R & I saw Disney Earth this past weekend. I rarely find a Disney movie that I feel is appropriate for our children, especially young ones. However, I loved this one!!
Of course, it’s actually from British producer/director Alastair Fothergill, whose credits include the Emmy and Peabody award-winning "Planet Earth" series (BBC and The Discovery Channel) and "The Blue Planet."
Gorgeous views of God’s magnificent creation! Waterfalls, rain forests, desert landscapes, icebergs. Awesome examples of His sovereignty & power! Elephants, directed only by their creator miles away to find water, and knowing just what path to take. Incredible views into God’s beauty & craftsmanship as we look at birds of paradise, humpback whales, mountains, the lynx, and so much more!
Just so you can be prepared - some animals get killed by others in the course of the food chain, but nothing graphic is shown.
The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. (Psalm 104:21)
There is also another animal that dies from the natural course of life. If this would bother you or your children, you might want to hold off. I’m planning to take Bug (age 4 1/2) to see it though. She loves animals more than any kid I’ve met, but is completely content knowing that the bacon she’s eating came from a pig, so I think she’ll be fine!
Unfortunately, all that was missing was giving the glory to Our Creator for His holiness!
The earth is the LORD's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. (Psalm 24:1-2)
How many are your works, O LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. (Psalm 104:24)
You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. (Neh 9:6)
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
How she grows!
I was digging through some old pics online, and just had to share these. We've had this caterpillar since right after Bug was born, and it's still a favorite.
2 months old
2 years old
4.5 years old
Every day, every stage, every year…I fall more and more in love with you, little one!
2 months old
2 years old
4.5 years old
Every day, every stage, every year…I fall more and more in love with you, little one!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Muffin Tin Meals
This isn’t a unique idea, but I wanted to share it anyway since I’ve been using it for quite a while. I had seen it on several blogs & in magazines and thought it was a cute idea. My daughter, Bug, LOVES samples, and will eat almost anything on a toothpick. Often she even requests for me to make her a “sample lunch” (lots of bite size items and toothpicks for utensils). So, when I saw this idea, I knew she would love it!
Turns out, I love it too! In fact, I now do it at least twice a week. I love it even more when our house is full of kids, because I like to keep lunches simple, healthy, and interesting. I line up the muffin tins and in pure assembly-line style, prepare lunch for everyone. Grapes…some here, some here, some here, some there. Cut up cheese….same routine. And on it goes.
If I include sandwiches, I only have to make 1 or 2 because everyone just gets part of one. If I heat something up, I just heat up one bowl and everyone gets a small serving in one of the tins. That’s another bonus for anyone paying attention to portion sizes – each muffin tin is approx. 1/2 cup. Good way to make sure they get their fruits & veggies if that’s a problem in your house.
You can Google “muffin tin meals” and get a tons of ideas, but here are a few of my examples.
From top-left: Apples, ranch dressing, quiche muffins, peanut butter, celery, carrots
These had frozen peas (my kids love them), apples, 1 gumdrop (made with natural coloring!), cheese & crackers, & 2 spots of plain yogurt w/applesauce mixed in.
From top-left: apples, cheese, candied ginger, homemade jello (gelatin & no-sugar-added juice), crackers, & hummus
Another take on the idea for snack time: peanuts, raisins, & mini PB crackers.
From top-left: a piece of whole wheat biscotti, green bean casserole, chicken breast, grapes, veggies, ranch dressing
Another reason I love it is because it makes my daughter do fun, creative things like dip her grapes in ranch dressing (ewww!), or make a “sandwich” with celery, carrot, green pea, and a piece of chicken. LOL
Turns out, I love it too! In fact, I now do it at least twice a week. I love it even more when our house is full of kids, because I like to keep lunches simple, healthy, and interesting. I line up the muffin tins and in pure assembly-line style, prepare lunch for everyone. Grapes…some here, some here, some here, some there. Cut up cheese….same routine. And on it goes.
If I include sandwiches, I only have to make 1 or 2 because everyone just gets part of one. If I heat something up, I just heat up one bowl and everyone gets a small serving in one of the tins. That’s another bonus for anyone paying attention to portion sizes – each muffin tin is approx. 1/2 cup. Good way to make sure they get their fruits & veggies if that’s a problem in your house.
You can Google “muffin tin meals” and get a tons of ideas, but here are a few of my examples.
From top-left: Apples, ranch dressing, quiche muffins, peanut butter, celery, carrots
These had frozen peas (my kids love them), apples, 1 gumdrop (made with natural coloring!), cheese & crackers, & 2 spots of plain yogurt w/applesauce mixed in.
