He Is Risen

He is risen indeed!!  What a wonderful Easter day we had.  We started our day early as Will was the Old Testament reader at church for both services.  I think Jim and I were more nervous about it than Will.  He did great!  Then we headed off to Jim's sister's house for Easter celebrations.  I was able to get some pictures of the kids before we left.

It's so hard to get a good one of everyone and it's just going to get harder as we add more little ones.  That's ok.  I just love to see their individual expressions and personalities in these pictures. 

Our niece once again organized her wonderful Easter egg hunt and the kids had so much fun.  We ate too much and enjoyed a relaxing day visiting with family. 

The older children are gaining a better understanding of the great importance of this day in their lives.  When we have our nightly discussions during Holy Week I appreciate their thoughtful questions and comments.  I look forward to watching them grow in their faith.  

Only 2 more weeks of schooling and the baby is due in about 4 weeks.  Where did the time go?  We're all looking forward to the baby's arrival and enjoying our summer.  In the meantime, we have 3 dentist appts, 3 doctor appts (not including my own), Cub Scout Pinewood Derby, Will's and Dan's birthdays to celebrate, Cub Scout camp out and many small projects around the house to complete in the next 3 weeks.  Yikes!!  But there is nothing else I'd rather be doing than homeschooling my children, guiding and guarding their hearts and spending our days in the Lord's plan.

Baby Shower, Construction and a Birthday Party

What a week it has been!  First, the dear ladies at my homeschool group gave me a lovely baby shower at the park.  Good food and fellowship.  What a blessing they all are to me.

 The conversion of the former playroom to Will's room was also completed this week.  Thank goodness!  It's hard to keep a house clean and the young one (aka Daniel) away from the tools.  Here's a progression of the project.

We are very happy to have this extra bedroom; especially Will.  He's already moved in.  It comfortably holds his bed, chest-of-drawers, desk and chair.  He spent his first night in his new room on Friday.  Then... on Saturday we had a pool party to celebrate Kate's 6th birthday.  It was unseasonably warm that day; about 90 degrees, so it was perfect for the pool.  She had a few friends over and I believe all had a good time.  The theme was Barbie and my mother made a beautiful, delicious Barbie cake. 

She received many Barbies for her birthday, which is perfect.  She has played with all of them already and enjoys and appreciates each one. 

She also received many art supplies which is perfect because art in any form is part of her daily activities.  Finally, her friend Autumn gave her a special doll which Kate made a bed for last night.  So cute!

By the time our guests left for the day, we were beat.  It's been a long week, but a good week.  So many blessings this week as time spent with friends and family.  I also feel pleased with all the projects that were completed this week.  Still more work on the new playroom (aka garage), but it is so close to being done.  There are a few more things to do to get ready for the baby, but having these big ones done is such a relief.  Just 5 1/2 weeks till my due date.   I have an OB appt this week and my last (hopefully) ultrasound next week.

More importantly, this week is Holy Week as we remember Jesus's celebratory entrance into Jerusalem, his persecution, death and resurrection.  Such an important week for me and my family to remember his sacrifice and reflect on the core of his ministry.  How are we continuing the loving ministry that Jesus commanded here on earth to care for the afflicted, hungry, orphaned and lost?  What Jesus sacrificed for us was truly a gift to us that can never be repaid by our works, yet it is with joy and reverence that we do those works.  For God so loved us, so should we lovingly care for others.  This Easter season means so much more to me this year as I strive to walk closer with my Lord.  No matter the circumstances, the Lord is working in my life and knowing that brings me comfort in all situations.  May you have that comfort this Easter season and throughout the year.

Where Did The Week Go?

Wow!  I can't believe it's Sunday already.  After fasting from the Internet on Wednesday, I kinda enjoyed it, so haven't been around much.  I love reading inspiring blogs, tending to my own budding blog and emailing friends, but boy is the Internet a time suck!  I guess I never realized just how much time I was spending on it.  So, I've decided to cut way back.  I think I need to.  The time can be much better spent with my precious little ones and taking care of the many tasks that need to be handled during the day. 

On a separate note, I had an ultrasound on Thursday.  All is well.  Baby is estimated at 4 1/2 lbs and is happy as a clam in there.  Here's the latest 4D picture of him.  Poor kid.  He still doesn't have a definitive name. 

Tomorrow, our carpenter comes back to put up some walls in the playroom and create a doorway from the living room, so Will will have his own bedroom now.  The garage project is still in progress.  I plan to have some pictures up this week of how it's going as well as some before and after pictures of Will's room.  It's supposed to only take about 7 - 8 days.  We'll see!  Hope you're having a wonderful Sabbath Day and have a blessed week ahead.