Project 365, Week 10

It was a full, good week. Thankful for good jobs and especially that we get to do it together. It makes weeks like this so much better!

March 2

My sweet boys asked if I would grill steaks...how could I say no??

March 3
Shaun opened a large account, one that we'd laid the groundwork for months before. We're really bad at pausing to celebrate, but this night we grabbed the kids and ate an 9pm dinner on a school night and paused to count our blessings.

March 4
Rehearsing with these kids was fun...talented bunch!

We also kicked off Teen Bible Quiz. Our main strategy to keep them coming back is to provide lots of junk food. ;)

March 5
If I'd thought to take a picture, it would have been at the office. Lots of time spent at that place!

March 6
Fine Arts Day!! So proud of all the kids for signing up, showing up, and then doing it afraid in front of judges, peers, family and strangers.

Amanda's solo was the first event of our group. She was a big ball of nerves (understandably!). Amazingly, Shaun was able to clear his schedule for most of the day and we were so glad to have him there. He's so good at talking Amanda through things and loving on her.

It was Renna's birthday and each time we moved to a different room, the youth pastor would announce that it was her birthday and everyone would sing Happy Birthday to her. She ate up the attention...so cute!

Sarah. :)

The drama team! :)

Downtime. :)

Trevor and Amanda duo. :)

Best daddy anywhere. :)

Cute cheering section! :)

Nathanael preachin' the Word! :)

More downtime with adorable girls and beautiful window light! :)

Because we were in Providence only 15 minutes from my brother's house, they had us over for dinner and birthday cake. Such a fun day!

March 7
With the sisters gone at youth convention, Aiden and I got some of the day together....it was off to the library and then the couch.

So very thankful for our youth group and leaders and these life-impacting events.

March 8
It was the first time in nearly two years that I didn't have to be at church at 830am for JBQ. It was SO lovely!! We've switched up duties so Amanda and I will be at the 11:00 (and Avery once she's not working at the office on Sundays).

Project 365, Week 9

Tax season begins to wear right about now, if it hasn't before now. I'm grateful for situation...Shaun and I get to work together (92% of the time its a good thing ;) and the office is two minutes from home. For three months of the year its arduous, but then its not. We're so very blessed, and around this time I have to stop, get perspective and remind myself of all the good.

February 24

Its hard to describe what a big deal this was to Aiden and for our household...he woke up one day and felt like he should try eggs. He first tried a fried egg on a bagel and didn't care for it. The next day he opted for an omelet. With a little hot sauce, we had a winner!! He could not have been more proud of his accomplishment...its an event that he'll always remember.  

For years and years I've been making his dad an omelet every day for breakfast, so now I happily make another one!

February 25
The jeweler repaired a couple very worn-down prongs on my engagement ring. When I picked it up it was so sparkly. Standing there at the counter in the jewelry store, I had a strange flashback sort of experience. Moments and memories from those days flashed through my mind, things I would've thought were long forgotten...the sweetness of those dating, engaged, early-marriage days. We are the same people, yet so very different from where we started.

February 26
The drama team met and at the end Brent popped in. He gave some valuable, expert feedback. We've been so blessed to have him in our lives all these years....as a great friend and as someone who made it possible for our family to learn about and serve in theater, up close and personal.

February 27
Very long day at the office, very difficult day for my financial-advisor husband as the Dow had its biggest one-day point loss ever.

February 28
Our buddy!!

I found this on my phone from a couple weeks ago and forgot to include it. I wish I was a mom who could stay up late with my teens, having deep, meaningful conversations, but I am unable to do anything meaningful after 10pm. Love these girls and the fun that they have....and the photos they leave me (and you! :)

February 29
The youth group lead worship for the weekend services and Sarah got to be involved.

March 1
Sundays are a crazy day for me, but somewhere in the middle I had two hours at home. While the baby napped, Avery and I pulled out a new puzzle, our biggest ever at 3000 pieces!!

Dakota was the entertainment for the hallway-hanging kids during rehearsal. So, so sweet to watch them all.

Project 365, Week 8

The kids had two days off of school for winter break...they've been disappointed by the mild winter we've had and are pining for snow. I don't share their feelings on it. It's always nice to have them around, it also makes things a little more complicated.

February 17

I was able to live-stream Erika's funeral, which was held in Oklahoma. So many layers of feelings. I don't understand why I get to be here with my family and she doesn't. My surgeon told me a couple times she wanted to get me to my kids' graduations and weddings. Erika's boys will not have their mom at those events. The daily life we live, and the influence we have on others...it matters in the end. 

February 18
Avery worked on her day off of school, which allowed me to be with the other two. I surprised them (and myself a little ;) with roller skating. It was intentional time pursuing my kids hearts, something that was needed. Quite possibly I was a teen the last time I was on roller skates, but it came back surprisingly quickly. My abilities earned me some admiration from my teen so...win! :)

While I was at indoor soccer with Aiden, Amanda was home putting dinner together. Sometimes she's feeling it.

February 19
Aiden had a science experiment to do which required volunteers to taste test food items while blindfolded. His sisters were eager to participate.

February 20
Yikes!! Aiden and I spent an hour at the middle school, in an orientation for the "gifted and talented" program he'll be continuing next year. My mind cannot conceive that my little guy is headed to middle school in a matter of months.

February 21
When we met to practice the fine arts drama, youth group had set up some fun up lighting.

February 22
A blessed slow, quiet Saturday!! Accompanied by spring fever. The kids played and explored in the woods. I love that Avery can still be the ring leader for their make-believe play.

After 14 straight days at the office, it was so nice to not go in!

Shaun got home from the office early and the five of us played the train game. So lovely to be together.

February 23
Amanda had a sleep over the night before and when I got home from JBQ I found them lounging in the hot tub.

Back at church for Passion rehearsal. The kids got their costumes and I got to hang with the three kids for a bit.

On the drive home, we pulled off at our sunset spot, a beautiful close to a good weekend.