It is Well

If all else fails, post music..... That's what I always say anyway.
Here's a new favorite. I hope you like it and your soul is filled with peace.

10 Pandora Stations

We listen to music on Pandora a lot- so I thought I'd share a quick list of the stations that we have listened to recently (don't judge, this is a fast top 10 list).  If you have a favorite station, please share! Of course, we have a variety of stations to fit our moods and personalities (and ages).

-Hillsong
-Jesus Culture
-Enya
-Dallas String Quartet
-Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Holiday)
-Veggietales
-Braveheart
-Snow Patrol
-Disney
-Newsboys

Here's a song from Dallas String Quartet that you might enjoy! We stumbled upon the DSQ almost by accident while looking for study music. We were pleasantly surprised :)

Top 10 Link-up with Many Little Blessings

Here Comes the Sun...

It seem like this winter keeps dragging on and on. I'm ready for spring! It's so refreshing to see the sun when you wake up, even though it's still only 40 degrees. I'll take what I can get. I feel like the sunlights gives you hope and encouragement for a new day. It shines light on our worries and helps melt away our troubles.

Psalm 18:28

English Standard Version (ESV)

²⁸ For it is you who light my lamp;
    the Lord my God lightens my darkness.

One blog at a time

Sitting here at the computer, I'm at a loss for what to type. Do I type another top 10 list?  Do I write about the kids? How about a recipe? I'll blame it on sleep deprivation. Well, since I can't seem to make up my mind and am distracted by life, I'll get some musical inspiration and pass it along.  Hopefully I can hop back on the blog wagon again :)

Do you ever get tired or frustrated about your current situation? Feel like you're getting pulled in multiple directions?  Or, maybe that's just me..... Well, just remember we are not alone in our daily battles.  Jesus is faithful and good. I pray that he would open our eyes to see his graciousness.

Matt Redman- Never Once 
(p.s. I apologize for the political add that might pop up)

 What song gets you motivated and encouraged?

Grace Like Rain

So I know I am not perfect-at all. I make mistakes. I don't listen. Or, I do listen but don't obey Jesus. I'm so thankful for God's grace and second chances. The out pour of God's grace & rainy days reminds me of this song.

Grace Like Rain- Todd Agnew

The rain washes away the dirt, makes things grow new & replenishes the thirsty.  It rains exactly when it is supposed to and it is free. Halleluiah, grace like rain falls down on me...

 

2 Corinthians 12:9

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Ephesians 2:8-9

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹  not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

10,000 Reasons

Here's a song that I'm liking right now. It may not seem too upbeat at first, but I think it will grow on you. I need to stop asking Jesus for more and instead be thanking him. Bless the Lord.

 

.....You're rich in love and you're slow to anger
Your name is great and your heart is kind
For all your goodness i will keep on singing
10,000 reasons for my heart to find.....

Chalk it up

Did you ever feel like you wanted to jump into a chalk drawing- you know, like Mary Poppins- which we watched not so long ago! Okay, I really haven't either.

 The reason I mention it though is because I sent two of my kiddos ( 4 & 7) outside to get some fresh air with a bag of sidewalk chalk. About 45 minutes later I was surprised to find this rather detailed chalk drawing - maybe springtime is on it's way!  I'm pretty sure my son drew most of it and my daughter "supervised" and added a tornado (who doesn't like a tornado). I couldn't help but post the pic cause I was so impressed. Don't chalk drawings and lemonade stands go hand in hand? Well, here's a song while you ponder that thought.

Mary Poppins- Jolly Holiday song

To go along with this chalk theme, I gathered a few ideas for chalk. Okay, I know it's not quite the season yet, but you can file it away for a sunny day.  Here you go!

Nick Jr.- 5 Favorite Chalk Games

10 Ideas For Sidewalk Chalk

Chalkboard Wall Idea (from Nest of Posies)

I will not be moved-

How often do you feel like you are fighting an uphill battle?

I don't know about you, but I feel like I continually need boldness and perseverance to continue on the path Jesus lay out for me. I've fallen down jumping over many hurdles (some literally), but I try to get up, brush off the dust and stay on the path.

I feel like this song gives me strength and some spiritual "muscle" to keep going in spite of obstacles.

Psalm 55:22  Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

Natalie Grant - I Will Not Be Moved

(you tube music video)

So, maybe it also reminds me of some rockin' 80s music I grew up with too-
Whatever the case may be, keep fighting the good fight, do not be swayed...

