Spontaneous sunshine

We awoke to sunshine this morning and if you live anywhere near us, you know what a welcome sight that was.  Cale and I, realizing that the next several weeks of our life won't leave much time for spontaneity, decided to make the most of the day and do something together as a family.  Cale took the day off and we headed off to Carriage Hill park for the morning.  

Carriage Hill is a historical farm operating as if it were the 1880's. In addition to barns and a home to visit, you can also play in the visitors center and pretend you went to school and had farm chores.  The kids loved it in there.

Haven and the manure wagon.  She wasn't too excited when Cale explained to her the purpose of this particular equipment.  She had the same response when we discussed chamber pots.

Mati kept reiterating that he had a "fun time" at the farm, but he was terrified of the loose chickens and wouldn't go near any livestock.  

Can't say I blame him...this cow was eyeing me from across the field.  

In addition to mean looking cows, we got see some fresh little lambs.  One of the three was baaing like crazy the whole time we were in the barn.  They were sweet, but loud!  We also got to see horses, goats and pigs.

My little monkey...climbing up the ladder to no where, but she didn't care.  Probably not safe or legal, but who's to say.  You might be wondering why my children are wearing snow boots in April and I've got a good answer for you.  MUD.  It's everywhere here because it's done nothing but rain.  Surprisingly it wasn't too bad at the park, but we figured better safe then sorry.

We ended our day with a great dinner that Cale cooked on the grill.  Unfortunately it started to rain just when he needed to cook so he borrowed Haven's umbrella.  He makes me laugh.

A great day, minus some stinky kid (and parent) moments.  But that's life as a family I guess.  Some bad doesn't negate all the good.  We spent time together, did something fun, learned a little, laughed together and made a memory. I'll call this one a success!

Easter -2011-

(Click on picture to enlarge)

Easter at our house was all we hoped it would be: celebratory and shared with family and friends.  From a communion service at our church to attending our first Secret Church event and then services on Sunday morning, it was one of the most joyous Easter celebrations on record. I experienced Easter morning anew and I'm beyond thankful for His grace that continues to reach out to this old heart and cover me once again.  Praise the Lord that we live in the reality that Sunday has come and He is alive!

He is Risen!

Joy to the world! He is risen!

Hallelujah! He is risen!

Hallelujah!
He is risen!
Hallelujah!

A classic song for this most joyous of days.  And yes, I'm a Keith Green fan, especially on this song.  Listen to it and you will be, too!

The Final Season

Go ahead, roll your eyes.  I'm talking about Friday Night Lights...again.  Season Five, also now as the final season, begins tonight.  It's ridiculous how excited I am about that.  What's even more ridiculous is that we're having a little party to celebrate.  My guy can't be here to watch, so I've called in a reinforcement who is just as excited as I am.  It's going to be great!  I wouldn't be surprised if we even did a little toast and said, "Texas forever!" as we watched.  There could very well be a small tear shed as we hear the opening strains of the theme music.  Yeah, we're crazy, but we're okay with that.

Clear eyes...full hearts...




ps- i'd say yes again...you are my best one.

Thankful on a Thursday

Today I'm thankful for...

-Sunshine and warm temps.
-Good friends to spend the morning with.

-The park with happy kids.
-Watching Haven's enjoyment as she picked out just the right birthday gift for a friend.
-The fun of Resurrection Eggs with the kids.
-Laughing with my man.

-That the greatest show (evah) starts tomorrow.  

-A fun week of school time.
-My crock pot turning out delicious meals like this (leftovers were even better today).

-A cute, short hair cut for my girl.
-Mati's response every time I tell him something is, "Oh, yeah, yeah..."
-Good books to read.
-Decisions being made that will forever change us.
-Loads of fresh fruit filling my counter and fridge: mangoes, pineapple, blackberries, strawberries, cantaloupe.
-Surprising the kids with simple things that mean the world to them.
-Being appreciated by C-f-a for dinner.
-A happy day all around and more good things to look forward to tomorrow.

Things to love about spring

Yesterday was a beautiful spring day and we savored every last drop of sunshine.  Today it's overcast, but I am finding enjoyment in a rainy day that promises to bring me buds on the trees and green grass. All this springness has got me thinking about all the things I love about spring.  It's not my favorite season, but it's a close second.  Here's my Top 10 things I love about spring:

1. The smell of fresh cut grass...I was out running errands yesterday and encountered this not once, not twice, but three times.  And I loved it.

2. Becoming reacquainted with the cuteness that is my children's elbows and knees.  After a long winter of keeping them covered, it's always delightful to see their adorableness again.

3. Letting the kids got out to play and hearing their happy sounds through open windows.  From now til October we'll be on daily yard toy pick-up duty every night, but it is so worth it.

4.The idea of spring cleaning...not so much the execution, but I do get excited about a long list of tasks to accomplish.  I'm lucky if I get a quarter of them done, but the thought of a fresh clean house is a powerful pull.

5. Sleeping with the windows open, especially on a breezy night.

6. We have 6 or so weeks left to wait, but strawberry picking has become one of our favorite activities to do as a family in the spring.  We've only got one jar of jam left from berries we picked last summer so I guess we better ration it til I can make more next month!

7. Bike rides, walks and general outdoorsiness... we love to get outside and enjoy the world around us and also take advantage of the proximity of the bike trail to our house (it's in our back yard!).

8. After a long winter and only occasional sightings, it's so nice to see our next door neighbors on a regular basis.  My kids adore them and would stalk their every move if we allowed it, but we generally discourage that kind of behavior!

9. The knowledge of a slew of warm days and nights ahead of us.

10. Backyard hangouts can begin again, complete with grilling, the fire pit and relaxing conversation while the kids play.  We're hosting our first one this weekend.

I hope spring is here to stay.

My week in pictures

The week in review...it's been a good one!

Tuesday School Graduation- our little sheep

Three graduates and best of friends

Craft Night with the girls- my new spring wreath

Rainbow Day-milk experiment

Eating a rainbow for lunch

Care Bears Game-anyone else remember this one?

Barbie exhibit at the Indianapolis Children's Museum

Digging for dinos

My new set up-making my house work for me

My happy guy and his "bid necklace"

Hope you had a happy week, too!