Kiddie Parade: Bike Decorating Ideas

This weekend we had our local community fair and all the fun that goes with it. One of my favorite parts is the kiddie parade! Kids dress up in costumes in various themes, or ride parade floats teetering on little wagons. Our kids decided to go with the decorated bicycles category, so of course I jumped on Pinterest for ideas...

And found none. Great and mighty Pinterest has a hole in it's creative "cloud"... decorated bicycles! There were a few really cool pictures of bicycles in adult parades, and there were the several obligatory 4th of July themed bikes with streamers and ribbons. But when it comes to things kids could actually do that were creative and imaginative, nothing. :P

So, for the benefit of all who may want to do something more than streamers and cards in the spokes, here's a few pictures to spark your interest!

Emma: Little Bike on the Prairie

For this one we needed the "wagon" to be elevated, so we used a piece of siding and cut a slit half way up the middle. We put the uncut end on top of her tire, sliding the slit around her seat, then bending the two cut sides to face each-other on the body of the bike, overlapping as they wrapped around the front of the frame and secured with baling wire. The wagon is a box with pex plumbing pipes bent over and secured with wire, and the cover is a feed sack. 

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Mayda: Flower Girl

For Mayda's bike we cut a lot of flowers from my front rose bush and flower bed, and secured them with masking tape. This took about 45 minutes to do. :)

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Wyatt: Blue Rust-eze

Wyatt wanted a race bike, so we laid it down on cardboard and cut out the shapes of the sides and painted them. In the future I'll leave a bigger opening for the pedals, as half way through the parade he got the pedal stuck under the cardboard and we had to tear a hole. :P You live and learn. He has a blast!

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Tyler decided he was too old for this kiddie stuff (*sniff* mama tear here *sniff*), so he sat with my grandma and her nursing home friends and photographed the whole thing. :)

Being on the first part of the parade, we were able to loop around and watch most of it! <3

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Make your own Gospel Valentine

This year the kids are making valentines to deliver to two different nursing homes. I am super thankful that my kids love on these people! We visit the nursing home where my grandma lives once a week or more. It's amazing to see how much love these folks have to share with the kids and how patient they are with them. Truly, there is no greater gift we can give than the Gospel.

I recently saw a post on Pinterest showing a bulletin board showing the word "Valentine" in John 3:16. But we noticed it was a shortened version of the verse, so we made a new one... whole verse included, for the front of our valentines. Feel free to print these up for your own valentines! Because nothing says "Love" like the gift of eternal life!

Here's the link to the document, so you can print your own!

John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, 
that a man lay down his life for his friends. 

30 Days of Thankfulness in November - Pt. 4

sculpture of two elk fighting, at Cabelas Store in Sidney

Still Counting with Ann: Gifts #394-432
Be sure to head over to her site to get your free Christmas Gift: The Jesse Tree Journey!

November 22 (continued):

• Mother-in-Love cooked for us all.
• Bringing lots of desserts to share
• Seeing Great Grandma at the hospital for a nice LONG visit.
• Seeing an aunt, uncle, and cousins we hadn't seen in a while!
• Naps after lunch

November 23:

• No black Friday Shopping, BLISS!
• Getting to read the kids one of my favorite books: Ransom of Red Chief
• Enjoying the leftover's of my Mother-in-Love's great cooking
• Seeing lots more family: Aunt Judy and some cousins!
• Spending the whole day with my hubby and kids
• Getting to spend the afternoon with Great Grandma at the hospital
• Getting to do my morning run around the lake

November 24:

• Seeing Uncle Marlin, for whom we'd been praying (you can pray too!) about health concerns.
• Lunch with Great Grandma at the hospital, as well as with Aunt Mary
• Received word that my great aunt, Elsie Lee, had graduated to Glory. Bittersweet moments.
• Some family pictures, with a few goofy poses
• A safe drive home and a spectacular sunset!

November 25:

• An 80th birthday celebration with the church, LOTS of good food!
• At the nursing home, a 100th birthday party for my grandma's neighbor.
• Spending the afternoon at the Heritage Chapel with Grandma Bettie

November 26:

• The kids had dentist appointments: I'm so thankful for dental insurance!
• In anticipation of seeing the dentist, and because of the x-rays showing no roots, they lost a record 3 Leggott teeth that day, all pulled themselves! (Tyler lost 2, Emma lost 1)
• Going for my morning run, even though I didn't feel like it. Never felt like quitting so badly. But I didn't!

