we started a little spring/lent family project to remind us of all we have to be grateful for. this idea inspired me. i trace the shapes (bird, butterfly or flower) onto colorful paper, the kids cut out and write what they are grateful for on them. then we hang them on this great branch that i found in our yard and placed above the kitchen window. 
monday i took the boys to st. mary's food kitchen where our church volunteers once a month. they did a great job passing out silverware and trays and greeting people. we saw a lot of people come thru and a lot of kids. we talk about people in need and ways we can help at home but i think actually seeing how many people need food and participating in that service makes it real. and when we say our prayers at night and they say they are grateful for their lives, i think they get it a little more.
the boys and i went with some friends to play bingo last night and we had a winner! henry won $16.50! fun stuff- and the plans that were made with the money-legos, baseball stuff, save some, rice bowl...it was a late night and you can see here that charlie got a little bored and decided to stamp himself. 
the first saturday of each month home depot and lowes offer kids craft workshops where they can build a project for free. each kit comes with instructions and hammers are provided along with an apron to keep and pins for each project completed. this month was a race car ramp complete with two little wooden cars. the boys were thrilled and proud of their work. 
we were lucky this year to be able to escape from kansas city for the warm beaches of playa del carmen in mexico. we were celebrating our 10 year anniversay with friends, unfortunately one couple did not get to go because they were lacking a passport. don't know how we missed that fact since we planned this trip about 8 months ago! despite feeling horrible about that and missing them we had a great time: yummy food, cold beverages, lots of laughs, sunny days and relaxing on the beaches listening to the ocean.
