A Preview of Summer and Thankfulness

Thank you Lord for the beautiful weather! All of you in the Northwest say, "Amen"! Ha! This winter has seemed drearier at times than others. Maybe because our family has suffered so many illnesses, or maybe it was really that much more dreary. I love the winter, I really do. I miss being close to a ski slope...maybe that's why it was dreary, so much snow and so little skiing. (OK, you probably can't count the time I skied down the road) So NO skiing. Anyway...I'm just thankful for the sun and warmth. My garden is thankful, my yard is thankful, my Jane bug and Love bug are thankful, my compost is thankful, my car WAS thankful till the pollen came...but there is a lot of thankfulness here in this home and this heart.

I'm tired though. I guess I felt like I had to do it ALL. Did I think there would never be a sunny day again? So, I'm also thankful that rain is in the forecast.

These are the things we'll be up to this summer. We were happy to do them a little early. I probably should have taken the girls for a dip in the lake. But we tried that a couple weeks back and Annora apparently has no fear of water just like her sister...so am a little intimidated to take both by myself. The swim lessons in the tub just aren't enough for me to feel confidant!

Maddie is scared of this battery powered 4 wheeler. We were thinking of getting rid of it...it's Annora's new love. She can't get enough of it. (And yes, she was eating dirt...another love)

Was thinking about getting rid of this as well...think we'll have to keep it for a bit too.

This is my little Tinkerbell. The things she does, the things she wears...they make me smile all day long.

Mmm...sprinkler water.

Happy Easter!

1 Corinthians 15:20-22

But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

Snack Craft

Annora loves "talking" on the phone these days, so as I drifted off to sleep last night, a phone made of felt kept coming to my brain. So, I made something quick while the kids ate their crackers. Both the girls are enjoying it, Annora seems to like chewing on it more than pretending to have a conversation though. But our big chatterbox happily called up Grandma and Daddy to tell all about her day.

Sharing

All parents pull their hair out at some point when it comes to the topic of "sharing" right?! It was a breath of fresh air to see Maddie sharing of her own accord at lunch the other day. And gave me quite a nice laugh too!

Madeleine got a package in the mail. We love these warmer days where we can get our mail and sit and open it on the porch...ok, so it's not really that much warmer...but warm enough. She gets so excited to dig through a box of goodies! Her favorite was probably the wallet (not pictured). I was actually surprised she even knew what it was. I don't know why I thought she wouldn't know what it was. Anyway, she won't let her sister use it yet, which means she's VERY attached to it. The other day she opened it and said, "NO MONEY! There's no money in my wallet! Where did it go!?"...haha! Great imagination kid. Maybe she thought if she said it like that I would be happy to put some in it for her. So, thanks Uncle Kyle and Auntie Beth...but next time put money in the wallet! :) Just kidding. This picture was taken after her nap, which she had to go take just after the box of goodies was opened, and she wouldn't sleep till each new item was tucked safely beside her in bed.

Last week we were all tired. One night Ryan offered to bring home dinner, and we still had survivor to watch, so we decided to have our first indoor picnic as a family. Chicken and Jo's isn't too messy. Ryan brought home this big bucket of food, and we sat it on a blanket and everyone filled there tum's to the fullest...but the winner for the big eating was Annora, who was probably the most excited about a bucket of food. This little thing can REALLY eat. Anyway...it's been a long time since we've had a meal in front of the TV. Without kids we used to do it regularly. I know...you're not supposed to, bad for your health...whatever...but I have to say, it was nice. I think we're going to institute indoor picnic night once a month. No vegetables allowed. (Except the couch variety)