July 22, 2010

Detoured Blessings

It was a really hard decision to release these into a new home. I originally had planned on hanging onto them... at least for our grandkids one day! I'm quite sure our youngest, Mia would not have had a problem with that either. These "little people" have been a real treasure in our home over the past nine years that we have been collecting them. They have taught our girls so much as they have grown and have been such a joy to watch them play aloud. It was so sad when I saw Mia (7 yr.) really struggling with the decision to part with these. They have been in bags in the garage for a few months now to free up some space inside.

We had a plan to put them on craigslist to sell them. So the other night we pulled them all out and took all the proper pics to show off their detail, I wrote up a long ad for them and our intent to bless a family, church, school, etc. with these. We also had them priced very modestly in hopes of helping someone else out in these challenging times. This whole event was also going to teach them about giving. We want our girls to understand the importance of not hanging onto material things too tightly, placing too much value on them.

All was well until Mia had a chance to play with them again, realizing how special they are to her still. My heart was really being tugged for her. I could understand how she felt... those "little people" were one of my favorites growing up too. The very next day after they were posted on craigslist we had some new friends over and realized that they had never played with these before...ever. Oh my goodness, I could not imagine that! On top of that, it was an opportunity to bless them as well... for the girls to bless their own friends!

I was so proud of Mia for making the decision to let go... even though she could have easily kept them. She did see the ultimate gift and value in giving...the joy, excitement & sweet smiles on the faces of her friends who received the blessing. God is so Good!

















Here is the farm...the first in our collection.


















Noah's Ark was the next one, I think.

















Then the house, playground, garden gazebo, pink car, school bus and other fun add-ons.

















I think this is one of their absolute favorites...the amusement park/ fair.


















Finally, the royal castle.

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 
- John 1:16

July 20, 2010

Spontaneous Summer


















Unplanned, evening of VBS with a sweet friend - Take It In ... Live It Out!
                                         

















Family fun at Bass Pro Shop ... dreaming of camping days ahead ...

















filled with a much needed time to rest ...

















and no shortage of fun!!!

July 6, 2010

Sweet Anticipation

Our little girl has a request for her 8th birthday coming up in December. 

Can we go see Narnia 3, please?