November 27:

• Being able to go to an appointment with my grandma, while Ben kept the kids.
• Caramel Cappuccino
• Grace, even with a sick boy
• Being able to make something beautiful with my sewing machine
• Arranging flowers for Aunt Elsie Lee's funeral, even though the sick ones means I can't go.

November 28:

• A friend had her baby!
• Stay home snuggles with the sick boy
• Pedialyte
• Grace from church friends, as they hold together the details at AWANA

November 29th:

• Boy seemingly feeling better
• Morning run, weighed in *down* 6 lbs!
• Getting to puppy-sit.
• Made some candy wreaths for the Farmer's Market

November 30th

• Hubby gets to go goose hunting, and got one!
• Farm fresh eggs for breakfast each morning.
• Kids who are getting better and more independent with their chores

...and of course, Wyatt is thankful it is DECEMBER tomorrow! He is SOOOO looking forward to Christmas. All of the other kids have really adopted the worldview of Christmas being the time for giving, for blessing, for worship. Wyatt is enamored with Santa, getting, me, me, me... This will be the year to bring him along in learning. As it is with ABC's and counting to 100, so it will be with selfless thinking, wonder and worship... Praising God for the opportunity to disciple my children! Praying for Grace...

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Linked with:

Social Networking and Family Ties

Ok, I'll admit, I'm going to brag a little here. My 85 year young grandma has a facebook. She has had one for about 6 years. She lives in a nursing home and deals with a Parkinson's like disease... and yet she has a computer in her room and recently "liked" the rock band her favorite nursing-home-staffer plays in on the side, and has now "friended" half of the band. That's one hip grandma. :)

I used to think facebook was a waste of time... that social networking was just that: social. Just a way for people to hob-nob and waste time chatting online. Don't get me wrong, it can be all that, but it can be more!

Via facebook I am able to share geneological information with long lost cousins and find pictures of my great-great grandparents I didn't even know existed. Try tagging everyone who is a decendent of this person in the black and white sod house photo. Cool. No log in for ancestry.com needed. On facebook our homeschool group can plan events and instantly know who is or isn't available and adjust accordningly BEFORE the newsletter hits the presses. Another great part, aside from events and photo sharing, is the customizable format. I only hear from or share with those I choose. My life is not open to the WHOLE WORLD as it would be on myspace or twitter.... or even this blog.

But here is where I think facebook and this digital age has changed our lives. I think the whole thing had slowly integrated into my life until I had a realization yesterday morning:

I was sitting in the hospital with my grandma, who was recovering from an illness, and we were typing an update for our private family group on fb, so they would know she would be discharged that afternoon. The lady who was sharing grandma's hospital room was equally as old and her smarthpone was going off every 30 seconds with well wishes from friends, and she was using voice texting to keep her son overseas updated on her care... and it hit me.

Grandma's tears of joy at reading all the love on her facebook wall didn't cost us a thing. No flowers needed to fill that tiny hospital room; we have LOVE, instantly communicated with words and pictures, concern and prayers being lifted at a moment's notice. We live in an age where it is impossible to not know, to not care.  Whether it's for a cancer battle or an uprising in Egypt. And we can be up todate with it all, in the time it takes to make one phone call. (unless you get sucked in to a game app, which would be your fault that you didn't block it... )

So many call this technology a loss of privacy, or a waste of time. I say only if you let it. But I could see a couple of old ladies perked up by knowing that so many loved and cared and shared... and I know it matters. Just as any tool that comes our way can eat your life if you let it, or it can free you up to be more effective: in how you plan, care, share, and enjoy life.

Now, my computer time is up, and I'm going outside... :) And later I'm going to visit my grandma, in person.

"Senior" Prom

When I moved to this area 14 years ago, one main reason I came here was to get to know my grandparents better. Both of my folks were from this area, and both of their parents were here close by. So, I lived with mom's parents while I went to college the first year. Then I got a house of my own, until I married Ben soon after graduation. But even though I was now enjoying a family of my own, I still really enjoyed being involved with my grandparents several days a week... something I only dreamed of while growing up.

