Spring

Our flowers two days ago

Our flowers today

Gotta love spring in Colorado

Sunday night

We've had a wonderful, happy,  busy weekend. I'll share pics and highlights later on.   I'm now getting ready to watch my favorite show .  I can hear the sound of Patrick's feet as he runs and hides because this is NOT his favorite show.  He is running fast... faster.   Oh well - I bet he'll come back.  If I can get the antenna pointed in the right direction I might even be able to watch the show without standing on my head!!!  It's worth a try. TTFN!!

my favorites!

Skirt girls

We all picked out skirts to wear! 

a fun Friday

Last Friday, we had a day off from school.  The girls, Grandma O. and I decided that we would drive to Denver to welcome American Girl to Colorado.  We have been so excited to go to the new AG store, planning our visit for weeks!!  The girls had money, enthusiasm, and excitement!!  Michael was supposed to go to a friend's house to play all day because he didn't want to go to a "girlie store" (his words), but he had a fever and a bad cough, so he had to accompany us.  The dolls were dressed, the girls outfitted to match, and we headed south.  It was the best day.  Yummy lunch, good company, mostly happy hearts, and great anticipation for what the store would be like.  I couldn't believe how well behaved Michael was - we were in the AG store for over an hour and he just strolled along with us, never complaining or whining.  With money in hand, everyone had choices to make and wishes to fulfill.  Each of them came away with something new for their dollies and plans for another trip very soon.  We made a stop into a book store to reward Michael with a new book.  He actually chose a couple of new puzzles - that is his favorite thing right now.  He did "eeny, meeny miney mo" to make his choice -ADORABLE!!  I was actually thrilled that he went with us.  It made the trip even more fun.  I love being with all of my kiddos.  They are the best bunch ever.    

a Meredith week

This week has had a central character as the star.  Meredith Grace.  She sang for church, she graduated from Daisy Scouts to Brownies, and she got to pick out her flower girl dress for Sarah's wedding.  WHEW,  that's a lot for a 5 year old!  She is pretty comfortable being the star of our family show - in fact she would probably prefer it that way on a regular basis.  In a big family, sometimes you can feel lost in the crowd so every now and then it's alright to have a week that features you.  Here are a few pictures of  Meredith's busy days.

  

Little boy makeover

BEFORE

AFTER

It's a bird!

Last week, we got "Flamingoed".  A gaggle (does that apply to flamingos?) of them "landed" as decorations in our front yard.  The purpose of these birdies is to implore you to give money towards a missions trip that two of our neighbor girls (and babysitters) are going with their church youth group this summer.  This is the new way to ask for funding.  In order to get the flamingoes out of your yard, you have to pay.  Problem is, we didn't want them to leave ( we did eventually pay)!!  The kids were so excited to have the birds in our yard.  I think it was the equivalent to being toilet papered in my day - they felt cool.  After 2 days, the birdies flew away and now it's fun to see where else they will land in our neighborhood.

When?

when did you learn how to brush your teeth with a battery operated toothbrush? 

when did you figure out how to manage your time so that your homework was never late?

when did you not need me to polish your toenails?

when did you become so pretty that someone else noticed your big blue eyes?

when did you welcome a guest into your room with such hospitality?

when did you start answering the telephone with a clear, mature voice?

when did you decide to clean up after yourself after lunch without being asked?

when did talking with you become my favorite part of the day?

when did you put away your laundry without being reminded?

when did your compassion for your sister come naturally?

when did a 24 piece puzzle become easy for you?

when did our tastes in clothing become so similar?

when did your wisdom surpass anything that I have taught you?

when did you start setting an alarm clock?

when did you not need the stool to reach the potty?

when did you start picking out your own clothes?

"We have this moment to hold in our hands and to touch as it slips through our fingers like sand; Yesterday's gone and tomorrow may never come, But we have this moment today."  Bill and Gloria Gaither

Soundtrack

Yesterday afternoon, I was working on a sewing project, and I had Amy Grant's new CD playing in the background.  It was so peaceful (until Michael and his buddy Xalen interrupted asking for the 100th time that day for a snack).  This new music of hers is outstanding.  I have been a fan of hers for years, and so I love everything she does.  The words to these songs are honest and real.  Each one is great, but my two favorites are "Better than a Hallelujah" and "Overnight"... oh but then there's the new versions of "Arms of Love" and "somewhere down the Road"...well, I just love all of them.  I feel like they are the soundtrack to my soul right now.  It's so great to find music that speaks what you want to say.  That's what this song collection is for me.  You should listen to them too. I think you will enjoy them.  A lot.  

Great weekend!

 bare feet, hot sun, happy kiddies!!

In the mean time...

For the past month, life has seemed heavy, darker, less like hot pink and more like midnight blue.  I am not a big fan of winter, rather I prefer the green of my pretty trees,  the brightness of my tulips and the hot sun while I read a good book in my beautiful backyard.  The winter has seemed longer this year and it has been a reflection of not just the weather but also the temperature of my heart.  I've experienced the sadness of death, the inconvenience of injury, the suffering in unplanned difficulties, the heartache of pain in relationships, the burden of loneliness.  And yet, I keep moving towards LIFE - the Easter of this long winter. I don't keep moving because it's easy.  I'm stumbling along because I have to beleive that God is still here and He knows me and all of the afore mentioned portions of my life.   He is everything - He can  resurrect beauty, peace and joy.  I know that God is enough and He is sovereign.  I believe that He loves us and that in ALL things, He is working out His good plan for my life.  That is what FAITH is for me - when I don't feel it, when I can't see it, when I am unable to find it - I continue to believe that God's goodness still IS. Today, through swollen eyes and a tired but believing heart, I look for Him. For His blessings.   And I will give thanks for what is.  

In the mean time, 

I am enjoying...

boy's bestie