"Playtime"...

Okay. First I have to clarify the whole 'GOD' on the Starbuck's cup from yesterday. Seems more than a few of you had questions about that. It really does say, "GOD"...but that's because I wrote it there when I got home. You know me. I just never know when I might scrap a page or use a little 'inspiration' like that cup for something. So, I took the opportunity to write God on the cup because it was so true for me. As much as I enjoyed my latte yesterday, it was the reality of God's presence that gave me the 'boost' I needed in my life at that time. Sure, the espresso did it's thing, but it was the time I spent connecting with God, and not only reading the Bible, but I really felt Him guiding me to things He wanted me to read and understand. That's what I meant by God showing up at Starbuck's. I just think it's a great idea for us to really notice Him at times. Since His presence was so obvious to me, I just added Him to my cup! I think maybe more people should take a 'shot of God' in their cup each day. Just think of the implications of thousands of people 'drinking in' God before work starts, or as they drive down the expressway on their morning commute. I wouldn't mind hanging around the watercooler if all my coworkers had gotten their "God-fix" already. So, that was that, and I just wanted to make sure everyone was clear on that post. {Good thing I've got the comments turned back on for that, huh?!}
I have to share some photos from today. Wyndham drew a cute little figure all by herself. I've been noticing that she is drawing more and more pictures, shapes and letters that I can decipher. It's so great to see that emerging. I know she's got so much inside she would love to get out if only her brain would cooperate with her desires more. It's all a part of her life as a result of her head injury, and the amazing thing to me each and everyday is how much she takes life in stride- even though I really believe she wishes she could do more much of the time. She doesn't let it discourage her though, and I am very fortunate to be able to say that. Many parents and families struggle with kids who have severe behavioral and emotional issues in addition to the gross and fine motor skill delays. We just keep loving Wyndham the way she is; we keep pushing her as much as she tolerates with therapy and school, and in the end, we are blessed to see progress little by little. I just have been so proud of her taking the initiative and expressing herself in small ways- like with this MagnaDoodle. She loves when we praise her for her efforts- there's nothing I love more than seeing her face glow from her accomplishments! She's earned everybit of our 'gushing' at times. =)
The next picture is Bella posing with a box of "prizes" I just got in the mail from Sizzix. They sent me an email and I got to create a wishlist and then they mailed out the product as a belated congrats for being a finalist in the Creating Keepsake's SOY contest. I don't know who was more excited to see the things in this box- Bella or me. I had her take a picture of me doing a little "Elsie-thing" for all the die-hard scrappers that read this. =) Now I get to learn and play with a new die-cutting machine and some of their fun products. I picked a cupcake/ice cream cone set for one of my selections...and Bella was all over that one. She wants to make lots and lots of cupakes now. I'm sure we'll have something scrappy to show you in the next couple of days. God and Starbucks and new scrap products and cupcakes. Yep. All is well in Nitty.Gritty. Land. today. Next thing you know Heidi Swapp is gonna drop by! {I'm joking...just so you don't start leaving me some crazy, excited comments wondering why Heidi is coming to my house. =)} I suppose I could use a shot of "her" in my next real Starbuck's. That'll be sometime next month, by the time I get another morning off. =)
Oh. One more thing. I don't want to forget this, and I almost did already, so I'm noting this for myself here...but it's cute, so you can read it too. I said to Isabella yesterday as she was trying to get a cup out of the cupboard, "Why don't you just ask me for help?". To which she replied, "I did. In my own mind." I think that's how I treat God sometimes. I know I need His help, but I sometimes forget that I need to actually ASK for it sometimes. And yes, He does know what I'm thinking or what I need...but sometimes He's just waiting for me to recognize my own inabilities and weaknesses and say it outloud to Him. It's amazing how much I learn from my kids.