Grandma B and me

Shortly after our first son was born, mom's folks moved to the assisted living, and a whole new role in my life began. Advocating for the health and well being of an elderly family member is a whole new world of complicated issues, financial choices, and medical perils. Grandma E referred to me as her doula. That made my heart happy. 

I now know much more about congestive heart issues, joint replacements (hips and knees), Parkinson's disease, blood pressure, depression, and Alzheimer's than  I had ever deemed possible. I also know that involved families and loving caregivers can make ALL the difference in the world. 

Mom's folks knew and loved on my children until their passing in 2003 and 2009. Ben's Great-Grandmother turned 100 this year, and he also has one grandma and one grandpa living. We are SO blessed! 

Prov. 16:31 "Gray hair is a crown of glory;

    it is gained in a righteous life."

My dad's parents moved here in 2006 and we have enjoyed them just as thoroughly. When my dad's father passed away in 2011, I was left with only one grandma of my own to love and cherish, and we certainly do! 

This week was the Senior Prom at the facility where she lives. Grandma B has been campaigning since last prom... that she might be voted the queen of this year's prom. After being resident of the month in February, she was certain she had cinched the deal. And she did! It was a wonderful evening of food and dancing (Yes, she got me to dance with her!), and Grandma B was the "Belle of the Ball"!

being crowned

King and Queen of the Prom!

the kids LOVED her cape and crown

Related posts:

Daddy Dates
We Bought the Farm

8 years of being a Birth Doula
Dreaming of April

Why my Mom is the most successful woman I know.

Mom,

Prov 31:10-31 

A good woman is hard to find,
   and worth far more than diamonds.

You are priceless!

Her husband trusts her without reserve,
   and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
   all her life long.

From the moment you met Dad, you have been a jewel in his crown (pardon the King pun). With your faithful witness you introduced him to Christ, and then you quietly supported his lead of our family. You have shown me how a wife should behave. 

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
   and enjoys knitting and sewing.

The countless baby blankets you've made, or the kuspuk's you've sewn. There's no end to your talent!

She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
   and brings back exotic surprises.

With frozen delights from Glenwood's, or a special deal from Leah Martin. You know how to provide for your family, and make eating on a budget fun!

She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
   for her family and organizing her day.

You did plenty before dawn... besides getting us on our way, well fed and on time. What about the times you were watching the sunrise after delivering a sweet baby (two of mine came before the crack of dawn!) ? Your hands are a blessing to many a mom.

She looks over a field and buys it,
   then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.

<3 My favorite skill that I learned from you. ;)

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
   rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

Even now with your new job, I am SO proud of you! Even more proud, that you set aside your "career" to focus solely on the task of discipling your children for over 30 years!

She senses the worth of her work,
   is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

You work circles around me, and your energy is astounding. You persevered through 27 years of homeschooling. There was no hurry or disdain, you knew it was worth your diligent effort.

She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
   diligent in homemaking.

Faithful to teach us cooking, canning, and more.

She's quick to assist anyone in need,
   reaches out to help the poor.

Your servant heart has changed me forever. This did not come naturally to me, but watching you... it has become a way of life. Serving and loving others. 

She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
   their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
   and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

Hours at the sewing machine, or crocheting penguin hats. :)

Her husband is greatly respected
   when he deliberates with the city fathers.

Especially the ones in Adamstown. ;) With your encouragement and support, our Dad is a respected man, in church and community.

She designs gowns and sells them,
   brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

Your ingenuity is astounding!

Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
   and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
   and she always says it kindly.

Your view of life, tact, grace, and optimism have colored my world. I pray inherit your poise.


She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
   and keeps them all busy and productive.

You taught us about busy hands: making light work and staying out of trouble.

Her children respect and bless her;
   her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
   but you've outclassed them all!"


Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!


Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
   The woman to be admired and praised
   is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.

Christ in you has made you more beautiful every day. My husband has told me that he hopes I age like my mother. I pray I will also live in the fear of God, for which you are to be admired and praised.

Give her everything she deserves!
   Festoon her life with praises!

You deserve so much more than words, but here they are. I love you, Mom, Happy Mother's Day!

Love, Laura

This Mother's Day week, I want to join with 1,000 other women blessing our mothers, and in joining our voices to reach out to mothers in Haiti. I know this will be a blessing to my mother, since she has been in the world of maternity care for over 20 years now. Will you join the 1,000 Moms Project?