Update on New Year's Resolutions

1. Read a chapter daily in the Bible and another book from my book list, at least. I am enjoying so much more time in God's word.  I am so thankful for the sweet season leading to Easter to get me back into a more consistent time in the Word!
2. Use my camera often. Blog at least once a week. Little by little...
3. Go on some type of date, even for coffee, with my husband once a month, at least. We are REALLY enjoying our time together.  Date nights are so much easier now that we live in the city!
4. Take one of the children somewhere special once a month. Each child gets four special dates.  Lydie and I had a shopping and lunch date.  I would love to find some time alone with the boys soon!
5. Follow my fitness plan. (Use my fitband to follow plan. 40 week challenge) I have hit a bit of a plateau.  I have lost 35 pounds since Dec. 26th and hope to lose 16 more.  I am still exercising 5 or 6 times a week at the Y.  And I have continued to eat healthy.  I have struggled lately to drink the water!  But I am committed to pressing on until I reach my goal!
6. Be intentional with extended family relationships. We have enjoyed the beginning of birthday season and Easter together!  And soon summer will come and provide a lot of time for fun memories to be made!
7. Spend more "fun time" with friends. Join a Bible study. I have enjoyed some fun lunch dates with my "school besties".  I am hoping to develop some friendships at our new church this summer.
8. Try 4 big art projects this year.  This area will be neglected until I get to my ideal weight, probably.
9. Complete at least 5 house projects.
-ZILCH!
10. Complete all papers for level 1 classical education certification. I completed two papers, two to go!

My sweetheart

A few pictures before a date night.  The most AMAZING thing about living in the city is more date nights!

Time together is such a blessing.  I cherish every.single.moment. with this man!

I convinced him to try sushi and he loved it.  We have to wonderful sushi restaurants nearby.

Simple Truths

I saw in Lydie's Bible her little sticky note by the picture of Jesus on the cross that said,
"Jesus Loves Us."  That about sums it up.

Sweet girl's Bible

I try during the week of standardized testing to complete several Easter crafts.  This one is a favorite:

"We love because He first loved us."

What a special season of worship and joy we have had this year!  God has been so gracious to draw us deeper into our faith and love for Him.  I am overwhelmed with His love for us!

Our family pictures on Easter afternoon

Our children with all of our nieces and nephews

Our family

Ben, Kim, Zoe, Clay, Megan (Kids, age 10)

Mom and Dad with all of the children (I accidentally erased my only picture of Mimi and Papa with the children!! And my sister-in-law's Mom, Gigi, is also not pictured!)

Rick and Chelle with the kids (ages 12, 11, 8)

My darlings

Lydie, age 7

Josh, age 11

Jack, age 13

We had a sweet afternoon at our house with 15 of our favorite people.  Grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins all came over to celebrate with us on this special day!  These family gatherings are some of our most cherished memories together!  I am so thankful for God's work in our family!  He is risen!

Easter at our house:: Celebrating new life!

"For anyone who says yes to Jesus
For anyone who believes what Jesus said...

Then God will give them this wonderful gift:

To be born into NEW life

To be who they really are

Who God always made them to be-

Their own true selves-

God's dear Child." 

~excerpt from The Jesus Storybook Bible~

Mom and Dad's birthday celebrations

My mom turned 70 and my Dad turned 67 this month.  We had a special night to kick-off Mom's new decade at my brother's house.  It was simple and quiet because my Mom does not do well with loud, crazy, or noisy.  I think she enjoyed the evening.  The children definitely enjoyed celebrating their Nana and Poppy!