I love reading the blogs of my sisters-in-law... they inspire me and make me want to be a better mom and blogger. My entire blogging adventure came about to keep far away family in the know and up to date with my children. Specifically, for my husbands dear gram. She passed away over a year ago, and I have felt rather lost in my purpose to post since her passing. I enjoy the "journal-ing" satisfaction of blogging, and hope maybe some other far away family (since ALL our family is somewhere far away) will continue to follow the "company" via my blog.
Spring break was perfect for us. We did something and went somewhere different each day. Our goal was to go somewhere we had never been. How fortunate we accomplished our goal twice, in touring a recording studio (thanks again Jeramiah), and bowling at the local "bowl". Mother Nature provided a generous dumping of fresh snow for us to go sledding. The museum has a fantastic new exhibit about frogs, and the library is still one of our favorite places to go. I am so lucky to have such good children. It was the perfect week, and everyone was ready to resume our regular routine.
In other news, Gina is all grown up and will be leaving the country... She was encouraged to apply (by her German teacher), and was awarded the opportunity to travel to Germany for almost a month this summer. She will live with a host family, attend classes, tour historic cites... along with 39 other students from all over the United States. This is a real honor and we are very proud and excited for her. I was a little nervous at first with the thought of her being so far away from home by herself, but such concerns have been put on the "back burner" since drivers ed. started a few weeks ago. It's hard for me to believe she is already old enough to learn to drive. She continues to keep it all together with a smile and make it all look so easy. Oh to be a teen!
Eliza and Isaac are making great strides in learning to play the piano. Eliza does NOT like practicing, but is competitive enough that she wants to be better than Isaac, who seems to be a natural. Eliza has recently learned to deal with a bully in her class at school. It's been very stressful for her. I'm so proud of the way she faced the problem, dealt with it, forgave, and is moving on. She is very mature, super sensitive and kind. Isaac is my mystery boy. We think he is quiet and reserved, only to learn from teachers and friends, that he is NOT quiet very often, but actually very social and funny. He still has the most infectious smile and laugh. (even when he wakes up grumpy like this morning because of the snow...) he just can't stay mad or grumpy for long. He amazes me with his random knowledge of snakes, reptiles, and frogs. Is it even worth mentioning that they both continue to grow like weeds?!
My littles Charlie and Olivia continue to challenge me the most. I'd like to think it's only because I'm 35 weeks pregnant and lack the energy to keep up with them. Charlie's social circles are expanding, and hanging out with Mom all day just does NOT meet his social needs any more. He too is DONE with the snow and is ready to be outside on the tramp, or his bike. His eczema has and continues to improve, along with his speech. Olivia... her greatest challenge these days is being 2! She wants to do EVERYTHING everyone else is doing. She has become the worst 2 year old back seat driver on the planet! Telling me to "go this way", "go faster", and "just GO mom" at red lights. Actually, her bossiness take control attitude is a good thing I'm sure... if I can just survive it a few more years. She is the best little helper, unloading the dishwasher, sorting, switching, and folding laundry, pushing the grocery cart... you name it, the girl is on it.
Easter weekend was absolutely wonderful! I made the girls skirts...(I've done my sewing for the year) and they were thrilled not to mention adorable. I'm sorry for the minor technical issue that limits me from posting any pictures... Maybe next time. Easter was a beautiful day in every way. The sun was shining (there was NO snow) my children were happy and content (even if they were high on sugar), and I relished the quiet time to think of all the blessings I enjoy because of the Saviors Atoning sacrifice, and resurrection. "Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: '"I know that my Redeemer lives!"'