Creating New Memories

Chris had to go out of town last week for work and it was kind of last minute thing.  I had been sick with a cough and allergies and therefore not feeling like doing it alone, but did not have a choice.  Makenna asked if we could have a special night since daddy was gone. Sounded like a good idea to me. So we had bowls of popcorn for dinner and homemade lemonade.  We opened up a big blanket on the living room floor and ate picnic style while enjoying Veggie Tale movies. 

The kids wanted to sleep with me, which was fine give that I am a scaredy cat.  I double checked all the doors and made sure my guns were loaded. Really! I did not sleep all that well given my king size bed was somewhat crowded with two very wild sleeping children.  On top of that they woke up giggling at 5:45 am. Really!  I told them to go get in their bed if they were going to stay awake.  They had no desire to bail out of the big warm bed so they finally went back to sleep till 8:45. Whew. It was a long two days but a very memorable one fore the kiddos. They had a blast.  We are still finding popcorn throughout the living room despite multiple cleanings.  It is driving Chris nuts.  Oh well, that is what he gets for leaving us. Right?

We have been enjoying these cooler days. We put the pool up till next year which left a huge sand pit in the backyard that both children have thoroughly enjoyed.  I do not mind them playing in it but there is a neighbors cat that has found a way under our fence and was caught meandering in it.  If it potties in it and Chris is home, I fear for its life.  

The kids have also fallen in love with the playset again.  The slide is cool enough to slide down and Makenna and I hunted out and destroyed all unwelcome occupants.  It was nice to go out and have a swing for each child.  Makenna can swing on her own now, Emme likes to chew on her swing, and Maddax well he is a boy and just cannot sit still.  I love it.  Lots of memories made in this back yard.  The best money we ever spent.

Firearms 101

Before you freak out and call the law on me, my husband is a police officer.

Chris decided to eat dinner with us tonight.  We were excited.  Having daddy home for dinner is a special treat.  He rarely gets to come home on duty to eat because he is so busy being a "sheep dog" (whole other story).  We fixed a baked ham, mashed potatos (real ones), and green beans (Maddax favorite food). Then sat down to indulge.  While eating daddy got a random idea.  Lets teach Makenna about guns. 

I was a little taken aback, but he is a firearms instructor and I figured he new best.  He took the gun apart and unloaded it.  He told her about all the parts and how dangerous it could be.  Then he let her hold it.  Yes, unloaded. Her eyes grew as big a saucers. 

She looked so awkward holding that big ol thing, so he took off his smaller back up weapon, unloaded it and let her hold it.  She liked it much better.

Alfter his lesson was complete he made her tell him everything he had told her about safety. She said, "It is dangerous.  I should never touch it if I see it (which she won't because they are ALWAYS locked up), and that if someone got shot they would have to go to the hospital, the doctor, or even the DENTIST." I chucked inside.  She hates the dentist.  Very long and painful story.

The reason he did all of this was to take away the curiosity of guns.  Now that she is familiar with them she is less likely to be curious if she ever sees one.  On top of that she knows how dangerous they can be and fear can be a very powerful learning tool.  I was in her shoes many, many, many years ago.  My dad did the same to me and I frequented the back yard with him and one of his guns.  I enjoyed spending that time with him and I know one day when Makenna is much, much, much, did I say much, older she will do the same.

This is kinda like sin.  Sometimes the curiosity of sin makes it enticing.  And before you know it the thought of sin gives way to action and there you are knee deep in sin.  But knowing how satan works and being aware of your weaknesses helps to circumvent that enticement and the Holy Spirit will help guide you away from its entrapment.  When all else fails, and sometimes it does, it is good to know that although we may be knee deep in sin we are graciously covered by the blood of Jesus.