A picture is worth...

It's Not Always Easy

I ran across this blog last week.

www.jethatmaker.com/blog

Her post about "After the Airport" resonated very deeply with me. She is an incredible writer. Very honest and open and insightful about her family's adoption journey. I read it late in the evening, and when I went to bed that night I grabbed Meta out of his bed and put him into bed with me. I just wanted him close to me. My heart was heavy for him. And all he's been through.

So often when we tell our adoption story or we're out with Meta or even with family and friends who know him so well; the talk goes toward how blessed he is. What a miracle he is. How fortunate he was to be chosen, and moved into our family. I understand why the conversation often goes that way. Anyone who has seen photographs of 3rd world countries understands that his life now is far more comfortable than his life in Ethiopia. It's easy to imagine that a life with school and clothes and *good* food and a brother and sister and grandparents and aunts and uncles and a mom and a dad and craigs cruisers is so much more than his old life. He is blessed. He was chosen. And yet his life is not easy. It's not without pain. He has suffered enormous loss in his 5 short years. That's the part of his story that doesn't get talked about a lot.

My neice turns 3 this October. I watch her interact with her Mom and Dad. The love and trust she has for them is almost palpatable. For her Grandparents. For her life. She is trusting and dependant (even though she's getting more and more independent every day). She has routines. She has friends. She has food and places and things that she loves. Meta was a little older than her when he was relinquished to an orphanage. When everything in his world was turned upside down. When I imagine this happening to children I know and love, at that "not so young age"; my head won't let my heart even go there. I can not imagine. I don't want to. It would hurt too much to even consider. And yet that's exactly what happened to Meta.

It is good for me to remember. It causes me to pause when he's acting up and ask myself why. It gives me more patience. It helps me understand him just a little more. It gives me compassion for my son. I remind him often that we are his family forever. No matter what. Forever. And I pray that he believes me.

Adoption includes loss. It also includes lots and lots of blessings. But today, for whatever reason, my heart is thinking about the loss. And I think that's OK.

2 new neices

In my last post (just yesterday for those of you keeping track!) I did not mention that I became an Aunt twice this summer. I didn't mention it because it deserves it's very own post.

My younger sister Julie had a very sweet, very cuddly, very healthy Macy RuthAnne this July. She is content and happy and oh so beautiful. Seriously beautiful. I am not one of those people who thinks every baby is cute. Macy is. For sure. Macy is one blessed little girl for a lot of reasons but one of the biggest is that she has an older sister Elise. Another little girl I love to death. Also beautiful. Also content and happy and very very sweet. Although she is in her twos now and has some opinions. But I love that too. Girls who are strong and even a little demanding make me smile. It will serve them well later in life.

Anyway.

Macy has a sister Elise. I can not think of a better way to start out life than with a sister. She is one blessed little girl.

My youngest sister, Abby also had a baby this summer. Sweet little Avery Leanne (Lea after Jessica LEA and Anne after Julie ANNE) was due to arrive mid November. She made her entrance into the world this August. For those of you who know anything about babies, you know that being born at 26 weeks gestation is NOT a good thing. For those of you who know anything about my God, you know that He is a God who answers prayers. And in the case of Avery He has answered in incredible ways.

It has been uplifting and encouraging and just plain wonderful to watch Abby & Mike's families and friends and coworkers, and even complete strangers bring this little girl before the Lord. She is stable and growing and holding her own. Another little girl who is blessed beyond belief. The nurses in DeVos NICU have actually called her feisty at times. I like that too. It's pretty obvious she's going to take after her mother.

Two new neices to love. Two little girls who will call me "Aunt Jess". Two new people to sit around Bush Family Lunch on Sundays. I'm not sure it can get any louder, but I have a feeling Avery and Macy will prove me wrong. Life is so fragile. It's so unpredictable. And it's also very very beautiful.

higher priorities

I've always disliked it when Moms complain about how "busy" they are. A pastor of mine used to use this line ... "You aren't too busy to do that thing you said you would do, you just made something else a higher priority". That is so true. I haven't been too busy to write a blog post, I've just chosen to do other things.

