Project 365, Week 13

Trying to keep life quiet since my energy is devoted to the office. I love what I do so much, it just takes a whole lot out of me.

March 23

For Christmas, one of the things Amy got me was a promise to bring food every week during tax season. For many weeks now we have gotten a special delivery on Mondays that lasts us until the weekend. So much love in plastic and tin containers! Every thing that girl cooks up in her kitchen turns to gold. 

  

Makes my heart happy when there is an Amanda sighting on IG.

March 24

This night I got to watch her live as the entire student body traveled to NYC for the evening service at Times Square Church, which is quite literally in the middle of Times Square. He is more than able.

March 25

The rain and melting snow has caused the stream that runs through our office property to swell.

This gorgeous spread was delivered to the office, along with, from what I hear, life-changing cannolis. Special, because they were from Jesus, or at least the guy who plays him in the Easter production. All that he has going on and he thought of us.

March 26

I went to the dress rehearsal of The Passion to take stock photos. Its a bad picture, but this is Amy in her role as Assistant Director. She puts in so much time and does so many unseen things to make it all come together without disaster. She is exactly skilled for this role and its amazing to watch her using her gifts.

March 27

My buddy came for the weekend. Its a happy thing to have someone who wants to snuggle and listen to stories being read.

March 28

No picture, which means work and church and bed, all stacked together.

March 29

We enjoyed beautiful sunshine and baby snuggles.

Project 365, Week 12

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month so I'm going to give my commercial: Screenings start at 45 years old. Don't put it off or make excuses...just get it done. It's very treatable when caught early but its also the second deadliest cancer because its usually detected in the later stages. Go get tested!

March 16

Summit is a special place.

March 17

We arrived to the office in our St. Patrick's Day green full of spirit and ready to conquer the day. However, a storm the night before had knocked out power, and/or internet too, to much of the town . Working with the backup wifi was not terribly functional so it turned into a frustrating day of spinning wheels and pivoting with clients. 

March 18

A trip to NY to meet with the Pain Management sect of my team. Both women are so kind and attentive and are anxious to help me without pushing things. Though I'm immensely tired of doctors and appointments, I'm thankful for Amy who keeps gently insisting that I pursue options to alleviate the pain and then she advocates for me. If you're in a foxhole, she's the one you want with you.

March 19

Every 24 hours we get a reminder that He makes all things new.

March 20

We carved out some minutes to enjoy a team lunch, compliments of our boss. Such a great team (just missing our two part-timers)! These people show up everyday and give their best. 

March 21

What a fun picture to get! At the end of his spring break, Trevor went to visit a school friend at his home then and Amanda, too. They were able to spend the day together and be what each other needed.

March 22

Cold and wet soccer game but Aiden had a clean sheet, with half a dozen highlight-worthy saves in the last 20 minutes.

We often get Sunday's with Jack and Avery and its so fun having them kicking around. We've been playing trivia together on the big screen.

Project 365, Week 11

Taxes and sleep. Sleep and taxes. Even though I wish it was less of both, its actually a good thing that both are happening in large quantities right now.

March 9

Sun and 70 for the first time in this year. Aiden dug the patio set out of the snow and shade and set it in the sunny parking lot so we could eat lunch out there. It was lovely.

March 11

Makes me happy to leave the kitchen clean before heading out for the day, though its about the only housework happening right now.

March 12

An Amanda sighting...they got to take class outside.

March 13

Ginger has recently befriended a stuffed Iron Man.

March 14

A long-time client, an 85-year old man brought me flowers when he came to sign. It made my day on an otherwise wild and crazzy Saturday.

March 15

I stopped to notice the pretty design the shadows made. Then I noticed the cobwebs. Isn't that how life is...we can train ourselves what to focus on, and choosing to be grateful doesn't deny the reality of the situation, it just changes our hearts.

 

Project 365, Week 10

We are in the thick of tax season and it takes out of me just about everything I have. After being at the office for ten hours I come home, grab a bite of food and am soundly sleeping by 8pm or earlier. But I'm in this strange new phase of life where no one needs me on a day-to-day basis so this works for a time (except for picture taking...😉)

March 2

No picture.

March 3

The morning scene outside my front door.

March 4

I spotted this girl's happy face!

March 5

The morning's ice made for lit-up trees.

March 6

No picture.

March 7

An hour earlier, Amanda and I had been talking about the very thing Pastor Sean talked in church, so I sent her a picture.

Saturday night service has been back for a few weeks and we're loving it! Avery and Jack are both serving in spots that suit them well and its amazing to watch. For instance...

March 8

Daylight Savings...we're so glad you're here!

Ginger can hear even the slightest movement coming from Aiden's room in the morning (he's the one who feeds her and takes her for a walk, so she's always anxious)

Aiden had a weekend tournament 1.5 hours away. Shaun took him Saturday evening, so I volunteered for the all-day Sunday. It was a comfortable temperature to be outside, despite what it looks like with the snow banks.

There was a couple-hours break in between games, so we had a lunch date. It was such a sweet day together. I will treasure it.

Our first "late" sunset of the spring was quite a show! I kept an eye on the limited view out my window and then Avery facetimed me with the stunning view from her place. It was a treat!

 

Project 365, Week 9

Snow and babies and taxes, oh my!

February 23

The forecasters were right...we woke up to a whole bunch of snow, and it was still going. It was piled up enough that we closed the office. It was actually a welcomed day of rest and getting some backlogged things done. Jack was at work, but the four of us got some game time in before the snow removal began.

February 24

I stepped outside for a few minutes, just to be outside. The sun is especially pleasant after a storm.

February 25

The social worker came to do our foster care license renewal. God, in his wisdom and humor, gave me a burden for foster care, even though I don't particularly like kids. 

14 years, 35 kids, blessings, tears, laughter, heart-break, lessons, perspective, love.

My girl, fresh off of happy news in her life. 

February 26

I get to work with my family every day, doing something I love. We happened to be in the same room all in black, gray and white, so I snapped a picture. :)

February 27

Avery and Jack grabbed the kids for the weekend, so they camped out at our house. Unlike me, they love, love kids and its beautiful to watch.

February 28

Our last TBQ Meet before districts. 

This kid. In the car, he was telling me all about his plans to build a treehouse. I thought, you are so much like your dad, though he hasn't seen him since he was an infant. I encouraged Dakota to fine-tune his plans while he waits for the snow to melt and spring to come and I was amazed at his imagination. 

With all the snow we had, it was surprising a field could be available, but apparently turf fields are plowable.

March 1

We enjoyed the last couple hours with the kids. (and then also the quiet when they had left ;))