change......

I love the change of seasons and living in the mid-west we enjoy each one, FULLY! sometimes we get a season that has an extended stay; like a house guest that doesn't quite know when to leave; overstaying their welcome. We just can't seem to move into the spring-time weather in our world.  Let me just say, I'm in no way complaining.  A good friend once said, "if God sends rain, then I choose rain!"  Well.. . . .we've gotten the rain, the snow, the sleet, and the cold weather.  We just can't seem to get rid of winter; however, the trees are budding, the leaves are coming out, flowers are up and the grass is beautifully green but the water. . . .its everywhere, including our basement! Normally I would get all frustrated about the weather it and it's lack of cooperation but it's out of my control, thankfully, and I'm learning to enjoy what God gives each day, even if its still winter-like weather.  I shared with someone, recently, that there was no purpose in stressing about the weather, because when spring arrives we will be absolutely giddy with excitement.  When we do have a rare "nice" day people are like ants, scurrying everywhere enjoying the sunshine and milder temperatures.

Along with the season changes comes internal changes; learning to live where God has planted, enjoying what He's given and thanking Him for the blessings He brings, into our lives, each new day.  Some blessings are big and noticeable; some are small and mighty!  Today God gave me a blessing by answering a prayer I've been praying for one of my manboys.  What a gift to see Him working in the lives of my children, as they grow deeper in their walk with Him, trusting and following His ways.  I wouldn't want to miss out on any of that by being "too busy" to listen; too busy worrying about things I cannot "change".

a wonderful Easter weekend

The kids had a four-day weekend, our college manboys were home, as were our newly married kids from the Detroit area, for the Easter weekend.  The weather was perfect on Saturday and Sunday, well as perfect as it could be following several weeks of cold, rain and even snow (at least there was no rain drops either day).  Sunday was overcast when we left for church.  Speaking of church we had a wonderful Easter Celebration that included 15 baptisms.  After church we made our way home to change and head to our annual Easter Egg Hunt/dinner at our good friends home.  They are the most amazing couple! so hospitable, so loving, caring and generous.  After we ate it was time for the egg hunt.  The kids had a blast! Victoria's bucket was overflowing with eggs.  As the kids came up on the big country porch I handed them ziploc bags to put all their loot (literally) into.  My three kids came out with over $10 each.  Victoria's age group also had fun little trinkets in their eggs; playdoh, bouncing balloons, tatoos, rings, etc.  The day was perfect, with sunshine and a slight breeze.  People spilled outside into the lawn and porch to enjoy, not only the glorious day, but all the kids that were running and playing.  Our manboys decided to try out the rope swing over the pond! First to fall was Bryan, then Blake then Branden.  It was so fun to watch the kids as they began chanting, as the boys were contemplating taking the plunge, "do it! do it!"  Then when the boys hit the cold water (which more than likely just thawed out from iceburgs this past week) you could here the squealing and laughter.  Spending time with our family, being included as family, and enjoying the Resurrection of our Savior was a gift; memories that will last a lifetime.

We had a fabulous spring break week!  We did quite a few day-trips with the kids and had the best time.  One trip we all thoroughly enjoyed was this past Friday, we spent the day in Lansing.  We picked up Benjamin and he gave us a personal tour of the capitol (he works for a US Senator and was able to get us into areas that are typically off limits).  After our tour we picked up Blake, from MSU, and all of us ate lunch together.  Later in the day we drove to SAU and picked up Brett for the weekend.  Saturday we drove to Detroit, the kids and I, and spent the day with Bryan and Emily.  The girls went to see "Soul Surfer" and the guys hung out and watched the new Chronicles of Narnia movie. 

Though our plans did not include a "fabulous" seaside vacation we were able to enjoy time with our kids, that were on spring break, and our adult children that are scattered around Michigan.

Sunday brought some amazing warm temps to our area and we enjoyed the afternoon sitting outside, watching the kids ride their bikes and jump on the trampoline!  All too soon the week came to an end!