Done

I have always despised this space. It is the back entry porch to our house. We have two entry ways. One you come into the laundry/mudroom and the other you enter through this porch. Most people use the porch entry because it is the first one. It has been an eyesore for all the years we have lived here. When we moved in, it was just rafters and studs with a ROCK floor (they said it was a greenhouse(?)) Now (finally) that we are putting it up for sale and with the realtor's prompting :) we got it finished. It turned out pretty cute. Lots of hands helped get this space ready....

Changes are a comin'

I have been thinking about our near future quite a bit lately.

First of all, whether it seems like it or not, summer is coming. It won't be long and we will be juggling ball schedules, camps, swimming, vacations etc. I am looking forward to it though our schedule will be very full.

And, admidst the chaos we will have our house on the market. Hopefully, if all goes well, we will be moving this summer also. This is not a bad thing--we are PRAYING that we are able to move this summer. We would love to be settled and familiar with our new place before summer's end. (BTW - if you know anyone who is looking for an acreage 10 mins from Muscatine send them our way :)

And today, I will register my youngest child for kindergarten. Not too long from now, we will no longer have a 'pre-schooler'. Come August, it will be the first time in 9 1/2 YEARS that we will not have a child/children in full-time daycare. I have mixed feelings about that. Yes, we will be able to afford a vacation home with the money we will save (KIDDING :), but the kids' daycare is their home away from home where they are so comfortable, I am comfortable and they are loved like no other. School will never replace that.

So, changes are on the horizon. Life will undoubtedly take some twists and turns over the next few months. We are waiting in anticipation and trusting that no matter what happens our loving God is standing right beside us holding us up when we are weak and weary.

Precious girl and a sweet boy.....

A girl and her horse.....

True love....

blessed

"People will forget what you said, People will forget what you did, But people will never forget how you made them feel."-Maya Angelou

After some trying times over the last 8 weeks or so, I am feeling so blessed by the ones I am surrounded by. Those that have sensed what I need. Those that have given up their own desires and helped accomplish mine. Those that truly have been His hands and feet. From friends that helped me paint, a brother who unselfishly gives his craftsmanship skills endlessly when I need them most, to a dear friend who showed up and made my curtains because she knew I couldn't sew a lick, to my prayer group whom I could never be thankful enough for, to my parents who babysit, and support, and listen when I rant, to my other brother who helps me laugh at it all when I really want to cry, to friends who have provided just the right meal at just the right time, to those who continually check in to see how they can help. The list goes on. Despite the brokenness, sickness, accidents, injuries that have attacked persistently, I feel so very blessed to know that we are loved and that during these times we can experience a little bit of heaven right here on earth. Peace prevails in my heart even amidst the storm....

And echoing what Maya Angelou says, years or maybe even months from now I may forgot things that were said, or may forget the tasks they did, but I will never, never forget the way my dearest friends and family make me feel. 'Thank you' is insufficient.....

Spring???

The spring weather was just too enjoyable today! We couldn't let this day by without getting Blaze out. I got him out this morning and brushed/walked him. Greg got him out this afternoon, saddled him up and took a ride. Of course, the girls had to take a little ride too. It was getting dark, hence the crummy pictures.....

She's so pretty. Oh so pretty....

A Red Cast for the Big Guy

Dr. Hackbarth is not our regular pediatrician, but he was so wonderful with Creighton and his broken arm. We were glad to have him today.

 

 

 

 

Too cute

Amazingly cute, if you ask me....

 

 

McDonalds

The cast was worth it....a McDonalds chocolate shake and sausage biscuit makes it all worthwhile :)

So, so, sad....

I went to Iowa City early this morning to get Creighton's cast put on. There was quite a bit of unrest. The doctor asked if I had encountered any sort of commotion on my way through town. I hadn't. Nor had I watched the news this morning. What a broken, broken, world we live in. This is just a tragic nightmare.

And the boys...

And a little blogtime for the boys....

We're wimps...hunting eggs indoors :)

Creighton - enjoying a piece of chocolate cake.
eeeewwww makes me want to brush just looking at him :)

The Girls

We had a great dinner today at my parent's. Great food and great company makes for a great day. A few shots of the girls....

Creigton's Basket

Creighton slept a little later than the rest of us and had just a few minutes to sort through his Easter basket. He found a new Wii game (Carnival--he LOVES it!), some swim trunks (it will be summer someday(?)), new twist-up markers, writing paper and some letter flash cards. He especially loved the double pack of pop-rocks. He loves them and so does his mother :) He got some in his Christmas stocking and after they sat uneaten for several weeks, they mysteriously disappeared(?). HeeHee--I'm guilty as charged :)

Easter Treats

This girl is just too cute for words. She enjoyed all of her Easter goodies--a Hannah Montana 3D poster to color, the new Nancy Drew movie, a new swimming suit, and a little candy. Candy that will no doubt sit in the cupboard and be thrown away when it becomes hard as a rock. I just this week pitched all of the Valentine candy. I'm so glad they self limit their sweets. Maybe I should take note and follow their lead :)

Risen

I love this song. Going to bed tonight with the Resurrection on my mind.....so, so thankful.

(you will have to pause the blog music on the right to hear this song)

Easter Eggs

I was planning to skip the egg dying this year. I hate the mess. They dyed eggs at daycare so I thought that was sufficient. But, today I was feeling a little guilty that I didn't let them dye eggs at home. So we did. Glad it's done.

Lefty

It's a good thing Creighton is left handed. He broke his right arm. And he is a little more comfortable than most people trying to use the mouse with their left hand. He is mastering his computer games with his left hand now. (And yes, he is having popcorn for breakfast)