes even a bit of a lifestyle shift.

A random act of kindness can come in many different forms.  A text, a card in the mail, someone holding the door for you, flowers, a kind gesture by a stranger, a friendly hello.  And sometimes it can be just what you need to hear at just the right moment.  For me, I was the receiver of one of these blessings just a few days ago...and it's still impacting me today.

Let me back up a bit.

I was having a not-so-great day...feeling a bit discouraged.  The normal stuff of life with some added stressors.  I had just gotten home and decided to check my email.  My inbox was filled with the normal handful of junk emails and advertisements.  But one email stood out to me.  It was an email from our daughter's biological grandmother.

A random email.

Sure, we stay in touch with Mya's biological family...but our contact with them comes and goes.  We might email a couple of times in a month.  Then a couple of months might go by before we communicate again.  Each open adoption situation is different...but for us (and for Mya's biological family), it works.  And it feels right.  And it's moments like this...when I receive a random email from Mya's biological grandma...that I'm grateful for the blessing that they are to me, Mya, and our family.

Mya's biological grandma had no idea I was having a rough day when she sent the email.  But she took the time to send it.  She took the time to let us know that each year, at this time...close to Mya's birthday, close to the day that Mya left her birthmother's arms and was placed into ours...she's reminded of how thankful she is for us, as her parents, and for Mya...and for how she's being raised in a Christian home.

I was immediately brought to tears.

I barely know this woman...and yet we share a connection that is so unique and so real.  I needed to let her know how much her email meant to me.  So I emailed her back.  Thanking her.  And reiterating our gratitude for her, as well.

I haven't heard back from her since I replied.  And that's okay.  We're still figuring things out.  Still determining how this relationship will unfold between us and Mya's biological family.  But one thing I can tell you is that her "random act of kindness" email made a huge impact in my life.  She may never know how much it did...but I'm here to tell you that just when you think an act of kindness is small or insignificant, it just might have the BIGGEST impact in someone else's life...even if they don't take the time to let you know.

So let's get out there, people, and do something nice for someone!  Let's spread a little love today.

Life's Kinda Like a Marathon Race

Life's not easy.  More and more just when I think life is beginning to feel comfortable or normal, I'm reminded of how uncertain and uneasy life can be.  Life is scary.

It takes diligence and hardwork.  It takes perseverance and endurance.  It takes grace and mercy.  And it takes patience...reminding me of just how much I need to depend on God.  Just when I think I can tackle a problem or face an issue head on, I allow myself to believe that I am capable of handling it on my own. It can work for awhile.  I can begin to believe that I'm capable of anything and everything.  But the reality is, I can [only] "do all things through Christ who gives me strength." I can only face this life with the help of God.

When I think of running a race, I can't help but think of the race of life that we run.  My husband loves to run.  [I don't - It just doesn't come naturally to me.]  And for months now, he's trained and trained and trained some more for his second marathon.  I admire him so much.  His perseverance.  His drive.  His ability to set a goal, work hard for it, and achieve it.  Especially in the midst of everything else that life requires of him.  And I love the symbolism between the race of life that we run and the training that runners endure to face a race of any kind...a 5K, a race for education, a marathon, and so on.  It requires such focus and stamina.

But prepping for a race...specifically a marathon...is not easy.  And neither is life.  Here are some things that I've learned as the wife of a marathon runner.  Some things are silly, some things are from the heart.  But all things connect not just to running but to our race of life....


*Training for a marathon involves the entire family.  Figuring out when to run.  Fitting it into our schedules.  Watching the weather.  Planning for meals with lots of carbs on days with longer runs.  And I can attest that the second time around with this whole marathon training schedule, I had a much better idea of what it would involve for all of us...which allowed me to extend more grace and accept it better this time. Life requires the efforts and help of every individual in a family, too.

