Family Coin Date

Good Wednesday morning!

This morning, the Gallery Pics are from yesterday's Academic Achiever's Luncheon. Josh did a great job, and Austin, Grandmother and I were there to cheer him on (and feast on fried chicken, green beans, mashed taters and rolls). Mikie had to miss because of an out-of-town conference for work. He was not pleased. I was very proud of all the kids from our High School represented at the Luncheon. It was a good day.

RANDOMNESS #1 - As I mentioned above, Mikie is out-of-town. During his absence, I have been the reluctant Keeper of the Clock. Mike and I are both "Snoozers" by nature, which means years ago we had to move the alarm clock across the room. When the alarm goes off, the Keeper of the Clock (Mikie in most instances) has to stand, walk and slam the Snooze Button DOWN for nine more magnificent minutes of sleep.

I hate the alarm clock. I hate the placement of the alarm clock across the room (although necessary). And I hate that mental telepathy didn't work this morning when I tried to hit the Snooze Button "with my mind." I'm ready to relinquish my role as Keeper of the Clock. Mikie comes home tonight!

RANDOMNESS #2 - I may have mentioned once or twice (or 50) times I'm reading the book Calm My Anxious Heart. Well, after much thought and consideration, I've decided to chunk it! I bet you've heard the phrase, "Be careful what you pray for," haven't you? If you sincerely pray for patience, things will happen to test your patience. If you sincerely pray about anger issues, something will come along which will test your ability to control your anger.

Well, guess what happens when you sincerely pray for a calm heart? That's right. Massive anxiety-ridden events rain down upon you! So, I've decided to start reading Rick and Bubba's Big Honkin' Book of Grub. That's right. If my theory is correct, one of two things will happen... (1) I'll gain 50 pounds; or (2) I'll lose 50 pounds. As far as I'm concerned, it's a win/win!

Special Guest Hints - Here are two more hints which may or may not help the cause...

3. May's Special Guest is a Red Sox fan. Go figure!

4. Our Special Guest is one of SEVEN children.

See what you're able to do with these little nuggets. Let the guessing commence!

Wednesday Wisdom - I felt a little "Beth Moore" was needed today... especially when I read this quote.

"If Jesus gives us a task or assigns us to a difficult season, every ounce of our experience is meant for our instruction and completion if only we'll let Him finish the work. I fear, however, that we are so attention-deficit that we settle for bearable when beauty is just around the corner."

My favorite part is "we settle for bearable when beauty is just around the corner." I settle ALL the time. I also love "every ounce of our experience is meant for our instruction and completion." In the midst of difficult seasons, I forget this ALL the time, too.

This would make a great tattoo... across my forehead... backward... so I could read it in the mirror every morning. Or I might just write it on a post-it and put it on the mirror. Yeah. That might make more sense, and be a little less painful. I'll do that!

Family Coin Date

Okay. This is an oldie, but I think worth mentioning again. Eighteen months ago, our family went through the entire house (every room, every car, every purse, every drawer, etc.) and rounded up every penny, nickel, dime and quarter we could find. We found a TON of change.

We then took the change to one of the local grocery stores which has a change machine. You pour the money into a hole, and the machine counts the money and gives you the cash! Of course, the machine keeps some of the money for all the time, trouble and effort it took to count your 50 pounds of change. However, we were able to walk away with $98.50.

It's that time again! In two weeks, we'll all be going through the house looking for every bit of spare change we can find because (DRUM ROLL, PLEASE) Iron Man 2 is coming out in theaters! As most of you are aware, taking a family of five to a theater is a MAJOR expense, but it is also very fun! We usually see about two movies a year as a family of five IN the theater. (We also enjoy going to the Argo Drive-In and the $1 Movie in Hoover, and those movies are very budget-friendly. But every now and then, a blockbuster comes out, and we all go together for the movie theater "experience.") This "experience" includes the large refillable popcorn, a large soda (with five straws) and a purse full of suckers!

I encourage you to try the Family Coin Date annually. Spring or summer is the perfect time to gather the extra coinage because the good movies start appearing.

It's fun. It's time together. And since you're not touching any money in the checking account or other designated funds, it "kind of" feels free. And that's a good feeling!

Have a wonderful Wednesday. Thursday is Blog Linkage Day, and I have a fun date for you and yours. I have two more places to check for rhubarb today. I'm feeling lucky!

Take care, and I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Sincerely,

The Enchanting Belinda