Easter Extravaganza

That's a nice way of putting, "You're going to be getting more pictures than you're actually interested in." We have all kinds of fun things coming up in our family. Andy turning 30, the sonogram of our next baby, our 7th anniversary and Mother's Day. Today is extra special though, and I wanted to give some time to this celebration, or as our pastor said, 'The Believer's Independence Day." I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking.

Helter-skelter

Not too much too report from here, as of late. Remember the 91 year-old who came to dinner? She had 2 pieces of pizza, which I found impressive. Life is good and quiet... Spring has been teasing us, and winter is hanging on for dear life. I finished up 'Jane Eyre' and enjoyed it so much that I checked out 'Wuthering Heights' today. I didn't read these classics growing up, and they are such a treat to be discovering now. We are trying to make the Easter season really special with lots of fun, but hopefully purposeful activities that include; daily readings from Luke covering 'The Triumphal Entry' to the 'Resurrection' on Sunday morning and a Friday night worship concert at a local church. Eggs will be colored and found, hot cross buns will be had and a lamb cake to boot. Anyone know how to make a good lamb cake? I have also started work on my thesis which God took in a different direction than I had originally thought. I am making a mentorship packet for young women, and I'm so excited! God is really giving me more hours in the day, creativity and energy to finish this journey. I am so grateful and excited to see it be used.

In the great words of our librarian (who I love) today at story time, 'Easter is all about bunnies and eggs.' This was a needed reminder to me that if we're not teaching our kids the real meaning of life and holidays don't be surprised when they're 20 and not getting it.

Aunt Cindi came for a visit. She's Andy's sister, but I selfishly claim her as my own. We enjoy many of the same things, walking, talking, coffee, biking, the outdoors, craftiness, and the list goes on. Here are some of the highlights.
Every night when the kids would go to bed, we would break out Cities and Knights. I was robbed of 2 victories, which explains my above face. Sorry Cind, I know you weren't the biggest fan of this pic.

She came with a surprise. It was a quilt she had been working on since Christmas. It's beautiful and goes great in the girl's room.

We asked if she wanted to stay in the guest room many times. She decided to bunk in with the girls. They are so sad to have lost their favorite roommate, and 'Little Mermaid' impersonator. Lots of cuddles to hold everyone over til next time.

We also went bridesmaid dress shopping for Andy's brother's wedding. We had an appointment in downtown Chicago and tried on many floor length dresses. It probably would have been a blast, but I'm at that, 'Is she pregnant or just eating too much stage?' I was the one they had to make sure looked decent. I stuffed my depression down with Spanish tapas at my favorite restaurant, Cafe' Iberico.

We also went on an awful bike ride, due to spring gunk. 4 year old legs can't peddle through wet sand, they just can't. We also found a great find at an antique shop for the baby's room, pics to come later. We miss you already, and can't wait for the next visit.

Things I'm lovin'

1. For (L4)-yup I'm getting it together and using code now, please keep me on track.

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Your_Story_Hour/archives.asp. They come out with a new story every Sunday, and she can't wait. They just ran a series on Abraham Lincoln that she loved, listened and learned from.

*The girl loves grapefruits, and how do I say no to that?

*She asks everyday if we can read from 'Keys for Kids.' http://www.cbhministries.org/kfk/home.php

*We read any book we can find by this guy;http://www.carolhurst.com/authors/alobel.html

*That she is staying in her bed til 7:00 every morning

2. For C2

*That she calls Andy, 'my daddy', every time she addresses him

*C2 loves quiet activities (thank you Lord). She's really into coloring, puzzles and play-doh. Here is one of her favorites to explore, http://www.highlights.com/

*Fimming (swimming)- this means putting on her bathing suit and taking a dip in the tub. This is not our tub.

*On my latest excursion to the grocery store I picked up instant jello chocolate pudding and instant tapioca, 2 of my childhood favorites. Andy added the whole box of tapioca instead of the recommended 3 TBS, so it was interesting to say the least. Tonight we had poppyseed chicken followed by the chocolate pudding. Poppyseed chicken is something that I am personally loving too much.

*C2 is staying in bed until 6:30.

Here's the recipe for Poppyseed Chicken;

1. Grill 4-6 chicken breasts and cut up into 1" pieces.

2. Mix together 8oz. sour cream, 1 can crm. of chicken soup and 1TBS. of poppyseed.

3. Add Chicken to creamy mix and place in a 2Qt. casserole dish.

4. Crush up one sleeve of Ritz crackers and mix with a stick of melted butter. Place on top of chicken mixture.

5. Cook at 325 degrees for 30 minutes.

Everybody loves this and leftovers do not last. It goes great with homemade applesauce!