Recipe for a Fun Afternoon Inside

To avoid bitterness about not being outside, sprinkle in sugar the entire afternoon...

Swirl in a hand-full of awesome dance moves....

 Fold in some cute smiling faces...

Make sure to add a dash of twirling and spinning...

Finally, mix in some rest and cuddle time...

Hope you had a scrumptious afternoon, too!

Mercy

Our sermon at church this past Sunday was the first sermon (of several) about the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians).  As usual, the sermon encouraged and challenged me.  

One example that Matt gave was about his sweet sister-in-law.  She definitely has the gift of mercy.  He said that he can call her and tell her about a crisis or situation in our church body, and she will physically wear that problem.  She will pray fervently for those people or for the problem.  In fact, he said that she doesn't have to write notes to remind herself to pray, she has to remind herself to do her daily obligations (like pick her kids up from school). 

As he was giving this illustration, something stirred in my soul.  I thought, " Lord, do I have the gift of mercy?"  I know that the answer is yes.  Even as I was asking it, I knew the answer.  The problem is my complete and utter failure to use my gift to help other believers.....which is the only reason I was given this gift in the first place. 

I feel mercy deeply and painfully for other people.  I have lived in a fog, forgotten to eat, and had physical pain because I feel so unbelievably sad for others who are in the midst of tragedy or loss.  But, have I prayed for them.  Once, twice, maybe even three times.  But, usually, I just think that there is nothing to be done but to cry and feel agony for those people.  Not anymore.

This morning, at bible study, a lady shared her story of loss and tragedy.  Yes, I cried with her as she told the story.  And, yes, I have felt pain for her all day long.  I have cried and cried, but I have prayed and prayed.  I hope and pray that the anniversary of this tragedy (which is coming up shortly) will be easier for her and for her family.

I can't say that I am really thankful for this gift, but now I am thankful for it's purpose!   

Under "The Wiggles" Spell

Not sure how I feel about this picture....glad that they can be entertained with a cute TV show, but to be THAT captivated.....

We Heart "Balentimes" Day!

Little late on this one....

We have stayed pretty busy this winter, and this past week was no exception. 

Maggie and I are a lot alike in the personality department.  We both love giving and receiving hugs, we feel things deeply, and we show our deeply felt emotions whenever and wherever.  We also get too excited to wait to give our gifts on the actual holiday...or in this case, our Valentine's Day cards.  Saturday morning, Maggie could not wait to give Daddy the Valentine we made him.  She had worked so hard on all of her Valentines and especially hard on her favorite "Balentime".  And, who am I to deny her the joy of giving early?  Besides, I wanted to give it to him, too!  He loved it! 

Here is a shot of Daddy and his Princess Valentines:

After a morning at home, we headed to a fun birthday party for sweet Jesse:

All of the little friends wanted to help open presents.

Kerri Grace going for a spin.

This girl loves to party!

Kerri Grace enjoying her chocolate cupcake and Lucy's hat.

So thankful to have these wonderful friends and all of our sweet babies!

On Valentine's Day morning, we headed to see Mama.  She was so, so sweet!  She always thoroughly enjoys time with Maggie and Kerri Grace.  She read her Valentine at least five times while we were there. 

Maggie was being silly here, but other than that, a pretty good shot.

Aunt Mim came to love on Mama, too. 

After that, we headed straight to the Elementary School to help out with the third grade party.

My little readers...makes this teacher mommy so proud.

Enjoying some treats with the big kids.

Valentine's Day evening, we went downtown to see Daddy.  Daddy showed off his girls at work, and then we walked to Bellacino's for yummy pizza!

Once again, we had a great time celebrating the people we love! 

*This is not the first time I have forgotten to get a picture with my most favorite husband on Valentine's Day....probably won't be the last either.  Sure do love him, though!  Happy Valentine's Day, Matt!*

Springtime Fantasies

The last month, I have been completely over winter and all of the coldness it brings!  So, needless to say, I have found myself daydreaming of warmer weather and endorphin-filled days!  And, since I am only daydreaming, I might as well daydream big, right?  So, here is the typical....

Matt and I are outside playing with the girls (Matt does not work in Daydream World)!  We are thoroughly enjoying our play time in our wonderfully fresh sod....magical. 

 Matt is sporting this manly but very carefree spring shirt...

I am sipping on my lemonade in this colorfully wonderful dress....

(Side Note: In my daydream, I am 5'10" and this dress is completely outdoor play appropriate.)

And the girls are adorably dressed in these little outfits...

At the end of our play time, Maggie and Kerri Grace run over to me in their still spotless outfits and thank me for taking them outside to play!  My dream is usually capped off with a yummy hug from each of my little sweathearts!

Ok, so this is not reality, but a fun activity for me during these chilly days.

Honestly, I will be thrilled just to get slightly warmer weather!!!  Happy Friday!



The Little Things

"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." - Antonio Smith

We enjoyed a birthday party for two precious playgroup friends on Monday!  Happy Birthday, Maggie and Emma!

The Whole Crew

Ring Around the Rosy!

Yummy Cookie!

Eating and Decorating...a wonderful combination.

On Wednesday, we enjoyed a Valentine Party and made Valentines for the residents of a nearby nursing home.  What a fun time time and a sweet lesson for the kiddos to learn at a young age!

All of the food was so creatively done by "Mrs. Elizabeth."

Eating pink heart-shaped pancakes with pink milk.

My cute little Valentine!

The Jones Cuties

Kerri Grace checking on baby Everett.

Putting the final touches on our valentines.

I think the strawberry syrup covered mouth is proof of a successful party!

The Greatest Show on Earth!

Papa has been talking about taking the girls to the circus.  So, on Wednesday, when he found out about a great deal on the tickets for that night, he was so excited!  Because of the cheap tickets, we all got to go and enjoy the fun!  Even Nana Sue and Pal were able to make it which was the cherry on top!  We had a fantastic time, and the girls were so sweet considering they were up way, way, way past their bedtimes.  Thank you, Papa, for the fantastic idea!  We had a GREAT time! 

Who is more excited?

Kerri Grace wasn't too sure about the stage make-up look.

Big O' Elephant

Maggie doing what she does best...taking care of Kerri Grace.

The Gaymons Under the Big Top (BiLo Center)

Snow Cone Smile!

Elephants!