Good Plan

This is good practice. Get used to having the children gone. Two out of four of my children are at my sister's place in Oregon. But wait, how about if we drive down to see them tomorrow? Sounds like a good plan.

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8 ESV

H is for Ham

I like her resourcefulness. As I made dough for calzone, my eight-year-old pulled ingredients out of the fridge. Mozzarella. Check. Turkey pepperoni. Check. Fresh pineapple. Too old. Scratch that idea. Green pepper. Diced and ready to go in the E for Everything ones. Fresh tomatoes. Sliced to add later. No ham? How about robbing the bargain store ham and cheese cracker snacks no one liked? Perfect.

With apologies to my two children and nephew who left town before I had time to make calzone.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV

Mondo Love

That was a good prayer. My husband blessed the meal at our favorite Mexican restaurant. He thanked God for His mondo love and our mondito meal. We should thank God for His mondo love every day!

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 1 Chronicles 16:34 ESV

Family-Friendly Fun

We don't attend barbecues every day. But it may seem like it. My sixteen-year-old nephew is here for a few days. He gets to experience some of our comings and goings. Visitors. Family. Photo ops. Favors for friends and neighbors. Sleeping on the trampoline. Dance parties in the living room. Join us for some family-friendly fun.

A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Psalm 133:1 ESV

Take a Turn

I am way out of practice. Has it really been 20 years since I taught grade school? Good thing my husband was there. He's a pro. We took a turn teaching Sunday school today. Thirty 4th and 5th graders. With a couple adult helpers, thank you. And one star pupil--our youngest.

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:7 ESV

Family Delegate

It became a tradition. My husband's brother and family often joined us for the 4th of July. But if the whole family can't come, send a delegate. It's great to have my nephew here for the weekend. Bring on the barbecue events and games. Jump in the lake. Enjoy the fireworks.

Pictured: Two of my children and my nephew jumping in the lake at my grandparents' house.

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 ESV

Built to Last

That's the kind of marriage I want. With tender love, unwavering commitment, and lots of laughs. With a strong foundation of faith. Built to last. Come what may. My grandparents celebrate 68 years of marriage today. Happy Anniversary Grampa and Gramma!

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:33 ESV

Call it Good

Start with six people. Add two stools with adjustable heights. A few blocks to put feet on. Turn your head this way. Lean into him. Now just the parents. Then the four children. Say, "Are we done yet?" And you have a family portrait for the church directory. We'll take our free one and call it good.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another, Colossians 3:12 ESV

Party is Over

The party is over. Time to put the treadmill back down. Resume walking every day. Watch what I eat. Pump up the veggies. Stop playing food scientist at the coffee shop. I can do that. With God's help and a little accountability.

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV

Thanks for Sharing

I don't know if I could do it. Be that vulnerable. I am inspired and encouraged by one of my favorite bloggers, Meredith of Like Merchant Ships. She bravely revealed the before photos of her pantry. She shares the plan for reclaiming it. And challenges me to consider the heart issues of my own organizational challenges.

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5 ESV

Dessert Memory Lane

Do I have a story for everything? Maybe. I should have put explanatory notes on the dessert table. I baked family favorites for our open house.

The monster cookies have peanut butter and oatmeal in them. I baked them every time my daughter had an away-soccer game.

My applesauce cake is a neighborhood favorite. My daughter is known for her marble cake. I make the chocolate cake with buttermilk and coffee when my son comes home.

My mom knows how to crank out the cinnamon rolls with my great-grandmother's cooked icing. And my mother-in-law made the new favorite apple cake.

I need to learn how to make low-fat cheesecake. But that's another story.

She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. Proverbs 31:14 ESV

My Favorite Number

Four.

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10 ESV

That's an Open House

That's the way we like it. Mix it up. Bring old and new friends together. From near and far. Bring on the good food. Visit. Find out how you know the others at the party. With special thanks to my parents for opening their home for our open house event.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ESV

Brace Yourselves

I warned the family. Now that our oldest is home, we can get a family photo. Think about where and how to arrange six people. Do we have a tripod or willing volunteer? Meanwhile, here is a crazy photo op from almost nine years ago.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another, Colossians 3:12 ESV