Half Full

We have all heard the saying about the glass and I've never thought of myself as a half empty girl, but I've realized lately that my eyes have been staring at the clear part of the glass. As I've been digging deeper I realize it goes right along with my problem solving personality, which is a strength. In order to make things better you have to see the problem, so you can solve it. However, if you get fixated on the problem you fail to see all the good that is going on in the mist of what needs sharpened. Even when things are way off and seem a mess there is always some good. Corrie Ten Boom, a survivor of the holocaust, reminds me that even in the darkest place we can always look up. "If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest." 


I've been doing an awesome bible study Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow and it really has helped me see my perspective is seeing the mud instead of the stars. Whether, it be with my role as mommy, my body or with the people both friends and family I have been focusing on the things that need fixing and not all the wonderful. I've been so encouraged by Philippians 4:8 
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I am not suggesting we ignore problems. Rather, see the problem, point it out if necessary, even come up with a solution if possible, but then focus on the good. The temptation is to hyper focus on the less than desirable. Seeing the tiny weed in the mist of a beautiful flower garden. I know there are seasons where it feels like the weeds just keep growing, choking out the beauty. Thus, making it all the more necessary to keep our eyes fixed on the flowers no matter how minimal they seem and then get to weeding. I've found this applies to all aspects of my life, but one area imparticular is focusing on that one part of a person's personality that seems like a tall thistle ready to burst seed and I miss all their beauty.

Even if their beauty doesn't stand out like the butterfly it is there and we must choose to let that be our focus. I was especially encouraged last night by the Proverbs 31 women who is the perfect example of seeing what's going on around her, giving wisdom, but not dwelling on things that lead to destruction.
She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction]. She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.
And now to dwell on some of that lovely.

Our fishing project

They loved the craft of making them

 But the fishing was the best part

All smiles on her catch of the pink fish

Kisses from Daddy over the moon

If this looks fun check out how to get it done at Fun Mom Online.

Crafting with Daddy

Daddy is working hard on being more creative and what better way to stretch himself than a fun little craft with Caleb.

 

Fun Father's Day

We had a really fun Father's day. It was especially nice because we have been consumed with our yard for the last several weekends, so having family time was much needed. It started out with making Daddy breakfast. A rare event in this household.

Then we went to the pool. It has been interesting watching the kids go from clinging with the death grip the first couple visits to the pool to becoming two little fish.

Caleb has mastered the cannonball

After, the super fun time at the pool we headed home for nap time for some reenergizing.

When they woke up we made Daddy his favorite
sugar cookies.

The shape of stars to remind him he is our star.

Then we delivered the cookies to him outside since 

he was back at work on the yard. 

After the cookies and dad's presents,

we decided to go visit the neighbors and spent the rest of the evening hanging out and and having a great time with them.

Happy Father's Day from Caleb

Healthy Alternative Mondays: Soccer Sensation

Sorry about the blur and the quality of these pictures my hand is a little too shaking for the iphone camera.

The food this week that I found is heart healthy tortillas. Made with no trans fats or hydrogenated oils, instead they use extra virgin olive oil a monounsaturated fat. I actually think these taste better than any tortilla I've ever had and both Makaylee and Caleb love them. The kiddos haven't historically been big fans of the cheese quesadillas, but are now enjoying Mexican night. The brand is La Tortilla Factory.

Cory's company has a soccer team made up of employees and they were short girls a couple Thursday nights ago, so they asked if I could join. I was hesitant having never played soccer, but I really wanted to get the workout, so I volunteered. I was extremely nervous; however, considering my experience, did alright. It was the most exhausting thing I've ever done. We played two back to back 48 minute games and on a small indoor arena. My lack of knowledge had me running all over the place. In the second game I finally figured out there are positions you play and my running declined, but i could hardly move for 2 days. The kids loved it. A couple of the ladies from Cory's work watched the kiddos during the game and they had so much fun.

Thank you Lucia and Kristen.

Aside from losing both games and the kiddos having a 12:30 bedtime the night was a great success.
Cory hurting from the pain of one 48 minute game.
My handsome little goalie

Hmmm, I seem a little pregnant in this picture, but perhaps it was the XL shirt I was wearing.
The exhausted couple ready for bed.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!!

We had to be there early so Cory could....hmmm I am not sure sit in a secure area for an hour and Momma could be at a huge ballpark with 2 kiddos who were ready, ready, ready, READY to RUN. But after fighting them in the secure room for about 30 minutes I decided to take them into the park and leave Cory. Thankfully we found a fun playground right when we walked through the gate and they were content. There was a little field and Caleb decided to take the mound.



Makaylee had fun roaming around and playing on the playset.



Then we headed in to watch Daddy. Caleb had a different plan, so he copped a bit of an attitude.

We finally got to Daddy to lend some moral support before he and Bennett's big debut.



They finally took the field.

Good catch Daddy!!

The game was pretty awesome. Neither, Caleb nor Makaylee would take a nap, so being out until late was concerning, but for the most part they did great. A few meltdowns and one trip to get sadman.

The fireworks were a big hit and we got to watch them on three different occasions. Way to go BUCS for coming back in the 8th and beating the Phillies!!