Packaging

Almost a month ago, I came across two examples of packaging.  One that I love, and one that frustrates me.  The former was a Target find.  I didn't even realize it until I got home and opened my giant bag of pretzels that there was this sweet sticky strip that you can peel off the bag and use to keep the bag sealed.  That way you don't have to use a clip.  I heart Target and Market Pantry.

The other example of packaging that frustrated me was from, you guessed it, Menards.  I went there to get a few screws, washers, and nuts to hold down the cover of Evelyn's car seat.  Here's what I had to buy:

All the same size, but I ended up with 9 screws, 10 washers, and 8 nuts.  BAHHH!  It's a good thing I didn't need an even amount of any of these and there were more than what I ended up using, but still.  I know it's just a scheme to get you to buy more than what you'll need, lose what you didn't use, and have to buy more.  Or if you needed say 10 screws with washers and nuts you'd have to buy an extra package of screws and nuts and have tons left over, but no left over washers.  This is where your local hardware store is a much better option than Menards.  I always forget that we have a little True Value hardware store just a few blocks away.  I need to go there more often.

Yay for Target and Boo for Menards.

Grandma Kleven

My Grandma Kleven passed away this past Monday.  Her health had been failing over the past several years, and we all expected her time was coming, but the way she hung in there and kept fighting made it seem like she would live forever.  Throughout the past week of funeral preparations and then the visitation/funeral/burial, I did a lot of reflecting.

I am very sad that my grandmother is no longer here with us, but I am so happy for her - she's with Jesus!  To truly grieve her leaving was somewhat difficult for me for three reasons:
     *She was saved, and therefore going to heaven.
     *She was 95 years old and lived a very full life.
     *Her mind and body were failing at the end.
I'm not saying I don't miss her, because it's definitely strange to have her gone, but I don't see this being a long grieving process for me.  It was her time to go, and God saw fit to take her when and how He did.

Another thing that really stands out to me about my Grandma (and Grandpa) Kleven is the legacy they have left behind.  Three sons (two with spouses), nine grandchildren (five with spouses), and five great-grandchildren all who have professed faith in Jesus Christ.  (Well, those who are old enough and able to.)  What an amazing thing!  I feel so blessed to be a part of this family.  I know that it's not something you see every day. 

This gives me encouragement as a mother staying home with my child(ren), that teaching and training them in the ways of the Lord is not in vain.  If "all" I do in my life is raise up all of our children to follow after and serve the Lord, I will have done an amazing thing!  Some days I feel like I'm doing less than others because I'm not on the street corner preaching the gospel.  It is good for me to realize that it is no small thing to be a mother.  It is no small thing to 'train up a child in the way he should go so that when he is old, he will not depart from it.'  God has called me to be a wife and a mother, and I intend to do them with all that I have and to the best of my ability. 

Thank you Grandma Kleven for your example and for helping me to see just how important the work is that I am doing.