Spring Programs

Sarah and Danny were both in programs at school last week. What a blessing to see them perform. Sarah was so consumed with looking at me in the audience that she missed half of the movements, and probably half of the words too. It was so cute. Danny was about 5 words behind the rest of the class for the "I Love Mommy" song. (Sung to the Frere Jacques tune) It didn't seem to bother him, though. He kept right on going at his own pace, happy as a clam. As usual, I can't post any pics because the other computer is occupied :)

We Love Spring!

We are trying to cram everything we can into the little bit of time we have to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of spring. So far, we've checked off the hike to see early spring plants, tadpole observation, playing in the creek before it gets too full, early season plantings....I think that's it. It's always amazing to me how nature holds a child's attention like nothing else. A child with "ADHD" or whatever label you'd like to give them can sit for hours on end observing rocks, tadpoles and toads. We were truly designed to be in nature...not apart from it. My problem now that it's warm? My children don't want to come in the house...ever! I guess that's a good problem to have.

Piggies!

My dear friend lives in my dream house about 25 minutes from us.

We just had to go over to meet the new pigs! They had 9 at the time we were there. I think they may be up to 14 now. They are just so adorable!

I couldn't resist a picture on the gorgeous screened porch.

The kids had a blast playing in the straw, although they couldn't agree on what they should play. Sarah, as usual, is observing, boys are just being insane, and Riley was trying to organize it all! Life is good.

This is Humbling....

"What, therefore, is our task today? Should I answer "Faith, hope and love?" That sounds beautiful. But I would say - courage. No, even that is not challenging enough to be the whole truth. Our task today is recklessness. For what we Christians lack is not psychology or literature... we lack a holy rage - the recklessness which comes from the knowlege of God and humanity. The ability to rage when justice lies prostrate on the streets, and when the lie rages across the face of the earth... a holy anger about the things that are worng in the world. To rage against the ravaging of God's earth and and the desruction of God's people. To rage when little children must die of hunger, while the tables of the rich are sagging with food. To rage at the senseless killing of so many, and the madness of militaries. To rage against the lie that calls the threat of death and the strategy of destrustion peace. To rage against COMPLACENCY. To restlessly seek that recklessness that will challenge and seek to change human history until it conforms to the norms of the kingdom of God."

-Father Kaj Munk, 1944

Conference Weekend

As usual, I did not bring my camera, but we had a great weekend at the Midwest Homeschool Conference with some good friends. I learned a TON about methods and was so encouraged by the successes people have when they bring their children home. Sarah is getting more excited by the day, which is both good and bad. The bad, of course, is that it's difficult to get her to finish up the year at school. I don't know why I feel like she should do that, since they switched teachers on us for the last 6 weeks, but I'm going with it. We will be able to do lots of hands-on, and hopefully we'll keep her desire to learn alive.

In other news, Sarah no longer has ANY front teeth. She's so cute with her lisp...cracks me up. She walks around with her tongue in the hole, so that looks a bit odd, but it's time limited. (I hope!) Danny has his own gross habit to contend with. He no longer is satisfied with sucking his thumb. He likes to stick his fingers in his mouth, sometimes gagging himself. For good measure, he licks the back of his hand and wipes it on his forehead. NASTY and stinky. Hopefully, this is time limited as well!

Good Friday

I have matured so much in my relationship with Christ in the past few years. Today was a day of reflection and sadness...and amazement at what He did for us.

Beth Moore always has such a way of saying things. Getting them down to my level. If you have a minute to read, this is a neat post regarding Good Friday.

http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2009/04/thinking-about-death-and-healing.html

Tim and Heidi

Barle, the SECOND best yellow lab ever.

Wally, the chocolate English lab. I was surprised at how much more stocky this breed is.

The kids with Heidi, who looks concerned about the kids topping their own sundaes!

One of our nights in PA was spent with our former neighbors and good friends, Tim and Heidi. They were so gracious to let us stay there and love on their dogs while they made dinner and did tons of work! The kids loved it and so did we...but it sure did make us miss them even more.