Childhood

Fleeting Moments

I spread the green blanket on the grass. Book in hand, I recline upon it. From my seat I have a 360 degree view of the yard. The 3 older girls are playing in the back of the yard by the pine tree. They have a couple blankets, one is red, the other blue, spread on the ground, one on top of the other. They found the old metal pot to put "food" in.

A few plastic hula hoops, their sneakers, exploring gear, a brown play-dress, a lid for the pot, and a large plastic flower pot is upside down with a piece of plastic on top for a table/stove, are their treasures. The baby, who is definitely becoming a toddler plays near me. After a few minutes her curiosity is peaked and she heads over to see what they are up to.

I almost wish I could join them. Alas, childhood is slowly disappearing. Life happens, people grow. 2 of the girls run past with the blankets to the play-cube to "air" them. The other 2 girls are staying at "home" under the pine tree. By now my book is forgotten. Only a chapter has been read. I'm too interested in the play of the girls. The baby toddles over and sits next to me. She brings along a soccer ball.

Childhood is fleeting. If you blink, you'll miss it. I blinked, and suddenly they were pretending it was Christmas. I hold the camera to my eye, trying to find the perfect shot. As I do I realize it's harder to watch their stories unfold under the tree. I set the camera aside, along with my notebook and pen, and just enjoy the fleeting moments of childhood.

Help a family in need!!!!!!!

Our friends Erica and Andrew have a little boy named Liam who needs help!

About Liam!

Liam was born December 29, 2011 to his amazing mommy and daddy, Erica and Andrew. Liam's start to life wasn't easy with two fractured legs, so he spent his newborn days in casts. Now that he's older, they have more of an understanding of what he has, but still no real idea of how Liam's mobility will be impacted.
Liam was born with a rare disorder called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita in his lower extremities.  Arthrogryposis or AMC for short.  He also has Muscular Dystrophy in his lower extremities. Clubbed feet that was finally corrected on Sept. 14th 2012.  And finally bilateral (both sides) Hip Dysplasia.
We're not sure if Liam will be able to crawl or walk, so your generous gift will help towards Liam's mobility!!
You can read more of Liams story here! http://liamsfootprintsoflove.blogspot.com/

What We Need 

Since Liam doesn't have use of his legs to walk, this little guy needs a way to get around. The ZipZac is a small seat with wheels (it looks like a mini wheelchair!!) that will allow Liam the freedom and mobility to explore and be a child!
Read more about the ZipZac here!! www.zipzac.com

The Impact

As an almost one year old, it would be so amazing for Liam to be able to explore his surroundings and be a mobile child! I know this would be an absolutely amazing gift for Liam.

Please help them out! They only have 40 

hours left to raise the money!

To donate go to: 

http://www.indiegogo.com/zipzacforliam

Wouldn't this make a great birthday present 

for Liam's birthday today??? 

25 day's till X'mas

Prophecy foretelling Jesus' birth

Isaiah 9:6

 For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

This is the reason for the season!!!!!

34 days till X'mas

My sister (6) is trying to earn enough money to buy Christmas presents.

She is very excited to only have $1.50 left to earn.

I set up a bank for her, she is earning $7.56. She spent a $1.08 on present.

She is very excited with the prospect of buying presents.

She made herself a list with the person's name and the present she wants to get.

You can easily do this with your family.

My sister is having a blast. And she is learning about tax and a little math too.

What do you do kids that want to buy gifts for people?

45 days till X'mas!

I have a friend who collects nativities.

She had at least 20 sets.

I love nativities. They can be ornate or simple. Big or small. Tiny or tall. They can be life sized or pocket sized.

But each carries an important message.

What is the message?

It is intertwined with love, joy, promises kept, family, trust, and giving.

It is the message of Jesus' birth.

We may not know the exact day, but it is a day we set aside to remember the day Jesus' was born.

You would think that a someone like him would be born in a palace.

Oh no.

In a stable. A place with animals.

A bit more privacy than an inn, yes.

Mary and her family...husband, mother, father, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, all celebrating the birth of a child.

Because God wanted to teach us something great, he made it happen in a unlikely place.

That is what Christmas is about.

So today, read the Christmas story. Talk about it with your family and see what they would like to do to celebrate the birth of our Savior.