Preparing for new AdventureZ

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Spring is in the air and as we relax and recover from recent adventurez
we look forward to the next leg of our "travel season"

We love our adventurez
We love getting out on the road to explore the world around us
We love getting in touch with nature and visiting friends, family, and museums.

Our last week was full of fun adventure 
with camping and swimming and much much more

We prepare to hit the road for a retreat for mom at RRR in Atlanta 
We plan adventurez for all along the way

But this weekend was a time for REST
it was a time to relax and replenish (and do laundry)
Quiet, lazy family time is what takes place between our wild adventurez
We read, watch movies (I mentioned laundry - right?)

We REST

For tomorrow - we are off on another adventure 
to see the world and live life to the fullest!

Hope to see you in Atlanta!

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Movies, cuddles, writing, rest . . . 

and LAUNDRY

Linking with: SandraHeskaking
     

Bigger picture - Set your mind

Again 

I'd do it again, you know. I'd go through the same hurt, the fear, of stepping out into the unknown. I'd hang on tight to my faith and brave the new waters of homeschooling . . . 
again to offer my children what I know they need. 

If I had the choice to make over, I'd know exactly what to do. I'd just smile and wave goodbye to the ideals  to which so many cling. 

We live in a small community of people who are close in a familial way. Island life will do that to you. Some thought I'd lost my mind - going against the grain as I left traditional school behind. 

It hasn't been perfectly easy. Some of it has been flat out difficult! We've had our ups and downs. Many things I've tried and failed to do - but the learning curve is fantastic when I lean on the Omniscient One. He really does know all. 

Every day brings it's own challenges. Each day we do our best to overcome them. And each day He is there to guide us through. Each day He brings joy and has the victory in our successes. 

Nestled in among the hard days, are the blessings. They are many. Cuddles during the middle of the day, accomplishment shining proudly across a freckled face, jokes that only family gets. The chance to focus on the little things, and teach my children to do the same -Time to study the fingerprints of our Creator as we look closely at nature - these are lessons I'd not give up. 

Facing the challenges is a matter of setting my mind on things above so that His will may be accomplished, so that I don't miss the hidden blessings! 

I wouldn't trade this time for anything. We can't ever get it back - so, even with the hard parts - I'd make the decision to stay at home and teach my three rambunctious boys . . . 

AGAIN and AGAIN! 

They grow so fast! This was 3 years ago December- 

Linking with: 5 min friday   and                     

Bigger picture- Wonder

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Thanksgiving was a whirlwind of activity 

there were pies to be baked and biscuits to make 

but mostly 

there were six little boys running around. 

The noise level was . . . as expected 

but we had extra time to play 

We enjoyed cousin time at the beach 

and as the Christmas music played in our little beach town 

we danced down the sidewalk to the playground 

All giggles and smiles 

with shouts of "watch me" and "look at this" 

They gazed in wonder at whatever they found. 

Even a rock became a treasure for sure! 

This special time served as a 

reminder to look at the world through their eyes

to wonder aloud at what we may find, 

for their childhood is fleeting, 

Their perspective is pure - we must look with wonder 

and the world around - and dance down the sidewalk 

in the middle of town. 

stop. 

*disclosure - the rhyming is by accident - maybe just a little silliness lingering from our fun time 
I realize I am a dork - I. just. can't. stop. myself.  It was fun!  

Linking with Bigger Picture Moments and 5 Min Friday 

3 wild boys and a quiet heart - bigger picture moments - 5 minute friday

Quiet 

somebody yells - then comes a crashing sound and another holler as 3 wild boys go running by

life is a whirlwind of noise and activity 

loud

crazy 

wild 

boys 

are at the center of my universe these days 

my life is anything BUT quiet 

yet I cannot complain 

there was a day - when I walked this beach - and prayed for them 

beginning at the age of 7- I asked  God to send me a family of my own - complete with a loving husband 

I asked Him to let me live near my favorite beach with my family - it's the life I thought I wanted 

storms of life blew me from place to place but I always came back to my beach 

and I always prayed the same prayer

life is a whirlwind of noise and activity 

loud 

crazy 

wild

boys

are at the center of my universe these days

my life is anything BUT quiet 

and it's exactly what I wanted 

I'm so thankful that even through life's storms - God answers prayer 

although my life is loud and crazy -

who knew one sweet husband and 3 wild boys could bring my heart such quiet? 

linking with 5 min Friday and Bigger Picture Moments  1000 gifts Give Thanks Challenge 

