Teddy Bear Picnic

At noon last Thursday, I was mending Beth's teddy bear in preparation for the Teddy Bear Picnic.  It was the last day of her library program and the finale was as none other than an afternoon Teddy Bear Picnic.  I've attended my share of Teddy Bear Picnics' over the years, but this one seemed particulary significant for me as it was my last.  In September, Beth is in school for full days and that means no more weekly Story Hour programs for her.   I soaked up every moment of that afternoon.  

Happy.

Happier.

Parachute time.

Let the picnic begin:)

"My Mom's realizing that this is the last Library program I will be a part of.  I'm growing up."

Delightful.

"Okay, Mom - stop -  that's enough photos!"

Here for a good time

Last Thanksgiving we were camping with some dear friends.  It was unreal because the weather was unusually warm for that time of year.  We spent our afternoons relaxing on the beach, reading, throwing a football and the kids even swam in Lake Erie.

On the last afternoon, two of the families had already packed up.  It was just Perry, Dee, Steve and I and our girls and we were lounging on the beach.  None of us wanted to leave.  We were hanging onto every second of that beach day.  The kids were playing happily and somehow the adults got to talking about books.  I was in the midst of reading The Power of a Whisper by Bill Hybels.  Perry and I were talking about the part in the book where Hybels challenges his readers to choose and live out a life verse.   Naturally, I posed the question, "do you guys have a life verse?  If so, what is it?'

Before any of the adults could even answer, Eva (my-at-the-time-9-almost-10-year-old) who was playing close by in the sand piped up.  Without missing a beat, she said something like, "you know we're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time - so, I want to make it good"  at which point we adults started roaring with laughter realizing that maybe, just maybe Eva has been listening to a little too much country music....ha!  I love that girl!

Just for the record, my life verses are:

• Jeremiah 17:7,8
• 2 Timothy 1:7
• Micah 6:8
• 1 Thessalonians 5:21
• but all that is for another post:)

One last thing,  I thought it would be fun to do a giveaway!

I'm giving away an audio copy of The Power of a Whisper!

To qualify, all you have to do is be a new subscriber via email to my blog between now and Friday, May 25th.  On Friday at 6 p.m. I will use random.org and pick a winner and contact them.  Best of luck.  You can find the spot to subscribe via email at the top right corner of my blog.

Happy Long Weekend Friends!

Camping 101

Last week Steve and I went camping with our three girls.  We were camping for 10 days and it was fantastic.  If you know anything about my husband, you'll know that he LOVES to camp.  He lives for it.  He was born for it and he is the best possible version of himself when he is camping.  On the drive home from our camping trip, I took the liberty of interviewing Steve.  He humoured me and what a great sport he was :)

How long have you been camping?  "35 plus years"

What are your favourite things about camping?  "the outdoors, pace of life, campfires"

Any advice for first time  campers?  "go for it.  It's a great and inexpensive way to spend time with family and friends"

Any favourite camping items?  Things you can’t live without?  "pie-irons, beach toys, griddle for making breakfast, axe"

Favourite camping meals/snacks?  "breakfast, apple and mars bar pie irons, pringles, purple fanta"

Best camping investment?  "my broil king portable barbeque"

Favourite campground?  "MacGregor Point Provincial Park"

How do you keep the bugs away when camping?  "don’t shower" jk

How do you cope with rain when camping?  "my tarp - rainy day camping is better than a day elsewhere"

Do you own patio lanterns?  "nope - just Christmas Lights"

On average, how much do you spend a week at the camp store on candy?  "75 dollars"

Camping nick names?  "Sugar", "Luke" (from Gilmore Girls)

Readers, what do you love about camping?  Any questions you would want me to ask my resident, expert camper?

Beth at her Best

How would I describe my 3 1/2 year old?

  

silly

creative

energetic

spunky

girly

exhausted

This March Break, I'm Thankful For...

Shamrocks

Watching Bethie play with her little people

Catching up with friends

Kids having sleepovers

St. Patrick's Day Themed Dinner Party
(although never again will I attempt to make 'Champ'!)

Family fun night in Waterloo

Windows open

Good hair days

Kids happily playing outside

Learning vulnerability and courage

Kids sleeping in

Gradually being freed from perfectionism

Cousin time

Breakfast at Cora's

My Mom's homemade Soda Bread

Life giving friendships

Size 4 Skinny Jeans

Kids with great imaginations.  Eva was disguising herself, so that Beth wouldn't "bug" her. Never a dull moment around here :)

A God, who is good.  Even when life is hard.  A God, who is worthy of my trust.  A God, who is for me and not against me.