Thursday, August 27, 2009

Everyday Moments

Do you ever feel overwhelmed with the task of raising your child spiritually? Does it have to be that complicated? When I was a child, I vividly remember times where my parents used everyday moments to show me Jesus.

At the age of 4, I stole quarters from my dad’s nightstand. He used that opportunity to share with me about Judas and how he betrayed Jesus because of his love for money. I learned how Jesus died on the cross for my sins and how much He loved me. That night, I invited Christ into my heart and it’s a night I’ll never forget.
Another time, my brother and I were goofing off. He pushed me and my face slammed into the pavement resulting in my teeth penetrating through my bottom lip. Blood gushed everywhere as my parents rushed me to the hospital. My dad and brother sat in the waiting room in agony as they listened to my screams as the doctors stitched my lip. My dad used that moment to share with my brother about the pain Jesus suffered on the cross for our sins.
The memories of my mother passing on her faith are also memorable. I recall her banging her head on the kitchen cabinet and saying, “Lord, these kids are driving me nuts. Please help me!”

A friend shared that he uses his failures to teach life lessons. At a store one day, he received terrible customer service and got angry at the salesperson. While steaming and sitting in the car, he told his kids that Jesus would not want him to treat people like that and we should always treat others in a way that we would want to be treated. He went back into the store and apologized to the salesperson. What a lesson!

There are many ways to pass on our faith to our kids. It doesn’t have to be just at bedtime or praying at dinner. There are hundreds of opportunities we have in our daily life. How are you using everyday situations to share Christ with your kids? I'd love to hear them.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Highs and Lows

I received a letter from the Health Department saying that Malia was behind on her immunizations. I called our doc and found we were up to date in her records but she suggested we go to the clinic to settle the matter. So, I loaded the kids up in the car and headed downtown.

Riley egged Malia on all morning about getting shots and boasted about not having any herself. After waiting an hour in line, we discovered that all the kids were current on their shots but since we were there, they offered to do Riley's shots for next year. I agreed.
Riley was not happy!! She screamed in pain while receiving her 4 shots, Lucas started wailing and sweet Malia did a little dance and sang a happy song through all of the chaos. I was torn between laughing or crying but decided to laugh along with all the madness.

On the way home, Riley said, "When we share our highs and lows at dinner tonight, this is DEFINITELY going to be my "low point"." I busted up laughing! We went to the dollar store to pick out a toy for being brave. Here she is with her new cash register!!..note her sis in the bottom corner.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Rainy weekend in Cadillac

We just got home from a weekend with the Husted's in Cadillac. Ryan played 18 holes of golf with the men and mom and I took the kids to the fair. Between rain showers, we rode rides, ate colored popcorn, visited the animals and had a FUN time!
Riley didn't appreciate the cows that much. She held her nose and wanted to get out of there quickly.
The roosters were making so much noise!!
Lucas was the perfect angel...content and happy the whole weekend!
We ended the day having warm soup and fresh salad with our aunts and uncles. Riley and Malia made butterfly treats with pretzels and gum drops.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Fun on the Lake with the Ashdowns!

It was a beautiful day!! We hung out on the lake and soaked up the sun with the Ashdown Family! It's an annual event and one we look forward to each summer. Our families continue to grow and it's always fun to spend time quality time with friends.
Debbie reading princess stories to the girls! They loved it!
The girls were so hungry from playing that they each had seconds!!

Blake and Lucas.
Luc slept most of the day but stayed awake for a few min to check things out.
Malia was a little scared but gave it a shot!

Riley kept saying, "Faster daddy, go faster!"
Blake, Debbie & Ryan.
Delicious dinner...grilled chicken, oriental salad, fresh fruit, pasta salad, etc. Yummy!
We had a blast hanging with the Ashdowns! The kids slept the entire drive home and woke up asking, "Can we ride motorcycles on the water today?"