Happy Easter

Happy Easter!!

After many stick races down the "ditch" and wading in their boots, the kids actually sat for a moment so I could snap their picture.

Before the egg hunt at Grandmommy and Granddaddy's.

After the egg hunt (Coleman is wasting no time getting into his candy).

After the eggs were collected we stopped for a quick pic.

All dressed up!

Fun Weekend Part 1

We were so excited when we heard Lincoln was going to be out of school this past Friday and today (Monday). Knowing all of our Saturdays are about to be lost to soccer, we decided to turn this into one fun-filled weekend. On Saturday we went to Burgess Falls for a hike and picnic. Once home that evening we had supper at our fire pit. It was BEAUTIFUL outside and we loved being outdoors most of the day. They were exhausted and had no problems going to bed early. It helped all of us "Spring Forward." Here are pictures from the day.

above: Catherine singing "I like to move it, move it" and movin' it. :)

Coleman got tired of walking. The rocks are fun.

The stick train got him back with the crew.... for a few minutes.

Then up on daddy's shoulders he went.

Catherine wanted a picture of the breeze. Can you see it? :)

They are so smart.... they made a see saw!

Eating smores and climbing on their favorite jungle gym: daddy.

"Fuzzy catepillar, climbing up a tree...."

Fun Weekend Part 2

The second part of our trip was most definitely the most fun. We packed up Sunday and headed to Seiverville, TN to go to the new Wilderness Indoor Waterpark. We didn't tell the kids where we were going so when pulled up to this hotel with big Water Slides coming out of it Lincoln got very excited.

We got our keys, got our stuff and went up the "alligator" (according to Catherine). We got our stuff inside our room and within 30 minutes we were walking down the hall to this indoor pool. I wish I had counted now many times Lincoln asked "Are we ready yet?".

When we first walked in, the air warm and humid. But once in the water and then when walking around it was perfect. This place was so nice and so clean. Brad and I have not been able to think of a negative. Going on Sunday/Monday was perfect because it was not crowded. There was often no wait at the water slides (Lincoln's favorite was the big one with the big drop into the orange/white checkered dome. It was my favorite too.) It was hard getting pictures because I had to watch Catherine and Coleman. Coleman thankfully loves the water and doesn't quite understand its danger yet.

Below: Lincoln is on the Surf Rider. He really likes this. He stayed on really long one time and the crowd clapped for him we he was done. It is heart-warming to see your children beaming with excitement, pride, and a little embarassment. :)

Here are all 3 in the little kid area (Catherine and Coleman's favorite place).

Catherine and Coleman

With Brad in the Wave Pool


In-room entertainment at check-out

Needless to say, the kids were in bed at 7:30pm and 8pm tonight. We are all worn out!

The "Griping" Wheel

The “Griping” Wheel

Have you ever felt like griping about an area in your life?
Where things didn’t feel like they were going quite right?
In my quiet time today, I felt one come along,
Until I thought of a Farris Wheel and I decided not to get on.
(It really does make sense- keep reading and I’ll explain.)

A gripe starts as something small, a nagging in my head,
And because it seems so innocent I let it stir instead.
Without really knowing it I board the “Griping Wheel”, and
Because I like to talk things out I share it with a friend.
When I voice that one little gripe, unknowingly, the “Griping Wheel” spins.
That gripe that started out so small begins to grow within.

The Griping Wheel spins slowly at first, I really could get off.
But feeling justified, I voice my gripe to another friend to whom I know can relate.
I am just trying to solve the problem, and I feel stronger in my convictions
But griping out loud isn’t going to fix it.

The Wheel spins faster and faster.

I don’t even like the Farris Wheel anymore, especially when at the top,
And look at where I found myself because my griping did not stop.
I try to hold on to the Griping Wheel- knuckles white while squeezing tight,
Faster and faster I find myself spinning, something isn’t right!

My earlier convictions are no longer very strong,
And I find this ride to be horrible and way too long.
I remember a familiar passage, one I have read many times,
And the Griping Wheel slows down and finally begins to stop.

“Don't let any evil talk come out of your mouths. Say only what will help to build others up and meet their needs. Then what you say will help those who listen.” (Eph 4:29 NIRV)

Thankfully, during my quiet time in my van this morning God took my thoughts down the process of the “Griping Wheel” BEFORE I passed along my gripe concerning my child (this is an edit, Brad thought I should clarify lol). I truly feel that God wanted me to understand this truth in a new way this morning, and He used the analogy of a Farris Wheel. I trust the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my understanding, in all of my ways, I acknowledge him because HE directs my path!