I'm not sure why. I get a lot of joy out of writing. I like to organize my thoughts. And yet, my life has been very full. We moved in May (moving is a LOT of work, in case you didn't know). Then summer came on out of nowhere. 3 kids home all day long. I am SO blessed to be able to summer with them! Who else has a better job than that??? Boating, beaching, the pool, our new house has lots to do outside (fishing, quading, swimming, catching critters, exploring). We spent time with friends and each other. We made some new friends. We missed our old neighbors. We took a week at the beach with 18 of my favorite Hoekstras. We saw a Tiger's game. Ella and I spent some girl time in Chicago. We ate ice cream and biked and watched a LOT of Noah's baseball games (he played travel ball this year). I read a lot of books. I did a lot of grilling. I got a CSA box from the Farmer's Market every Wednesday. I even attempted to mow the lawn, and ran over a mole trap in the process. Opps!

The kids started school this week. Meta started Kindergarten. I followed his bus the first day (is that wierd??) and he literally BOUNCED down the steps, like he owned the place. He is going to LOVE school. I miss the kids while they're gone, but maybe now I'll write some more blog posts!

Ella turned 9 on Tuesday. Where does that time go? I swear I would give up years of my own life to slow it down a bit for my kids. These are great ages. I love being such a big part of their lives. Everyone said when they were babies time would fly. I didn't believe them. Now I do. I really really do.

And so, that's 5 months in a few short paragraphs. I'll write more later. Promise. And sorry for the lack of pictures. The internet out in the sticks is, well, let's just say it's less than ideal.

5

Meta turns 5 today. We've been talking about his birthday since March 4th of last year (the day after his last birthday). This kid loves birthdays!

When we first came home from ET, we celebrated his sister's birthday. Then a bunch of cousins and neighbors and school friends. He wondered if it would ever be his turn. Then it was and he realized how quickly it went. So he started looking forward to 5. And today is the day!! I'm betting tomorrow we'll start talking about when he will turn 6. As frustrated as I get somedays with his constant "looking ahead", I know that I'm the same way too.

It's been a whirlwind year since birthday #4. It has been such a nice change to be done with the "firsts". To be honest, I'm enjoying this "2nd birthday in America" so much more than the first. We don't even call it that ... it's just Meta's 5th birthday. Last year was a big deal. His first birthday cake, his first birthday party, his first birthday gifts, and on and on and on. It's nice to be able to *just* do a 5th birthday, without all the pressure. Without all the explaining. It's nice to just be able to "be".

Although I've been here, done this once before; the day continues to be a bit of an anomoly for me. It's odd to not have been there on my son's birth day. I don't know what the weather was like, what time of day he was born, what he looked like, how he smelled, whether he cried or shrieked, how he ate or slept or pooped. I didn't get to be his Mom until he was 3. I don't even know what day he actually came into this world.

And so March 3 is kind of wierd for me. As much as my feelings for him are the same as the other 2, the birthday is not. I'm going to be celebrating in July when he will have been home 2 years. I'll celebrate the day we scooped him out of that orhpanage and fed him and bathed him and read to him and tucked him in that night. The day we threw a ball and watched videos and looked at pictures and sang songs. The day we smelled him and touched him and held him and whispered to him and even counted his toes. That's the day I celebrate.

We're going to Chuck E Cheese tomorrow with some of his friends. We bought him a gift and a cake and will sing "happy birthday" and snap pictures and do all the birthday stuff.

Every adoption story, no matter how great it is, includes loss. I used to not "get that" like I do now. Maybe you have to be in the story to really understand what the loss looks like, feels like, smells like; or maybe I'm just a slow learner. Either way, days like this remind me of some of that unique pain that adopted kids and families have to walk through. That is why, between you and me, I'm saving my celebrating for July.

The gift I can't Give

There are so many ways to give this time of year. I've been wrapping gifts for my kids, buying stuff for friends and family. We're helping a single Mom from church buy gifts for her boys this year, the kids are collecting baby items for Lakeshore Pregnancy Center, we bought a few toys for a mom from Harbor House to give to her 1 year old son, we're helping stock the food pantry for families in Pullman, we brought food for our church's "meal deal". Lots of ways to help; lots of ways to give back; lots of ways to be a blessing to others.

And yet, as I scurry and hurry and buy and wrap, my heart is not as light as it used to be. There are a few gifts I SO YEARN to give and I can't.

Part of me is still in Ethiopia.

Sitting in a park with my son's mother.

Knowing she doesn't have much.

Knowing her daughter isn't in school.

Knowing food is hard to come by, not to mention clothes, shoes, medicines.

Chances are she isn't worried this Christmas about what to stuff in the stockings, or if she should prepare ham or turkey for Christmas dinner. She's not wondering what to give to her neice or father or cousin. She's not going to play Bingo or put a dollar in the kettle outside of the store. Her husband won't be building a fire on Christmas Eve and they won't gather around their Christmas Tree they cut down as a family.

