Marshmallow Temptation

I was searching thru some websites the other day looking for some templates and stuff I need for my photography business. I came across this guys photography blog who said that he had stumbled across this little video clip (which he included on his site) and he loved it. I watched it out of curiosity - and I have to tell you all about it. It's really made me think - not only about each of my kids, but as us as adults also. The video was called The Marshmallow Temptation. Now, I've never gone out seeking other Christian teachings outside our church - but it was done by a preacher of another religion, but I think it's message was good.

In the video, there are children in a room with a hidden camera. A man comes in and brings them a marshmallow and tells them, "you can eat this now if you want, but if you can wait till I come back then I will give you 2." Then the man left the room. Each child responded differently and it was interesting to see how each one handled "the temptation." Each child sat for at least a short moment and looked at the marshmallow intently. One just licked the top of it a few times. One picked off tiny little pieces from the back side so you couldn't see he had done it. (and ate them) Another just stuffed the whole thing in his mouth. One took a little bite, then put it back down, then another little bite, and put it back down, etc. Another one just pushed the marshmallow all the way across the table and turned and looked the other way. (Soon the man returned and gave each child who had not eaten theirs yet a second marshmallow.)

This made me think about the ways that each of us react to temptations. Each person handles things in their own unique way - each person has a harder time with some things and an easier time with other things. But how do we react when temptation is facing us - are we like the kid who quickly snatches up the chance without even thinking, do we pick at it just a little at a time and before we realize it we're right in the middle of it, or do we push it away and look in the other direction? Each of these kids showed us how we could respond to temptations via a marshmallow - how do you think you'd respond if it were a temptation of something else?

Kylee turns 11 years old!

Our Kylee turned 11 years old yesterday! Oh my gosh! Time sure does go by fast! And doesn't she just look so much older? NOT a little girl anymore - :(

She just got back from a 3 week trip with her Mimi and Papa - they really educated her by taking her places like Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, etc. She got to see the Amish and even a cross dresser! (she thought that was pretty darn funny!) Now she is back home and it's good to have her back. And she brought Papa back with her - so it was fun to have him here for her birthday also.

Happy Summer to You!

Brinkley and I had fun playing outside the other day. She is LOVING the swimming pool, the sprinklers, bubbles, and helping mom to water the flowers. She wants to go outside every day - and I can't blame her. You have to take the opportunity when you're stuck inside for most of the year! She got a little pooped out and decided to rest in Deagan's stroller, so I used it as a chance to take some cute photos of her! What a DOLL! :)

Like a Fish!

Brinkley and I had a really good time playing outside together the other day. We were SO thrilled to have some warmth - she's enjoying her little pool, the sprinkler, watering mom's flowers, and blowing bubbles. I think she's like her big sister and loves the water! :) Brie got a little worn out and decided to take a rest in Deagan's stroller, so I got these cute shots of her!

Happy 4th

The 4th of July is one of my FAVES! I really like it here in Idaho. We always start out in the morning going to the parade that is in Idaho Falls. It's super cute and they thow candy to the kids - it's just fun! This year was SO hot - Deagan got sunscreen in his eyes, so we left a little early. Then we go to the in-laws for a BBQ with the rest of the family. It's nice to be fed :) and catch up with family. Then we just kind of sit around and relax while all the cousins play. Bire really enjoyed that this year - she's old enough to be part of the group! We then go hang out for a few hours waiting for the firworks to start - and that show is AMAZING! Of course we pig out on junk food too - and it's all just good times! :)

This year we had the cousins over to our place to play in the water - but we have no grass so it was all on the driveway. Sorry guys - next year we'll have grass! :) I think my kiddos really enjoyed just getting to play all day and be with friends. We missed our Kylee though - she is in Virginia with her grandparents for a few more days!