Don't Forget the Everyday Moments

Recently I have been caught up in a massive personal project creating my Vision Book.  It includes my 40 Before 40 list as well as my Life Bucket List.  Well this morning I was sitting with my daughter and I realized that it doesn't matter how many truly awesome and inspiring things I do and want to do if I don't remember those everyday moments.  For example, this morning my daughter and I were drinking tea and hot cocoa on the floor while watching the Disney film The Aristocats.  Before that we sat and read a couple of stories (well I read because she is 4 and can't read yet).  She sat in my lap and listened and was so excited.  It was a moment of realization for me.  I will continue to work on my Vision Book, but I must stop every now and then and relish in those everyday moments that make up life.

The everyday moments of life, much like the Everyday Awesomeness of God that I wrote about in my last post, are what get us through life.  They take us from minute to minute, hour to hour, day to day, month to month, and year to year.  Everyday moments can sneak up on you when you least expect it.  Some of these moments hit you right in the face.  Whether you create these moments intentionally or these moments just create themselves, always keep them close to your heart.

Everyday Awesomeness of GOD

Image Credit: Ramblings from Real Man's Land

This morning I posted a Facebook status update that said: "God is awesome...enough said."  There were a few likes but some one on one questions to me also asking what happened or what was new with me and my family.  The answer is nothing.  I was feeling at peace and just simply wanted to make the post because it was on my heart.  It got me to thinking about the times when people post status updates praising God.  There are some who post updates praising him in response to a specific good thing that has happened in their life or praising him letting people know that their storm will not last forever.  But, what about simply praising the everyday awesomeness of God.

God created the heavens and the Earth and everyday you wake up to see the beauty of this world is a blessing.  Everyday you have another chance to live this thing called life you should praise the awesomeness of God because he is the reason for everything.  God created you and he made you who you are.  He gave you a purpose and while you may not yet know what that purpose is you do have one.  Whether you choose to embrace that purpose or put it off is your choice, but God always has a reason for everything.

Even when you are in the midst of a storm you can assume there is a reason.  It could be to purge your life of things you didn't need in the first place.  It could be to force you to make a change in your life that you have either talked about or God has shown you.  It could be to get you to develop a closer relationship with God.  Whatever the reason it always turns out for the best if you believe in him and ultimately have faith.

So whether there is something good happening in your life right now, or whether you are in the midst of a storm, or whether it is just an ordinary day remember to praise the awesomeness of God!!

Vision Board & Vision Book

(Image Credit: Avram and Nikki [Team Have It ALL!]- Empower Network)

I have been attending Life Without Limits International Church in Tallahassee, Florida.  Our Pastor is Jimmie Baker.  There was a church-wide project to create a Vision Board.  What is a Vision Board you may ask?  Well a Vision Board is where you take a poster-board or other type of medium and create a vision for your life.  Members of the church created these boards and had a party to share their Vision Boards with everyone.  One of the purposes for doing this was accountability?  Accountability to who?  Well the vision is that we are all accountable to each other and accountable to God.  By creating our vision and sharing it we prompt others to encourage their fellow members to do what is needed to take their vision from the board to reality.

Sadly I came into it late and was not able to take part, but today in service the teen members of the church who create Vision Boards themselves shared their vision for their own life with the congregation.  It got me to thinking about my own life and if a teenager can create a vision for their life and commit to it then so should I.  When I started to think about what my own Vision Board would look like I realized that I had so many things I wanted to include in my Vision Board that they simply would not fit onto one piece of 22 x 28 piece of poster board.  Then a light bulb went off in my mind and I decided instead of creating a Vision Board I would create a Vision Book.

What will my Vision Book include?  Anything I want.  When will I be done with it?  Whenever I feel that I have included everything that I have had a vision for.  What is the purpose?  To take up the challenge set forth by my Pastor and the church and create a vision for my life that I write down and share with others.  Creating a Vision Board or a Vision Book is a monumental task because it requires dedication and self-reflection.  It requires a person to look at their own life to see if they are living up to the vision they have set for themselves and that has been set for them by God.  Quite simply it requires commitment.  I don't know what my Vision Book will look like or how much detail it will hold, but I feel inspired to do what I have been called to do (whatever that may be) and am committed to writing it down.  I will share my vision with my family, my friends, and my God.  I may even share it with the world.  Stay tuned.

