Raising Blessings

I waited 4 years to formally bless our 4 children.  It was definitely worth the wait.  I had planned a fun day at the local park that included possible walks along the nearby beach, splashing in the splash pad and playground fun.  I had stocked the freezer with sausages, min burgers, and ribs for this special day. I checked the weather meticulously to make sure it would cooperate.  The night before I had 5 crock pots full of sweet sticky ribs.  My mom  made vegetable and fruit trays.  I counted cookies for our ice-cream sandwich bar and spent way too much time planning every minute of the day.  Then I woke up to find the skies full of clouds and heavy with rain.  My heart sank.  My blessing ceremony wasn't going to be the big out door bbq I had planned after all.  

Instead we used the church.  My friends help set up tables, chairs and our food in 20 minutes before everyone arrived.  Tables were lined with steaming containers of meat, salads of various kinds and drinks ready to quench thirst.  Inside I felt a sting when I remembered friends who were missing and plans that were altered.  It was not going to be the big party I had planned.  Then the official ceremony began.  My husband and I listened as the children's pastor blessed our children with words of our saviour and graciously led our "community" on this altered journey.  We laid our hands on the heads of our children and blessed them.  Our friends and family read blessings for each child while meeting their eyes and embracing their hearts.  Our children beamed with that awesome feeling of knowing you are special.  At the end I felt full of love for my children and eager to embrace these altered plans.

In the end it wasn't my countless perfecting list, a crowd, the sunny skies, and a menu that made our day a blessing.  It was the look in our children's eyes that showed the bursting hearts and beaming joy.  It was a commitment that bound friends to family and family to child.  It was a shelter protecting us from natures unpredictability.  It was a pastor whose words inspired and touched the hearts of two parents struggling to raise the blessings that God had poured into their lives.  

Today I would like to thank God for four blessings: 

1.  Thank you for the spirited blessing that is our first born.

2.  Thank you for the humorous blessing that is our second born.

3.  Thank you for the determined blessing that is our third born.

4.  Thank you for the soothing blessing that is our newborn.  

Who are the blessings you are raising?

Follow Ann Voskamp as she encourages us to give thanks!

Gratitude on the Range

Our visit was cut short by the rain!  We will be back for the corn.

On Friday, my family joined another family on a farm visit in Zephyr, Ontario.  We saw the most beautiful chickens, white young turkeys and lazy pigs. In every direction we were met with a reminder of God's love for us.  Fields lined with sweet red strawberries, limitless skies, and children chattering in the background.  I just wanted to whisper "how great is our God?" As we walked around we also saw dirt, mud and unattractiveness.  This unpleasantness is where our nourishment comes from.  This is where we get the energy to grow and heal.   They partner with God to bring to our bodies what we turn away from.  I am filled with an overwhelming gratitude to the farmers and the workers that rise before the sun and cover themselves in dirt for our nourishment.  The rest of my gratitude list will be expressed in photos of our farm visit.  Bon appetite!

Nothing like the colour red on a farm!

The prettiest copper coloured chickens I have ever seen!

Can you tell how much we loved the chickens?

Pure White Young Turkeys

Three Billy Goats

The reason for our early departure.

Join Ann Voskamp as she encourages us to give thanks!

Pack a Quick Picnic

Pack a Quick Picnic!  I dare you to say that fast 3 times!  We usually have about 3 picnics a week during the summer.  I used to fret and stress about packing a picnic every time we ventured outside.  Lately,  I have come up with some tips to make those outside trips easy and nutritious!  Join us!

1. Find the right carrier.  There are a thousand picnic bags out there.  For day trips to the lake, park or zoo I bring my collapsible picnic basket.  It is light and keeps everything  nice and cool.  I have seen many versions.  I got mine for $10.00 at the local drug store. 

It is all about options.

2. Include the right ingredients.   Every Sunday night I take 15 minutes to chop up all the fruits and vegetables.  I try to prepare as much as possible to last 3 days.   I don't want my kids constantly eating unhealthy food.  I have learned that if I offer them a variety then they will eat more healthy food.  My staples include, grape tomatoes, celery, cucumber wedges, mini carrots, cauliflower and broccoli.  With some ranch dip these are difficult to resist.  I also include some pepperoni sticks.  Don't forget the crackers and bread.  I usually include a variety of these in small portions.  

I use containers with removable sections.  I use the sections as bowls for the kids.

3. No ice packs please.  I use our water bottles instead.  Their bottles are filled with ice cubes and put inside of the picnic basket to keep everything nice and cold.  I also bring along a portable jug with water.  This saves some space in the cooler.  Sometimes I pack a bunch of frozen juice boxes that turn into slushies.  It is a cool welcomed treat!

With these simple picnic tips you are sure to picnic more and panic less.  

What is your quick picnic tip?