I am really excited to write about my next blog... but I have to finish off my "being more simple" topic with our WAGON!
It doesn't get more simple than this...
First, I want to start by saying the simple features of this car remind me of when I was little riding in my grandfather's car. I loved the gear handle and the click it made.... it was like the car was saying "get ready... our journey starts now". I loved the smell of the air fresheners he always had (you know those tree things). Then I loved the click of the seat belt... odd I know!
Guess what... I now have my very own car that has all of these features.
A few years back my father-in-law, brother-in-law and husband all bought a red station wagon (wood grained side). I loved it, and have missed it since my father-in-law sold it. It was great... our whole (and by whole I mean all 9 of us) could go anywhere together in it. Plus... the rear facing window is awesome!
So, about a month ago, we sat at dinner with my husbands parents... talking about a bigger car. Then I said... "what about a wagon?"... got on eBay... found this one... thought that's different, practical, and affordable! Let's get it! So we did!
Most of you know I have a wonderful car now... but the wagon is like driving your couch around. So comfortable! I will miss the auto drive function on my car now... but I will survive!
The kids love it... it has pop doors, DVD player, Flo master exhaust (I have no idea what Flo master exhaust is...?... but this car has it).
I love it when the kids say.. "mom ____ is great". It usually has to do with some old function that they have never seen before. Like the cigarette tray on the doors... ha ha. They think it is a storage cup... good luck fitting anything in it though. I feel like they are getting to experience a piece of history.
Anyways... simple.....loving life for the small things it has to offer....
January 24, 2011
January 19, 2011
It's hard NOT to desire a more simple life when you see this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BywUvR8YCW4
(This is where we will be traveling late this summer.)
I think about our trips planned for this year.... There will be trips back to the midwest for weddings, a trip to California with our best friends... but the trip that will make the biggest impact in our life this year will be to Ethiopia.
I am exctied about all of our coming travels... A best friend is getting married, it will be a great time to celebrate her new journey in life. It's fun to not just think about her wedding day, but to also to think about all the great things ahead for her: kids, celebrations, ect.
I am excited to spend some time in California with our best friends. I think this is our fourth year vacationing together. I look forward to sitting in the sand watching the kids play... eating ice cream every night... splurging on a fun dinner with probably too much chocolate for desert, and propably talking about a trip to Africa that will be only weeks away...
As we entered into this journey of saying why are we blessed and how do we give back... I have learned far more than I thought I would. It's been hard to let go of material things that I love and to be more needs based. I may have come a long way, but I still have a long ways to go.
As I watch this video, it's hard to believe I need more than water, food, and shelter: yet these kids barely have that.
I listen to many tell me about adoption... Some stories are great and filled with encouragement. Some stories I have to ask if they thought before they talked... but in the end I can only be the hands and feet of Jesus and trust that he will do the rest.
I lost my dad when I was young, and cannot say I have a stable mother. So when I look at the family that Robbie and I have created today, I can only imagine what it would have been like growing up with great parents and my heart truely wants to share that with all kids. Right now we have Maddyn and Brock... we love them more than life... and look forward to sharing our love with kids who might never know what a family is.
So I guess the point is: We are living simple, to adopt and share life with those who might not ever get the chance to know what a family is.
January 18, 2011
It's the simple things in life.
For some of our closest friends you got to see our lives get a lot more simple last year. I have to say sometimes change is hard, but when you look back and see that it's the simple things in life that bring you the most joy.... sometimes simplifying your life can be the best thing you can do.
I am around my kids most of the day, but I love the simple moments with them. Last week I was sitting on the couch with Maddyn. I looked over at her, and I thought "she is beautiful". Although, she is beautiful on the outside... I just love that she just loves people around her for who they are, and loves to be my little helper. I think as a mom it can be scary to watch our kids grow up and it is hard to think that one day they might make a bad choice. So today I am delighted that I have a 6 year old that is simple and brings love and smiles into our home daily!
This week I am looking forward to writing about some of the changes we have made... but to start the week. I just wanted to delight in my 6 year, who can be the most complicated little girl at some points along the way... but lately she has been so simple. And it is in these simple moments her heart shines and you get to see the awesome little person she is!