Random Acts of Kindness

(Image Credit: The Carla Davis Show Website)

What is a random act of kindness?  A random act of kindness is a selfless act that one person performs for another or for a group of people in an effort to just show pure kindness, assist them, or cheer them up.  I first heard the term from Oprah Winfrey and then after doing a little bit of research I found out that the term was actually first coined by author Anne Herbert who wrote the quote "practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty" on a place mat at a restaurant back in the 1980's.  I was inspired to write this post by a sorority sister of mine, Miwako Story, who is on day 19 I believe in her quest to perform 40 acts of kindness in 40 days leading up to her birthday, a day that we share so I affectionately call her my birthday twin.

(Image Credit: Empower Network)

I have been so inspired by Miwako's efforts that I have decided when my birthday comes I will begin my own quest to perform 38 random acts of kindness in honor of my 38th birthday.  Some people may be wondering how can you perform 38 different acts of kindness or even 40.  There may even be some who think it is crazy or may want to do it themselves but think it will be too much money.  Well I am here to tell you that it does not take a lot of money; in fact it really doesn't take any money at all.  An act of kindness can be something as simple as holding a door open for someone or even putting coins in a parking meter that has expired.  The whole point is just to show kindness to another person or group of people.

(Image Credit: The Random Act Project)

When I had the idea to write this post and even started asking the question of myself about what kind of acts I would perform I did a little research on the web and found out that random acts of kindness is a big deal.  I even came across a couple of foundations whose mission is devoted to spreading the word about the value of random acts of kindness: The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation and Random Acts.  I also found several articles and blog posts devoted to random acts of kindness and ideas for performing your own RAK (random act of kindness).  There is even World Kindness Day on November 13th and Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Week taking place February 10-16, 2014.

(Image Credit: Persona Designs)

There are so many opportunities to perform random acts of kindness and there are so many things that you can do.  You just have to be willing to step out there and make it happen.  I encourage everyone to take a moment and get into the spirit, even if it is only for one day because it will warm your heart and make someone else feel good at the same time.  For all of those who have already dedicated time and energy, like Miwako Story, to performing random acts of kindness I say thank you for the inspiration and keep doing what you are doing because even the smallest act can make the biggest difference.

What Do You Do When You Can't Sleep?

(Image Credit: The Sleep Council)

I woke up a little after 4:00 am this morning and could not get to sleep.  Instead of just lying in bed trying to force myself to do something that I couldn't do I figured that I would have some fun on the internet and then do something productive.  I logged on the Facebook and checked out my news feed.  I went onto oDesk in search of some writing jobs.  I checked out my page at YCN.  Then I decided to write this blog.  Inspired by Eugene Hennie who posted one time about not wasting your energy by just lying around.  I don't remember if it was a blog, a comment on Facebook, or when he said it but I know I got it from him.  It was a brilliant idea.  Without that thought in my mind I would have just been lying in the bed staring at a dark wall since the lights are all off and I should be asleep.  I have accomplished a little bit in this time that I have been up but it has also made me realize that I have so much more to do.  I have to start writing again.  I have to start making connections again.  Hell, I have to just start living again.  This is something my husband tells me all the time, and believe it or not Malcolm somewhere in my mind your thoughts and your words are always with me.

In less than 2 hours daylight will start to break and I will probably still be awake thinking about a million things.  It is hard to actually get real sleep when you have so many thoughts on your mind.  My thoughts range anywhere from what I am going to fix for breakfast, to what I want to do with my kids during spring break, to how we will celebrate the holiday's and everything in between.  Blogging about these thoughts gives me peace of mind because instead of holding it all in I get to actually write it down and maybe my thought process will help someone out in the future.  Well it is time to go now and hold my youngest mini-me but I leave you with this thought; sleep is a precious commodity so don't waste it.  And, if you can't sleep then don't waste your most valuable precious non-renewable resource and that is time!!

Happy Father's Day Malcolm

On February 23, 1995 I met the man who would eventually become my husband and the father of my children.  We dated on and off for seven years before we married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony before God, our family, and our friends.  It was a long time coming and the adventures we have shared together since then have been wonderful.

