The simple gift.

“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:9-11)"

I am sitting in the living room folding laundry and thinking of my next step. I can hear my boys in the yard the joyful laughter of children enjoying the summer morning. The door burst open and my four year old smiling from ear to ear  gives me some flowers from our yard. He is proud that he can give me something he actually came up with himself. It gives him great joy to give his  mommy a surprise gift. My heart feels like it will burst with joy at the love that this little fellow has given me.

Sometimes it is the simple gifts that are the best. The ones that tug at our heart because we know just how much love they came with. As I am thinking on this little simple gift my son gave me this morning I am reminded of a bigger gift of love that was poured out for me. Jesus my savior gave me the ultimate gift as he took on my sin and died on the cross. This is the most simple and meaningful act of love that could be bestowed on anyone.

How might my life be different if I lived it like my four year old and looked for a opportunity to give simple gifts. To my struggling friend a kind word or note to let them know I am here or to the elderly man down the street who has a hard time with his lawn and we simply come by and mow it. There are people in this community hurting and in need how might their outcome be different if I gave of myself just a little bit more.

What is a simple gift you could give today? How might someones day be different if you gave it?

Are your hands full?

Coming to a store near you the Stapleton family circus! I realize that when we take the boys to the store it is a sight to behold. Children taking things off the shelf, running into the little old  lady on the scooter and trying really hard to be still. It amazes me that just a simple trip to the store or anywhere else mind you comes with so many comments. These are my favorites in no particular order.

1. Wow, Your hands are full aren't they? 
2. Do you want to try for a girl?
3. You are not having anymore are you?
4. You must never sit down.
5. They don't go to school! Oh you poor thing!
6. Are they twins?
7. I had three boys and they are now grown. You will get through this.

Of all the comments I get number seven is the one that I appreciate the most. I love to see the wonder on a couples face when they smile and shake their heads. They stop and tell me stories of the good old days when all of their boys were using spatulas in the kitchen aisle of Walmart as swords too.  They get my sweat pants and hair in a pony tail frazzled mom look. Most of all they understand that my hands are full but they are full of love!

The Twelve Apostrophes

In true Weston form we got a slightly altered and hysterical version of the story of the Twelve Apostles. After explaining what apostles were and asking if everyone understood we pulled out our Bible reader. Weston began to read and had gotten through the first to words pretty well and then he started to stumble. I told him remember what I told you these were? He waited a minute and then blurted out The Twelve Apostrophes!!! I tried to hold in my laughter as I reminded him it was Apostles!! Sometimes I am amazed at the things this kid comes up with.

I think we have finally gotten over the hump and are back into a routine. Glad to get back at it and can't believe we only have a couple weeks left in our lesson plans. Gearing up for a summer of fun and learning!!!

Unusal kind of Easter!

Easter this year was different in a lot of ways. We have just returned from a long trip which was exhausting in itself. Everything seemed out of place and hurried. I had to shop, cook, clean and put it all together when I didn't even feel much like getting off the couch!

The day before Easter we had a cookout for our church. It was a ton of fun with lots of food, fun and church family. The boys got to do a Easter egg hunt and got three sacks of candy! It was a wonderful time of fellowship and it was great to see everyone!

Gibson Playing with Paisley!

Playing at our church cookout.

Whew we were exhausted!

That night I had a lot to do to make our traditions happen! I felt so exhausted and my back was hurting. I just thought it was because of all the things we had done that day so I trudged on! I make a bunny cake every year and so I put that together and the Easter bunny made  his appearance!

Mess making time!

Waiting

I want green!

Dipping the egg!

Okay I will smile if I have to.

I love blue!

This is fun!

The dreaded bunny cake!

The next morning I was so looking forward to spending the morning at church but when I woke up I knew I had a Kidney infection. I felt like I had been ran over by a Semi! Luther also had to work so we woke the kids early and they got to see their baskets and hunt for eggs.

Checking out the baskets!

Cool!!

After the Easter Baskets Gibson broke out crying and grabbing his ears. He ran a fever off and on all day and was miserable!! We didn't get to go to church because of my Kidney infection and Gibber's ears. It never seems like Easter if you don't go to church!

We did manage to get a few Easter Pictures!!

My big boy!

Sweet Jackson!

Gibber!

Started out pretty good!

This is what it turned into!! :)

Despite sickness, exhaustion and not getting it all together I am blessed beyond belief! Jesus HAS RISEN!! He saved me from my sins and gave me eternal life. That is what Easter is all about anyway. Not the traditions that you think you can't live without!

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

Candy it's what's for breakfast!!

Happy April Fools day!

 

This morning I woke up early and decided to try the Family Fun Magazine Fakin' and Eggs. If you haven't checked out this magazine you really should. It has TONS of cool ideas and crafts. The Fakin' and eggs were super simple just some white chocolate, M&M's, Tootsie rolls and carmel!  My guys have talked all week about pranking me today so I just had to get them first!! The boys were fooled and I think I won coolest mom today for letting them have candy for breakfast. If you see me later have mercy! I will be the frazzled lady in the store with three wild children bouncing off the walls!

http://www.familyfun.go.com/