March Madness

I will never forget that the first conversation Jeff and I ever had was on Easter.  It was a time of new beginnings in so many ways for the both of us.  And this time of year, I am always especially reminded of how faithful, loving and redeeming our God is.  Can I get an "amen?"

We went to Mom and Dad's for Easter.  Mom has always made deviled eggs, green beans, macaroni salad, rolls, spiral-cut ham and dessert.  No one makes it like Mom does!  The boys played with airplanes all day while Mom and I relaxed on the porch.  

Here is the customary Easter family photo.  Love my sweet boys!  I laid awake in bed the other night just overcome with gratitude for all the love and joy these boys bring to me and everyone who knows them.

I love, love, love when Jeff is home!  He is THE BEST.  A) of all, he puts up with me and teaches me daily about unconditional love.  B) of all he shares in all the work of making our family go.  He does laundry, yard work, errands, and happens to be a fantastic chef!  When he's home, John Thomas gets waffles and pancakes for breakfast and I get sent to school with a breakfast sandwich like this!  Move over Wheaties, because this is "the breakfast of champions!"

We also get to start our school days with a little bit of quality time in the car line for school.  This is definitely the silver lining to an insanely long drop off line!  

Our John Thomas has such a tender, generous heart!  After school on Tuesday he took it upon himself to pack us a picnic for the front yard.  I have already started praying for the little girl who is sure to steal his heart one day and that she will truly cherish his sweet, sensitive nature.  

He's not all picnics and roses though!  Got this picture out of his "Kid Book" the other day.  He really took special care to include all of the details of his "ellfit."  Not sure if his teacher's "WOW!" is out of support or shock!

Besides the daily hubbub, a major holiday and Spring Break, March was full of other fun events! John Thomas had his kindergarten program.  Watching a couple hundred five year olds singing and dancing is nothing short of adorable!  Some kiddos are naturals when it comes to the spotlight…He is not one of them.  In spite of his nerves, he did a great job!  These are some of his kindergarten buddies!  Aren't they are such cuties?!

Our neighbor and pal, Conner, had a birthday party at the bowling alley.  These two love to hang out and I am thankful to share the cul-de-sac with such sweet friends!

Last night I got to share dinner with a room full of lovely ladies.  My friend, Nicole, is getting married in just a few weeks and we couldn't be happier for them!

Last Wednesday I got the scariest phone call imaginable.  Mom was being rushed to surgery.  She is still in the hospital, still in an immense amount of pain, and still not completely out of the woods.  This trying time has reminded us of the blessings of simple things like brushing your own teeth, coughing or laughing without pain, and solid foods.

I have blogged in my head several times over the past month.  I mused over politics, education, culture and religion.  But as I watch the bravest, strongest woman I know struggle to do the simplest things like sitting up or eating, all else fades to nothing.  Not a wall, not a trade policy, not a social security plan in the world matters as much as the people I love.  It might do us all some good to remember this and look for grace in the face of a world that thrives on controversy.