Meditation for Today

It is a mysterious dance of love in the Christian community as we lay down our rights and our demands, and seek to outdo one another not in what we can get but in what we can give.-John Piper

Oh, that it would be so among us.

Family Game Night

I began early last year to realize that having munchkins who grow up with a strong family orientation and loving memories wasn't going to happen by accident. In 15-20 years, I don't want to end up with regrets about what I didn't do with my kids. So last year I set out to establish some new family traditions for holidays that were uniquely ours and would help my kids "feel" our love for them and pass on our faith and values. This year, I hope to continue establishing traditions and am focusing on traditions that will help us foster strong relationships and enjoy quality time as a family.

Our first new tradition for the year is to make Saturday "Family Night". We are alternating game nights with movie nights.

On Game night, we cover the table with a large roll of white paper, set out some crayons, make a simple supper (submarine sandwiches, chips, veggies and dip, fresh fruit, cookies and hot chocolate with marshmallows), and set around the table eating and playing tic-tac-toe, hangman, connect the dots, etc... Then, when we're done eating, we move to the living room floor to play board games until bedtime.

So far, it's been a hit! And, it's a great, inexpensive way to spend quality time as a fanily.

Saturday Mornings

I love Saturday mornings. With 3 very busy munchkins I can't do too much sleeping in, but Gareth does usually get up first and let me have a lie-in at least.

Then, it's up for family brunch. It's the only morning of the week where we all get breakfast together, so on weeks when there isn't anything else happening I love to make a big breakfast for everyone. This is one of the kids' favorites: animal shape pancakes with chocolate chips.

Note the teddy-bear with a missing tooth, in honor of Noah.

Here is the bunny I made for Noah,

and the teddy bear that Nathan wanted.
And, the happy smiles that they brought.

One Year Ago Today

One year ago today, this picture arrived in our inbox, and our phone rang with a call to say, "Today is the day"! This was our first picture of the little girl who was to become our daughter. I can't say it was love at first sight, because I had lost my heart to her long before I knew who she was. But, I was captivated by those huge brown eyes and desperate to hug her and replace that sad face with a big smile.

And, one year later, that sad little face has indeed been replaced with a big smile that almost never stops.

God is good, to her and to us!