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.

 

Project 365, Week 14

Too much going on this week with tax season being crazy but we got it all done. And it was good.

March 30

Aiden and I made a quick run to the greenhouse to get some living things for the office. What a joy to see flowers!

Pop and Kiki went on a cruise with Dad's three living sisters and one brother-in-law. After they arrived back in NYC, two of the sisters, my aunts, spent a couple days in Connecticut. We gathered as many as were available and spent the evening together. Though we've lived on separate coasts for fifty decades, the family bond is there.

March 31

Aiden and I ran an errand in our old town and for fun, I drove by our old house. Just weeks before Nathan had mentioned that a family that goes to his church bought the house a year ago. 

As I drove by I spotted a man, woman and a 3-year old drawing with chalk on the walkway. Naturally, I got out and introduced myself. It was a brief conversation because I had to get back to the office, but it was so heart-warming to see it owned by a family who have lots of plans to care for it and raise a family within those walls. I was flooded with precious memories on the ride back. If those walls could speak...

April 1

No Picture

April 2

Jack put together a team to play indoor soccer for a men's league. Aiden was invited to play goalie for their team. It is comprised mostly of guys who have never played, sprinkled with a few who can play. I got to go and hang out with a couple of the wives on the bench.

April 3

We're running out of kids in the house to do chores, such as yard work. Lucky Aiden spent a few spare hours picking up sticks and moving leaves.

April 4

Bright and early, trying to get Easter ready before a busy day at the office. 

I'm in my dream job at the front desk. I get to talk to a steady stream of people all day. Some I hug tight like I'm seeing an old friend, others I'm meeting for the first time (and at the sight of a few, I groan inwardly). I'm genuinely curious about people and love to hear their story. Its a mixture of small talk and deep conversations about hurts and hard things, we laugh and there are tears. 

From my sampling of hundreds of people I can say that the world is just not how we see it portrayed on the news or in our curated social media feed. Its also not how it is in our close circle of people. We are more alike than we are different. 

This day, I was talking to a man who couldn't fit any more tattoos on this body. He was there with his wife and then a white-haired older couple came in and joined in our conversation. We found common ground and had an enthusiastic conversation and I think this is a more accurate picture of the state of humankind.

Since Aiden had stayed overnight at Avery and Jack's house, I asked Aiden to stop at Trader Joe's just minutes from their house. I wish I had a video of the two boys standing in the flower aisle. :) They did great!

Every week, it is such a joy to be at church. I love it there! But especially on Easter, there is so much to celebrate! If the tomb was not empty, my faith, and all that I've staked my life on, would be useless. But He was resurrected, just like he said and that changes everything.

Summit posted Amanda and her roommate a couple days later

April 5

For Lent this year, instead of taking something away, I added intentionally listening to "Easter" songs every day. That's what was playing early on this Sunday morning as I prepared for guests.

Family gathered and found people and food and fun to do. This year was all inside because it was a little too wet out. Its only the second time I can remember that we've had to be indoors. I'm so grateful for another year to celebrate with all these faces.

Kelly and Jack agreed to be the Rec Coordinators this year and they put so much effort and money into it, wanting to make it the very best for the kids and big kids. And it paid off...there was cheering and laughter and teamwork and lots of fun!