Dressed for Success

"Look out world....HERE SHE COMES!!"

The Alligator Park

Baby Raccoon

Grace and the "Bug's Eyes" Glasses

Yep, she touched the baby alligator....

And the Snake!!

What a brave little girl.

Our day also included:

Edwin fishing- he caught two catfish

A deer herd with babies

Turtles

Spiders

Endless rounds of "Old McDonald"

Sunscreen and bug spray

6 Weeks

Baby Anne is 6 weeks old!

Benefits of Blogging

I've been collecting a list of reasons why blogging is a positive in my life.

It's been the springboard to recording seemingly insignificant details into my day-to-day activities.

• Family Journal-I have since started a family journal which I update weekly. This journal includes the running details of Edwin's schooling, the activities we do as a family, and my girls' growth and development. We have enjoyed rereading it time and again so far. Hopefully I will continue to maintain our family record.
• Personal Journal-My personal journal has also been updated more frequently since I started blogging. My journal contains the things I think and feel that don't necessarily need to be broadcast on the web. However, my entries have become much more focused since they have become a weekly habit.
• EMAIL-The multitude of emails I get telling me someone has commented on my site! I love hearing from people!!! (Sorry, I read more than I comment on other's sites! It's all I can do to keep up with everyone let alone comment!)
• Motivation-The drive to try more, do more, and live more. Seeing how much others are doing in their lives' encourages me to experience new things. Not only do I have an endless supply of suggestions to carryout, but a list of activities with reviews from people who's opinion matters to me!! Who could ask for a better review critic than someone you know and appreciate? So keep living full happy lives people!!! Everyone could use a little more motivation from time to time.
• Self-Analysis-Since blogging I analyze myself more often. Throughout the day I find that I question reasons behind the things I'm doing. I also evaluate the pros and cons and causes and effects to little things. How I spend my time defines who I am as a person and I now want to make every minute count.

BLOGGING DOWNFALLS---

There is only one I can think of.....TIME!!! There's not enough time to keep up with all your blogs, write my own, and still take care of my personal responsibilities. Oh well, I sure like trying to make it all work together somehow! Go Blogging!

Simple Words

Edwin and I have been encouraging Grace to use "please" and "thank you." I know it's important to be polite and courteous, but I didn't realize how these two words can change my thoughts and actions.

The past few days I have noticed Grace using "please" and "thank you" without prompting. Tonight was no exception. When Edwin filled Grace's cup with water we heard, "Thank you, Daddy." After I picked up the fork she dropped once again we heard, "Thank you, Mom." Then Grace needed some more water and it was, "More please, Mom."

I glanced at Edwin several times and caught him smiling over these simple words that were so sincere. Then I realized that I too was grinning and even chuckling from time to time. There was something significantly different between Grace's cute toddler behavior and her genuine gratitude. Nothing entices me more to lend a helping hand than Grace kindly asking for help where she lacked that ability to do things on her own.

"Please" and "Thank you" changed the atmosphere in our home and brought smiles to two tired parents. Since dinner I have wondered if I have displayed the same courtesy to others that my child exhibited tonight. May I follow my daughter's example.

I love you, Grace!

Thank you.