We drove to San Antonio and walked through the caverns.  We went to dinner on a boat floating through a river that ran between a shopping area.  We visited the historical site at The Alamo and we even went to a drive-thru safari (yes you heard me right) where we had a zebra come up to our car and were close enough to an animal with large horns that could have punctured a hole through our car.  We went to the Essence Festival and saw some great shows.  We have been ice skating and attended dinner shows together.  We went to the Alpha Centennial in D.C. in 2006 and we even drove all the way to Washington, D.C. with 2 kids for the first Obama Inauguration in 2009.

Out of all the things we have done the greatest adventure we have enjoyed together has been parenthood.  As parents we are both a work in process because as a parent you are constantly learning.  Even though we are both still learning one thing I know to be true is that you are a GREAT father.

When our first child, Malcolm II, was born you were the first to hold him, you strapped him into the car seat for his ride home, and you tended to him in a very loving and caring way.  Since his birth you have attended his soccer games, praised him for all his academic accomplishments, shown him what it means to be a big brother, and let him know that it is okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.

When our second child arrived just 15 months after the first you walked him around the hospital, dressed him in his coming home outfit, strapped him in for his first car ride, and slept with him on your chest.  Since then you have coached his soccer team, praised him for excellent success in school, shown him how to box (in a safe and kid friendly way), and let him know that it is okay to have a lot of energy as long as you channel it into something positive that makes you feel good.

Our third child was your birthday gift in 2009 as she was born on November 20th, the same day as you.  She slept on your chest in the hospital chair, you got her dressed in her coming home outfit, and you strapped her in for her first car ride home.  Since then you have attended a father/daughter dance, went to her first dance recital (even though she didn't make it on stage), and turned her into daddy's perfect princess with a perfect smile.

Since our first was born on August 5, 2005 you have shown everyone what it means to be a father.  Anyone can have a child but real men raise their children and that is what you do every single day.  You are there with them through the good times and the bad.  You shield them from the hurt whenever you can and you sacrifice for them every single day.  You take them to the park, you take them fishing, you go on walks together, you play wrestling in the living room, you fix meals for them, and you love them like they are the center of your world.  You show them that it doesn't take money to be happy or to have a good time.  As long as you have your family and you are together then life is always good; and that is a lesson that everyone should learn.  My heart is overjoyed every time I see you with them not because you make them happy but because I know that God has blessed them with the best man that can teach them about life.  You show our boys not just through your words but through your actions what it is to be a real father and a real man.  You show our daughter how she should be treated and loved by a man and you always give her a reason to shine.  You protect our children with every fiber of your being.  I am blessed to call you my husband and I am thankful that God has made you the man that you are so you can be an example for our children.  I love you.  HAPPY FATHERS DAY MALCOLM!!

I Really Don't Know

(Image credit: Muscogee Moms)

I started to write this post today because I had not written in awhile.  I had all these different ideas about what I wanted to or should write about and then it hit me; I really don't know what I want to write about.  Is that a good thing or a bad thing?  I believe that sometimes it is a good thing because it allows a person to just be free and write down whatever words come to their mind or what ever thoughts are in their heart.  This is a time when you can get some of the most true and honest writing ever.  Why?  The reason is you are not held to a specific topic or being constrained by what you think you have to do.  You are just letting it all flow through your fingertips, to the keyboard, and onto a screen where it will eventually be read by someone.  Hopefully someone other than you.  But remember even if no one other than you reads your post you should still be happy with it because it came from you.  It is a part of you and no one can take that away.  There will be times when you may write something and then ask yourself why you wrote it; well that is all a part of life.  We are not perfect and we all make mistakes.  The only perfect being does not physically reside on this Earth, but his spirit is all around us.  I am grateful for these moments he gives me of uncertainty because it is in these moments that I have some of my greatest life revelations.

It is in moments like this that I have realized at times I have been a total idiot and at times in my life I have even been a total b****.  Do I intend on this, well of course not.  But does it happen, well of course it does.  And, I am woman enough to admit that there have been times in my life when I have done it on purpose.  For example, if someone is really annoying me or I really dislike them I have found myself looking for a reason to approach them and be the biggest pain that I can be.  Well that is not very womanly of me, but it has happened.  When it does happen I have to catch myself before-hand if possible.  If I do not catch myself before-hand then I have to do some self-reflection to see why I was brought to that point in the first place and then I am able to correct myself inward and move on.

