love to paint

This week I had the chance to see a gift that someone has.  That is the gift of not being bothered by others' opinions of them.  I've seen people before not care about others opinions.  I can't say that I've understood.  I'm sure different people have different reasons. I think some people tell themselves they don't care, but really do.  Some people stop caring and become numb to others' feelings.  Some people retreat away from people so they can't hurt them anymore.  But, then other people naturally have a peace that helps them not to worry or care about others opinions of them. I saw one of these people in action this week.  After the summer I've had and what I've walked through, I recognize the gift this person has.  Of course it has its consequences, but one of the positive consequences is that this person is more easily able to show grace to people in her life that say things that are off the mark.  One of the other consequences...

On vacation, Autumn got a Life is Good tshirt that says, "Smile... It's free."  I love it.  I wish I could have one, too. I've let my kids sleep in this morning and I need to go wake them up.  It's been a busy past two weeks for them.  They're troopers and I love them.  I wanted to write down the things popping into my head at the moment. 1.  Smile.  A lot.  Every chance you get.  Smiling makes you feel good and makes others people feel good.  It breaks the silence.  It breaks up the pain.  It breaks up the hurt.  It reminds you of God's beauty, His comfort, and that He's in control.  We can trust Him. 2.  Smile.  Tell my kids I love them.  A lot.  Even though they've heard it before. 3.  Snuggle with my kids.  Read together.  Break out of the cycle of being driven by the idea that I have to get so much done.  Take a 30 minute reading break in the living room.  Don'...

For the past year, my kids have been learning to type using the BBC's free internet site: Dance Mat Typing.  I like it a lot.  It covers the basics at a speed that's very appropriate for grade K-5.  It includes practice and fun songs that engage the kids.  All three of my kids have enjoyed it. I felt like it wasn't quite enough, though.  I wanted them to get more practice and be able to increase their speed.  So, I started looking for a program to use.  I asked around and the recommendations all pointed to Mavis Beacon and Typing Instructor . In the end, I purchased Typing Instructor for Kids.  It takes a bit to navigate the program honestly.  I had to sit down with it first and understand what my kids needed to do.  My first daughter went through the first level and completed it, but the program wouldn't let her move on.  She didn't understand why.  So, I went through the level and it passed me.  I am assuming that t...