Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Paper Chain Update: Working on Weeks

We had such a wonderful time earlier this summer, when we created our paper chain as a countdown to see "Grandma." In September, we have another event to attend, and the boys have been eager to create a new chain. So sweet! Hubby had the great idea to create a separate chain for each week, reinforcing the days of the week again. Yes, he's a keeper.

At any rate, we worked on our list of activities to include in the paper chain and put it together. Here's what we ended up with this time. By having smaller chains, it seems to be a bit more manageable and doesn't look like a bad window swag this time. I used the same paper colors (made of unused scrap booking paper) as the last chain, so there would be some familiarity there.


It is my intention to have he length (or lack thereof) be a visual indicator of how much is left in the week. As you can see, the first week (far left) is not tacked at the very top. That is because I started on a Tuesday. Then, the last week (far right) is shorter because it isn't a full week, either.

All of this effort is leading them to be interested in reading and understanding a calendar. I'll keep you updated on how this goes.

How do you like to teach weeks and months to your kids?

Sunday, August 7, 2011

A Week of Reflection

I've been doing a lot of reflecting this week... about my life, my family, my choices, and this blog. My "Almost On Purpose" idea continues to morph and adapt. And I think that's what this journey is about. It's my journey of recovering from perfectionism (a state of mind that can really hinder one from doing anything... unless it is perfect) and finding the joy and beauty in everything... even if I think I've made a mistake. It's NOT about living without purpose or direction. My purpose and direction is wholeheartedly driven by the Almighty Creator, my Savior, Jesus Christ. In Him, there is no misdirection. Sometimes, it just takes me a little longer to catch the drift.

He loves us SO much that He's given us free will. One of my husband's favorite "isms" is: It would be easier for God to just make us love Him; but that's not love, that's control. Instead, He loves us SO much that He wants us to choose Him on our own.

In His unending mercy and love for us, He can turn our "mistakes" into joy. I don't deserve it, but that's the point! Just look at the bloodline of Jesus...  a young man who stole from his brother (Jacob), a man who killed another so he could have his wife (David), and an unwed girl to carry the Son of God (Mary). God is big enough to take any of our mistakes and turn them into something AMAZING!

Yes, it's wonderful to make all the right choices, and we do seek the Father's will. At the same time, it is overwhelming to know that He can turn any circumstance into something for His glory.

My attempt at perfectionism only keeps me from enjoying my life and my family. I still give 100-percent in everything I do. However, I am trying to give myself grace because I don't know everything. However, I do know the One that does.

I am reminded that this blog is my journey to find joy in everything, even if I didn't intend to make it happen.