It is in moments of uncertainty that I have also had some of my greatest ideas and thoughts.  It is in moments of uncertainty that I have realized what I really want to do at times.  I may not always know how I want to go about doing those things, but I know that I want it.  For example, right now in my life I know that I am ready for a fresh change and a new perspective.  Where that will lead me no one knows except God, but it has to lead to something great otherwise it would not weigh so heavily on my heart.  I look forward to the journey ahead, even if I do not know all of the steps that I will take to get there.  I thank God for each moment he gives me and I am blessed to be able to share each and every one of those moments with a loving husband and three beautiful children.  Life  and family is an adventure.  I really don't know what we will experience, but as long as we experience it together then life will always be grand.

Spring Break Chronicles 2013 - Day 6

Day 6 was Thursday and you know what they say, the family that plays together stays together.  The Gambles family loves to play together and have fun.  This was the first day that we did not watch any TV or play any games when we woke up.  We all ate breakfast, and cereal was the choice of the day.  We all chatted while we ate and after that got dressed and ready to leave the house.  Today we were taking a family field trip together to the Challenger Learning Center.  As it states on their website, "The Center is the K-12 outreach facility of the Florida A&M University - Florida State University College of Engineering and uses aerospace as a theme to foster long-term interest in math, science, engineering and technology; create positive learning experiences; and motivate students to pursue higher education and careers in these fields. "  They have a space mission simulator; which  we have not had the pleasure to enjoy yet, an IMAX theatre, and a planetarium/digital dome theatre.  We were  going to see a show in the Digital Dome Theatre called Perfect Little Planet.

When we first got there we had to find parking so the patriarch of the family dropped off myself and the boys and went to find parking.  While we waited for him to park and come meet us, along with the youngest member of the family, we picked up our show tickets and then the boys played outside by the fountain.  They had an urge to try and pull pennies out of the fountain, but I persuaded them to throw one in instead.

Finally, my daughter and husband met us in front of the Challenger Learning Center, but it was for a brief moment.  I had our change and he had to walk back to put quarters in the parking meter.  After all, we would hate to get a ticket from the meter maid.  While we waited my daughter got into the act of playing by the fountain.

After we watched our show we walked around The Center for awhile and  then left to head towards the park.  We went to our favorite spot, Tom Brown Park.  The kids played on the playground for awhile before we decided to take our usual hike through the woods.  We generally walk to this lookout point where they have a covered bench for you to sit on.  The view is amazing and it is very peaceful.

 On the walk back the boys always like to play with whatever is along the trail.  This time they saw a tree that appeared to be partially uprooted and thought they could uproot it the rest of the way.  We had a talk about leaving things in nature and how even things that die in nature can be useful to the living plants and trees around them.  After that they decided to walk away and leave the tree in the ground.

My daughter ended up in her usual spot towards the end of our walk, and that was on her daddy's shoulder's.  We try to walk away when she starts pushing to jump on his back, but she is very persistent and always wins in the end.

 

When we got home I mentioned that we might want to get some wood ready because it was going to be a cooler night.  The hubby tried the small electric saw but that piece of wood was thick and it said no.  We had to find another alternative to try and split the wood.

 Option #2 was to use good old-fashioned elbow grease.  So he took a mini-sledge hammer and end piece of an axe, positioned it in the right spot, and started pounding away.  Eventually both of the boys got into the act and took a swing at the wood.  After awhile the battle between humans and wood yielded a win for Team Gambles and the wood was split into three useful pieces for the fireplace.  It is hard to believe that you would need to use a fireplace in Florida in March, but stranger things have happened.

The end of day ended in the typical way, and by now you know what that is.  Dinner, movies, and a lot of fun; all done the Gambles way.

Spring Break Chronicles 2013 - Day 5

Wednesday was day 5 of spring break and it was decided we would take a little outing in nature today.  Day 5 started off with the usual breakfast, morning movie, and playtime.  There was a slight break in the morning routine this day because my oldest had a dentist appointment.  I took him to his appointment while the other two stayed home with daddy.  I am not sure what they did while they were home but I am sure they had a good time.

