Category Things to be grateful for

The Trouble with Goggles

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The Trouble with Goggles

Goggle Trouble

The trouble with goggles is they are a pain.

As a mom I spend most of my time poolside fixing, adjusting, or finding the protective eyewear of my children. Goggles are a pain.

We wear goggles to protect our eyes underwater and to see clearly all the awesomeness that lies beneath the waves. But goggles are a pain.

Goggles leave imprints on our faces and red marks that take time to fade. Goggles are a pain.

Here come’s my metaphor. Like goggles, there are many protective efforts that we can take that are a pain. We should wear sunscreen and eat healthy foods. We should avoid alcohol, tobacco, sugar, fat, aerosol sprays, too much sun, too little fresh air, and overexposure to the internet (please keep reading my post :)). We need to educate ourselves on the programs that run our society and have awareness about those running for office. They might be our leaders someday. We have to talk to our kids and family members about the dangers of the world. All of these things can be a pain.

Here are the lessons goggles teach us about protecting ourselves from the dangers of the world:

png 1 Finding solutions (like goggles) can be a pain and hard to find the right fit for the situation. If we try to figure out the best fit, our experience will be so much better.

png 1 When we find the right solution, we are able to see clearly all the awesomeness that lay beneath the waves of turmoil and frustration.

png 1 No two pair of goggles fit the same, so there probably isn’t a solution that will fix all of our problems and we need to be accepting of the differences in each goggle wearer.

png 1 Sometimes the ugliness that we find with our solutions (a.k.a. goggles) has to be faced and addressed. This is a pain but we need to do it.

png 1 The efforts we experience to find the right solution can leave their mark on us. The physical and emotional scars brought on by fighting the good fight make us who we are. They are not always permanently visible, but we always harbor them in our memories, and hope they will fade (like goggle marks) as we grow in this big beach party we call life.

Take time to find your googles today. Find a way to see things clearly where you were troubled before. Make an effort to right a wrong or adjust an uncomfortable situation. Put energy into finding a way to get past the waves, and your intent will definitely be clear and positive.

By: Melanie A. Peters

 

 

 

 

Batter Up! – First (Make change happen)

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Batter Up! – First (Make change happen)

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So excited to lead off, my son beat everyone onto the field.

 

The first batter of a team is called the lead-off hitter. At a recent game my son was awarded the honor of being the lead-off hitter. He was so excited; he beat EVERYONE onto the field.

This is a key position in the batting line-up because your team is counting on you to hit your way on base and get the game going on a good note.Being the lead-off hitter is a lot of pressure. You don’t want to start the game with an out.

In life we are offered chances to be the first to take on a task or start a movement. Do you embrace those opportunities, do you shy away from the chance, or are you empowered by the ability to start things off with change?

If you are not presented the lead-off spot, do you cheer on your teammates or those who step up to the plate before you? Are you ready to give them support for their efforts and rally them in losing situations?

Today my wish for everyone is that they would feel the same excitement and enthusiasm my son felt.

I hope that each person finds it in their hearts and minds to step up to the plate for a cause or opportunity that leads to positive change in our world. Be the lead-off player who brings it home for the underdogs or who bolsters your team with a hit to the heart of an unkind adversary. Take the lead. Make change.

By: Melanie A. Peters

 

Catchin’ Crawdads

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Catchin’ Crawdads

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One of the coolest parts of playing in the creek is catching crawdads. On our last creek excursion my husband, daughter, and son caught two crawdads, and you would have thought we discovered a new species. Well, I guess the crawdads were a new species to my kiddos, because they had never had one in their possession before.

As a kid I caught a few of the snappy, creek dwellers and I now harbor fond memories of trying to keep them alive in a big jar with water and rocks.

Crawdads are simple creatures. They hang out under rocks and wait for their food to float by. When something big enough is caught to share, they feed off one another’s catch.

They know all the good hiding places and forage for the simple floating foods.

When you catch a crawdad, they wriggle and try to pinch you with their claws and seek to return to their home of rocks and water. They probably do want to hurt you, but not because they are mean, but because they just don’t feel safe.

We are a lot like crawdads. Continue reading “Catchin’ Crawdads” →

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

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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” →

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

Perennials – anniversary of beautiful things

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Perennials – anniversary of beautiful things

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I really enjoy the perennials in my flower beds. Not only are they beautiful but they are dependable.

Each year I can count on them to show up just when spring and summer are taking off, and I know that their colors and fragrances will attract the buzz of bees and the flutter of butterflies.

When they bloom, I celebrate another year of wonder in the miracle of their growth.

