Our Children Grow Up

This summer I have on several occasions had the opportunity to chat about my grown children. I have also had the opportunity to hear about the grown children of friends, acquaintances and relatives. It has been very interesting to see where our kids have ended up! I'd say that all the parents I talked to were very proud of their children's careers and accomplishments. At one point we marveled at the impressive list of places our children had traveled, people they had met and the incredible adventures they were having. So many opportunities for them to explore!
Our children grow up but it's not the end. When my kids first left and we were empty-nesters I felt two emotions. One was a sense of relief--they were on their own. I had given them all the advice they could probably stand and now it was time for them to use it. The other emotion was sadness because I knew our family would never be the same. Their childhoods were passed...
However, it wasn't the end really. It turned out to be the beginning of a new friendship with each one of them as we got to know each other as adults. I couldn't have had this when they were younger and I was their guardian and teacher. It has been so fun to see each one blossom and grow into adulthood. Now we can share adult views on world issues, religion,wine and movies. We can ask them for advice now as our grown children often know more than my husband and I do! What a joy it has been to see them reach adulthood!
Now that my children are grown they use different Gathered From The Garden products. My daughter's favorite product is our Satin and Silk Shea Butter Lotion. Our other daughter likes to use our Raspberry Lemonade Goat Milk and Honey Lotion. Our son is using our Tired Tootsies Foot Powder while he is in Iraq. Check out these favorites and more at:
gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Pray for Peace

With a son in Iraq, this is my thought for every day. I came across this poem and thought I would pass it along to you...

If there is righteousness in the heart

If there is righteousness in the heart,
there will be beauty in the character.
If there is beauty in the character,
there will be harmony in the home.
If there is harmony in the home,
there will be order in the nation.
If there is order in the nation,
there will be peace in the world.
So let it be.
—Scottish Blessing

Gathered From The Garden LLC would like to bring a little peace to your life with our soothing skin products. Check out our website: gatheredfromthegardenllc.4t.com

Independence Day

We celebrate our independence from England every July Fourth. It is a great privilege to be liberated and to have freedom. We can carry that independence a little further in our lives. How about being independent and taking some time for yourself? A quiet walk, a glass of wine, a relaxing bath, going to a movie...
Or how about liberating ourselves from all of the "stuff" we own. Sometimes that stuff can take over our lives. Think about simplifying and getting rid of the "stuff" you don't really need. I've read of people who aren't buying anything new for a year. (what willpower!) I've also read that it's a good idea to give away something everyday. (no matter how small) How liberating for me to have some unused space in the house!
How about having fun with your "independent" girlfriends? Get together and celebrate the ability to have fun wherever and however you want. Maybe a special lunch, a shopping date or a spa trip.
Here at Gathered From The Garden we wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July. Many brave people sacrificed so that we could be free to enjoy this day with friends and family!