Oh that I could send a few presents her way. Or better yet, invite her to sit at my table this Christmas. Oh that I could bless her just a fraction of the way she has blessed me. What a day that would be! The things we could talk about! Laugh about! Cry about! I'd love to hear what Meta was like as a baby. When he took his first steps. What he looked like with just a few baby teeth. I'd love to show her how joyful he is. How he loves his brother and sister. How well he's drawing, learning letters, singing songs, fitting in. How. Much. He. Is. Loved.

The thought of her leaves my heart aching. And the tears fall.

I know that the same God who looks down on me with love, is looking down on her. And so I continue to do as she asked me to ... when I pray for myself I pray for her as well. That she would be blessed. That she would be loved. That she would have her daily bread.

On days like this I give Felmata an extra kiss. I hold him a little longer. I recommit to teaching him as much as I can about Jesus, and continue to pray for his soul so that someday, we can all be reunited again. Because, for now, that's all I can do.

"He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; He will remove the disgrace of His people from all the earth" Isaiah 25:6-8

Family Meeting

Sunday night I called a "family meeting". Just to gain a perspective, we have had 2 family meetings in 2010 that I can recall. Not a big practice around here. But Sunday night it had to be done. The topic: physical violence against family members. I am not joking. That was the topic.

Latley at our house the kids have taken to hitting, pushing, flicking, pinching and even what I would call "slugging". It is not pretty. And it's not just one ... it's all 3. I can assure you they did not learn this from their Mother!

We don't have a lot of rules around here. I figure that God only gave us 10 commandments ... so who am I to have a monster long list of "do nots". We try to major on the majors. My biggies are "no lying", "be respectful" & "be kind to others". If these rules are broken the consequences are usually pretty severe. I think it's fair to say that "acts of physical violence" against your brothers and sister would count as a "broken rule".

So, we gathered the kids and explained the problem. They agreed that there has been too much pushing, hitting, ect between them. They agreed with the discipline that was going to happen if it continues. They had a few questions though ...

"What if someone screams in my ear? Can I hit him then??" NO!

"What if someone pinches me? Can I kick her back?" NO!

"What if I see a slug bug and am playing the slug bug game and I slug someone?" uhhhh ... Paul? You wanna take this one?

"What if I do a "physical violence" but it was an accident?" Will I get disciplined then?" YES!

"What if he calls me annoying? That's not very nice. Can I scream in his ear?" NO!

Thankfully we haven't had to enforce the discipline yet. I'm hopeful yet also realize it IS only Tuesday.

Fall and other stuff

So sorry to all the bloggers out there. I have been delinquent. When my kids were small(er) Moms of older kids would tell me the busyness I was feeling was just the tip of the iceburg. I used to think when my kids were in school full time, then I would have more time to pursue stuff I enjoyed. What I didn't realize, was that while certain hours of the day would be "less busy", life as a whole gets more and more and more complicated. There are much bigger, more pressing demands for my time, my energy, my attention, my mind, my car, my money...you get the point. And, not only do I have 2 active "school aged kids" I also have a preschooler I spend hours and hours with during my "less busy" hours. Ha! All that to say, among other things, my blog hasn't been first priority lately.

It's been a fun fall around here. I'll attach a couple of pics to show you what I mean. And I promise another update real soon.

MVP

This week at school Noah is the "MVP". His teacher sets up a week for each student when they get to share with the class all kinds of cool things. A favorite CD to play during lunch. A devotion to share with their class. A poster with cool pictures about themselves. A guessing jar. A special "show" time. Along with that, a parent can write a letter to their child to be read. Here's what we wrote....

Dear Noah,

There are so many things your Dad and I love about you.
We love your kind and generous heart.
We love your desire to obey God and your parents.
We love how your smile reaches all the way up to your eyes.
We love how you think about others, and have a lot of courage to stand up for what is right.
We love how you are a leader out on the ball diamond and football field. You never give up. We love that!

I like to tell you this “story”. I hope it doesn’t embarrass you, but even if it does, I think every one of your friends needs to hear it too. Because I bet their parents feel the same way about them.

If God lined up a million kids in front of us …. Some of them short, some tall, some with really big muscles, some who never disobeyed or talked back to their Mom. Some really really good at reading with perfect AR scores every time. Some who got all 25 words right on their spelling test every week. Some beautiful piano players. Some future NLF stars. Some future preachers and scientists and astronauts. And then if God said … “You can pick any of these kids to be yours.” We would look and look and look until we found YOU. There is only one of you Noah. And God gave YOU to US. We think we got the best “pick” of all!! You might not be perfect, but we would choose you every single time. You are going to make mistakes and mess up and not always do what we like. But, we would still chose you every single time. No matter what. We love you and are proud of you and are so thankful every day that you are our son.

