Aftermath of the Storm

Our RV Journey – Summer Trip – Day 52

Well, our area was hit pretty bad by the storm. Our water has returned however we are still without power two days later. We are hearing estimates of it being restored on Saturday or Sunday.

We had really enjoyed our gazebo. We were eating outside under it for almost every meal daily. It had the netting all around it to keep the bugs out. While we are sad to lose it, it is difficult to imagine replacing it. Turns out the winds were 70 mph the night of the storm, the night the gazebo blew away and landed, mangled, in a tree. I’m sure it’s doubtful that we’ll reach 70 mph winds again anytime soon. However, do I want to worry about that again? I’m having a little difficulty here working through enjoyment vs. practicality.

Mostly I’m just grateful. These types of experiences really teach you to not take things for granted and to be thankful for the smallest things.

How did the storm affect you? Count your blessings tonight.

~ Happy Camper

Reflection of 2007: Finding Your Blessings

At this time of year, the end of 2007, our family is happily traveling and visiting friends and family. The kids are spending time with their cousins and just enjoying their time together. We exchanged gifts....the adults a pollyanna, which was planned ahead of time. We live further from family now, so the gifts of time, fellowship and friendship are much richer and more important to us.

For those unfamiliar with a pollyanna, we put the names of each adult in a hat and each adult picks a name - not their own =). Then he or she buys a gift for that person. It's a tradition we've been doing for years now. It's simplified the gift giving process and we all enjoy it. We each make up a gift list for ideas if needed and sometimes there is a theme with a set of gifts. We keep it "secret" who our pollyanna is until it's time for the exchange.

This is also the time of year when we reflect back on the year 2007 and recognize the blessings we have received this year. I have really enjoyed writing! Thank you for reading my blog. =)

Be thankful, celebrate & appreciate this time.

May you have had a year full of blessings!

More Jobs for Kids!

I give my children jobs. It started when they were arguing over who is going to say the blessing at meals!?!? So we made up a schedule (a simple schedule – every other day). So one says the blessing for meals all day and the other is the leader of the day. The leader gets the mail that day. It works out well and less arguing. Also if something comes up and there is arguing, I simply ask, “who’s day is it to be the leader?” That person does the job. It is simply solved, no more arguments. We keep track, with our easy system, and we are consistent. We do this daily. Thus the kids “know the rules” and do well with this system!

Are You Content?

In my Quest for the Simple Life, I always come back to this question. Am I content?

Am I content with what I have? Am I content with my relationships? Am I content with my place in life? This isn't to say that we shouldn't have goals and improve our lives. It's just to bring the point home - STOP & REFLECT.....at this very moment, are you content with your life?

I was thinking about this yesterday and even right at this moment. I am VERY content with my life. I am grateful for all that I have, for all that I have been blessed. I don't take enough time to sit quietly and reflect on what I have and be thankful. Life's moving too fast. My children and I talk often about having a grateful heart and being thankful.

Are you content?