{Semi} Wordless Wednesday

This past week found me kind of busy and blogger hasn't liked me a whole lot, so I didn't do a Father's Day post!  Today, though, I am posting a photo of my Mother's Father, who died many years before I was born, as part of {Semi} Wordless Wednesday over at Flip Flops & Pearls. I just love this old photo, from the vintage recliner to the Coke calendar hanging on the wall.  Sometimes I think I was just born too late!



Monday Mommy Musings

This week is VBS at my church and for the first time in many years I feel a renewed sense of excitement about being involved.  Last year we were in the middle of a move so we didn't participate in VBS and maybe that is why I am more excited than usual.  Either way, I am honored to be part of VBS!  It is so much fun meeting and greeting all those sweet little faces.  This year I am acutely aware of how my response  to these impressionable little people can make or break their view on church and possibly in a greater sense... what being a Christian represents.  If a child looks up and only sees impatient and scowling big people in relation to church, that is what they will associate with being a Christian (that stands true for all of us!)  On the other hand, if they feel welcomed and accepted their heart will be softened and open to learning about Christ and true Christianity. 

I cringe to think of the times when I might have not been the best example or face of Christ to another...especially to my own children.  Did my response close up a heart?  Did my thoughtlessness cause someone to avoid church or Christ?  It is heartbreaking to think how casually I have often taken my position as a Christian.    I am trying to remember that I don't know what is happening in these children's lives and if I can make their day just a little bit brighter I want to take advantage of that opportunity.  The world is such a hard, cold place...I hope that VBS can be a wonderful, warm, fun, place for these sweet little souls even if it is just for a little while.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me,

and do not hinder them,

for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these

~Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

{Semi} Wordless Wednesday

Look who stopped for a visit,

Isn't he handsome?



Do you entertain outdoors in the Summer?

Do you like to entertain (whether for friends or just for your own family) outdoors during the Summer months?  We do.  One of our favorite things about our house is that we have a wonderful back yard with plenty of space to have friends.  But even when we have lived in different houses without such space, we usually utilized what we did have (which even sometimes included the driveway!).  I think spending time outdoors just makes the time sweeter! 

Sandy, over at the Reluctant Entertainer, is doing a wonderful series called "30 Days of Summer Entertaining" which has been great and makes me want to take every opportunity this summer to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family!  Check it out:

30 Days of Summer Entertaining

Also, if you are like me and are alwasy looking for motivation and inspiration for simple ways to share your life with your friends and practice the art of hospitality check out Sandy's book, The Reluctant Entertainer

Monday Mommy Musings

my youngest when he was 4

Today has been one of those busy “Mom Days”. You know the ones where you have tons of laundry to fold, a grocery list to make, shopping and errands to do. Nothing hard, just time consuming. One of those days when I feel like I have missed so much time with my children. But also today, as I have gone about my tasks, I have had some heavy thoughts on my mind about being a Mother.

Last night, a friend told me the background of a couple of children I am acquainted with. They have been casual playmates of my children in different activities, but we don’t really know their family and from what I have seen they always seem to be happy go lucky…normal, everyday children. I was heartbroken to find out that these children have faced horrible abuse and unimaginable horrors in their short little lives. And the saddest thing…these terrible unspeakable pains were heaped upon them from the very people that should have loved and protected them most, their parents….and as a Mom, it horrifies me to know that a Mother could do something like this. My friend was not sharing in a gossipy way but as one Mom to another...sharing her heart with me.

So, my mind and heart have wandered around today pondering on the perils of children who have had their smiles, laughter and had childhoods ripped from them by the very people they love the most. Of course, you always hear of abuse and I know it has been around since the beginning of time. but that is no reason not to be shocked and angered by its presence. Unfortunately, we can become so complacent and just think “Oh, how sad” but never stop and really think about what it means to a little heart and soul. Wounds may heal, but those scars remain.

Today when I was out doing my errands, I felt like I was a acutely aware of each set of little eyes that looked up at me. I went out of my way to look directly at each little soul and smile, because it breaks my heart to think there are children who don’t know what it is like to have someone smile at them each and every day. I don’t really know where I am going with this post; it was just on my mind…Now I am off to hug my boys.

Retail Therapy Thursday!

Now that this sweet pup (Macy) is part of our family, I have realized it opens up a whole new avenue for retail therapy! I didn't realize all the fun options I have for making this little ball of fur look even cuter than she already is. Of course, one of the first things she needs is a cute and oh, so preppy dog collar and leash. Of course, I turned to my favorite prepster supplier 2 Preppy Girls and found these adorable Preppy Personalized Dog Collars and Leashes: 

Preppy Personalized Dog Collars and Leashes

They are fully personalizable with your choice of 6 base webbing colors and a wonderful selection of 26 different ribbons and 13 thread colors.   You even have a choice of fonts.

Arent' they cute???? 

Now all I have to do is decide which one my pamerped pooch is going to be sporting!  Decisions....Decisions.....

{Semi} Wordless Wednesday

My grandmother feeding my Mother...but notice,even back then,

Coke was the real thing!

Please see "The Legal Stuff" to the left.