Five Talents More

On our way up to Papa Bill’s cabin we pass through the St. Croix. It is absolutely breathtaking. God’s glory indeed. We stopped on our way back home and took a few photo’s but didn’t stay long because it was 90 degrees.

Careful…don’t move anyone!

This was a very quick photo. I am fearful of heights. There is a cliff behind us that drops down to the river below.

The view just beyond the rock we were sitting on.

Greta found a really cool rock that was shaped like a recliner.

4 loves of my life.

Every year we enjoy a great and memorable time away from city life when my Dad and his wife Roxanne invite us up to the Lake in Hayward Wisconsin. My Dad’s extended side of the family fill up 7 cabins at a resort and we have a blast with everyone. It was Joshua’s first year up there with us and all of the kids slept great, so we stayed an extra night. When we returned home and were settled back in, Mike said to us, “So does it feel good to be home?” To which we all responded in unison, “No, take us back to the lake!” Here are some photos of the fun we had. Thanks Dad and Roxanne!

Joshua wastes no time in getting his pole into the lake.

Playing until the sun goes down and then some.

Two little Rockers playing their flyswatter guitars.

Caleb and Auntie Torri topped of the Jetski at the highest speed.

More candy from the “candy cabin”!

Auntie Torri taking Greta for a more leisurely ride than Caleb’s.

Joshua even gets in on a short ride.

Roxanne taking a break. She spoils us with her cooking and care.

Lazy day in the sun…what more does one need than a blankie to snuggle and flower to smell.

Getting ready for Daddy and Chris’s amazing fireworks display.

SMORES!

I have a grandmother who is 80 years old. We call her “B” that stands for Betty. There are many things that I will remember about her when she leaves this world and goes on to Glory. One thing that I have learned from her is how to be frugal. She is very careful not to waste anything! She has been this way since I can remember. She will eat the heal of the bread (you know the end part that most people discard). She does not fuss or complain about leftovers and is happy to eat whatever is available. There are many ways that she displays this in her life. I want to clarify that this by no means makes her cheap. She is quick to give to those in need and help out whenever she can with her time and money. She is such a hard worker and rarely complains. We often joke about some of these things with her lovingly, but over the years I have come to realize that this is very wise of her and I pray that I will be more and more like her in this regard. I often tell her, “Grandma, I want to do a better job of not wasting and be a better steward of the things that God has entrusted to our family.” I believe that she will have a great reward in heaven someday for her frugal lifestyle and that she will hear the Father say, “Well done Betty, I have entrusted you with much and you wisely managed those things, now enter into your rest and enjoy all the pleasures at my right hand forever more.”

I could easily elaborate on this subject but I want to hear from you out there. Are you frugal? What are the ways you struggle with this like me?

Confession: One way that I can recall my lack of being frugal is, I recently fixed pasta for a meal for our family and threw away the extra pasta, when I am sure I could have used it the next day for another meal. I also find myself wasting paper towels and will be quick to throw away water bottles that are half empty. Another thing I used to do is discard pennies…isn’t that terrible. I just did not value them, now that I am a parent I am looking for ways to teach my children the value of a penny and working hard for one. Or how about not turning lights out, or having too many on that aren’t needed?