Showing Appreciation

                                                                                 

Aunt Valerie Watches As Uncle Stephen Helps Bait Hooks!

Today some of us were chatting. We were sharing some great memories of time spent together -- and how much those times mean to us even now. Some of the very simple things that we have done have made some great memories for all of us.

Just take the fishing the kids did in Stephen's and Jeannie's pond last summer -- catch and release! I think EVERYBODY caught at least one fish. It was a borrowed pond, borrowed poles, and best of all it was the shared company.

You know, GOD has blessed us so much in this family. He has given us the very parents, children, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents that He wanted us to have. Let's not take that for granted -- and even worse, let's not despise what God has done for us.

Aunt Michele Has Some Great-Looking Corn on The Grill

While we were talking today, we decided that we probably take each other too much for granted! We don't thank each other for how much things have meant to us. Today Emily thanked Aunt Marcia for the fun times like going to the zoo and making homemade play dough (using jello to color it)! No matter what we are doing, it really isn't so much WHAT we are doing as WHO we are doing it with! And we decided it doesn't matter how much something costs. We just have fun being together for cookouts, swimming, playing games, sharing stories, taking road trips, watching candles flicker when the power is out, singing, baking cookies, even cleaning house together or taking a hike!

What Fun At The Pool And Playground in Millinocket

Sometimes I hear some of the kids say they are bored. And they know Grammie doesn't like that. There is always a book to read, a project to do, a hug to give, a call to make, someone to help. We aren't bored. There is just nothing around that we are willing to do. Do me a favor and learn the value of just being alone for a bit and thanking God for his many, many blessings.

If you are reading this, YOU are among those who are a blessing to us and all of the family. We want to thank you for every moment that you have spent with us. They are all precious. Our advice to you is to make happy memories. Cherish each other and treasure the moments you have with our loved ones. 

Aunt Beth, Hope, and Uncle Kevin at Emily's Wedding

                                                                                 My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.

    -- From I John 3 in The Message