The Patterson 5: April 2009

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Solution to Stranger Danger

My boys and I were discussing stranger danger, a reality we really wish did not exist in our world, yet it does, so my husband and I felt it best for them to be aware.

Here is an example of our "Stranger Danger Talk"

A stranger is a person whom you have never met. You may have seen the person before but don't know anything about him or her. Strangers don't look like monsters, aliens, or the bad guys you see on cartoons. They look like ordinary people.

What's the Big Deal?

Most strangers are nice, but some are not. You can't tell if a stranger is nice or not by looking at him or her. But you can tell if a situation is good or bad.

What you should do:
Be aware of dangerous situations. If a stranger asks you for help (say to find a lost puppy) or to keep a "special secret," it could be a dangerous situation. Say no and tell a trusted adult.

Trust your instincts. If you feel scared or uncomfortable, get away from the situation. Make an excuse or just run away, and go to a safe place.

Know what to do. If you're in a dangerous situation, say no, run away, yell as loud as you can, and tell an adult.

Stay together and ALWAYS stay where you are supposed to at school, home, or when playing at a friends house, so an adult knows where you are at all times.

In our discussion we scared my seven year old, Sam, to near tears. He became scared someone was out to take him away.

Yikes! I'd gone to far in trying to give him the knowledge to make wise choices. His older brother took over.

Josh: You know God has a plan for you right?
Sam: Yes
Josh: What ever happens God's going to be right there with you and He's going to turn it to good. It says so in the Bible.
Josh: If you are scared you can sleep in my bed tonight.

What a blessing to hear my child comforting his younger brother by applying God's promises in concrete situations. What started as a safety discussion turned into a trust in God lesson taught by Josh!

Dear God,
May my children be so clothed in Your armour that whatever the situation they will be protected and safe from evil. I am thankful that You are always with them and have a plan and purpose for their lives. May they continue to turn to You in trust and faithfulness in times of trouble.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plan to give you hope and a future."

Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Eph 6: 13-17
"Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God"

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Easter Fun!

The Patterson 5 enjoyed lots of Easter fun over the weekend!

We went to a puppet show and Easter Egg Hunt at our church. Josh was one of the puppeteers!

Beth loved the Easter Bunny! She and her friend chased him out on the playground!

All through the week we worked on diorama eggs. Each child made a spring scene inside with, little ducks and eggs.

Of course we dyed Easter Eggs!

On Easter morning the children sang, "Joyful Easter Day, when the stone was rolled away, Alleluia, Alleluia, Jesus Christ is risen today!

We had a special lunch.

And an afternoon Egg Hunt.

The boys were so thankful to be out of their fancy clothes.

Easter Monday Beth and a friend made party hats.

We also celebrated Toby's second birthday on Monday!

We all hope your Easter was just as blessed and that the joy and hope of Reserection Day lives in your heart each and every day!

the dioroma eggs were featured in Family Fun Magazine April issue.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Picnic at Maymont

One of our Spring break days we picnicked and played at Maymont Park. The park had lots of Easter attractions: moon walk, inflatable Caterpillar, and hay wagon rides, in addition to their regular activities, animals, and gardens. The extra attractions came at minimal cost so I came prepared.

During our sunny lunch out on a grassy hill the children watched other park goers and decided on how best to spend their afternoon. It was quite crowded, much more so than any of our previous visits.

They decided they really wanted to climb trees up by the historic mansion, explore the bamboo jungle, and see the bears. They chose none of the extras, just the simple joys.

The trees are great to climb, and there are lots of climbable trees-so we tried out quite a few!

They raced off to the bamboo jungle! Usually during the summer it is a lush green and they imagine they are in a rain forest. There are rocks to climb in the jungle as well. An added plus is that the "jungle" opens to a trail right by the river and train tracks. We enjoyed watching a train pass, loudly.

Then we saw the bears!

Everything is beginning to bloom! So very pretty!

A group of carriages with horses and fancily dressed people lunched in Maymont and were riding down the road later in the afternoon. We read the paper the next day it was in honor of the upcoming Strawberry Hill Race at the local horse racing track. It was interesting to see and hear as they blew the fox hunting horn!

On our walk back I did not have to run to keep up with the kids. They were a bit tired!

Treasures found along the way...Sam found a great dried out bamboo stick. Josh found a snakes skin. I treasured the afternoon with my children and thanked God for giving us things that money can't buy!