Thanking God today for- 

*loud crazy boys 

*sandy feet 

*sandy floors 

*quiet moments - few and far between 

*remembering my prayers 

*faithful Father 

*my beach and what it represents to me 

*outside time with the boys 

*family time 

*perfect weather - even the storms 

Bigger picture moments - 5 Minute Friday - Roots of candlebrush grace

Colossians 2:6-7

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 

rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, 

just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Roots of grace

start.
Boldly they reach towards the heavens 

these fiery candlebrush stems of gold 

Built up and established 

they do not waiver but stay strong throughout the storm

Even in times of drought the tall narrow stems 

remain steadfast - deeply rooted - steady - true 

Against brilliant contrasts of gold 

The bright sky paints a backdrop of blue

Such beauty before me - I stand amazed

quietly contemplating - deep in thought 

Colorful petals - soft and fine with stems holding unseen power

remind me once again how

the fingerprints of God remain on every flower 

Remind me once again to reach boldly towards heaven

firmly rooted, built up in Him

Established in the faith  

Walking in Him - wrapped full in His grace

Abounding in thanksgiving 

As my roots run deep 

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#1000 Gifts
*sunshine and fresh air 
*homeschool outdoors 
*His grace even in the form of a flower
*sharing His fingerprints with my boys
*friends to bake with 
*park days 
*the chance to grow my boys - deep roots in Him 
*God's Word never fails 
*my roots - childhood spent hiding His Word in my heart 

5 Minute Friday with Gypsy Mama

Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring
#ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  Gratituesday   Soli Deo Gloria    From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows - Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word  
   Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  Fresh Brew

A royal welcome Daahling - tribute to my Eleanor

Welcome 

*start 




It began simply enough, with a swim in the pool and an invitation to dinner. 
She was a gracious host, this woman, with the time worn face and proper accent. 

Conversation flowed between us, the 19 year old girl and the woman who was then 79 
After dinner, she invited me to stay. The guestroom, she said, held a bed to which I was welcome. I was fascinated by this woman who had lived a thousand lives and known the famous people I'd only watched in movies. I decided to stay. 

She placed a fresh cut flower in a vase to welcome me and to brighten my room.
I noticed she had taken the time to turn down my bed.
The simple things really do make one feel welcomed. 

I was greeted the next morning with freshly squeezed orange juice - fruit she'd picked herself from the tree in the yard. Toasted English muffins, with orange marmalade were her favorite, she revealed with a smile, and the only thing better than having fresh orange juice - in her opinion - was when it contained Moet' & Chandon. 
"We must get some later on Daahling," she'd added.
There was an unmistakable gleam of mischief in her eyes, this one. 

It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, between the woman who had entertained royalty - and the girl she treated as such. I worked as her companion from that day. Little did I know, the impact this spunky woman would have on my life. 

We became family, my Eleanor and I. For the next 12 years we shared our lives. 
She often pointed out that we were "growing up together". We traveled to Paris where showed me a big wide world. We enjoyed the simple, and the not so simple things in life. Midnight swims, Parisian cafe's, sunset in the evening, fresh squeezed orange juice, holidays, and birthdays - we enjoyed all of life's celebrations together over the years. 

She welcomed me into her home with a simple flower in a vase and fresh squeezed orange juice. With her zeal for life and her mischievous spark - she simply stole my heart.

At 91 years old, she died in my arms - where she was always welcomed. 

In her last moments, though she could no longer speak, she managed to flirt with the pastor who came to her bedside. She batted her beautiful eyelashes, and smiled that special smile. It was later, I discovered she'd lied to the man about her age . . . . . . .   

and that - Daahling - was my Eleanor. 
                                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                                  *stop 


Linking with:

                        

1000 Gifts: 

fresh squeezed orange juice  - orange marmalade - sharing stories of my life with my boys and with you - old memories that bring a smile - midnight swims - sandy toes - remembering the simple things - welcoming friends - twinkling eyes - fresh cut flowers 

5 minute Friday - Bigger Picture - Wide

Wide 
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I look before me at the wide stretch of beach and breathe it in deep 
these are the moments which quiet my soul 

I open my mouth wide to lift up a song 
 the expanse of beach reminds me of the one I sang as a girl 

"Deep and Wide"  
deep and wide - there's a fountain flowing deep and wide 

It speaks of the love of the Father - His love flows like a fountain 
deep and wide.  We cannot comprehend the depths  or the width of His love for us. 
It knows no boundaries. 
It knows no end. 

To love like Christ is my quest. 
I ask for His help as I fall so miserably short. 
He brushes me off, smiles and holds me tight. 
He reminds me softly - it isn't my love that's needed - but simply His love through me. 

Deep Wide Unending Love 

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click for printable pdf - Bible memory verse 

I'm off to teach the boys the song of the day - Deep and Wide! 

