Funny Friday, and a bit more, and more, and more. . .

Thomas wore his FIRST pair of Nike's today (thank-you Stocketts!) It makes babies look so much more like toddlers to me! When I worked in Child Protection, I remember the investigators taking pictures of each other's injuries, to practice getting good shots- my daughter would be a great model right now. Seriously- it is not even summer yet! That wood deck is brutal-My kiddos, I think they'll be friends .. We having people over for a BBQ tonight. We are excited to have local company! I went to the Bible study at our church yesterday. It was great, BUT it was the last one for the year. They don't meet through the summer-- but I got some numbers, and have a play date lined up for Monday, so it was good for making some connections. It seemed like a really solid, Godly group of women who really are seeking after God. The study was at the parsonage, which is directly behind the church building where the childcare is located. I pulled up to the church, to drop the kids off, and Ella said, " Not THIS church Momma!" Great. But, when I returned to pick her up, she said she didn't want to leave, and the teen girls (wink, wink, potential babysitters!!!!!triple WINK) watching them said, " They are SO FUN!!"- so, I am hoping for responses more like the latter on Sundays to come!

AND (BIG SIGH) finally, to end on a note of depth (because, come on, it's ME- I gotta go a bit deeper SOME times.) There are several phrases that have stuck with me through life- they help me to simplify ideas that can be so multi-faceted and complex. I have a tendency to over think and get caught up in trying to define or come to a bottom line for things that just DON'T have one. So, I like when there IS a bottom line statement to start from and to be able to go back to-For example,

"Under promise, over deliver"

"Everything is a phase"

"This too shall pass"

"Live with intention"

"Jesus First"

"God is good, all the time."

DISCLAIMER: This list is merely to give an example of what I mean- it is certainly NOT a resume list of personal attributes or expressions of how I live- just how I WANT to live!

The latest, that has been such a good reminder to me is "Action not anger". I read that in a Dobson book this week, and it has come to mind several times as I deal with childish behavior (from my children, mind-you, NOT my husband). It is initially easier to react in anger. It does take more work to take action and establish clear expectation and consequences- but I hope that putting the effort in now, will lead to it being easier later-and to having children that respect me, instead of resent me. PLUS, I don't like to be angry. It feels yucky, for lack of a better term.

So--anybody else have some pithy little reminders that have helped you muddle through life?? Would love to hear them . . maybe I could get FOURTEEN comments again- OR MORE?!?!?!? Come- on- you know you wanna- share your wisdom!!!!! Have a great weekend-