Our family had a nice relaxing day----- both my parents came to visit.
This would seem pretty normal to most folks----- except that my parents are divorced. Go figure----- they get along better today than they ever did while married.
Honestly, I don't see my Dad too often. So when I do, it is really special. Here we are looking at potential camping spots for next year--- any ideas?
We gave my Dad a Seputchka candy from Ukraine--- he was a good sport as the sour fizz leaked into his mouth.
My Mom and I visited while my Dad, John, and the kids........
took inventory of our tents for our upcoming camping trip in October.
Our backyard quickly became Tent City!
The kids had no problem imagining themselves living inside those tents!
Alex took an immediate liking to my Dad who is also named Alex.
My Dad was very touched by how sweet Alex was towards him. So was I.
John braved the cold and swam alot with the kids. It was way too cold for me. As I watched and admired my husband throughout the day--- he was able to get in some special one on one time with each and every kid.
Sveta and Annalyn got a kick out of seeing Misty and Dolly with their new shirts on!
Aren't our doggies just adorable?
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On another blog, I read a great post about sacrificing something in order to give to someone else.
The post really hit home for me-- for different reasons. I am really very spoiled, as are my children-- my whole family for that matter. Even our pets eat better than most people in third world countries.
What it boils down too, is very little is sacrificed on our part even after I sit and brag about all of the tithing and helping the needy that we have done. The fact remains that we don't have to worry about where our next meal is coming from----- and no matter how thankful I try to be about the bounty that is continually set before me---- I have no clue what it is like to go without, and neither do my children.
So, for the next few weeks-- maybe longer, we are going to have just rice for dinner----- once a week. And I am going to be thankful----- and hopefully my kids will be thankful.
Afterall, they will still be going to bed with full bellies.
20 inspiring thoughts:
I have also been challenged watching the Block family eating rice and beans for a month. I have it so nice and yet I still complain so much about so many stupid things. Where are you going camping? I think you should go camping next year close to where I live lol :)
We discussed this today also, as my 9 year old, who has eaten sand to fill his tummy, was putting the dog food in the water bowl and trying to make the dog eat it.
We discussed being kind to animals.
We discussed being wasteful.
Then I put the rest of his toast in some water and asked him to eat it. He was upset. I reminded him that many kids just like him would be thankful for that food. Maybe we need to have a few "rice only" days around here to shake things up and help us remember our great blessings!
Delight in Him
We used to have the once a week plain rice dinner with my kids, donating the difference from a regular dinner to a local shelter. I found out two things:
1) plain rice costs about as much as our usual dinner: bread and butter, with or without jam, cold cuts or cheese.
2) My kids are almost as great fans of rice as me, so after the second week we were donating the rice boxes, too, and once a week we all go to bed without dinner.
Christine,
If you do this I suggest doing it on a Friday or Saturday night,so that the kids will not feel hungry in School the next day. Rice is wonderful but does not stick with you unless you have some protien with it. Maybe you could cook a bag (or can) of beans with it. That should not be to expensive to add. At least it would add some other nutrients.
Wendy
Good idea Wendy! Thanks!
I too just had a conversation with a friend last night about this same thing. Starting in November until right before Christmas we are going to be doing this for a day a week. And then whatever I would have spent on groceries we are going to give that money to a family who needs it.
We keep saying we are going camping, but we have only done it once. Soon hopefully!! Hope you have a great family time!!!
I love Amy too :) And girl...that's still a LOT of rice!
You are a rockin' Mama :)
After having not grown up as a camper I can't believe how much I enjoy it as an adult. Our girls enjoy it even more than I do! Such a great family activity. We started out tenting then bought a travel trailer two years ago. I must say I enjoy the latter so much more. ;)
It's great that your parents get along now. Mine will be married 64 years in a few weeks and it is simply amazing to me. :)
PS - My sister-in-law carries her purse around like your mother appears to do. We always tease her, telling her to relax and that no one's going to take her stuff!
Glad you could have such a nice visit with your folks! I had read the other blog previously & love the idea....makes me think what we should give up to teach our children to be thankful. My daughter would love just rice - she eats plain rice as often as I have it in the fridge - her favourite meal!
Glad you could have such a nice visit with your folks! I had read the other blog previously & love the idea....makes me think what we should give up to teach our children to be thankful. My daughter would love just rice - she eats plain rice as often as I have it in the fridge - her favourite meal!
Brown rice is tastier!
Four years ago, my mom was invited (sort of) into my dad and stepmom's house for the first time. My parents have been divorced now for 34 years and have been barely civil, at best. Anyway, it feels good when they're civil with one another, doesn't it? Even when the "child" is 44. LOL
Camping is so much fun. Will it be warm enough in October. We went the last week of August.
great idea ..the rice.
Lisap
Thanks for introducing us to the other post. I love the idea.
I've known of 4 or 5 divorced couples who have ended up remarrying each other - strange but true. Maybe your folks will think about it ;)
I can tell you of some great camping spots over here in Oz :)
Alex is a real blessing isn't he? I just love seeing pics of him and Dennis together. They will always be great mates - fair dinkum!
My parents are divorced too, they holded up fo 30 years, just to realize that since 2004 christmas, easter, and birthdays are more enjoyable if you are not angry at each other. They are happily divorced, and family reunions are a lot better now, with no tensions at all
P.S. have you evere played at freerice.com, you lear and you donate at the same time, try it!
Bye Chiara
We do this every Friday of Lent....rice or beans.
Christine~
The BEST campground that I know of is at Mammoth Pools. It is above Bass Lake, high up in the mountains. It was my camping destination my entire childhood up until I moved away. There is a creek with a rope swing- super fun, and there is a lake/reservoir that you can go to. My family just went last month and I was so sad to not be home. It is the most peaceful place. Love, Love, Love.
It's a sweet idea, but kids DO need a balanced diet. I hope you don't just feed them rice for dinner, even if it's just one meal per week.
My nutrition professor pointed out that a balanced diet and balanced meals are not the same thing. We aim for balance throughout the day...
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