From top-left: apples, cheese, candied ginger, homemade jello (gelatin & no-sugar-added juice), crackers, & hummus
Another take on the idea for snack time: peanuts, raisins, & mini PB crackers.
From top-left: a piece of whole wheat biscotti, green bean casserole, chicken breast, grapes, veggies, ranch dressing
Another reason I love it is because it makes my daughter do fun, creative things like dip her grapes in ranch dressing (ewww!), or make a “sandwich” with celery, carrot, green pea, and a piece of chicken. LOL
Friday, April 17, 2009
Schooling at the Zoo
I’ve been going to the Dallas Zoo for a long time, but only recently realized what a great resource they have at their Nature Exchange! It’s in the Children’s Zoo area, right near the bathrooms.
You can read the details on their webpage, but to sum it up:
* Children bring in items from nature. Up to 5 items per visit. Things like shells, rocks, bones, animal cast-offs, animal homes (cocoons), seeds, leaves, pressed flowers, fossils, dead bugs.
* They share with the staff what they know about the item.
* The staff then awards points to the child based on what the item is, how unique it is, and how much they know about it. The more they know about it, the more points they earn. The staff there is extremely knowledgeable and takes time with each item and child to teach them more about what they brought in.
* After getting their points, the kids can go “shopping” in the Nature Exchange to “buy” other pieces of nature. Many choices exist including seashells, animal bones, crystals, shark teeth, all shapes & sizes of rocks, and much more!
There are also many things in the exchange that are for ‘display only’, but very interesting to look at and learn about!
Here are some pictures of our last visit to the Nature Exchange with some friends!
Listening to Gerald teach them about their objects
Investigating a grub worm!
Items for display & trade
Testing a rock to see if it’s limestone (it wasn’t)
Bug answering questions about her acorn, bark, and leaves
Bug just loves it, and was already planning her next visit before we left! An incredible learning opportunity for child or adult – I know I learned a lot right along with the kids! It’s also a definite plus for homeschoolers, or any fans of Charlotte Mason! You get points for bringing in a Nature Journal too!
You can read the details on their webpage, but to sum it up:
* Children bring in items from nature. Up to 5 items per visit. Things like shells, rocks, bones, animal cast-offs, animal homes (cocoons), seeds, leaves, pressed flowers, fossils, dead bugs.
* They share with the staff what they know about the item.
* The staff then awards points to the child based on what the item is, how unique it is, and how much they know about it. The more they know about it, the more points they earn. The staff there is extremely knowledgeable and takes time with each item and child to teach them more about what they brought in.
* After getting their points, the kids can go “shopping” in the Nature Exchange to “buy” other pieces of nature. Many choices exist including seashells, animal bones, crystals, shark teeth, all shapes & sizes of rocks, and much more!
There are also many things in the exchange that are for ‘display only’, but very interesting to look at and learn about!
Here are some pictures of our last visit to the Nature Exchange with some friends!
Listening to Gerald teach them about their objects
Investigating a grub worm!
Items for display & trade
Testing a rock to see if it’s limestone (it wasn’t)
Bug answering questions about her acorn, bark, and leaves
Bug just loves it, and was already planning her next visit before we left! An incredible learning opportunity for child or adult – I know I learned a lot right along with the kids! It’s also a definite plus for homeschoolers, or any fans of Charlotte Mason! You get points for bringing in a Nature Journal too!
But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:7-10)
The earth is the LORD's and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. (Psalm 24:1-2)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
How do I love thee?
If a perfect stranger were to overhear the way you talk to or about your spouse, what would be their impression of your marriage? Of a Christian marriage? What if no words were heard, but one was left to judge your marriage on what they saw instead?
Today I was at the zoo with Ginger, and we saw a married couple with their toddler son in the children's play area. After one simple look at them, our hearts broke for this woman. The husband was wearing a t-shirt that displayed such a sad and disrespectful image of marriage. I can't find it online, and I admit after trying and seeing all the others out there, I gave up looking.
On the left was "Before", along with a stick figure man and woman looking very happy. On the right was "After", complete with the sad face on the man and a drawing that resembled a woman nagging/talking/yelling at the man.
It was along the same lines as this one (notice the ball & chain, and the poor sad face on the man).
That simple shirt the man wore spoke volumes about the lack of respect this man must have for his wife, and for marriage. How is his young son going to learn respect for his mother, for his future wife, when this is what is displayed when they go out in public?
Worldview would have us believe that we are too sensitive if that bothers us or we are offended by that. That it's only a joke. That's what the enemy wants you to think. He wants you to enjoy that type of humor a little at a time until he wears you down and you start believing that it's normal. What it is, is sad.
