Lest I Forget

Today I am thankful for... -an afternoon walk with my kids yesterday. We played "I Spy", blew on dandelions, and had a good romp through the grass and trees. -another beautiful day today. We may go to the park, I don't know, but whatever we do, it must be out of doors. -Sophie's minor aches and pains after a car accident, in which someone pulled out in front of her. It could have been much, much worse. -the fact that she was driving the car we bought just two weeks ago. It gave up itself to keep her safe. Her old car would not have protected her in the same way. -technology, and the ability to talk to Tony and see his face all the way in Korea. -the shower faucet that is either hot or cold, and rarely just right, for it reminds me that I have running water, and a roof over my head. -the messy clutter of four kids, for I am abundantly blessed. -my camera and the opportunities to capture the sweetness of life.    

 The weather was lovely yesterday. For the first time this year, I was able to enjoy my coffee and Magnificat outside on the back porch. The birds were chirping and flitting from the trees to the feeder. The quietness of the morning filled me with a calm, and as I sat there thinking of the things that I could do with the day, I knew I wanted to take the children on a picnic. I called my parents and invited them as well. We headed to Laurel Run Park, as I had been told we could hike from there to Bays Mountain. The hike would have to be another day, but I planned to check out the park and get the trail maps to prepare for the future hike. The kids eagerly packed their new water shoes, because the website said there was a creek. They relish a good creek walk and as soon as we set up our things at a picnic table, they were off. I sat there at the table, setting out the lunch, and just enjoying time with my parents, when Anna called out "I see a snake." Now, I appreciate nature