Gearing up for some indoor shop class

It's been a busy couple of months.  We moved amidst a huge amount of snow, thanks to some very dedicated friends. :)  This old house we are temporarily living in is quite drafty and with record lows we have been wearing a LOT of layers.

We got our new school room up and running (Such a big room. I am loving the large, albeit drafty, windows.) and then Todd brought in something I never expected.  A lathe!  This is a current picture of our school table:

Why a lathe?  Well, the kids are participating in their annual pinewood derby race for Awana and thought it would be fun to make the cars into shapes. My husband rocks!

Each of the kids chose a theme (okay Sadie didn't really choose hers.) and Todd helped them pencil the shape onto the wooden block.  Then they each got to be helper while he worked on their car. ie., They ran the shop vac. ;-)

Here's a pic of the cars so far.  Left to right we have:

Ellie:  Hello Kitty

Silas:  Race car

Avrie: Boat

Evelyn: Minion

Sadie: Baby bottle

They will get to sand on them and paint them up at Awana.  I'll post finished pictures.  Evelyn was so excited when I told her we had a googly eye that would be perfect for her one-eyed minion!  Sadie has been carrying her bottle around all over the house.  Avrie has already painted a bit on her boat and Ellie and Silas are ready to begin painting next Awana. I can't wait to see what each of them do to create their vision!


Have a blessed day! ~Tammy

Not Subject To Change

Todd and I have always joked that I could have the phrase "Not Subject To Change" stamped on my forehead. Really. I do not like change. If someone had asked me 20 years ago what my life would look like now, my description certainly wouldn't have been anywhere near what my life is today. Even 5 years ago I couldn't have imagined things quite like they are now.  Life is an amazing thing, a terrifically wild ride. I've just gotta keep reminding myself of what Todd often tells me.......

You can't change anyone but yourself. 

Photo Credit

I've always been a "glass half empty" type of person.

I like to call it being "real", but let's face it. I'm a pessimist. There are times when I will be right. There are also times when I will be wrong. In both of those instances, no matter who or what should change, I can only change myself. Now, before you get all excited, I am not saying that I am willing to give in or back down on important issues.

No.

That will not happen.

I can, however, choose to react differently to situations. I can choose to not let things bother me. I can choose to find good in things that don't seem so good at first. It won't always come easily, but who said life would be easy?

I need to let go of what could have been and what might be. I need to focus on what is. Right now. Not yesterday's dreams or tomorrow's possibilities. Right now. Not only do I need to focus on what is, but I need to do that cheerfully and with a heart of contentment and gratefulness.



I'm ready to focus on filling up that glass I call my life.


Have a blessed day! ~Tammy