Wonderful time away... making memories and remembering

On Friday Ken and I went with Gwen and Tim and the kids to an indoor water park/hotel.  We have visited this park several times in the past (we skipped last year, thanks to Anna!).  This year we had connected rooms, which was such a blessing.  We had a great "room service" dinner together and then Ken and I and Gwen took the older three kids for a swim.  Anna was ready for bed, so Tim stayed in the room and put her down for the night.  After an hour or so of swimming the kids could hardly keep their eyes open.  So we returned to our rooms.  Zeke wanted to go to bed right away.  Lia and Ellie wanted some time to play games with the adults!  So we played several rounds of "Frozen Spot It" and also "I Spy Bingo".  After several games, Ellie was ready for bed.  So, off she went.  Gwen and I decided to teach Lia how to play Yahtzee.   Let me tell you about our family tradition of Yahtzee playing.  I can't remember how long ago Yahtzee made it's first appearance at our family kitchen table.  But one thing is for sure, it was a LONG time ago.  And it was my mom that made Yahtzee such a tradition for us.  Grandma Nona LOVED Yahtzee.  My mom and I played so many games of Yahtzee that I could not even begin to imagine what the total number would be! We played so many games that we actually both had more than one "perfect card"! (Is you are not a Yahtzee player, let me just tell you that this is not easy to do.  Since the game is mostly chance - with a bit of skill thrown in - this is really amazing).  Anytime that I was with my mom, it included games and games of Yahtzee.  We once made an "emergency run" late at night to a 24 hour store to purchase more Yahtzee pads when we ran out.  Both Gwen and Doug (and Ken) will tell you that they often went to sleep to the sounds of the dice hitting the table and laughter filling the air.   Since my mom died in 2011, I don't think I have played one game of Yahtzee..... until last night.

Gwen and Tim brought the Yahtzee game to the hotel.  They had pulled it off of their "game shelf" and the dust on the box was evidence of the number of years that the box had sat, unopened.   When Gwen opened the box, this was on the top....

This is Grandma Nona's score sheet from 2003, when she visited Gwen and Tim and stayed at their house.  Gwen had purchased this game especially for Grandma's visit.  Both Gwen and I recognized her handwriting immediately.  It was a bittersweet moment for us, holding this score sheet in our hand.  Isn't that silly?  You know, this was almost more important to me than finding a letter she might have written.  That score sheet represented so much more for me.  It was a reminder of those wonderful times with my mom.  It was a wonderful Valentine for me.  Lia played her first game of Yahtzee and beat both Gwen and me! During the game we had a chance to tell Lia many wonderful stories from years ago.  Grandma Nona would be so proud.  

This morning the kids got their own Valentines from their mommy and daddy.  And they loved the singing card and the great books that they got.  Don't you just love this picture of all four kids cuddled together?  

We had a great day today, spending hours and hours in the water.  Anna took a long nap in the stroller and both Zeke and Lia conquered the "Big Slide",  riding down on a tube!  Yes, it was a day of making new memories. Ellie and I got to spend some time by ourselves in the Hot Tub (we bent the rules just a bit since you need to be 6 to use it.  Ellie turns 6 in two weeks).  It was fun to have some one on one conversation with her.  By the time we headed home, everyone was tired, but very happy.  

The last several months have really brought to the surface for me, how important family is.  I can assure you that this weekend was the best valentine that I could ever receive.  Surround by the ones you love and filled with joy, laughter and fun.  

And here is the icing on the cake for me.  While riding along on the Lazy River during one of the many trips we took around that track, Gwen and Anna came up behind me on their tube.  Gwen pointed out that Anna was calling for "Grandma!"  And she loudly called out "Grandma" and gave me that killer smile.  Honestly, there is nothing better than that.  

Jesus, thank you so much for your great love for us.  Holy Spirit, thank you for family and fun.  As we know your love, we share that love with those around us.  What an amazing gift you give us.  Jesus, help us all to stop and draw up closer to you, and feel that love.   Thank you for signs of love from the past and new memories made and shared.  Amen

New perspective on Valentine's day.....

All you have to do is be around a group of 3 year olds to appreciate that next Friday is Valentine's day.  Isn't this a cute bulletin board (thanks Jackie!)?  I got to help most of the kids make these adorable bees.  Each of the kids got to cut the black "stripes" for their bees and glue them together.  They also got to choose the eyes!  You can't see in the picture but several have 2 different color eyes.  We thought they might all look the same, but happily, they are all very different.  And the kids love to see their very special bee on display.  The board is a bit fuller today, but I didn't get another picture.  We now have 21 bees on display as well as 21 hearts. 

As I was helping the kids make their bees I asked them what they thought Valentines day was.  I got some interesting responses.  One little girl told me "well it's all about love and you give cards".  I thought that was pretty good for a three year old.  Then there was the boy that looked at me and said "What?" So I restated the question.....what is Valentine's day?  He stared at me.  So I said, that is why we are having a party next week.   His face brightened up and he said "will we get candy?" Obviously not very aware of this holiday.  Another boy gave me a long description of the pack of Power Ranger papers that he and his mom bought at the store.  And he was going to give them to all of his friends and even the friends that he didn't really like.  I guess 3 is a bit young for Valentine's day.

But these comments made me think about this "Hallmark" holiday (you know,  the kind that is really all about the card companies getting you to buy cards).  I haven't really ever been very fond of this holiday.  I don't think my parents ever exchanged cards or gifts on Valentines day.  Ken and I never really did anything special, that is until we had the kids.  I bet they would remember the year that we got our first ever video player on Valentine's day.  Or the year that they got their Cabbage Patch dolls as a Valentine's day gift.  One year we got our first microwave oven! But, I have a confession to make.  Remember that this blog is about truth telling.  The reason these purchases were Valentines day gifts is that it usually we received our income tax refund around that time.   But I digress........

I will go with little Anna's description....its all about love!  Its good to have a reminder that it is important to tell those closest to us just how special they are.  And it is also a great time to remember those that we don't see every day.  Those special friends or family that may not have heard loving words from us for a long time.   And I am so thankful that I can celebrate that Jesus IS love and he loves us all.  There is nothing better than that. 

Yes, I think that Valentine's day will be a bit different for me this year. Instead of just dismissing the day, I am going to focus on just how I am supposed to be celebrating it.  I will be using the next couple of days to STOP and listen to what Jesus may be saying to me about this subject.   Then I think I will be sending out a couple of cards! And getting to participate in a Valentines Day classroom party.  That will most likely, include some sweet treats. 

Jesus, thank you for the ways that you use secular events to turn my eyes to your plans and purposes.  Holy Spirit, thank you for reminding me that God is Love!  Thank you for these little children that bless me each day with their hugs and their smiles and their excitement.  Thank you for "Freeze Dancing" and silly songs.   Amen