*Runners put in tons and tons of hours to prepare for a marathon.  Months of training in fact.  With that preparation, a marathon is STILL hard work.  Grueling.  But without that preparation, it's even more challenging (or even impossible).  Life takes constant focus and energy, and yet it's still draining, hard, and rewarding, too.

*It involves sacrifice. 

*I've learned new things about the sport of running...including what "GU [pronounced 'goo'] Energy Gel Packs" are and which Clif Bars to buy (and not buy) and which socks, shorts, shirts, brands, and Camelbacks work best.  Life's all about teaching us new things, isn't it?!  I just never knew that one day I'd have a better understanding about the essentials of long-distance running.  I'm sure there are things in your lives, too, that you NEVER imagined learning about or understanding more...for better or for worse.  But every circumstance shapes us into a better person if we allow it to.

*Immediately after the race was over, Brandon and the other guys discussed their next race.  The thrill of training and then actually running the race is appealing, addicting, and builds such camaraderie.  There's an instant connection between runners. Connecting with other people helps us to remember how much we, as a human race, are more alike than we are different...and how beautiful our lives can be when we allow others to impact us.

*Brandon had a goal in mind.  A time he wanted to get to qualify for the Boston Marathon.  He kept that goal in the back of his mind...and worked HARD to achieve it.  And even though he didn't qualify for Boston, he did shave 10-minutes off of his previous marathon's finishing time.  We don't always get what we want in life...but it's okay.  I'm beyond proud of him.  And he's beyond happy with how he did.  So even though there could be disappointment, he's chosen to accept his finish time and be grateful for how well he did do.  

*Even when the race is over, the runners keep moving.  In fact, we even had to walk many blocks back to our hotel, just to reach a point of rest.  Even when I'm exhausted...physically, mentally, emotionally...I will continue to keep taking steps forward.  To keep trusting.  To keep serving. 

*Runners come in all shapes and sizes and ages.  And none of those factors completely define how good they are.  Some styles of running are unique, too, including the types of shoes (or the lack-there-of).  I'm amazed by this.  Our outward appearance doesn't determine who we'll become or what we'll be good at or how we'll get to where we want to be.  A good heart goes a long way.

*A TON of people are at the starting line and the finish line...but time and time again, the guys mentioned that it was the people that cheered them on throughout the middle of the race that inspired them or even brought them to tears.  The marching bands, the handmade posters and banners, the loud cheers of encouragement.  As us ladies stood just beyond the 13.1 mile mark and cheered perfect strangers (and our hubbies) on, people appreciated it.  They smiled.  They waved.  They thanked.  They shouted back.  We need cheerleaders...encouragers...in our lives and shouldn't take them for granted.  A simple smile or word of encouragement can turn your day around or completely change your outlook on something.  

*Security was tight.  Intense.  Police officers were at every single intersection and lined the final legs of the race.  Helicopters circled overhead while bomb sniffing dogs circled the crowd below.  Bag searches were enforced.  And all for good reasons.  We have boundaries in our lives, too.  They keep us safe and provide us with a sense of security.

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And so, as we embarked on the weekend that my hubby and his friends ran their marathon [exactly one week ago], I anticipated the race along with him.  It's exciting.  It's scary.  It's amazing.  And yet even this kind of race isn't possible without recognizing our dependence on God.  For it is through God that we are able to do all things...including running a marathon, including living life.

"...Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."  Hebrews 12:1

COSTUME Ideas

With trick-or-treating and costume parties coming in just a few weeks, I scoured the Internet for some cute and creative costumes ideas for you and your family.  [Click on images for details.]

{1} "Guess Who?" Characters (...especially if YOUR name is one of the characters in the actual game.)

{2} Paper Dolls

{3} Google Maps

{4} A Cookie Sheet



{5} Ham & Cheese Sandwich



{6} Syrup & Waffle



{7} Grocery Bag



{8} Yip-Yips



{9} Owl



{10} Take-Out Food Container



{11} UPS Employee



{12} A Slushy



{13} Stick Figure



{14} Candy Crush

Decorating with Pumpkins

I have a slight obsession with pumpkins.  And I'm a sucker for those "$1.00 per pumpkin" wagons that have popped up around our area.  This year...I swear more than ever...unique varieties of pumpkins are available, too, which doesn't help with my love (ahem, I mean addiction) to them.  They bring such a Fall-like feel to any home...whether indoors or out.

