Quick Inspirations

Hello Moms!

We are excited to announce that Mom Inspirations is updating our format...just for YOU and just for the SUMMER. Since we tend to spend less time at home (and at the computer) and more time out with our kids during this season, we want to introuduce you to "Quick Inspirations."

Each weekday we'll be posting a short, but amazing inspiration for you. These quick inspirations will be in the form of either a brief 'Thought for the Day' from Nana (life verse and personal insight), a great summer tip that you need to know or a short excerpt about the essentials of what to pray for and over your child (our summer series).

You can log on and take just one or two minutes to read the mini article for the day. So log on... read... be encouraged... be inspired ... be motivated and please share your inspirations, your questions, your tips and your thoughts with us too!

We look forward to enjoying the summer together.

Giveaway #2,#3 & #4 Orla Keily Collection

#2 Stoneware Pitcher

I love this Orla Kiely's Stoneware Pitcher! Her sleek designs are such eye candy for me :)
This particular pitcher is very tall and a has a classic, vintage look. It will also make a beautiful vase as well as pitcher.
#3 Serving Bowl

Such a happy and vibrant piece.
#4 Stoneware Pear Canister

So delicious :)

*Editor's Note: If you are a subscriber to Mom Inspirations, you're automatically entered for our giveaway this week!

Summer

I can't believe summer is just around the corner. Time sure flies just too fast!

As I think about having four kids in the home for the summer, I get kinda nervous. I know there are a lot of activities they've been wanting to do, lots of lessons to take, places to go, camps to be involved with, etc. And it's so easy to get caught up in endless programs for their enrichment sake. But I realize that perhaps when the vacation comes around, we can start to regroup and prioritize what's really necessary.

I know many of us parents fall into the category of getting the kids plugged in programs after programs (myself included as well), but lately God's been reminding me to go back to the basics. Yes, these programs are good, but we as Christian mothers have a responsibility to teach our children to become like Christ.

Sometimes we feel that we don't have the tools to provide that and leave it to our churches to handle this, but really, it's the parents that have the first responsibility to lead our children to Christ. That says a lot about how we should live our daily life to set the example to witness to them. Remember, living what you know and not just talk the talk? I sure do a lot of talking, especially to my children, but seldom do I remember to live it.

So, before I plan all the other activities this summer, I plan to spend more time in enriching their spiritual life. I gotta be creative about this to make it exciting since we have so many stimulating and exciting things around us to compete with! As Erwan McMannus puts it, it is sin to make Bible boring. I think it's true. God is such a creative being, we should tap into the gift of creativity to make Jesus and pursuing our relationship with him more exciting for our kids.

Thought for the Day - from 'Nana' (Gail T.)

Dear Precious Ones:

"All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. So when you are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation."

~2Cor. 1:3-6a~

Sometimes we ache with that pain in our hearts, and feel no comfort at all. But I know our Lord wants to comfort and it takes my desire to receive that comfort by spending time with Him. He will use every pain in our lives, nothing is ever wasted no matter how bad we think it is.

Remember this when you are hurting, and let God comfort you!

Family Vacation

Must be the start of summer, as 'vacation' seems to be on everyone's mind! (Thanks Caitlin for your great ideas yesterday about how to vacation at home.) I love to go away too though. However, I do NOT relish all the hard work to pack up everything we all need. Then to travel there with the kids. And often feel exhausted by the time we get home. So is it worth it?? Definitely, especially when we head to one of our favorite destinations.

Personally I have been waiting and anticipating our vacation for quite a while. We don't vacation very often and like to be frugal with our money. So one of our favorite vacation spots is...... our parents! Yes you heard me. It may not be a tropical island or a luxurious resort, but staying with family has countless benefits.

There is nothing wrong with a trip to Disney or better yet to a Caribbean island. And if you can easily afford and manage that....wonderful!! But a trip to Grandma and Grandpa's can be pretty amazing too!!

Free Babysitting, Free Lodging, Priceless moments, Breakfast, lunches and most dinners included....just to mention a few highlights!

Seriously, Grandma and Grandpa LOVE to babysit the kids so my husband and I can get some alone time. Or time away with friends. Also it is fun and easy to take day trips or even short outings to local museums, parks and other sites in the area.

Last night we went out to the Drive-In and were not home until well past 2 AM. It was simple and cost only $7, but I had a blast. This morning I slept in and later my daughter received a pancake making lesson from Grandma. She was delighted to cook and proud to help make the food for everyone. Again, it is something so simple but it was a thrill for her.

Especially since my children are younger, vacation is more about getting to spend time together and do new things. It is about getting to be with friends and family, laughing, staying up late and sleeping in. It is about my husband and I getting time without our kids and our kids getting some time without us too!!

Perhaps I just have the best parents and best in-laws in the world (I could be biased), but I think everyone should take a good old 'family' vacation some time soon. Whether it is a favorite Aunt and Uncle, your parents, or a best friend's family; enjoying the simple things together is the best vacation. You don't always need to go to a fancy amusement park or resort or have every day planned with exciting events. And when you don't, sometimes you can actually return home feeling rested rather than exhausted and ready for another vacation!

So happy vacationing to all of you! And let us know your favorite destinations.