• Relationships: Through the Eyes of Children

     Sunflower / Yellow Flower

    If you look at the world with the eyes of a child,

    There is joy in the simplest thing,

    From the green of a leaf on the earliest tree

    To the curve of a bird on the wing.

    If you look at the world with the eyes of a child,

    There are miracles filling each day,

    From the grass which mysteriously sways in the wind

    To the gold in the sun’s friendly ray.

    If you look at the world with the eyes of a child,

    There is wonder beyond any measure,

    From the stars and the moon in the evening sky

    To the sparkle of a dewdrop treasure.

     – Maryjane Tonn

    I love how children take such joy and delight in the everyday things of life.  From a babies giggle to sprinkles on top of the ice cream cone to a handful of cheerful yellow dandelions picked to be displayed in glory on the counter.  The little moments of happiness and sheer gladness over the simple yet everyday tasks or items in life.  Learning how to use or do something for the first time brings a great happiness to a child.

    As an adult there is so much my children and other children can remind me.  There is so many blessings all around us.  Too often I take those good things that God gives me for granted.  I know I don’t take enough time to focus on the blessings and goodness that I see around me.

    Being around kids especially small ones for extended periods of time is exhausting yet rewarding.  Their energy and excitement is contagious.  I am thankful for my kids and the little ones that I have had the opportunity to spend time with because they remind me of the true treasures in life that I have been given.  Thank you little ones!

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    Last week was incredibly tough with all the school projects, activities, work, and balancing everything that was going on with the family.  We were all exhausted by the end of the week, but thankful for what we were able to accomplish and for the blessings along the way.  There was so much to be thankful for last week.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.  Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday – Thankful for a job that allows me to adjust my schedule so I can pick the girls up from school earlier since they are no longer having Chorus practice this school year.

    Tuesday – Thankful that the girls were able to attend swimming lessons these past few weeks (today was their last day).  They really enjoyed the classes, made a few new friends, learned a lot of great techniques, and had fun.  I think they would be happy going to swimming lessons year round and were asking when they could take them again!

    Wednesday – Thankful that the girls were able to get a couple of their huge school projects turned in today.  Their Book Reports and Science Fair Projects.  They did a wonderful job on their presentations too.  I was able to go to Karlie’s presentation and Jake was able to make it to Brina’s presentation.  The class was absolutely fascinated by Karlie’s presentation and they loved eating cupcakes for Brina’s.

    Thursday – Thankful for Brina qualifying for the next level in the Science Fair Competition with her “Cupcakes on the Rise” project.  She has been working for months on her project and it was great seeing her get rewarded for all her hard work.  Also, grateful to our chiropractor for getting all of us on his schedule this week.  Jake went earlier in the week, but the girls and I went today.  It is amazing how much better you move when everything is working and in line.

    Friday – Thankful for an opportunity to spend time working together as a family.  Cleaning up the house from all the science fair and school project paraphernalia.  As well as working together on projects around the house, reading together, and taking some time to relax together.

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    Thankful for spending the extra time with my girls.  They were a huge help this week.  Thankful for everything Jake does for our family. I am blessed.  There was so much to be thankful for last week.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.  Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday – Thankful for the girls help organizing the items that need to be donated and sold.  They organized, took pictures, packed up the items, and went with me to deliver everything.

    Tuesday – Thankful that we were able to find some swimsuits for the girls.  It’s a lot of work shopping and trying on clothes but they did a great job! Grateful that Jake was able to spend some time working on the tree house fort after work.

    Wednesday – Thankful that the girls had a great attitude when the movie that we went to see was sold out.

    Thursday – Thankful for the girls help in getting the house picked up, supper put together and more.  They are great help and for the most part we have a grand time doing it together.  Thankful for laughter and a chance to have some one-on-one chitchat time.

    Friday – Thankful for an opportunity eat dinner with some of Jake’s co-workers and enjoy part of the Greenville Drive game against Charleston which eventually got canceled due to rain and lightening.  We still had fun!

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    Last week was a different kind of busy with Jake’s family in town.  We had a lot of fun playing, catching up, and spending time together.  The week went by really fast. I am blessed.  There was so much to be thankful for last week.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.  Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday – Thankful for the girls help with finishing up cleaning, running errands, and putting away groceries.  Jake’s sister and family arrived late in the afternoon and we had a relaxing evening with them.

    Tuesday – Thankful that Nadia was able to get into the dentist today and fix her tooth.  The kids had a blast playing with their cousins all morning.  There were some big nerf wars going on throughout the house.

    Wednesday – Thankful that we were able to go with Mirm and the kids to Otter’s Creek Water Park.  The kids had a great time playing in the water, swimming, going down all the slides.  We took a picnic lunch at a table next to the park then went back in to swim longer.  All the kids crashed on the way back home from playing so hard at the water park.

