Memorial Day Weekend

We drove to my sister and brother-in-law's house in Iowa for Memorial Day weekend. We had fun visiting with family and, most of all, watching the cousins play together.

Last Day of School

Today was the boys' last day of school. They've had a great year at school, but we're ready for summer vacation.

America's Favorite Pastime

J's first baseball game of the season was tonight. This is his fifth year and he did great catching, throwing, pitching and hitting.

Motherhood

Happy Mother's Day!

Even though I'm not living the life I expected, it's God's good and perfect plan for me. At times, I still get tired, overwhelmed and frustrated by my lot in life, but I'm still blessed. I'm especially thankful for the blessing of my sons. It's amazing to observe glimpses of me and flashes of Kent in each of them. They encourage me to persevere through life while making it interesting and fun. They truly are gifts from God!

Bailey is 15!

Bailey is 15-years-old today! He's old, can't see or hear very well and tends to be crabby, but Belle tries to keep him young. They're more foes than friends, but, every once in awhile, they'll lie together. They can be ornery, but they're definitely a blessing to our family.

Field Day

It was Field Day at the boys' school today. A lot of parents gathered on the football field to watch their children participate in four events. J, E and N did well in their events. In fact, I continue to be pleasantly surprised at their athletic ability. J placed 2nd in two events, E placed 1st in three events and 2nd in one event and N placed 1st in two events and 2nd in one event. I'm so proud of them!

Spring Music Concert

The spring music concert at the boys' school was tonight. This quote was at the bottom of the program:

GE hires a lot of engineers. We want young people who can do more than add a string of numbers and write a coherent sentence. They must be able to solve problems, communicate ideas and be sensitive to the world around them. Participation in the arts is one of the best ways to develop these abilities.
- Clifford Smith, President of the GE Foundation

Isn't this a great quote?! In an economy where school districts have consistently lost funding over the last few years and have had to make budget cuts that include the arts, I'm very thankful my boys are at a school that values them.

The boys and their classmates sang well and E even sang a solo. One of the highlights of the evening was the 4th grade class playing harmonicas. They played five songs including Amazing Grace. It's such a blessing to hear Christian songs in a public school!

What a great evening!

Easter

He is risen! 

On the first Easter morning many years ago, Christ defeated death through His resurrection and ascension into Heaven to the right hand of God. Through this, we're reconciled with God and offered the gift of eternal life. What a gift! I cannot grasp the enormity of God's love for the world in sending His Son to Earth to die for us and Christ obediently surrendering to God's will by suffering a torturous death on the Cross for our sins, but I'm forever thankful.

We had a wonderful Easter celebration that included Handel's Messiah, Good Friday Service, coloring Easter eggs, watching It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown, Easter baskets full of goodies, Easter morning breakfast and service, an Easter egg hunt and egg salad on croissants. It was a blessed day!

Happy Easter!