Category Summer

Green Grass Moments

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Green Grass Moments

Green Pastures.jpg

In early summer (when we have been lucky enough to have rain) the fields are tall and green. It almost looks like the cows can hide in the weeds.

There is something magical in watching the grass and weeds dance in the wind. As I enjoy the breezes that blow my hair back, the frolicking foliage makes the day so much more grand.

The old adage of greener grass on the other side of the fence feels true here.

As I walk down our gravel drive and take in the view of the cows, trees, and grass, the field seems to be a softer, more peaceful place. My crunchy footsteps on the rocks sound like rude interruptions to the scene. I move to walk along the fence row, but even the swoosh of my feet in the grass seems too harsh for the pastoral setting.

Maybe it was God’s way of telling me to stop and take in the sights and sounds that were being provided. So I stopped, looked, and listened. I could hear the cows move, and moo, and munch on the grass. I could hear the birds calling out to one another. I could hear the distant hum of the fans in our barns, cooling the turkeys. A bunny ran, and stopped down the driveway to check me out, and then went back on his little bunny way. The neighbor’s rooster crowed. It was a terrifically rural moment. Continue reading “Green Grass Moments” →

PJ’s in the creek = Mom of the Year for me

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PJ’s in the creek = Mom of the Year for me

pj's in the creek.jpg

Yes, that is my son in his Paw Patrol jammies playing in the creek. Doesn’t he look so happy?

On an impromptu visit the creek, my kids found their way into the water. Slowly they “accidentally” got their toes wet. As Daddy and I were discussing the fence line, oops, their ankles got wet. Before you knew it, my oldest was up to her waist because a frog “scared” her into the water. 🙂

As the kids started splashing and finding tadpoles, crawdads, and seas shells, my husband and I enjoyed their laughter and listening to the remarks made about their nature discoveries.

It was as much fun for us to watch as it was for them to play.

Now to address my son’s pj’s.

It was a stay-at-home day and it had started out cloudy and rainy. Continue reading “PJ’s in the creek = Mom of the Year for me” →

Good Game

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Good Game

Good Game.jpgGood Game Girls.jpg

We all know that in children’s sports the game ends with a line up and hand shakes or high fives between the teams and everyone says, “Good game.”

In professional sports the athletes on the winning team line up and congratulate their own teammates, while the losing team heads for the locker room. How did this happen? Who said, “Ok, you guys get paid for this, so you don’t have to shake hands anymore.”?

I would love to see the tradition of “good game” extended past college sports. Recently some  high schools have banned the post-game hand shakes because teams broke into fights during the ritual. Clearly there were bigger issues there than an inability to shake hands civilly. Those coaches and parents need to step up and impart understanding and civility to their players.

Parents and coaches need to be the first ones to show kids how to be good sports and to emphasize that competition is healthy but common courtesy is necessary. Kids need to know that the ability to show grace after a win or a loss is as important as the effort you put into that win or loss.

Yes, always do your best! Yes, winning is fun. Yes, losing stinks. Being a decent human being is imperative.

As you attend the competitive events in the lives of those you love, be sure to compliment them when they show sportsmanship along with athleticism. Point out the good attributes of your competitors, as well as those of your team. Good play is good play no matter who kicks the ball, makes the shot, or throws the out.

We all have something to contribute to our teams, and one of the most admirable skills is that of sportsmanship.

So put your hand out for a shake or a five and remember that “good game” means just as much as good play.

By: Melanie A. Peters

Summer’s Downhill Slide

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Summer’s Downhill Slide

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Summer fun going fast.

My daughter recently discovered how much fun it is to ride her bike down the hill of our drive way. She hasn’t mastered riding her bike up it, but, boy, can she ride down it!

As I watched her ride down for the second time the other day, I realized I was witnessing moments of fleeting fun. How long will she shout out, “Watch me, mama!”? How long will it be before she isn’t excited about that hill or her bike anymore? How long before the muggy, summer days start to shorten and the chill of fall sends us in early?

I know. I know. Summer is just getting started.

I thought this would be a great time to remind everyone to slow down and enjoy it because, like those rapid rides down the driveway, another summer will be in the history books too soon and we will be asking, “Where did the time go?”

Have some cold lemonade or popsicles on the porch. Catch some fireflies. Eat some watermelon and have a seed-spitting contest. Run through the sprinkler. Enjoy the smell of fresh cut grass or marvel at the rows of newly bundled hay bales. Create a masterpiece with sidewalk chalk. Feast on fresh garden vegetables. Take twilight walks and be serenaded by the crickets. Count the stars of the nighttime sky. Ride a bike down that big ol’ hill.

Make summertime last in your heart and memories.

By: Melanie A. Peters