Love Mom and Dad

My Best Girl

This is my girl Ella JoAnne. She turns 8 tomorrow. It's also the first day of school for her. Big Day all around. On the day she was born I was secretly nervous I could never love another child like my first (Noah). Boy was I wrong. Really Really Wrong. The second I held her in my arms I felt a rush of love that was powerful, primal and eternal. I have never been the same. She makes me a better person. Every day. She makes the world a better place. Every day. To quote one of my favorite books "There is no me without her".

At her party today, we had her grandmas, grandpas, aunts & uncles go around and say one thing they loved or appreciated about Ella. There was quite a list. Here are just a few of the things we blessed her with ...

*I love how your smile reaches up to your eyes. Your smile is especially beautiful. So often when I look at you you are smiling.
*You are such a good reader. You read book after book to your cousin, and for being in 3rd grade you are smooth and comfortable and excellent at reading.
*You are a thinker. You are always thinking about what's going on around you. You are even thinking today about what you're going to wear to school tomorrow. Keep on being a thinker. It will serve you well.
*I love how you like to talk. Almost everytime I see you you're talking to someone about something. Even when you stay at my house I hear you talking to your brother late at night.
*You are a good sister and I love you
*You have a love for God and Jesus. I see you reading your Bible often; without being told. You make good decisions and I love how you've asked Jesus to be your God.
*You are the oldest girl cousin. You don't have a lot of cousins your own age who are girls, and yet you don't complain about that. You act as an excellent role model for the younger girls in our family.
*You are an awesome friend. You have a lot of friends and a lot of good friends. You treat other girls with kindness and goodness and are a lot of fun to be around. I hope this is true for the rest of your life.
*You make me feel loved when I'm with you.

I couldn't have said it better myself! Happy Birthday to my Best girl! I pray God gives you many many many more!

What's in a name?

Saturday night we were able to gather with the group we traveled to Ethiopia with. It was so fun to see how much changing all 4 boys have done in just 1 year. They all looked so alive and healthy and adorable! I wasn't surprised, and yet it reminded me once again the power of family. And food. And security. And hope. It's remarkable really.

We met at an Ethiopian restaurant. It turns out the man who owns the place lived just 18 miles from where Felmata was born. And speaks his native language!! When Sam spoke to Meta in Oromo Meta just looked at him. "Say it again!" he shouted. But, saying it again didn't help. Meta followed Sam around most of the night and kept asking him "say something else in Ormo!" It seems that Felmata has lost all of his original language. This was sad to me, and to him as well. We knew it would happen eventually ... as there is no one in his life for him to "practice" with, but I was surprised that just a year later he didn't recognize any of it.

The best part of the night for us came when Sam asked us if we knew what "Felmata" means. I have researched and asked and questioned several Ethiopians to no avail. No one seemed to know what his name meant (I think this is because most of the people we met were from the Capital and not from the Oromio region). Sam smiled a little grin and said Felmata means "prone to argue". Oh boy! We laughed and laughed and laughed. If you know Meta at all, you know why we laughed. Let's just say his birthmother had amazing intuition. We'll just leave it at that! :)

Lifting my head...

Sometimes when the dishes are done, the kids are tucked in and kissed good night, the "estate has been locked down" (as my husband likes to joke); my thoughts are not so easily put to bed. Sometimes I fall asleep before my head hits the pillow. Sometimes I do not.

Sometimes my mind runs a little wild. I ask questions. To whom I'm not sure. But I ask questions. Do we have milk for breakfast? Will the clothes I left in the washing machine be stinky by morning (OK ... by late afternoon)? Is the garage door shut? Will I lose my parents at too young of an age? Will my (adopted) son ever grow to resent me ... his "2nd" mother? When was the last time that ceiling fan was cleaned? Will my daughter tell me when she's hurt ... scared ... lonely? Did I insult my friend with my words? Does my husband really love me ... for real? Am I a "good enough" sister/daughter/friend/wife/mother/employee/neighbor
/PERSON?

Today I was once again reminded of God's Words to me. He wants me to look up. Not back. Not ahead. But up. He wants me to be present in today. To smell the fresh cut grass. To love my children right where they are. To love as if I'll never be hurt. To tear down walls. To seek Him. To listen to that still small voice and obey.

