Who doesn't love cupcakes?

How cute are these?

From Volume 25

Click on picture for a link to the download!

Fridays at the Park :: July 29

Don't forget about our playdate at Lawrence Street Park today!  10-?  Bring a lunch or snacks, drinks etc, whatever you want!

The park is located on the corner of Lawrence Street and Pine in Zeeland!

Don't forget to mark the last Friday at the Park on your calendar: August 26 @ Helder Park

SOAP Psalm 127:1 {In the Word Wednesday}

S :: Scripture

Psalm 127:1
Unless the Lord builds the house it's builders labor in vain. 
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stand guard in vain.
(Feel free to look up additional translations at Biblegateway.org)

O :: Observe

Any work we do without the Lord is useless.  If we build our family without acknowledging the Lord we build in vain.  No matter what I do to raise my kids "right", it doesn't matter, if I'm not teaching them to love the Lord before anything else.

A :: Apply

Use everyday moments to teach the kids about the Lord.  Everything can be turned into a lesson from God.

P :: Prayer

God, please help me to bring you more fully into the task of raising this family.  Help me to see you in the every day normal parts of life so that I can relay those things to my kids.  Be with all the moms out there that are trying to raise your children your way, keep us strong with the support of each other.  You need to be the base on which our families are built.
Amen

What are your observences and applications from this verse?  Share here in the comments section.  Let's learn from each other!

How to Really Love Motherhood

Found via Callaloo Soup (click on the image)

Childrens Scavenger Hunt

Here's a fun scavenger hunt to keep the kiddo's busy for a little while.  And, best of all, it's a free printable (click the picture for a direct link)!

This could easily be used on road trips or just in the backyard!

Thanks to Maggie from Smashed Peas and Carrots for sharing this great rescource!

But will it make me happy? {In the Word Wednesday}

From http://www.proverbs31.org/

But Will It Make Me Happy?
Marybeth Whalen

“When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.” Ecclesiastes 7:14 (NIV)

When my son Brad was about three years old, he went through a little phase of playing on my emotions when he wanted something. If I told him “no,” he would reply, “But mommy, that will make me happy.” Then he would give me his most adorable smile and bat his eyes at me for effect.
Boy did he know how to work me over! Some of the requests were for things like a lollipop before dinner or staying up several hours past bedtime. And while I knew those things might make him happy for a moment, they definitely weren’t the best choice for him. As his mom, I knew that sticking to my “no” was the wise choice — no matter how many manipulation tactics he tried.
And yet, how many times do I act just like this before God?
I kneel before Him and present Him with a laundry list of things I think would make my life better. In reality, I don’t have any better idea about what is best for me than my child does. My view of happiness is very temporary and circumstance based.
While I think I know what will make me happy, I am learning that, in truth, I have absolutely no idea. And this is where trusting God and submitting to His will is always the better choice.
How many times in your life have you wanted something so badly — yet when you got whatever it was, you realized, “Nope, this didn’t do it for me either.” That house you wanted to move into so badly, that person you wanted to date, that achievement you thought would bring success, that child you longed to have — they all brought you momentary happiness, but they didn’t fulfill you as you had hoped or bring you the significance you longed for.
I am learning slowly that whenever I find myself begging God for something, with some whining thrown in for good measure, I have to step back and ask myself the question: But will it make me happy? I know that whatever “it” is, it doesn’t have the power to bring me lasting happiness — that deep indwelling joy that only God can bring.
I may have a flash of happiness, only to lose it mere moments later. I am learning slowly to push aside these momentary longings and seek God instead. To tell Him, “Here’s what I think I want. But I trust You to do what’s best for me.”
I have learned that a book with my name on the cover, an outfit hanging in my closet that looks great on me, an accolade for my child, a trip to the spa, or an address in the right neighborhood will not make me happy, as much as I think it might. I can’t look for happiness in the things of this earth, or I will certainly live in a state of disappointment.
Instead I can spend my time seeking God, and allowing Him to bring along unexpected blessings — little bouquets of happiness along the way.
That doesn’t mean I don’t still look longingly at a new iPod or a sleek new laptop and think fleetingly, “Oooooh, now that would make me happy.” But I am learning to pull back and refocus my perspective when I have those thoughts.
Will it make me happy? Maybe for a moment. But in the long run, only God can bring me the joy I seek. I am learning that, minute by minute, day by day.

5 awsome things to do with your kids this summer!

From kinderpendent

Who says summer fun has to be expensive? Here are five things to do this summer that won't break the bank & are sure to remain with your kids forever..

