Lessons Learned from Megyn

• The world doesn't revolve around me
• When something isn't going right, don't give up
• There is more to life than pets
• God promised strength in our weakness
• God loves to answer prayer in unexpected ways
• Life is not always a well-rehearsed drama; sometimes God asks for an encore!

Making Beanbag Balls

NOTE: Please excuse the pajama attire in the following photos - I DID make sure I combed their hair first :)

We did a fun project yesterday from the Family Fun magazine - June 2006 issue, page 44

"These totally tossable, squishable balls are lightweight an easy to grip, making them perfect for novice jugglers, beanbag games or a good old game of catch."

1. Stretch the first balloon [you will not see the color of this balloon] by inflating it halfway, holding it closed for about 30 seconds, and deflating it.

2. Place a funnel in the balloon's neck [I did not have a funnel and it would have been MUCH easier!] and gradually pour in 3/4 cup of lentils, pushing them in as you go. The balloon should be firm but squeezable. [They will fit even though it seems like it isn't going to happen - keep poking the beans down in towards the center of the filled balloon - we also did a little more gentle stretching and pulling to make a bit more room].

3. Snip off the balloon's thick rubber lip, Cut the neck off a second balloon [only a small circle of this balloon will be visible] and gently stretch the opening.

4. Ease the second balloon over the filled balloon, tucking in the neck as you go.

5. Cut the neck off the third balloon [the color of this balloon is most visible], stretch the opening, and ease it over the other two.

Wallah! Nine 11-inch balloons and 2 1/4 cups of dried lentils turned into this:

A Week Away

We have returned from a week in Gatlinburg. Did ya miss me?

We were supposed to take this vacation last summer. But then my mother passed away and my dad's health was iffy. We postponed it being afraid that we would get down there only to get called on an emergency to Michigan. By the time Dad's funeral was over, it was too late to book for fall, so we decided Spring Break would be the best opportunity.

We had a few rainy days and a lot of rainy hours but overall, we had a great time. I have learned that for the time being vacations are mostly for the girls. There will be enough time to enjoy doing my things when they are grown and gone. And it's too stressful to try to fit in the things I want while keeping them fairly happy at the same time.

I'll leave you with one of my favorite photos taken during the week. More photos and details in the days ahead.