Just when I thought I didn't like the rain...

Posted on Lifeway's ParentLife Online Blog

Picture-Perfect Grace by Renee Garcia

Jodi Skulley-July 21, 2010-Comments (1)

My 6-year-old daughter, Kennedy, recently completed a month-long intensive reading program at Vanderbilt. Four afternoons a week I would make the hour-long drive each way with Kennedy and my next door neighbor’s son who was also in the program, while my neighbor kept my other four children.

The first couple weeks went along pretty smoothly. I dropped the kids off with my neighbor, picked up her son, and off we went. No problems. I actually didn’t mind the drive. It gave me time to talk on the phone, think, or even pray.

Then, one day during week three, right as it was time to leave, it started raining. It poured. Hard. Two of my other children were sick that day, so I was driving them to my mom’s house to stay while we went to Vanderbilt. When I realized that the rain wasn’t going to let up, I pulled out my umbrella and one by one I walked my children out to the car. By the time they were all inside, we were running late, I was soaked to the skin, and my makeup was running down my face. I was a sight to see, I’m sure.

When I arrived at my neighbor’s house, she looked at me, got a little smile on her face and said, “I’m so glad you’re not perfect.” She went on to explain, “Every day you come here to drop the kids off and pick up my son, and you’re wearing cute clothes and your hair and makeup is always done just right, and it’s just nice to see that you’re not always perfect.” We both laughed and I went on my way. We were very late to Vanderbilt that day.

On the way there, I thought about her statement. How many other people look at me, or my life and think that I’m “perfect”? How many times do I look at others and think the same thing judging from an outward appearance? I know for a fact that anyone who looks deep into my life and my heart would see that I am far from perfect. I mess up all the time. I know the same is true for all those people who I hold to a higher standard every day.

The truth is, none of us are perfect (Romans 3:10). We’re not perfect spouses, perfect parents, or perfect Christians. We are imperfect people living in an imperfect world, saved only by the grace of God. Sometimes it just takes a little rain to fall in our lives to remind ourselves, and others, of that.

Thank you, Lord, for your never-ending forgiveness and grace!

Don't miss our July 2010 ParentLife article about Renee and her family — "Renee Garcia: Life With My Special Ks" (pp. 36-37). Be sure to visit Renee's blog: Life With My Special Ks.

See a link to Renee's blog on the right---"Life With My Special Ks"

We turned two, too!!

Forgot to post this initially--it seems like a long time ago, but our BABY IS TWO! WOW, how time flies!
People always said, "she won't be little long..." Sadly, I am starting to think they are right.
We had a great party--Ladybug theme!
My mom made her this pillow case dress with the yellow ties. Beautiful mom! Thanks! The other is a borrowed beauty she wore to church the Sunday after she turned two.

What's for dinner?

If I have to answer this question one more time, even to myself, I am going to go nuts!
I love good food as much as the next person but I get stuck in the same old stand-bys. In my house that means, spaghetti, tacos, nuggets, swiss chicken, OR hotdogs (ofcourse). My palette is much more broad than this but my cooking skills are not. I mean, I know I could cook a more broad array of dishes but I never seem to have all my "supplies" at one time.
Recently, I was attending a workshop and talking with a colleague of mine who LOVES to cook and bake. She actually made Brandon's last birthday cake (see pic.) We started talking about this company called "The Dinner A'Fare" where you go and make 12 meals, freeze them and then wallah (sp?), you have delicious supper on hand all the time. Sounds cool, huh? You even get to go with friends and prepare the meals, with chefs nearby for guidance, and have a great time as well. My colleague told me about a girl who did this for her friend who was a mother-to-be. Her baby shower was held at this "kitchen" and guests took part in creating the 12 meals and at the end of the shower the mother-to-be had 12 meals to take home and freeze for when busy baby moments came. HOLY COW that would have been nice 2 years ago.....hint, hint if we EVER have another one :)
Has anybody out there ever done this? I think it sounds FANTASTIC and the next time I hear in my head, or out loud, "what's for dinner?" I can say, "It's cooking!"

Happy Summer!

It has been awhile, but we are back. Kylie is enjoying the summer! Me and the heat, not so much! She wants to be outside ALL the time! We had a Sunday school class pool party this weekend and it was the FIRST time I think she would have just walked right into the water! I was very excited because I do really want her to love the water and not be too afraid.
We have Vacation Bible School this week at church. Last night was the first night and Kylie had a blast! She loves, loves, loves being with other kids and all of our great church family! We had over 146 attendees. What a blessing!
The pics. above are a few updated ones of Kylie. She thinks watermelons are just big huge balls for her to play with, so ofcourse, she wanted to sit on it, try to bounce it etc. But once she found out she could eat it, WOW, her new FAVORITE FOOD!
On the boat in Morehead Kylie did great the first trip out. The second trip, turned a little green--ugh! Once her "sea legs" hit dry land, she was o.k. Daddy would be disappointed if she didn't like a boat!

Egg hunting hound.......

So Kylie has the egg hunting "thing" down pat this year--which she calls "ess"! We had a great Easter spending time with our family.

Spring is in the air.....

Owning a new home does not come without its fair share of work. Our yard is getting a makeover!! It was pretty much "landscaped" to an extent when we moved in. Being the yard man my husband is, he wanted to add his own personal touch.
It all started with a pile of rocks.....lava rocks that is....more to come.....