When we got back home I noticed that the boats we made the previous day were in the trash can.  I guess a day of floating around in our bathtub was enough.  We spent the afternoon in the typical Gambles fashion: lunch, playtime, reading, and a little bit of Pokemon.  After awhile we made the younger two get dressed so we could go to the park.  The park of choice today was one that is more situated in the woods.  The kids got to play on the playground and then we went for a walk on the trail.  This park's trail is a little different because there is a bridge that goes over a small body of water.  The crazy thing is that before you step foot on the bridge there is a sign that states there was once an alligator spotted in the water so be careful and it warned you not to feed an alligator if you saw it.  Now I don't know about you, but I seriously doubt that I would come anywhere close enough to an alligator to feed him unless he was drugged, tied down, and certified knocked out.  He won't get me or my babies.  Although I suspect that my boys would have the urge to inch as close as they could get if they saw one.  They are already talking about being like the Kratt Brothers in Be The Creature and living in nature to study bears, and other animals.  They have even taken to eating pieces of the wheat grass in our fridge.

While we were on our walk we saw turtles in the water, the reason we went to this particular park in the first place.  I forgot the cereal to feed them with, but had some other snacks in the car I was willing to part with so we could give the turtles some goodies.  It was interesting seeing them all head towards the food once it was dropped in the water.  There was a little competition with some of the fish, but for the most part the turtles got the bulk of it.  While gazing at the turtles we even saw a fight.  One turtle was flapping their flippers at another trying to turn them in a certain direction.  Not sure why, but that was a first for us.  After feeding the turtles we continued on our walk.  Unfortunately it got cut short because we felt it start to sprinkle so we headed back towards the car.

On the walk back to the car we noticed some trees right next to the parking area bearing fruit.  I have never known what these fruits were called, but I remember when I was younger having a tree by the street almost in between our house and the neighbors that we used to pick them from and eat them.  We did the same thing with this tree in the park.  It was a nice sweet little treat before departing.  We went home and enjoyed the rest of our afternoon and evening together in the typical Gambles fashion.    As spring break rages on we will continue to enjoy every minute.  As stated in previous posts, the Gambles are as thick as thieves and I wouldn't have it any other way!!

Spring Break Chronicles 2013 - Day 4

By now it is safe to say that each morning of spring break starts off the same way.  We all wake up, get our bodies going, we eat, maybe a morning movie, and then perhaps play a little bit before lunch and an afternoon of fun.  Tuesday was Day 4 of spring break and it brought out the crafty side in all of us.  Last week I purchased some paper plates for the sole purpose of using them for crafts and today we used some of them.  First the kids cut out holes in the middle of some plates and made hats for everyone in the family.  The youngins wore theirs for a little bit while I wore mine all day long.  Next we made pictures with the plates.  After we all made pictures the kids decorated some plates that would be turned into tambourines.  Once decorated I placed dry beans between the two plates and stapled them together so the kids could become musicians.

After the crafts with the paper plates myself and the boys made some boats using egg cartons.  Each one of us had a different kind of boat and they were tested in the bathtub.  They floated pretty well.  It was a lot of fun.  It may seem silly to some, but we enjoyed using our creative minds and just letting the well of ideas flow.

Malcolm II showing off his boat with a mast made from a pencil, a flag sail made from paper, and a wheel made from cardboard and a Popsicle stick.

Malik showing off his motor boat that has a shell for the seat and an x-shaped motor on the back

The family boats floating in the bathtub.

After crafts we just let the rest of the day flow as it wanted to.  We didn't make any plans.  We played outside, we watched movies, we read books, and fell asleep in our usual way by watching movies together as a family.  Every minute that I have to spend with my family is a blessing.  I have learned from my husband to try and let the day flow and just be free.  I don't always listen, but when I do the best things happen and the greatest memories are created.  The Gambles Five continue to enjoy our spring break together and we will continue to look back on the memories for years to come.

Spring Break Chronicles 2013 - Day 3

Monday, day 3, and the Gambles are still going strong.  We are as thick as thieves and I wouldn't have it any other way.  Our day started off a little bit earlier than the last two as we woke up before 8:30 am.  Cereal was the breakfast choice for the morning as I did not feel like cooking.  The morning was filled with playtime, movies, and games.  After lunch we had a field trip to the library.  For those who do not frequent their local library you don't know what you are missing.  Our local library has books, movies, CD-ROM games, books on tape, computers for internet use, and more.

