The Good Stuff

Oh the personality! 

THIS GIRL!

Spring break is here!

Best of friends
I told Hazel she could come with me to Wenatchee today for Merit's games. She said she thought it would be fun "IF we could bring Oren." Oren is not a fan of car rides. He thinks the games will be a ball till the 3rd inning. I usually can't pack enough snacks for his liking. I have spent $24,000 at concession stands over the past 8 years. haha - But seriously I would not want to guess.
BUT, we will go - the three of us. Willem may join too or stay back with Vance; a trip to the hardware store and and irrigation project in store.

KICKIN' off SPRING BREAK
DARLING BABY CHICKS
SUNNY WEATHER
maybe a movie
Window cleaning
cold weather, spring, garden starts
BIKE rides
baseball

Unity is strength... and when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved. -Matt Stepanek

 Sport do not build character. They reveal it.
Heywood Brown

 Perserverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other. - Walter Elliot

An Attitude of Gratitude

Yesterday I had a day of some whys.

Many involving my mom.
It was the anniversary of her death so I let myself go there.

Some involving Case. WHY did Hazel's cousin closest in age leave this world. It changed things. Heartache lingers. Loss causes a void. Why do Tasha and Reese have to have this emptiness? Why do my sisters have the heart condition our mom had?
Why do we not have our mom's advice, laughter, helpful ways, guidance?

Why is my mom not here making memories with us? Why can't I share these awesome kids with her?

Why do I sometimes feel jealous?

Why do I sleep poorly at night, head spinning?

Today was a day of goodness, greatness, laughter, a day of LEARNING, more things beautiful, more things right - 

But, I was also looking for those things.


20 kindergarteners can leave a positive impact
I stopped feeling sad and asking God the same whys I have before.
The classroom was too busy to ponder or feel melancholy.
I read my FAVORITE books. I listened to emerging readers. I interacted with friendly adults. Hazel joined me for lunch. It was a pure JOY to watch all these kids during CHOICE time! Working together, playing, talking, problem solving!
THANK a kindergarten teacher! It would be exhausting to do this day in and day out.

Tonight I get to take a beautiful girl's senior pictures!


TEACHING, outdoor time with my family, photography, tomorrow I get all morning with Oren....

Also during a quiet moment today - there were only a couple :-) - I became keenly aware again of the importance of praying over all my concerns and praying for the people in my life.

I still have the whys. But I still have the blessings.
I am not embarrassed that I have become more of an introvert. Conversation with large groups exhausts me. Except in the classroom - it refreshes me. Yes, it is tiring but it is important and meaningful. I am working hard at being a good mom. So far from perfect, but thankful that I want to be the best I can be. My family is so important. I strive to encourage them. I am so thankful for them! I am thankful for God's grace.

AN ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE.
I am not always good at this but I strive to be! 

My friend Maria!! 

she is so kind to always remember March 25 and that yellow roses were my mom's favorite!

 today's eggs! Our first green one of the season!!

spring blooms

John 16:20 -- March 25

Appreciating the time we had.
Thankful for my mom and grandpa Ken - both who went to heaven on the same date, March 25.
Feeling more of a void or a distinct sadness than some previous March 25ths. I can't explain that.






It's a very short trip. While alive, live. -Malcolm Forbes

John 16:20
"I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy."


I am very thankful that I will see my mom and grandpa again some day. We have this hope in Jesus,


All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Spring is HERE!

I am tired. I did not sleep well last night. It will feel great to crawl into bed tonight! 

I enjoyed walking with friends today! An hour sure cruises by with great friends and therapeutic conversation.

I LOVED watching everyone play in the yard once we were all home this evening. 

 I LOVE his imagination.

 Happy First Day of Spring!

primroses - happy chickens - melting snow

 the snow is melting!
Happy chickens, happy pets!