I'm pretty sure I'm going to keep having questions. Questions are just part of who I am. But I love how the psalmnist reminds me to look up .... "But YOU, oh Lord, are a shield about me; my glory, and the lifter of my head."

Thanks, Lord, for reminding me to lift my head, and for being there in the midst of all of my questions. There is NONE like You!

One Year Later...

One year ago we were attempting to adjust to our new family of 5. Felmata was dazed and excited and exhausted by this new place called "America". So much has changed in just one short (okay ... sometimes super long) year!

Felmata prefers peanut butter sandwhiches with NO CRUSTS over injera (an ET staple)

Felmata loves dogs. In particular, one adorable welsh terrier named Edi.

Felmata has a sister and brother he adores. He thanks God for them often. The best part is ... the feeling is mutual!

Felmata has a daddy who reminds him often that he'll never leave our family.

Felmata has neighbor friends and school friends and church friends who think he rocks!

Felmata is fluent in the English language. He can recognized all the letters ... and their sounds!

Felmata has grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncles and cousins who love him like he's always been part of our family.

Felmata knows he is wanted. He is loved. He was chosen. He will never be abandoned again.

Felmata has hope for a future.

Felmata knows who Obama is and finds great joy in the fact that the leader of the free world has "brown skin".

Felmata can ride a 2 wheel bike with no training wheels. Although stopping is an issue, it doesn't matter to him!

Felmata has a Mom who is humbled and honored and amazed at the fact that she gets to be a part of his life.

Here we are one year ago outside of the orphanage in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. So much has changed! We are excited for what the next year has in store for this amazing child who has brought so much joy into our home!

Well Rested

We were once again blessed to spend a week up in northern Michigan with our extended family.

We did lots of beach time, lots of pool time, lots of lawn games, lots of catching up, lots of laughs, lots of eating. It was fun to spend time with our family. The kids had a blast being with their cousins for a whole entire week. Felmata wants to know why we can't move to Manistee and live there forever!

We are well rested and ready to continue summer full speed ahead.

I'm posting a few pictures from our week. I promised the rest of the family I would use pics of them for "personal use only" which does not include my blog! I can say this much ... we had 10 adults and 10 kids under the age of 10, with one more on the way. We were a loud bunch!

this. boy. loves. summer.

Schools out for SUMMER!

Can you hear the song in your head?? I've been humming it all morning! At 11:30 today; my 2 kids will have completed another year of school. Schools out for summer! Yippeee!

I have never understood the moms that dread this day. It used to be so exciting when it was me getting let out for summer, and I still get that same excited, "I've got the world by the tail", feeling. I know that kids home all summer intrudes on my time. It intrudes on my clean house. My grocery budget has to be increased (drastically!). BUT, I get to spend long, lazy afternoons at the pool. Or the beach! I can put my alarm clock away for 3 whole months! I don't have to nag about homework. I get to take advantage of the "fun stuff" I am blessed to be able to do.

Yup ... I'll have to mediate arguments. I'll have to nag about the chore chart. I'll have to bite my tongue and not say what I'd LIKE to say when I hear those dreaded words ... "I'm bored". But along with all of that, I'll get to spend extended time with and pour into the lives of 3 of the most important people in my life. They really do grow up so fast, and I'm going to try and enjoy every moment of our moments together.

I'll need to re-read this post in a few days when the nostalgia wears off. Probably several times a day! And soon enough you'll probably witness me rolling my eyes, or not being patient, or forgetting that I was excited to have them home ALL. THE. TIME. They will drive me crazy and I will drive them crazy and I'll be equally excited for school to start in September ... BUT, for today at least, I'm giddy with excitement that schools out for summer!

Tulips are Blooming in Holland. Michigan.

it's not good for (wo)man to be alone

I was able to spend a long, uninterupted night with a friend I haven't seen in awhile. Over root chips and pizza and a little vino we talked and laughed and even brushed away a few tears. As I was driving home it reminded me once again why it's not good for "man" to be alone.

We reluctantly admitted that it's been almost 2 years since we've seen each other. There was a time when we saw each other almost every day. And then life moved on. We quit our (mutual) jobs, we ended up living in different cities, we became moms. Life moved on. But, thankfully, our friendship has not. It's always fascinating to me that when we are able to get together, it seems like we pick up right where we left off. I'm thankful for that. And for her. Because I know she is a friend for life.

It is healing for me to laugh with a friend. It is refreshing to be reminded that life is hard for others too. It is good for my soul to be reminded that people (who don't have to!) like me. It's good for me to connect with friends I really like being around ... just because.