So here are a few fun PUMPKIN ideas I've stumbled upon to get you and your home into the Fall decorating spirit.  I love that these ideas are simple...and yet provide an alternative to the more traditional ways of decorating with this beautiful and quite colorful crop.  

{Click on the pictures to view a larger image of it and/or to access more info about the ideas shown.}  

{ONE} Tiered Dessert Tray

I don't know about you, but I have at least one of these tiered dessert trays in storage and only use them a couple of times a year...so making use of something I already own and giving it an alternative purpose is a great way to make use of it.  They also suggested added dried flowers to the tray, in addition to the variety of mini pumpkins/gourds shown in the picture.  

{TWO} Decorative Lantern

If you had a lantern like this on your deck or front porch this summer, you can now add mini pumpkins, pinecones, acorns, colorful leaves, etc. to them to give them a Fall look.

{THREE} Galvanized Metal & Sticks

If you have a mantle, placing a variety of pumpkins on it is a fun and easy idea.  A variety of sizes and colors can look neat, too.  And taking a walk in the woods (or out in your backyard) can provide you with sticks and twigs - Place these sticks in large vases or galvanized buckets, watering cans, etc.  

{FOUR} Candy Corn & Candles

Using basic mason jars, fill them with candy corn or candy pumpkins (...or even acorns...) and place votive or pillar candle inside.  These jars could also line a mantle or a walkway to the entrance of your home.  

{FIVE} Embellishments

I love this idea.  At your local arts and crafts store, purchase foam stickers in a font and color you like.  Then use burlap or felt to create flower embellishments for your pumpkin.  {For a burlap rosette tutorial, click here.)  In the example above, they spelled the word "fall," but other ideas might include: family, thankful, trick-or-treat, October, pumpkin, love, and so on. 

Ribbon can also be glued to pumpkins (see image below - far left).  Carve your mini pumpkins and use as lanterns along a pathway or placed on windowsills (see image below - middle).  Pumpkins can also be painted in metallic colors or bold colors to match the rooms of your house (see image below - far right).  You might even try chalkboard paint, so your kiddos can have fun drawing and creating faces on them over and over again.

                    

Have more PUMPKIN ideas?  Do share!...in the "comments" section below.  

A Scary Mom Moment...continued.

Yesterday, I shared about a terrifying moment that we experienced over the weekend.  In just seconds, our daughter was missing.  For about 5-10 minutes.  You can read the details of that here.

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Three days later, I was getting Mya ready for bed and asked her who she wanted to pray for.  I then suggested that we pray again for the neighbors who helped to keep her safe when she was lost.  She agreed and without hesitation proceeded to tell me that...

Jesus was with her while she was running.  

"Huh? What, honey?" I replied...to clarify.

She again told me that Jesus was with her.  And he was little.  But that he was on her shoulder, and she could see him.  She pointed to her left shoulder, signaling to me exactly where she remembered seeing Him.

And as if her first comments about Jesus being with her didn't blow me away enough, she then said to me that He told her to "stop."  When she got to the big road.

I was in complete awe of her recollection.  In amazement of this detail.  I believe her.  And I believe that God was very much with her, keeping her safe from serious harm on Saturday morning.  This is yet another reminder that we have so much to learn from the little ones in our lives.  The way they process and see things is amazing.  In some ways, it would be kinda neat to see life through the eyes of a child.  Even if for just one day.  Their innocence and imaginations are beautiful.  

And a moment like this makes every temper tantrum, naughty behavior, not-so-nice word, and unkind attitude while raising a two-year-old not seem so bad at all...but rather a beautiful blessing.  And a different way to view life and the world.