GIFTS OF THE SEA

Since we are in Florida this week I thought I would include beach inspired gifts on my list.  

106.  sandy toes

107. sandy creations

108.  room to run and cartwheel and dance and chase seagulls

109.  saggy bottom swimsuits

110.  seashells

111.  waves rushing over your feet

112.  treasure hunting among the rocks

113. teamwork

114. long ponytails on a hot day

115.  expanse of sky and water

116.  turquoise colored water

117.  reminders of God's power with every crashing wave

118.  reminders of the depth and width of His love

A LONG TRIP

We leave for Florida EARLY tomorrow.  It is a LONG way from New Hampshire.  It is 24 hours trapped in a car with 4 children.  Pray for me.  We are armed with many DVD's, audio books, coloring books and snacks but that is a lot of togetherness.  And really,  how many Disney songs can you sit through without wanting to shoot one of the cute little characters?
We have done many long road trips with children and we have it down to a science. We know how to load a car with everything 6 people need for a week plus a toy bag and snack bag accessible. Everyone is assigned their 14 1/2 inches of seat space (well,  my husband and I get a little more than that!)   My husband is the potty police and believe me when I say there are no unauthorized stops!

On the bright side, in a weird way it is a little vacation for me.  I can sit and knit, read and eat chocolate for hours.
And when we finally get there we can do this...

P.S.  If I can wrangle the laptop from my husband's hands I will fill you in on our days.  Have a great week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY HUSBAND

Today is my husband's 40th birthday.

He is a good man who loves his children, tells his wife she is beautiful, doesn't know the meaning of lazy and is always honest.  He is adventuresome, loyal, and not afraid of change (unless I move the furniture - that kind of freaks him out).  He has a growing faith in the Lord, is generous to others and always thinks of the perfect gift.
We have been together through college,  job changes, the birth of 4 children, the death of 1 parent and all of our grandparents,  9 moves in 5 different states and many tough decisions.
He doesn't mind it when I warm my cold toes on him in bed and he lets me eat the chocolate he received for Christmas.  He is a good guy.