I used to think that having (girl)friends was a luxury. That my family and my job and my husband and my t0-do list were all really important, but making time for myself with friends was sort of optional. Or indulgent. Or just not that crucial. As I'm getting older and life is busier and more complicated and at times way harder than anyone told me it would be; I'm realizing that it is not a luxury. It is good for me. It restores me. It makes me a better person. And I need it. I'm pretty sure I'm going to keep "needing it" for the rest of my life.

Sweet Boy!

As you may or may not have read in my previous post, we had great plans for this weekend. But, you know how the saying goes "the best laid plans of man..." I have been reminded of that these last 2 days.

Friday morning I had a sore throat. As the day progressed, it got worse, but nothing could keep me away from a night on the town with friends and Carrie Underwood. So, I popped a few advil and set out for an amazing night.

I'm so glad I did. As much as I love Carrie's music, I had no idea that she shared her faith in Jesus so openly. Several of her songs, "Jesus take the Wheeel" and "This is not our Temporary Home" led me to believe she had an active faith, and yet lots of country artists have similar songs. At the concert as she was belting the final measures of "Jesus take the Wheel", the music shifted into an amazing rendition of "How Great Thou Art". I've gotta tell ya ... to see the "Country Music Entertainer of the Year" (twice!) standing in front of a packed VanAndel Arena with her arms in the air worshipping the God of the Universe; it was awesome! I had planned on having a fun night out; and that I did. But I also left with a greater appreciation for our God who gives talent to everyday folks like Carrie, and then uses her to help people like me worship Him more fully.

Needless to say, by the end of Friday night I had no voice left at all. That has never happened to me before, and it's been just a little frustrating. I have lots to say; and no voice to say it! (maybe that's why this post is getting a little long ... I can "speak" with no voice!) :)

Saturday I woke up with a sore throat the likes of which I've never felt before. I knew something was not right; so I headed to the ZCH Urgent Care. (big shout out to the professionals over there...they actually make Urgent Care *almost* a pleasant experience .... thanks ladies!) I left with some antibiodics, steriods and the diagnosis of a bacterial infection similar to strep. Went home, slept, watched Noah and Ella play their baseball and softball games, and slept some more.

This weekend has not gone exactly as planned, but like I said in my last post; I'm trying to take each moment as it comes, and enjoy it. Maybe that's why this meant so much to me. As I woke from one of my 2 naps on Saturday (they said gets lots of rest!) ... this is what greeted me from my nightstand...

My sweet "baby" boy climbed the blossoming tree in the backyard, and picked these flowers for me. Climbed on the counter to get down 3 glasses. Then snuck in my room and placed them on my nightstand. What can I say? I've gotten lots of dandoliens in my day, and even a few beautiful rocks, but never has one of my kids been this artistic. I'm going to keep them there for as long as I can. It's a great reminder that even when things don't go as I've planned ... there could still be fanastic moments in store for me ... I just have to open my eyes to see them. Love you Felmata! Thanks for making my day!

Great Weekend Ahead...

I love this time of year. So much to choose from. So much to do. All in the beautiful sunshine and among the blossoms all around. Beautiful!

I get to have lunch with Felmata, my sister and neice today. At a new restaurant I've been wanting to try ; Zoup! Maybe in between dropped sippies, a gazillion "hey moms!" and wiping sticky hands Julie and I will be able to have a conversation. If not, it's all good. Love spending time with them regardless of the content of the talks.

Paul bought me tickets to Carrie Underwood tonight. The 2 of us along with 2 great friends. And I have a new shirt to wear! So excited!!

Opening Day of Little League is on Saturday! Noah and Ella both have games ... at the same time. Can't wait to see their teams come together after weeks of practice. Love spring sports!

Church on Sunday ... topic = fear. I struggle with fear. Can't wait to hear what Pastor Jim has to say on the topic. I imagine it will be something along the lines of "Do not fear". Just a guess though :)

Greeting on Sunday. I love welcoming families, singles, couples, teens, old and young into a place filled with hope. Good times!

Lunch with my family Sunday after church. Maybe a little ping pong too.

Amazing Race Sunday night. After last week's break (CMA Awards) we're ready to cheer on the cowboys.

I often need to remind myself to stop and enjoy life day by day. I struggle with always looking ahead to the "next big thing". This weekend, I'm going to pause in between the stuff and enjoy the moments as they come. This is my life. And I'm going to live it! Great weekend ahead!