23/365: Kids At Play

The kiddos playing a game of tether ball. This would be one of my top 10 favorite things...watching my children play together. Sure, they argue like most siblings do (I guess I don't think to get a picture of those moments!). That's life. The arguments are them learning how to do life together, how to treat others, how to act in situations instead of react, and that the only person in the world that they have control over is really themselves. We work through the arguments and disagreements and hopefully, they will develop some life skills that I only learned as an adult and I've noticed that most adults lack even today. We are seldom taught how to do life with others in a healthy way and I have to say that I don't have it down. I probably never will completely. But I do know that God has been refining this in me for quite some time now and instructing me to teach these skills to my children. It's moments like this, when my children are laughing, playing a game and genuinely enjoying each other that Im reminded that God is good, that His refining is worth the fire and that maybe my parenting is effective for His kingdom. This sight is one of my favorites. It makes me smile.

16/365: Essentials

This is what my space looks like during an evening of scrapbooking. Some of my essentials are adhesive, ribbon, cardstock, 3-d alphabet stickers, paper trimmer, scissors, brads, a magazine for inspiration, bottled water and Hot Tamales candy.

I went scrapbooking last night with a friend. I miss doing this. I used to go once a month, but it has been October since I last got to scrapbook with my friends. As much as I love the process, for me part of the joy is in the social aspect, being around other women. I am a bit of an extrovert. I get energized by people and if I get to share something I love in the process, then that's even better. I realized last night how much I need to have an evening where I can do this - to be with other women doing something I love. I will go more often. I will do something for me. I think as mothers we forget to do this sometimes. We forget that we can't begin to take care of the ones we love if we don't show ourselves some love as well. This is me lovin' on me.

14/365: Grass

I love the smell of fresh-cut grass. The husband mowed today. It smelled so good. And the way it feels underneath my bare feet just after it has been cut - so thick and soft. If I had to make a list of the 10 things I love, this would be on there. I now, sounds silly. But for me, it makes perfect sense. When I was a kid we had almost two acres of yard. As soon as I heard the mower start up, I could hardly wait for the smell to fill the outdoors. I loved to run as fast as I could through the yard (barefoot) just after my Dad had finished mowing. It was a great feeling. Now, I can recapture some of that when I walk outside barefoot after the husband has mowed. Oh, the joy!

I think I am going to make a list of 10 things I love :)