Similarly, I celebrate the anniversary of saying “I do” to my husband. Today we celebrate ten years of marriage. Like my perennials, I am always amazed by the beauty and dependability of our love for each other.

No, we don’t always flourish in agreement. Yes, we sometimes fail to sprinkle one another with compliments or quality time, but we do always find safety and happiness in coming home to each other and joy in watching our children and lives together blossom.

Today celebrate the miracle of something that is dependable in your life.

Enjoy the sensation of an embrace or kiss. Be reassured by the ability to count on their presence. Feel the flutter of the butterflies in your stomach from the excitement of confidently knowing they are a part of your life.

By: Melanie A. Peters

Happy Anniversary, sweetheart!

 

Come back when you have a real problem…

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Come back when you have a real problem…

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A few weeks ago a rock hit my passenger side window and chipped it. Immediately two long cracks forked away from the chip and spread to the outside of the window. Bummer!

I called around to get quotes for a replacement and the lowest bid came from the same dealership that I purchased my car. This surprised me a little because in my experience dealership body shops are not always known for having the best prices.

Well, the first replacement came in, and I arranged for my best friend to pick my kids and I up for a playdate while it was repaired.

Shortly after we left the shop, my cell phone rang. It was the body shop. The replacement glass was cracked just as badly as my existing glass and they would have to get another one. The gentleman from the shop was so apologetic and so nice. I felt worse for him than me because at least I got to hang it with my best friend; he had to tell a customer that he couldn’t finish a job when it was promised to be done.

A few days later the second glass came in and I arranged to bring in my car and have it installed. For this appointment I brought my entire briefcase with me. Pens, notepads, computer, phone, and a list of things to take care of while the body shop did their thing.

I had returned exactly three texts and two emails when the technician came back in and said I was ready to go.

What????!!!?

Ready to go? I hadn’t even looked at my to-do list!

He said they were happy to get me back on the road and apologized again for not being able to fix it the week prior. I told him I appreciated him.

He said, “Hey. No problem. Come back when you have a real problem for me to fix.”

I thanked him again and repacked my briefcase so I could get back to work. As I drove away, I could not get past what he said about having a “real problem.”

Too often we view daily set backs as “real problems” when there is a very simple solution, if we are willing to be patient for it. I would also like to believe that my willingness to work with them on getting the replacement made it easier to fix my not-so-real problem.

Today I hope any problems you have are not “real problems.” If you do face a “real problem,” one that threatens your life or happiness, I hope that the resources are there for you to find the solution or resolution.

Put your energy into solving issues that arise with positivity and patience. Make your problems possibilities and you will find yourself smiling at real successes instead of “real problems.”

By: Melanie A. Peters

 

 

 

 

Circus

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Circus

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My children’s idea of the perfect Christmas card photo (evidence of my 3-ring circus)

In response to The Daily Post’s One Word Prompt “Circus,” I chose to write about my own personal 3-ring circus.

Each ring is represented by a very special clown in my life.

The 7 year-old ring is ruled by a beautiful, sweet, smart, and stubborn clown. She loves horses and making crafts and (like her mother) has a hard time with accepting her own mistakes. She is a one-woman-musical as well, always singing and dancing or making her own shows for us to watch.

The 5 year-old strong man in the 2nd ring is constantly playing a sport. From baseball and basketball, to kickball, or hunting, my middle ring is always running, throwing, and diving. He wears his heart on his sleeve and is easily saddened by mistakes or the minor tragedies of daily life (especially a St. Louis Cardinals’ loss).

The sword-brandishing 3 year-old clown in the smallest ring keeps us all smiling. Continue reading “Circus” →

first blooms

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first blooms

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First blooms on Joseph’s Coat rosebush

These blooms are particularly special to me because they are on my Joseph’s Coat climbing rosebush. Next to this bush stands a statue of St. Joseph (a gift in remembrance of my husband’s Grandpa Joe). When I planted this bush last year, it was nothing but brown branches. By the end of fall it had sprung a few green branches and leaves but showed no sign of bringing forth the multi-colored flowers that I had seen on other Joseph’s Coat bushes.

When these blooms open, they will possess petals of yellow, peach, and pink. They will grow a rainbow in each flower. They are one of the miracles of plant husbandry and science. Now I just have to keep them alive. 🙂

My Joseph’s Coat roses are like so many of life’s situations. We hope and pray that the opportunity to flower will be there, but we have no idea what it will look like when it gets here or how big it will be or how beautiful it will become or how hard it will be to care for. Continue reading “first blooms” →