Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Project Thankful Day 9

today I am thankful for dreams.

when you're a kid, it's easy to dream.

my little dude wants to be like *Andy Schleck*. he was second in the tour de france last year. he is an amazing biking machine, especially in the mountains.

in little dude's mind, he really thinks his dreams can be attained.

i still have dreams, too. i find it easier to give up on mine, however. there are many reasons to give up on dreams, many of them are legitimate. unfortunately, i think i think i give up too easily.

little dude still believes he has options. to be a bike racer, football player, hockey goalie, race car driver or to be just like his daddy.

sometimes i forget there are options...different ways to fulfill dreams that seem elusive. while the realization of those dreams may not be exactly as I had pictured in my mind, they may be better, richer, or deeper.

options. creativity. resources.

my kids don't give up easily when they want something. they go at it from many angles, ask for help, persist, hammer away...

so that some day...

this...





may be one of these...



Sunday, June 19, 2011

Project Thankful Day 8



Today I am thankful for him. Daddy.

He loves, plays, teaches, coaches, explains, kisses, encourages, guides, tickles and hugs like no one.

My kids are blessed beyond measure.

I am proud of their Daddy!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Project Thankful Day 7

Growth
It started out as a dry sunflower seed.  Bird food.  A delicious snack after roasting.

Look at it now.  It's been growing since older daughter planted it and checked it's growth each day.

It survived being dropped and a dry spell or two.

Yesterday we transplanted it in a special place in the yard.  Both kids gave it a deep drink of cool water.

Growth is miraculous.   Whether in a plant or in my own life, it's amazing to see the changes.

Like oldest daughter, I often check my life day to day to see if there is positive growth.  Am I more loving, more confident, more patient, more creative, more, more, more?

Yet, if I read journals from years ago there have been many changes.

growth is slow

growth endures drought, winter, pruning and the warm sun

growth transforms a dried out snack into a glorious flower

Lord Stanley's Cup


"When I gwow up, I whanna be a weal hockey player."

Friday, June 10, 2011

Project Thankful Day 6

Today I am thankful for this:

I am thankful for my "cleaning crew", but today it's about the car.

Actually, it's a little worn out, scratched and makes strange noises.

Its value goes beyond getting us from point A to B.

It is a reminder that I am not what I drive. (Although I do feel worn out and scratched.)

It's the first car we got when I finished school and got "The Job". I was so proud of it.

But, it's not me. It doesn't define me, my success or my value. Sometimes I find it hard to separate my material goods with measuring my value and level of success.

If only I had a new one...after all, I have a good job...don't I deserve it?

Or, is it better to remember there are people in the world with real needs...who are made in the image of God and live in deplorable conditions.

I am thankful I have a car. A new used one will come in the future, but in the meantime, I need to remember to be thankful for it.

And I am very thankful for my pit crew.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Project Thankful Day 4

I am thankful for cookies.

I made them with my kids.

They are good cooks.

They are messy, too.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Project Thankful Day 3

I am thankful for running shoes.


They have represented training, tears, triumph and achieving a goal.

They also remind me not to run from my Father.

They remind me to run The Race set before me.

They remind me to run to Him.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Project Thankful Day 2

I am thankful for him.





Loves: football, water, NASCAR, his Daddy, watermelon, bike rides,

Dislikes: being "interwupted", things that "take toooooo long", vegetables (except carrots), being hungry, taking naps.

Project Thankful Day 1

I am so thankful for her...
She is my twirly - girly!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Under Construction

Just call him *Bob*the*Builder!

Memories...

I love flowers.  I love our family.

These flower came from my in-laws' yard before they sold their home.

They bring back happy memories.



I love that my yard can create memories each day...and remind me of my family.