This mother’s day, I was especially grateful for the gifts that each of my children are. I remember when I was a new mom thinking that I “deserved” this or that on Mother’s Day – that I was some sort of hero who sacrificed getting a shower every day or going out for a run whenever I wanted to. As I made my usual rounds to check on and pray for the kids before laying my head on the pillow, I was reminded of the great gift they are to me. It’s not about me or how “great” I am at being a Mother and it’s not even about how many my failures or shortcomings may be. Motherhood is a great gift, and instead of my children or family “owing” me something,  I have much gratitude that I owe to God for allowing me to walk such a road. This year, I’m especially grateful for my own sacrificial and generous mom. In many ways, motherhood has seemed so natural to me (though not to be mistaken for easy!) and I know it’s because I was mothered with great care and love. I love you mom!

We’ve been easing into our “summer” routine around here now that we are finished with our curriculum for the school year. Kindergarten and Second grade complete – hard to believe and so thankful to the Lord for sustaining us yet another year. This year, being my 3rd official homeschooling year, has been the best, by far. It’s been so much more enjoyable – not feeling overwhelmed by the newness of when we first began and resting in the Lord’s guidance and unique plan for our family. I happened upon this fun and simple schedule here, and we’ve been having fun with it.

Here is what we came up with on “Make something Monday” using some fairies I made the girls several months ago. A fairy house!

SO

MUCH

FUN!!!

Our little guy has recently turned 15 months and almost exactly to the day started taking his first STEPS! The past few days, he’s gained more and more confidence and seems to be toddling around now more than he crawls – though he is still rather wobbly – but adorable to watch! He loves to walk around the house with the dust pan and other random objects to help him with his balance and he has added the words “toes”, “papa”, “this”, “that”, and “yes/yeah” to his vocabulary. Happy 15 months precious baby boy…

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.  ~G.K. Chesterton

Have I mentioned this gratitude thing is hard for me? Sometimes I just plain forget. And other times, my pencil refuses to write the gift – wondering if that gift, the hard one, is really a gift at all? God is no liar. And He is truly sovereign, yes? So it is. All is a gift, a grace. And, really, in my little world – up against a grander world of deep suffering, there is so, so much to be thankful for. I press on…

*dinners on the porch, with friends

*truth

*God, our defender

*new vision

*days spent outdoors

*shorts and longsleeve shirts

*fresh salsa

*girl-time with  mom/mimi

*generosity of my parents

*cleaning with my soon-to-be sis-in-law

*new curriculum

*another year of homeschool complete

*fresh spring/summer routine

*the 6-year old snuggled in bed with us

*”Choosing to See” Mary Beth Chapman

*endless dancing little girls in kitchen

*her ballet grace

*the struggle to see all as a gift from Him

*my husband, my best friend

Dyeing eggs

Easter Family Devotions

Easter Tree

Making the tomb for Jesus

Jesus – from play-dough

Finished eggs

Congratulations are in order to our little Angel and our little Star – a wonderful production this year sweet little ones!

Simple Spring Lemonade

1 cup water and 3/4 C sugar dissolved in hot water over the stove

6 lemons, juiced

3 cups cold water

2 handfuls ice

fresh mint leaves (optional)

Mix together in pitcher, enjoy!

Sueezing and licking lemons

3 year old help

Pretty young lady

Cheers with lemonade!

These annuals keep coming back every year! I don’t do a single thing to them and it’s been so fun to see them re-appear.

Hard working man

We love to read out here during the cool spring school-mornings…

This year, our grass has come in more beautifully – pastor husband has been working hard on it.

Basil, rosemary, apple-mint, cilantro and chives…

Old pillows new.

This old tin star has gone with us everywhere – a sweet birthday gift from my man.

HAPPY SPRING!