Project 365, Week 16

The heading of this week is tax season is over!! Onward!

April 13

The volume we do in the last couple weeks! So many panicked people, so much triple checking our work.

April 14

Aiden has taken his picky-eater-ness and used it as motivation to cook for himself. 

April 15

First morning of the season it was warm enough to be on the screened-in porch!  As much as I love being social, I also need large swaths of time alone, quiet. Before the sun is up is that time.

Happy birthday, Shaun! Avery and Jack came over and we had a very brief celebration with takeout. Mostly, we were all so relieved to have another tax season wrapped up. Also, we needed to get to bed because...

April 16

...the next morning Avery and I left at 4am to drive to Alabama. Yes, Alabama. 

Amanda's roommate from last year, Journey, was getting married and Amanda was a bridesmaid. There were various complications to her flying, so we offered to deliver her. 

We stopped very briefly to pick Amanda, her school being right on the way.

I was remembering our April trips to Florida. For many years we would leave around the dinner hour so the kids would sleep for the bulk of the time. And now, just like that, I'm sitting in the back and the girls are driving. Pretty crazy, and also kind of nice. We are multi-generational road-trippers so we got after it.

As someone who grew up doing long road trips with no screens, I could not have been more delighted to see this billboard.

 After dropping Amanda at her roommate's house, we were thankful to get to our place and crash.

April 17

In search of coffee the next morning, I found a charming spot.

Avery and I had the days to ourselves and a highlight was checking out the new store that just opened in town. The locals were thrilled and we heard there was even a parade to celebrate the grand opening.

Aiden was away at Youth Convention for the weekend and naturally he didn't send any pictures so I stole this one. Some services and lots of not sleeping.

Avery and I were invited to the rehearsal dinner. Being a casual observer, it stood out to me what a tight knit community they have. Journey grew up on the grounds of Adullum International Ministry, doing life alongside a group of families who are supporting incarcerated mothers and their children.

April 18

A little trip over the bridge on the way to coffee. After a little walk around the Main Street area, I went back to the house and brought Avery back once she was up.

It looked different, but we had our annual April palm tree sighting. :)

The two moms and their community did such a nice job transforming the pavilion, that normally serves as a basketball court, into a wispy wedding venue. 

Just like at Avery's wedding, the family started and then everyone joined in, singing The Blessing over the new couple. What a powerful, beautiful gift.

The Lord bless you and keep you

Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you

The Lord turn His face toward you

And give you peace

April 19

Then we were up at 3am to head back north, so Amanda could be back for finals the next day and I could be in the city for scans.

The drive was so pretty, watching spring come alive in all shades of green and pinks and purples.

We stopped in at Amanda's dorm to use the restroom and when I walked into the lounge I found it deserted, but with the refrigerator door left wide open (also SO full!). Ha!

The best road warrior buddies. We said goodbye and Avery and I hit the road for New York City.

I took the first shift of driving at 3am in nowhere Alabama on dark, windy roads surrounded by cow pastures. I took the last shift of driving at 10pm through Times Square in Manhattan. What a day!

Project 365, Week 15

Yup...taxes. It was all-consuming this week. Just crazy. Nathan later verified that this was THE busiest April we've had. But also, signs of spring everywhere and it makes me giddy to see nature blooming.

April 6

Watching the garden begin to wake up and stretch at physical therapy.

April 7

My only picture of the day, the setting sun at the end of a crazy day. As I waited to take a left out of the office onto a busy road, likely I thought, breathe. 

April 8

Pretty morning light.

April 9

This girl.

I can't believe all the ways Aiden sacrifices his body to keep the ball out. The more the bette for him.

April 10

Heavy fog this morning and the buds are popping out..

April 11

Morning light.

Amanda sent a few pictures from her getaway weekend with a group of friends from school. They visited someone's Amish grandparents and loved it!

I missed the last Bible Quiz meet of the year because I had to work. Amy, the District Coordinator, thought to recognize and thank the coaches. I am so grateful for the eight-ish years I've been involved in this ministry. Very special!

Admittedly it was not the best timing, but I said yes to respite for B for the weekend. She spent some time alone at home and I brought her to the office too. She shredded garbage bags full of paper and had a blast.

My dad, accompanied by his group, put on a concert at the church he left when he retired. They did a great job and it was a large crowd, some he's known for many decades. He loves people humbly and genuinely and has had such an impact on many.

April 12

I won't detail the whole story but I met up with the grandmother of our first foster child in the church parking lot. She and I have stayed in touch these twelve years, texting pictures of kids growing and such and always she checks in on holidays. We hugged warmly and had a good conversation. 

B and I had a nice time, too.  We sat out on the patio enjoying the warmth and she DJ-ed for us.  Later, Avery and Jack came over. We introduced her to the game Yahtzee and on her very first turn she got a Yahtzee (and then two more in the same game!). Those small wins cans be so meaningful and memorable.