Here is a YouTube video you can share with your littles - be sure to read them the Bible verse to go along with it so they will relate the song to the love of Christ
 (deep and wide, big and strong, tall and thin - like a tree) -

My gifts this week: 

quiet time 

a new Bible study with sweet friends both old and new 

frogs in the house (yes)

Sunday School songs from childhood and sharing them with my boys

field trip planning with homeschool friends 

online community of sisterhood 

laughter and giggles with little boys 

Taco night

salt air cool breeze 

getting healthier - moving my body more - thank you Lord! 

linking with: 5 Min Friday   Bigger Picture
Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring
#ifellowship Seeds of Faith - Thought Provoking Thursday - Hear it on Sunday  
Soli Deo Gloria From My Mountain View Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows -
Good Morning Girls - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word

Simple moments - 5 min friday - Focus

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Focus

from the time I was very young - I had a special place
we visited this place each and every year

as we drove across the bridge in the family car - we rolled down the windows
to breathe it all in

the salt air and warm breeze always made me feel like I was coming home.

in my special place - I sat with toes in the sand as I lifted my voice in song.
I searched for treasures hidden deep - each one a gift placed just for me.

and now I dig - still singing
as I search for the days gift from the sea
when I listen carefully I can hear God say, "Look closely"
and then, "look closer still"

when I slow to the pace of that little girl
when I lift my voice in song - I find His treasures
and life comes clearly into focus 
I am home again

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#1000 gifts and beyond : 
* my special gifts from the sea
* remembering my heart for Jesus
* "Suffer the little children to come unto Me"
* singing to the Lord with a child's heart
* peace that passes all understanding
* slowing down
* moments of reflection
* fellowship without words
* the faithfulness of our God
* focus

           

MercyINK  Thankful Thursday GMG-WomenInWord Red Oak Road-Thankful Th

Change - Little boys and little birds - Bigger Picture Moments

Change

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The excitement showed in the eyes of my 3 little guys as they jumped and talked over the top of each other

so thrilled to tell me about the little eggs in the nest in the tree outside our window. 

Over the course of the next few weeks they would climb up to look out the window - straining to see what was happening in the nest. Awed by God's creation - 

Heartbroken when one broken egg was discovered on the ground 

They kept track of the comings and goings of the faithful mother 

Their joy was full on the day the baby bird cracked it's way through the protective shell - and made it's way into the world. Like 3 proud Papa's they watched and reported every move. 

They wrung their hands as the winds blew and the rain fell - and were worried sick to find her on the ground.

Carefully, gently they placed her back in the nest - they prayed and dutifully kept a vigil - protecting their feathered baby friend - Trusting God to take care of the one who had stolen their hearts. 

Conflicted by pride and sorrow as over the next few days their little "Lucky Lu-Lu" learned to spread her wings and fly. 

. . . . . . . and I knew just how they felt! 

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linking with - Bigger Picture Moments and 5 Min Friday  -  MOBsociety  Faith Filled Fri

God Bumps

Bigger picture moments - Jump for Joy!

Psalm 28:7 
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. 

My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."

'Story'

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My heart is full - I've been able to share some of my favorite things in the world with some of my favorite people this week. We've had a house full. Ten people for seven days and you know what? It was wonderful! 

My concern was that my body wouldn't co-operate and that I'd not have enough energy to keep up with the goings on. I so wanted to enjoy the boat, and the beach with our friends - to go shelling and snorkeling and walking on the beach. I wanted to hang in the kitchen (the heart of the home) and make bread and cook meals for our guests. Mostly, I wanted to feel well enough to enjoy fellowship outdoors in God's creation - to soak up the incredible natural surroundings - the best of what our area has to offer. 

Philippians 4:6

"Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication

 with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

I put my trust in Him. I concentrated on being thankful for each moment we had. I walked on the beach and sang songs of praise. We rejoiced together over pretty sea shells and numerous sharks teeth. We marveled at the beauty of God's creation and the perfection of His design. 

Psalm 96: 11

"Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;

 let the sea roar, and all that fills it;

 let the field exult, and everything in it! "

My heart is full and leaps for joy at the blessings He gives me in these moments that are fleeting - yet the memories I will treasure forever! God is good- 

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Linking with -

 Simple moments Bigger Picture

also linking with - 

Blessed beyond a doubt

A holy experience

5 min Friday @thegypsymama

God bumps
Take off your shoes

Outdoor Fun - Family Connections

To the beat beat beat of you

Dance

From the very beginning you were one who would dance to the beat of your own drum. Some like to say it - but you - my little one - you really live it. 

Even as an infant - holding closely to my breast - I could see the twinkle in your eye - that sweet baby face with a touch of silly. You saw the humor in life around you without being told it was there. 

These things cannot be taught - not that. 

But you do teach me to lighten up - to smile more often - even laugh and take a chance. 

I cannot help but to laugh right out loud when the outrageous comes from your tiny mouth. I cannot help but to laugh and kiss when you say the things you say - when you share that unique outlook. 

Your own beat - your own drum. 

Some things cannot be taught - but with more of you I'm remembering to let go and just dance! 

*stop