Sweet pea

This is one of the ways Lydie spends her time during school when she is not learning with us. Her table and chairs COMPLETELY clash with her pink and light green room. But it's worth it to give her a place to play. Especially when I come upstairs to find her having a tea party with her bears, complete with her Disney Princess cd blaring in the background. From downstairs we could hear, "For you, my dear." and "Really? Why thank you!"

I know this is just normal girl stuff. But it's new for me! And I just love to watch her play!

Ministry minutes at the egg hunt

Today was our neighborhood Easter egg hunt. It is SO tempting to find a little corner at these functions and just enjoy my own family. When I first moved to the neighborhood, a fellow Christian Mom that I respect told me not to bother with neighborhood friendships. She said the gossip would "kill me". For that reason, I have been very reluctant to jump in. Looking back, that lady was probably very accurate but her comment was not very biblical. I believe Christ calls me to make myself venture out, strike up conversations, pray for connections, and take a risk. At Easter, of all times, I should embrace the opportunity to share time (our most valuable resource) with others. There are so many opportunities to share the love of Christ right under my nose. Many times I have shied away because my need for support and friendship are already met, and I simply did not want to invite any more difficulty (or inconvenience) into my life.

I really enjoy spending time at home with my family. Maybe a little too much. Lately, I have realized that sacrificial love for me means putting down my book while the kids take karate and engaging with other parents. It means fighting the urge to sit alone during ballet lessons and read with the boys instead of sitting in the lobby with the other moms. It means volunteering with teenagers at church instead of always working with my children and their friends. It means talking with people on the phone when I would rather have some quiet time alone (after talking all day with the kids).

And today, loving Christ (and His kingdom) meant agreeing to keep the toddler, setting up the play date, and adoring the new baby. It meant talking with the ladies and the Dad instead of sitting at a picnic bench alone with my sweetheart. Such small things, tiny sacrifices, but substantial if done for the sake of Christ. It only takes the grace of God, a listening ear, and a friendly interest to make a connection. And because I know Jesus and his endless grace and mercy, I know He will continue to help me even though I continue to fail. I can't help but wonder how many of these opportunities I have missed? Or more importantly, how many of these opportunities lie ahead?

"Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation..."

Mark 16:15

Preparing inside and out

Easter always sneaks up on me. We are guilty of waiting until about 10 days out and then beginning to prepare. This year is no different. This morning we pulled out our special devotions and decorations, finally. I am praying today for new and special ways to celebrate the most important day of the year- the anniversary of our Savior's resurrection! We'll begin with living today for His glory...

"He takes men out of time and makes them feel eternity..."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Spring welcome wreath

~Butterfly~

Flutter by,

Butterfly,

Floating flower

in the sky.

Kiss me with your

Petal wings--

Whisper secrets,

Tell of spring.

~Author Unknown~

Idea from THIS BLOG!

Our first spring field trip: a farm

Today's trip was less about the educational content (although it was marvelous), and more about the weather. It was 65 degrees and sunny. I was so thankful to be outside today! I am pathetically miserable during the winter. Afterwards, we invited a few of the boys' buddies over. Now that Lydie is napping, I have time to read and make a spring wreath! Lord, please never make me leave the south!!

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The whole group picked turnips. Anybody want some greens?

Lots of beautiful, old barns

The girls were loving the weeds. They made many bouquets. These two are darling. (The girls that is.)

Lydie is learning to push the plow by our friend, "Miss Morning".

Kids really do require so little for entertainment. Glad he likes to harvest. He'll be doing plenty of that soon!

This park ranger grew up in the area. He was so knowledgeable about our natural resources, as well as the Native Americans and their practices. My kids have not learned state history yet, so we were all ears.

The kids got to test the old washing methods. We are all very thankful for our washing machines and dryers!

Cruise highlights

This was our best family trip ever, in my opinion. We had sunny, breezy, perfect weather. Everyone was healthy. We had great family time and couple time. And we saw amazing things together! I will never forget this trip!

Fun on the boat

Grand Turk Islands: kayaking

Playa del Carmen: shopping


Tulum: the Mayan ruins


Cozumel: playing on the beach

Dressed up for dinner









Dancing with Andy and my brother and sister-in-law (which was the most fun)!