Love Lives Here

I love this quote by Dolly Carlson:

"Festive decorations are a gift from your heart to the hearts of those who enter your home.  They simply and sweetly say, 'love lives here' and we were expecting you, welcome!"

I wish I could say that my home was always ready for company, but it's a goal I'm still working on.  If you have children still at home, you have an even harder job!  When families are young, so many things are more important than is spotless home.  I get it!

Decorating for seasons and holidays can be a fun family activity and tradition.  This year, I grew small pumpkins called "Jack Be Little" in my garden.  They are adorable!  They can be put in fruit bowls or included with other decorations.  You could even paint faces on them.

I, also, plan on adding them to gift baskets along with some homemade pickles or other canned goods.  Adding a little something extra to baskets of cookies or flowers or apples can bring a smile.

I love the idea that decorating lets visitors know they are welcome and cared about!

"Kindness is like snow - it beautifies everything it covers." ~Kahil Gibran

Make Me a Blessing

Make Me a Blessing by George Shuler

Lord, I pray that I will prove true!

Loneliness

Loneliness is an epidemic, even in the U.S.  People may feel isolated and lonely because of death, age, divorce, moving, children growing up and of so many other things.  I remember a transition period in my life where I dreaded weekends because I would be alone.  If I had at least one plan for the weekend, it would be so much easier.  I would go to church and wish someone would ask me to go to lunch with them.  I had family nearby, but everyone was busy with their own lives!

Mother Teresa talks about the poverty of feeling unwanted in the following quote:

Things They'll Remember:

The stories that you read to them

Before they go to bed

The comfort of your presence

While their prayers are being said

The birthday cakes with candles

For all their growing years

the sharing of their secrets

the drying of their tears

The snowman that you helped create

The visits to the zoo

Summer outings at the beach

The family barbecue

Little things that seem to go

Unnoticed and unsung

Are the things they will remember

Of the days when they were young

And the loving care that lies behind

These little things will be

A lasting recollection

And a cherished memory.

(Found on This 'N That )

Traditions of Kindness- Plant a "Sharing Garden"

Traditions of Kindness- Sharing Garden

I love working in my gardens, especially when I have been blessed with an abundance of something!  One week it may be peonies and another it may be cucumbers.  I love to give them away!
This is a tradition we can start with our children that doesn't have to cost a lot of money and can "harvest" great rewards!
Find a place to grow something.  If you have a place for a garden, that's great!  If not, even a flower pot will do!  Let the children help with the planting and upkeep - What wonderful lessons they will learn!
We are never too poor to find ways to help others!

“Kind hearts are the gardens,                                     Kind thoughts are the roots,                                     Kind words are the flowers,                                  Kind deeds are the fruits,                                Take care of your garden                                 And keep out the weeds,                              Fill it with sunshine                                    Kind words and kind deeds”                                    ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Update:  Several people have shared with us this year!!  It is so wonderful to have fresh squash, tomatoes,  cucumbers, etc.  We only planted a few vegetables in my flower garden this year and I am loving the fresh vegetables!!  Thank you!!

Get Hungry for the Important Things!

This is my prayer for you and for me, that we can concentrate on what's truly important and not just on what's urgent!  Trust me, time with young children and grandchildren goes too fast!

Secret Good Deed:

Make everyone you meet today feel special.  Give them a smile, a compliment, a word of encouragement, a hug or just listen to them!

Children and Outdoor Play - Building Self-Esteem

by Jeannine Carrol 

• Risk in Childhood

Allowing children to face challenges while playing outdoors can build self-esteem.

"When I was growing up, every neighborhood had a vacant lot somewhere where children gathered - building forts, picking berries, digging to China, and just hanging out.  I regret that children do not have that now."  ~Nancy Alexander

How can we safely allow children the freedom other generations were allowed?