    Thursday – Thankful for a chance to host Mirm’s family as well as Jake’s cousins that live in the area for the evening.  We had walking tacos, great food, fun games, and more that evening.  The kids enjoyed some new water balloons that Mirm picked up for the kids.  It was nice seeing everyone and spending the evening together.

    Friday – Thankful that the girls got off to camp well.  Jake got up early to head to Charleston for work and came back later that day. Jake and I had a fun time with Jake’s extended family at Luke & Kristen’s neighborhood pool for the evening.  Good foo, fun, and fellowship.  It was the last time everyone was able to get together before Mirm’s family left for their next destination.

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    It was the kids first full week of summer break. We packed in a lot of fun activities and projects.  It has been fun spending the extra time with them.  Thankful for the opportunity to spend time hanging out with my girls.  Jake has busy working on building them a tree-house fort in the woods with some leftover wood we had around.  The kids are VERY EXCITED and have been helping haul wood, tools, and other items back and forth.  I am blessed.  There was so much to be thankful for last week.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.  Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday – Thankful for the opportunity to go for a bike ride, play a game, and hike through the woods with the girls today.

    Tuesday – Thankful that we were able to get into the dentist this morning to fix Brina’s braces.  Grateful that the girls and I were able to go to the Free Movie, a park, and run some errands.  The girls were a huge help in sorting and carrying a pile of wood down to the area next to their treehouse fort so Jake can have it the next time he gets a chance to work on it.  Jake was sweet today and picked up an organizer for the girls robotic project this summer so we were able to get it off the table.

    Wednesday – Thankful for kids who enjoy spending time with me.  We spent the day at home, but the activities they choose to do included reading, building items with legos, games, and more fun!  Tonight we had our Kid Date Night.  Jake went with Brina to Frozen Disney on Ice and had a wonderful time.  I went with Karlie to Frankie’s Fun Park and out to dinner, she loved trying out laser tag for the first time.

    Thursday – Thankful for a chance to run errands with the kids today.  It was nice having them with me to talk to and help carry in and put away the groceries.  We even squeezed an activity at the library and got drenched running to the car afterward.  It poured at home too, but after Jake got home we all spent some time working on the treehouse fort.

    Friday – Thankful Jake’s thoughtfulness.  My computer was slowing down so he ordered and installed additional ram for me.  He did this without mentioning anything it to me until he was putting it into my laptop.  Love how thoughtful he is.  He always takes such good care of me.

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    The kids wrapped up their last week of school.  We got to attend their awards ceremony where both received a bunch of awards.  They finished 4th grade very well.  I am super excited to have more time with them over their summer break.  We have so much fun planned for this week.  I am blessed.  There was so much to be thankful for last week.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.  Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday – Thankful for the opportunity to teach the girls about various household chores.  One of the chores they are mastering this summer is laundry.  While they may be slower or have things folded differently they are making progress and getting better already.

    Tuesday – Thankful for all the hard work the girls put into their 4th grade school year.  We got to attend their 4th Grade Awards Ceremony and they blew us away with all the awards they received this year!

    Wednesday – Thankful for Jake and the little surprises he brings home to me whether it is a flower, treat, or something that needs to be fixed around the house.  This week he brought home outlets for the kitchen and changed out the outlet and light switch near the sink.  Glad he is able to do so much around the house and yard.  He is working on a big, but fun project for the girls right now too which I will share with you soon! Love him so much!

    Thursday – Thankful that the girls only had a half day of school today.  They were a big help doing grocery errands and putting away all the groceries once we were home.

    Friday – Thankful that today was the girls last day of 4th grade and they are now on SUMMER BREAK!!!!  So excited to spend extra time with my kids.  They did fantastic in 4th grade and both are now officially 5th graders!  Wow, time flies by quickly! 

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    The week went by quickly.   It was full and busy.  Even though we had a shorter work and school week because of Memorial Day we still packed in a lot the remainder of the week.   I am blessed.  There was so much to be thankful for last week.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.  Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday – Thankful for extra time with my family and a chance to celebrate Memorial Day together.

    Tuesday – Thankful for an opportunity to go to the library with the girls and pick out some books to read this summer.

    Wednesday – Thankful for a husband who still surprises me and shows me that he loves me.  I found a “love note” on my night stand from him while he was away on a work trip.

    Thursday – Thankful for friendships and a chance to catch up over lunch.  It is nice having people in your life that will speak the truth, allow you to talk about what’s

    Friday – Thankful for an opportunity to spend some time at the girls school and watch them compete in their Field Day.  Grateful to have Jake back home again and some time together relaxing, playing games, and hanging out with family.

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!