The Power of a Simple Gift

Every November the kids and I fill shoe boxes for children less fortunate than us. My kids include a picture of themselves and a letter to the child.



Two years ago a letter from Sri Lanka arrived for my daughter. It was from the girl that had received her box. The letter was really amazing and it made the whole exercise come to life for both of my children. National Collection Week is November 17-24. It has been a worthwhile activity for my children and is a wonderful way to demonstrate God's love and the power of a simple gift.

This thermos and that's all I need...

My Bookworm has discovered the amazing properties of a thermos.

While working in the vineyard with dad she was truly amazed that the old Aladdin thermos kept water ice cold in very hot weather for hours. Ever since her discovery we hear the familiar squeak of the thermos top every where we turn; in the car, at the table, in her room, in the family room.

She is busily fixing it up and getting herself drinks out of her new discovery.

Remember the movie The Jerk and the Thermos Song.

She just loves it and apparently it is all she needs!

Wait till we tell her it keeps things hot in cold weather too.

A Curious Social Experiment - Trick or Treat Style

On Halloween, we always trick or treat in our little downtown since we live in the country and don't have a neighborhood. We often meet friends or bring some along. Below is a picture of my girl as Cleopatra with two of her friends.

For years my kids have sorted all their candy on the living room floor by type. Then the bartering begins, "Well if you give me two candy corns I will give you a snickers." On and on it goes with both kids negotiating all kinds of trades. It entertains them for a while.

Now for the social experiment. My kids are four and a half years apart, with my son being the oldest. During this candy sort, we have always noticed that my daughter gets more candy. This happens every year. So this year I had them count each pile. My son's candy totaled 129 pieces, with my daughter at 159. A difference of 30 pieces!

I guess people just feel like giving more to the youngest, or the girl, or both? Please comment if you have noticed similar discrepancies among your children. Is it the big age difference or the difference of the sexes? Is it youth or beauty? What do you think?

Our Favorite Pumpkin Patch

Yes we are a little late picking pumpkins..but better late than never.

So many different kinds!

Then it was time to carve them up.

Pumpkin Pumpkin

Round and Fat

I see your face just like that!

The kids will throw the seeds out on the back hill, hoping to grow their own for next year.

I am playing Photo Story Friday, check out more photo stories this Halloween.



Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

My One Month Post - I'm where I am supposed to be.

ONE MONTH

Genny over at my cup 2 yours is one of my favorite sites to visit. She is hosting a contest challenging her readers to write a post and share insights into what they would do if they only had one month to live.

To reflect on this question, I must first share that I am a working mommy. I work outside the home while trying to keep my family first. I have struggled with this over the years, but I work in the best possible job doing something I feel I was destined to do. I am a speech pathologist and feel very passionate about my work. I work in the schools so my hours are great for my children.

This being said, I have a problem at the end of every summer. I have a major depression readjustment about the end of summer and the return to work and school. It's not just for me, I hate sending my kids back to school and genuinely love having them around. I hate the homework, the schedule, the pressure, the conflicts and the stress. My kids do pretty well in school and I still dread the end of summer!

Each year my end of summer blues were getting worse until...two years ago. I had an epiphany in church, something to the effect of "life is not an Elle party".

Yes folks, that became my mantra. "Life is not a party for me." God never intended life to be easy or a personal party, there are no endless summers and no free lunches. I consider myself very blessed to have the glorious summer and the wonderful unscheduled time with my kids. I am certain that I am right where I should be during the school year. I work to help young children and their families. God has been so gracious to give me wonderful summers off to enjoy my kids and recharge my batteries.

Of course, it would be nice if my last month was in the summer. If not, I believe I am right where I am supposed to be.

I would make some little tweaks... make less lists, try to be present more, seize more moments, and try to make each moment count.

I would write in and read my own blog more! My favorite blog of all time is my own, not because it can hold a candle to some of my favorites.

Fingerprints is my favorite because I write first and foremost for me. My blog is about; my kids, my love, my thoughts and my life. I am thankful for the gift of my life. keeping a journal online or otherwise helps me reflect, focus and embrace this gift God has given me.
One key goal I am always striving for is to live my life to an audience of one... God.

So Carpe Diem - seize the day or the moment and start living your life with no regrets, I hope you feel you are right where you are supposed to be today.

A Spider Story - Just in Time for Halloween

Round one - The tarantula hawk is trying to take down the tarantula. According to the artist and wildlife expert a tarantula hawk will paralyze it's victim with a bite and lay eggs in him - Eeeww!

Round two - The tarantula got away, until the artist captured him under a bucket for later observation.

See video here for details.

I am playing Photo Story Friday.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

14 Years

14 years ago my boy was born.

His hand print then...

The Artist today...

We celebrated the day at a museum & aquarium.

Pressing the Wine

Watching the wine be pressed is oh so fun !

Now it will go into a barrel for approximately 24 months.

I am playing Wordless Wednesday at five minutes for mom.

Check out other Wednesday posts.