I am so incredibly thankful each and every day to have a husband that truly loves and respects me. I only hope that he knows beyond a shadow of a doubt how much admiration I have for him. I am married to my best friend. He is my partner in life, finances, parenting - everything! He works hard at his job to provide for us. He has an amazing work ethic, and practices his values at work as much as home. He is constantly trying to better himself spiritually, and as he learns new things for work. He absolutely adores being a daddy! He *never* "babysits" our daughter, but rather plans special daddy-daughter dates just because he wants to. He welcomes my opinion, but stands firm in leading us when God directs him. He prays with us, and for us. He helps around the house, is a great cook, and doesn't mind (too much) if his clean underwear is still in the basket because I was out all day spending time with our daughter. He isn't afraid to ask for help, but is also amazingly talented at figuring out a way to do something. He does without extra things, so that we can do more for our daughter, for our friends, and for the needy that God calls us to help. He is trusting. He is faithful. He is compassionate. He is supportive. He loves my family. He loves me. He loves the Lord! I could not ask for a better husband! God put us together in an amazing way that only He could do, and I hope that I can continue to grow and be the wife that he needs and deserves.
Love your spouse! Compliment them in front of others. Build them up and encourage them. Find out their love language, and use it. The best gift you can give your children is to love your spouse.
Make God the third strand in your marriage!!
Remember, wives are not called to submit ONLY IF the husband leads. Husbands are not called to lead ONLY IF the wife submits. God is giving us each a commandment here and we are each responsible for obeying our Father.
Today I was at the zoo with Ginger, and we saw a married couple with their toddler son in the children's play area. After one simple look at them, our hearts broke for this woman. The husband was wearing a t-shirt that displayed such a sad and disrespectful image of marriage. I can't find it online, and I admit after trying and seeing all the others out there, I gave up looking.
On the left was "Before", along with a stick figure man and woman looking very happy. On the right was "After", complete with the sad face on the man and a drawing that resembled a woman nagging/talking/yelling at the man.
It was along the same lines as this one (notice the ball & chain, and the poor sad face on the man).
That simple shirt the man wore spoke volumes about the lack of respect this man must have for his wife, and for marriage. How is his young son going to learn respect for his mother, for his future wife, when this is what is displayed when they go out in public?
Worldview would have us believe that we are too sensitive if that bothers us or we are offended by that. That it's only a joke. That's what the enemy wants you to think. He wants you to enjoy that type of humor a little at a time until he wears you down and you start believing that it's normal. What it is, is sad.
I am so incredibly thankful each and every day to have a husband that truly loves and respects me. I only hope that he knows beyond a shadow of a doubt how much admiration I have for him. I am married to my best friend. He is my partner in life, finances, parenting - everything! He works hard at his job to provide for us. He has an amazing work ethic, and practices his values at work as much as home. He is constantly trying to better himself spiritually, and as he learns new things for work. He absolutely adores being a daddy! He *never* "babysits" our daughter, but rather plans special daddy-daughter dates just because he wants to. He welcomes my opinion, but stands firm in leading us when God directs him. He prays with us, and for us. He helps around the house, is a great cook, and doesn't mind (too much) if his clean underwear is still in the basket because I was out all day spending time with our daughter. He isn't afraid to ask for help, but is also amazingly talented at figuring out a way to do something. He does without extra things, so that we can do more for our daughter, for our friends, and for the needy that God calls us to help. He is trusting. He is faithful. He is compassionate. He is supportive. He loves my family. He loves me. He loves the Lord! I could not ask for a better husband! God put us together in an amazing way that only He could do, and I hope that I can continue to grow and be the wife that he needs and deserves.
Love your spouse! Compliment them in front of others. Build them up and encourage them. Find out their love language, and use it. The best gift you can give your children is to love your spouse.
Make God the third strand in your marriage!!
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecc 4:12)
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. (Prov 31:10-12)
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. (Eph 5:22-33)
Remember, wives are not called to submit ONLY IF the husband leads. Husbands are not called to lead ONLY IF the wife submits. God is giving us each a commandment here and we are each responsible for obeying our Father.
Starting Fresh
I'm moving my blog over to blogspot for several reasons. I regret that I can't easily bring over all my previous posts from my previous blog, but I have decided it is worth the cost to move over here. I'll probably do some copying & pasting to bring over some of my favorites from time to time, but for now I am starting fresh!
So, welcome! I hope you'll grab your own cup of coffee (or tea, or whatever) and follow along!
So, welcome! I hope you'll grab your own cup of coffee (or tea, or whatever) and follow along!
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