1. Throw your own parade! Grab some markers & let your kids design their parade signs. Then dress in your most fun garb, pull out your best noise makers, and hit the sidewalks! Don't forget to invite the neighborhood kids!

2. Outdoor movie night. Let your kids experience the fun of a drive-thru theatre in their own backyard with the use of a projector & the side of your home! Set up lawn chairs, and invite friends. Don't forget the popcorn. (Don't have a projector? Don't splurge yet, chances are you might know somebody who does.)

3. Backyard camping. When you're five, camping outside is nothing but magical. Count the stars, roast some marshmallows, and share stories with your kids. If you're really brave, sleep out there, too.

4. Host an art show! Kids love to show off their works. Hang their favorite masterpieces around the house, put together some refreshments, and invite some friends & family to come check out your kids' work. (It's a great excuse for an anytime mini-party & your kids will love it!)

5. Hold a creative cooking challenge. First, let your kids draw out a plan. Challenge them to come up with a new, tasty recipe. Help them decide what ingredients they will need. Then gather up their ingredients and let them get to work (helping out with the oven, or other needs along the way). Let everyone get a nibble of all of the creations, and be sure to gush over the delicious creativity!

Lessons From Life {By Ronald Russell}

via http://www.spiritualinspiration.tumblr.com/

64 hours in a day {In the Word Wednesday}

64 Hours

 

I would love to post the devotional for today here, but can't for some reason.  So, I've linked to it.  It's worth taking a look at ladies.  Don't we all feel like we need more time in our days sometimes?  Click on the link above to find out more about that!  And then come back and leave a comment letting me know what you think!

3 great games for a wading pool

First of all I wanted to tell you how excited we all are for another year to begin!  We had our first official meeting today.  Sadly we had to say goodbye to some of our committee members, but we've gained a few new members and changed a few people around!  I'll make sure to introduce them all to you very soon!  Make sure to check out the 2011-12 schedule page to the right to find out about important dates!

Now, onto regular scheduled programming:

Here's a great article from Wondertime with some fun ideas & experiments for water fun!

Is it all about me?

Thankful

Just a thought for the day!

Have a great weekend!

10 Committments of a Jesus Revolutionary {In the Word Wednesday}

AS A JESUS REVOLUTIONARY…

   1. I will spend quality time with God every day in prayer and the Word.
   2. I will walk in purity of heart and integrity of life, in thought, in speech, and in deed.
   3. I will not be ashamed of Jesus but will confess him boldly as Lord and Savior.
   4. I will commit myself to the Great Commission, looking for opportunities to win the lost, restore the backslidden, and make disciples.
   5. I will seek to be a peacemaker and ambassador of reconciliation, forgiving those who have offended me and seeking the forgiveness of those whom I have offended.
   6. I will walk in love towards those who despise and reject me, overcoming evil with good and hostility with kindness.
   7. I will pursue fellowship with brothers and sisters of like mind and will not separate myself from the Body.
   8. I will be involved with a ministry of mercy, through serving or through giving, helping to relieve human suffering in a tangible way.
   9. I will stand for righteousness and justice, enlisting myself in a moral cause for the honor of the Lord and the good of society.
10.  I will seek the fullness of the Spirit, availing myself of everything God has made available for His people today.


10 committments we should all make!  Found via Pinterest on http://www.spiritualinspiration.tumblr.com/
Direct link here.

Postivie Thoughts {Free Printable}

I hope you all had a great holiday weekend!

Here's a free printable from kind over matter!  How fun would this be to hang up at work or school or Meijer for that matter!  Spread kindness!

Patriotic Inspiration

Sifted Flour Lawn Stars 

How fun would this be if you were having a party, and it could be adapted to fit a lot of different celebrations!

Patriotic Hand and Footprints



Can't copy the pictures from this one, but trust me, click on the link, there are some CUTE ideas!  Sprinkled marshmellows, flag snack cups, and lot's more!

Katherine Marie Photography

Free printables... posters and bingo cards from Makoodle.

Patriotic Pinwheel from Marth Stewert

And, one more!  Mason jars seem to be the "in" thing right now so I had to include something using them.

Mason Jar Corn Salad from Mish Mash What a fun idea for a party! (You have to scroll down quite a ways to find the recipe)

I hope you all have a great holiday!

Meal planning frustrations

Were moms.  We have a lot on our plates.  Unfortunately the stuff on my real plate starts to feel very repetative after a while.  We seem to get in a dinner rut every few months.  Tacos, spaghetti, grilled chicken, pizza... etc.  Enter: Living Locurto

She links to 24 different meal plans, some with grocery lists!  Love it!  Now... to impliment it!  :)

Enjoy!