From LMNOP to L - M - N - O - P

Today's menu special:  Now I Know My ABCs

How do you move from singing the ABCs with your toddler or preschooler to helping them learn to recognize & write the ABCs ?  I've always been highly interested in early literacy, and I used to get asked often from parents about what they can do at home with their kiddo. There are so many ideas out there it almost gets overwhelming. But, here's one quick resource that I think you'll like.  I hope you'll join us on this "literacy adventure".

I was browsing the internet looking for ideas for alphabet fun for my little ones (ages 2 & 4) and I ran across this site. I thought I'd share this find with you, especially if you have a little one learning the ABCs. It has almost everything listed that I could think of myself, including ABC read aloud suggestions, so rather than retype that all- here's a quick link.

I personally prefer more hands-on type of activities at this age to expose the kiddos to the alphabet. Pencil & paper can come later.  As you know though, no two kids are the same, so I'll think you'll like the variety of activities.  Hope it's fun & helpful.

PreKinders- alphabet practice ideas

You probably have a lot of these items sitting around your house already, or would be easy & cheap to pick up @ the Dollar Store. (ex. magnetic letters, shaving cream, clothes pins, abc stickers, divided trays, burner covers to use for sand writing, paper plates, bags, ...... the list could go on.....)

Since you know I also like music AND it's a great memory device for kids too,  I just had to include a few of my favorite fun ABC songs. Feel free to dance along or make up some ABC actions (I won't peek, I promise)!

If-you-like-to-talk-to-lemons.....

Lemonade (tune: Veggie Tales theme song)

If you like to talk to lemons,

If an orange can make you smile

If you like to drink lemonade

soaking in the sun a while....

-Have I got a drink for you..

Lemonade, Lemonade, Lemonade, Lemonade

Lemonade, Lemonade, Lemonade, Lemonade

There's never ever ever ever ever been a drink like lemonade

There's never ever ever ever ever been a drink like lemonade

Mix & stir, stir & mix, no cute tricks

Lemonade

Drink & sip, sip & drink, give a wink

Lemonade

There's never ever ever ever ever been a drink like lemonade

There's never ever ever ever ever been a drink like lemonade

It's time for lemonade!

Yes, we have been watching A LOT of Veggie Tales around here lately!!  And yes, it was worth the time to write this catchy tune, even if I am on the only one entertained. I'm sure I could improve upon it, but that might really be a waist of time :).  I just can't help but make up silly songs- it must be in my DNA (thanks dad).

We've had a lot of nice family moments lately snuggled up on the sofa watching these interesting, silly & clever shows- might I add, there's a good message in all of them too.

If you have never had the pleasure of watching Veggie Tales, prepare to be enlightened.... here's two links for you. Enjoy! The pleasure is all mine. If nothing else, the child sitting on your lap while you try to type with one hand will be entertained for a few minutes :)

Veggie Tales Theme Song (you tube)

Veggie Tales Home Page (games, videos, songs)

We have also been watching the Veggie Tales movie,  The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything, which has some catchy tunes. You can't help but just tap your foot or bob your head when you hear the "Rock Monster" song (or maybe that's just us.....) I would hate for you to miss out, so here's a link for you! 

Rock Monster Video

A lemon for my thoughts-

My thoughts might not be worth a lemon. Would a lemon be more or less than a penny? Actually, I'll just give them to you for free, you can keep the lemon.......We recently watched the Disney movie "Meet the Robinsons". Really, we don't watch movies all the time! Okay, often but not all day long! But, the reason I mention it is because I almost get teary-eyed every time that I've ever watched it. It's silly, clever & fun with a happy ending of course. The little boy, Lewis, is an orphan who is always inventing things. In the end, he is finally adopted after coming back from the future. He finds his family in unexpected places or should I say, they find him (makes more sense when you watch it of course).  Part of the message of the movie is keep moving forward and we learn much more from our failures than from success. I also have a weak spot for music, so I thought I'd share a song with you as well- I can't quite pin point why, but I really like the song at the end of the movie. Here's a link to the song- if I've peaked your interest at all.

Little Wonders- by Rob Thomas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoTDH3nqhW4

......What will you do with these small hours we have? From my experience, if I trust and follow Jesus with all my heart, he'll reveal little wonders in unexpected places. Here's my short list: persevere through challenges, have patience, encourage others, be humble, hug my kiddos every chance I get!

Thanks for humoring me and listening to my ramblings-

"The Stand"

Before I can even post a lemonade recipe,  I must post this song, "The Stand".   Jesus is in everything we are and will be. He equips us. How could we sing, cook, create, pray, laugh, or even build a lemonade stand without him? I give Jesus credit for everything I can and will do. He loves me whether or not my stand is a success or failure. Take a break from the daily grind, abandoned your heart for a moment, praise, and be filled.