I decided that we would stay at the library for an hour because my youngest did not have her nap and it was a little bit later in the day.  The boys were given 30 minutes to play on the computers in the youth section while I took my toddler to the book room for kids her age.  We looked at books, took a ride in the rocking chairs, and played with a few of the toys that were in the room.  Finally the 30 minutes was up and the time had come to try and tear my little one away from her favorite place in the library.  Mind you it was a challenge to get her back into her stroller.  Ultimately I had to bribe her with the chance to hold my car keys.  When I told her that she got right in her seat without a fuss and we went to go collect the boys.  As usual they didn't want to get off the computers, but I did not want to stay there all day for them to play games.  It was a library after all so it was time to look for books.

We looked at the movies and books in the junior section.  The boys found several movies and books they liked.  The book selections on this day were:

- The Revenge of Ishtar, retold and illustrated by Ludmila Zeman
- Langston's Train Ride, by Robert Burleigh and illustrated by Leonard Jenkins
- Dogs on Duty, by Dorothy Henshaw Patent
- Rain & Shine: A First Look At Seasons, by Sara Lynn & Diana James and illustrated by Joe Wright
- Highlights High Five Magazine: December 2012
- Henry and the Cannons, by Don Brown
- Groundhog's Burrow, by Dee Phillips
- Chipmunk's Hole, by Dee Phillips
- Noah Webster & His Words, by Jeri Chase Ferris and illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch
- Stardines Swim High Across The Sky: and other poems, by Jack Prelutsky and illustrated by Carin Berger

Obviously my kids really love reading and that is great.  The best part about it is that we get to experience all of these new stories together because I believe in knowing what my kids read so if I don't read it before them I am sitting with them when they read it.  I never knew there were so many stories and adventures within them until I had kids.  As for the movies, they each got a couple of Pokemon DVD's; which they are crazy about, and a few other choices.  Each one also selected a nature movie because we love to learn about nature and a couple of random selections.  Needless to say our library adventure was a lot of fun.  After we returned home the boys started to dive into their movie selections while I cooked a simple dinner consisting of chicken, mashed potatoes, salad, and fruit.

The evening ended the same as the night before...falling asleep to a movie selection.  It was another fantabulous day (yes I know that is not a word I made it up).  I continue to look forward to the adventures that await us the rest of the week.  As I stated in the beginning, the Gambles are as thick as thieves, and by being so we have great fun together!!

(Top Image Credit: http://hadassahsabomilner.com/2010/03/15/wwyd-lost-library-book/)

Spring Break Chronicles 2013 - Day 2

Sunday was day 2 of spring break and it started off pretty much like day 1.  We relaxed, we ate breakfast, and we did a few things around the house.  I had some grocery shopping to do so I took care of that while the kids played outside in the backyard.  It was St. Patrick's Day so I made sure to bring home some green marshmallows that were flavored like key lime and some cupcakes.  We all completely forgot to wear green, but we did have something green to eat; including some green beans, broccoli, and spinach with dinner.  It was decent weather outside so we made the decision to go for a walk before the rain started to fall.  We got our daughter's Power Wheels jeep out to ride on and took a stroll around the neighborhood.  As usual she ended up getting off the truck and wanting to walk, and eventually carried, so the boys rode around and had a ball.  There is a pond towards the front of our sub-division and we went up there and played for awhile before some drops started to fall and we went home.  Once we got home we ate lunch, the boys fixed their leprechaun trap, and we settled in for the the rest of the evening because the weather would not permit us to go outside the rest of the day.  That evening we watched Wreck-It Ralph for our family movie selection.  After that movie was over with the kids went in their room to watch some movies on old school VHS tapes (yes they still exist), and the adults watched the movie Looper.  At the end of the night we all fell asleep while engaged in one of our favorite past-times; movie watching.  It was another great day because any day that I have to spend with my family is fantastic.  Don't waste any moment and cherish every memory you make with your loved ones no matter how big or small.

