Lessons from a Birdfeeder...

Last week, Preston and I picked out a bird feeder, painted it, filled it with seed and hung it in our tree.  It was an interesting exercise and one that taught me something.  I need to reel in my control!  We painted it a bright green (it was called "Spinach," actually).  Preston did pretty good with the roller and the brush, but gave up too easy... so I took over and finished it up.  Like I usually do.  Mostly because I want to make sure it looks good. 

Then, I asked him if he wanted to paint a design on it.  Of course he did!  I asked him what color he wanted and he chose bright pink.  Not exactly what I was thinking, but I reminded myself this was his project and I need to let him do it.  He painted the word "birds" and then a bunch of scribbles below it.

Again, I had to remind myself, it's ok that it's not "pretty" or "perfect." It's what wants to do!

We hung it in our tree so that it was in front of our kitchen window and we'd be able to look out and see the birds!

So, he spent the rest of that day checking on it to see if any birds found it!  And, well, it's been over a week, and we haven't seen a single bird visiting the feeder.  Also, after a couple of rainstorms, the pink paint has all washed off!

Anyway, I learned that I have to let Preston do it himself.  I can't always take over and "fix it."  It's important for him to do the project himself.  I'm usually pretty good at that, but occasionally I want to do it for him so that it comes out right.  He's not going to learn (or enjoy it as much!) if I don't let it be his accomplishment!

This post linked up with:

Growing Up Amish by Ira Wagler

Ira Wagler was born into an Old Order Amish family, but he was not meant to walk the same path as his forefathers had for so many generations.  In his memoir, Growing Up Amish, Wagler recounts his life, his struggles, questions, adventures and his ultimate decision to leave the Amish lifestyle behind.  It was not an easy decision, as it would mean leaving his family and everything he knew, as well as losing his salvation (or so he thought).  Wagler spent about a decade testing boundaries, having one foot in and one foot out of the Amish community.  Each time he returned from the "heathen world," he was intent on making it work... and yet, he just wasn't able to conform to the laid-back, "ignorant" lifestyle his peers were so comfortable with.  Wagler learned a lot through his adventures (and misadventures), but the best thing he learned was to have a personal relationship with God.

I have always enjoyed reading Amish fiction, but it was truly intriguing to read this true-life story of someone who grew up in the community.  I had no idea that the preachers were chosen by vote, and had to serve whether they wanted to or not, also disregarding whether they were good at it or not!  The Amish lifestyle, from a far, looks peaceful, quaint and easy going.  But the rules are strict, and vary from community to community.  There is very little room for creativity or deep thinking, at least according to Wagler.  This book was pretty eye-opening!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Lesson in... Doughnut Making, yes, that's it!

I took a load of items we had collected over the past few months from various parts of the house, and dropped them off at Goodwill.  Good riddance, perfectly-good-stuff-but-stuff-we-don't-want-in-our-house-anymore!  After that, I didn't really wanna go straight home... and well, through no fault of my own, the boys and I ended up at... wait for it... Krispy Kreme.  How does that EVEN happen?!?  

Nomz!

Anyway, Preston got a doughnut with chocolate and red, white and blue sprinkles.  Callen and I shared some doughnut holes.  Um... Krispy Kreme Doughnut holes come in groups of threes.  As in, they are attached together and roughly the size of a regular doughnut, but you can easily pull them apart to be just individual doughnut holes.  I was intrigued by this.  And we all shared a bottle of chocolate milk.  As we were sitting at the table, we noticed that the assembly line had just started up and they were making a batch of doughnut holes (or threes, or whatever you would call those things).  So, we watched the entire process.  Preston thought it was pretty rad!  He got a little over excited as he watched the doughnut three-holed-things go through the icing, and the manager came over to talk to us.  He was all "Were the doughnut holes you got hot?"  Well, no, they weren't, sir.  "Here ya go!"  He swooped in, grabbed a few of the three-holed-wonders in one of those paper wrapper thingees and handed 'em over.  Hot, fresh, melt-in-your-mouth-total-sugar-rush-oh-my-gosh-these-are-amazing!  Needless to say, the boys had a great time at our little random stop.  And I have to chalk it up as a... uh... lesson... yes, in doughnut making!  Uh huh, that's it.

Callen didn't want anything to do with the hat... until we got in the car.  Then he loved it!

Then he went into a sugar coma!

Happy Father's Day!

The other day a stray leaf blew in through our front door.  It wasn't from our tree.  It was heart-shaped.  I showed it to Preston and asked what we should do with it.  His response: throw it away.  I had another idea!

Yep, we totally laminated it!  Turned it into a sweet card for Michael, from Preston (Clark).  Haha!

Happy Father's Day to a wonderful father, husband and friend.  We love you so much, and I can't imagine a life without you!  I love how both boys literally FREAK OUT the minute they hear the garage door going up... DADDY'S HOME!!!  They get so excited and can't wait to meet you as you come in the door, all worn out from working two jobs, 14 hours some days.  I appreciate that you give them their hugs and kisses and get down in the floor to play with them, even though I know you're tired.  I love when you send them pictures or videos on the phone so they can see you throughout the day.  Their faces light up and their smiles grow so big when they hear your voice or see your face.  I know that you hate that sometimes you go days without seeing them because of your schedule, but I pray that when they're older they will understand and appreciate your sacrifice as much as I do.  Thank you!  Happy Father's Day!