It's Winter - So Think Spring!

My idea of winter sports is a reading a good book or quilting in a room with a roaring fire and wonderful music playing in the background. It is a time that we are able to enjoy the indoors, maybe more than we would like. So, how does one escape the winter blues with a house full of children and a tight family budget? It's easy!

• Have a winter picnic in your living room, family room or basement. Serve dinner (picnic food, of course), with picnic ware on a blanket in front of a good family movie.
• For just a few hours turn up the heat, put on some shorts and play activities that remind us of summer! Let the kids play in the bathtub in their bathing suits, get out the beach towels and play! Eat popsicles!
• Plan a family garden for the spring by looking through catalogues picking out favorite flowers and vegetables to grow.
• Start now planning a driving summer vacation to one of Illinois' great locations.
• Put up a small tent, or make one, and pretend the family is camping. Make s'mores, sing songs, sleep in sleeping bags, make bugs out of craft materials.
• Have a "Sundae Bar" for Sunday night suppers (once in a while). Make homemade ice cream for your sundae bar.

Spring is just one of God's promises that He keeps for us! It brings new life every year. God grants us new life through his Son, Jesus. God gives each of us a fresh start daily. We are loved, forgiven and saved! Be sure to share that great news with your family as you look forward to spring! Blessings to you, Dawn Knosher