Spring Break Chronicles 2013 - Day 1

The first official day of spring break for The Gambles is counted as Saturday because it was the first full day.  It started off great as we were able to sleep in, or at least rest in the bed until after 10:00 am.  That is the latest I can remember staying in since I have had kids.  It was wonderful.  We took it easy on the first day.  After eating breakfast the kids played in the backyard for awhile.  The boys, as pictured above, continued to work on building their caterpillar nest.  Finally, we decided that it was time to go somewhere just to get out of the house.  So we all go dressed, hopped in the car, and went to explore our hometown.  The first stop of the day was to the flea market.  It wasn't our intention to really spend anything, but just to walk around and see what they had.  We decided to give the kids an allowance of about $3 each; which to our kids is like a million dollars.  The boys made the decision to each chip in $2 so they could get a Scooby-Doo movie they saw that cost $4.  Then as we walked a little bit further they each saw a small toy and used their remaining allotment to get something.

After our brief trip to the flea market we went to Lake Ella to walk around the park and feed the ducks.  As usual we used cereal that was given to us that we never ate to feed the them.  They must have been full that day because they just weren't eating anything.  Perhaps all of the ducks got full from the people that had come out before us feeding them nice pieces of bread.  Who knows?  After we made it all the way around the "track" at Lake Ella we got to the point where they have the big tree that kids always love to climb, and our kids are no different.

Malik high up in the climbing tree at Lake Ella.

Syann playing with the rocks around the pond at Lake Ella.

Malik and Malcolm trying to sneak rocks from the park into their pockets.

The next stop after Lake Ella was the Gambles Residence.  Our youngest did not have a nap yet and nobody ate lunch.  Once we got home the first thing we did was eat lunch.  After that the boys wanted to watch their new movie and make a craft.  They discovered some paper bags in the pantry and got the brilliant idea to make robot costumes with the boxes.  This is not the first time they have done so.  This is the second year for that craft and each year they are different.  This year there were no helmets and the decoration was simple.  The pictures didn't come out quite right, but it was really cute.  Our kids have a very creative mind and for that I am thankful.

The first day was wrapped up with dinner and a movie before we all knocked off to sleep.  The first day of spring break was simple, but it was still one of the best days ever because I got to spend time with my family and I enjoyed every minute of it.  Stay tuned for updates on the rest of the week as Spring Break Chronicles 2013 continues!

It's Time for Spring Break 2013

For the past two years I have blogged about the adventures that my kids and I have had during spring break.  We may not have taken any big trips during the break, but we always have more fun than we can possibly imagine.  Why?  The answer to that question is simple; because we are family and we are together.  While the picture shown above is from a summer vacation at Disney; it is important to note that it doesn't take an expensive trip to Orlando or a cross-country get-away to California to be happy and enjoy what you have.  You can explore the world around you and create your own adventure right in the backyard.  The boys get out of school in about  1 1/2 hours from the time I wrote this post and I can't wait.  The memories we have created during spring break in the past have been wonderful and I look forward to creating many more as we get ready for Spring Break 2013!

A Red Paperclip and A Dream

(Image Credit: My Modern Met)

Do you have a dream?  Are you afraid to follow your heart?  Do you have an awesome idea for a business or project but worried about not having the money to bring the idea to fruition?  The general idea is that you cannot get something for nothing, and in essence that is true.  But, you can however, get something that you want with something as simple as a dream and a paperclip.  I was doing a little bit of research on the web about interesting and creative ways to make money on the internet and came across this blog about one red paperclip.  This young man named Kyle MacDonald started off with one red paperclip.  In the first post he made about the clip on his blog he said that he wanted to trade it for something better.  Eventually he got a call and someone offered to trade him their fish pen for the paperclip.  Then he got another call and traded the fish pen for an E.T. looking door knob; which he used on his cabinet.  The door knob was eventually traded for a Coleman Stove.  The trades kept on going and going.  Through a series of trades he reached his dream and got a house.

This journey is amazing not because this young man ended up with a house, but because he had a simple plan and a dream.  He followed his dream to fruition and ended up having an amazing journey that he was able to turn into a book.  What is even more amazing is the world is full of truly inspiring stories about a simple dream and the power of motivation to make that dream come true.  The moral of the red paperclip story is that you can achieve anything in life that you want.  All you need is yourself, some love, mustard seed faith, determination, support from family & friends, and the power of GOD!!

To read more about this amazing project and adventure visit the blog and website about the red paperclip trades.  You will also find out more about other projects and ideas for projects they are seeking help for.