The Slow Lent Movement

This idea was shared last night at a church meeting as our devotional.  I connected with the concept on two levels.  First, I find it impossible to stick with the "giving something up" part of Lent...I have no dedication!  Plus, really what does it mean when you give up chocolate or swearing?  As a matter of fact, last year I jokingly gave up listening to whining children...and I'll let you imagine how long that lasted!  Secondly, I'm finding that I am living my life at full-speed...and there is never enough time for everything.  So, after a brief introduction to the concept of "Slow Lent," I quickly bought in!

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There are five basic principles or disciplines for a Slow Lent.  Each discipline first introduces the traditional thought and then adapts it to the new way of thinking.  Enjoy!

#1.  Traditional:  repentance
       Slow:  speak less, listen more

So often we listen to someone talk while already thinking about how we will respond, never really hearing what the other person was saying.  This discipline asks you to listen more carefully with your full attention.

#2.  Traditional:  forgiveness
       Slow:  let go of one grudge and one "should"

Oh, the grudge thing is hard for me!  It's just how I operate!  And I love the "should" thought.  There is so much that we feel we "should" do but don't really need to.  I'll have to chose carefully to decide what "should" I'm going to let go!

#3  Traditional:  catechesis (explained to me as preparation     
                                               for religious service)
      Slow:  re-learn one basic of the faith

This could be as simple as focusing on prayer or rereading a section of the Bible.  Make it work for you to help you build your understanding of your faith.

#4  Traditional:  fasting
      Slow:  choose one way to "unplug"

A technology fast as opposed to a food fast!  Could be as simple limiting your Facebook time to once a day or putting your phone in another room during dinner or *gasp* not blogging on the weekend.  Again, make it work for you!

#5  Traditional:  almsgiving  (tithing)
      Slow:  simplify

I think this is self-explanatory...how's that for simple?!?

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See how applicable this is to today's life style?  Anyone interested in joining me on this challenge?  Drop me a comment if you are...I'd love to hear about your "Slow Lent"!

Borrowed from Bishop Margaret G. Payne of the NewEngland Lutheran Synod

One Year Ago...

One year ago (actually yesterday!), we baptised our little one! Miss Wiggles joined our church family! Aren't they cute!

A Family Kind Of Weekend!

We had another busy weekend...guess that's just our life! I decided to put aside all the school news and just enjoy my days with the kids. We had a ton of fun...haircuts, a birthday party, hiking, playing, shopping - Toys'R'Us, Trader Joe's, Sam's Club, IKEA, projects around the house...and lots of cuddles! All the fun makes it hard to realize that it is Sunday night and that I have to return to school tomorrow...no matter how unwelcoming it may feel. But, on another note, the kids are super-excited to see our sitter (who is actually our sitter's daughter for tomorrow...but that's another story!)!

Tater went to her first birthday party at McDonald's and it was for her all-time favorite school friends - twins, S and W! She and S have even made their intentions for marriage known! Little does she know that Daddy has decided she has to wait until she's 60!

Bruiser got his haircut and got "spiked like Daddy"!

Tater chose to go shorter...and Mommy's pushing for even shorter before summer.

Then we headed to the Audubon Society for our first hike through nature for the year.

This slimy frog reminded us of Papa's pond.

Mommy wore Miss Wiggles in the backpack and surrendered the camera to Daddy...a weak moment but it was fun to focus on the kids and not the memory making for a change!

This hike had a great boardwalk that made the walk even better.

Daddy spotted a bird...of some kind!

(Lost my bird books in the flood...)

Love this shot...and love hold this little guys hand!

Where the hike ended...so peaceful!

A HUGE turtle we found hiding in a spot along the path.

We also enjoyed being outside...Miss Wiggles loves the Cozy Coupe!

Snack time!

(Can't live without the "Snack Trap" cups!)

And...finally...look carefully...Miss Wiggles is sporting her first ponytail!

Wordless Wednesday - ATTACK!

Happy, Hoppy, Easter!

Well, the Easter Bunny DID come...although there have been some questionable moments during the past week. It was probably a combination of Mommy and Daddy's stress level and children begging for attention...so the big Bunny decided to stop by anyway!

There was lots of fun times searching though baskets and buckets to explore the hidden treasures! All three kids got new beach buckets for our vacation this summer. Tater loved her new princess Band-aids and Bruiser giggled when he saw the candy! Miss Wiggles didn't quite get it all...but had fun digging through bucket and standing up in her high chair.

After the excitement died down, we got everyone dressed (and by "we" - I mean, Mommy!) and headed out front for the traditional family Easter picture.

Almost...

Sit up, Bruiser!

As good as it got!

Then the kids had a mini-egg hunt for the mysterious eggs that appear in our garden each Easter. They are shiny and sparkly and contain "paper money" as Tater calls it. Someone in our neighborhood is a secret bunny - and it is such a fun treat!

Then we headed to church, where I spent the service in the cry room...so much for Easter! I did get to escape when Bruiser decided he was going to dance in the aisle instead of sit for the children's sermon. As I marched him back down the aisle, he yelled "Ow!" over and over. Didn't I feel like a great mom!

After church we had a congregational brunch and Sunday School egg hunt. It was a fun time to social and share our faith together!

Tater Turns Five!

Our baby girl is now five! I can't even begin to figure out where the years have gone...but that's why we live by the saying "long days, short years"! Here are a few glimpses of our precious princess over the years.

Her first birthday party at Build-A-Bear...we were so young!

At the beach!

Taking pictures of butterflies.

Laying in the leaves!

Snacking at Papa's

Building blocks - and eventually she ended up inside the tower!

Baby girl...one day old!

Playing in the snow!

Tater was the precious little one that we waited so long to have and then couldn't imagine life without! She worked her way into every one's hearts...especially her Papa's! She has taught us so much - as parents, as people, and as friends. She gives the best cuddles, has the most caring personality, and has a mind that will challenge Mommy and Daddy over the years to come.

Tater is all girl! She loves dance class, crafty things, baking, princesses, fancy things, jewelry, and taking care of her little brother and sister. She is our social butterfly! She is an amazing helper...when she wants to be! She is a love but also loves to challenge her Mommy and Daddy. She tests us every step of the way!

Tater has developed an amazing sense of faith and family. She loves church and God and she loves family time. And, of course, she LOVES Papa!

She has grown way too fast! She has excelled at preschool and will start kindergarten in September. As sad as that makes Mommy and Daddy, she can't wait to go to "Mommy's school" (yes, she will be in the same school that I teach at!). There is no turning back now...she's growing up!

So, Tater, know that you will always be Mommy and Daddy's baby...because you were our first! We love you more than words can describe! Hold on to that amazing enthusiasm and zest for life! Never stop questioning...never stop learning! And never get too big to cuddle with Mommy!

We love you, Birthday Girl!

Nativity Set Blog Carnival

Today I'm joining JanMary's carnival of Nativities!

This is my Willow Tree set that stays out all year...its too pretty to put away and it gives us a daily reminder of the real meaning in our life!

My grandmother quilted this one and I searched for years for the perfect way to hang it...

This is the children's Fisher Price nativity that they can play with! They love to retell the story of baby Jesus!

Last year we added the stable with the Little Drummer Buy and...

...the sheep. Thank you, Papa and Mimi!

And this is a cute nativity that I made years ago...Tater made the tree in preschool last year and it's a perfect addition!