Spring Dreaming

Easter.
It's such a beautiful way to start spring.

Our Easter this year started with church, and ended with a bonfire at our oldest daughters house. It was the first year that we have had Easter dinner with her at her home, and it was nice to see all of Andy's family there too. Ash had gotten the flu on friday, and my kids were very worried we would have to cancel our dinner plans there. They were soooo excited to go to Ash and Andy's house for the day, and had spent several days drawing pictures for them.

Although the weather forecast was gloomy, the temp was perfect for the kids to play outside in her yard all afternoon. They ate some, but played alot! Andy had organized games that brought laughs from kids and adults alike, and the bonfire at the end was just icing on the cake! It was different from our traditional Easter sundays, but a wonderful day in all!

The kids are divided this year on the Easter bunny. Half of them know for sure HE is not real, the other half are convinced he most definately is! They were so excited to see the goodies he brought, and none of them denied liking the treats in their baskets. I always appreciate the bunny bringing more crafts and things to do in their baskets rather than more candy. Of course, the candy is the favorite, by far, of the children. I think most of it is gone today, except the jelly beans! No one seems to like those, except daddy!

I was poignantly aware of the grandkids missing from our family Easter. I don't think there was ever a time they actually spent the holiday in town with us, but this year, it was just so obvious they were missing. Watching the games with the kids at Ash's house, I just kept thinking how much fun it would be if the boys could be here with us. Having been out there last month, Jersey seems even farther away now, and we all are missing them so much. They are growing, but I wish is were here instead of there. They have wonderful opportunities in their town, but our town just doesn't seem as bright with them not here.

I am so glad that Britt and Scott are great at keeping us in the loop, but I sure with we could be closer. How fun it would be for all of us to be together for holidays. Jenni, instead of Oregon, living just down the road. The grandsons, able to bounce in and out of our house whenever they wanted a gramma fix, and me, (needing a grandson fix nearly every day!) wouldn't have to miss parties or special occasions at all!!

Of course, I am dreaming. It's spring, but awfully rainy for the last many days...so I let my mind wander. I am thankful for our loves and lives, but wishing we were not so far apart.

Happy Easter, Happy Spring. Whether near or far, you are all in my heart everyday and always.

Life, because HE has risen.

We are on week 38 now, realizing any day we could get the call about our new baby girl. Going over paperwork from both attorneys this week makes it all seem so much more real, making me aware just how much still has to be completed before we get "the call."

Seeing the paperwork also makes me sad for the birthmom. I know externally how much she is losing, and I really hope to convey to her how very much we already love her child. We will take care of her, envelop her into our whole lives, and yet also make her very aware of the woman who chose life for her, carried her for all these months and then gave her willingly over into our arms for safekeeping in light of the fact that she just can not care for her.

It's amazing that she has come so far in this decision. We know she wanted to keep this child, and raise her on her own. But she is not capable of that. It is for the baby's best interest that she is signing this mountain of paperwork that allows her baby to leave the hospital with us. I know her heart is breaking, yet we are rejoicing in this tiny life that will join our family any day now.

Today is Easter. Our family spent a wonderful yesterday over a typical holiday meal, and loved having several friends join us. We played games and laughed in the afternoon, and had company until bedtime. I had some wonderful cuddle time with my 5 month old great nephew in the evening, then went to bed peacefully, making sure all was set for the Easter Bunny to sneak into our diningroom to leave treasures for the expectant kiddos in our household. Morning came too soon (as always when the kids have something exciting in the morning), and we dressed for church to worship together. My heart was challenged as we sang praises,giving our thanks to JESUS who has given us life with the resurrection so many years ago.

So today, I am mindful of life. The life we live, as a happy, healthy family, and the life we are soon to welcome into our home. But I also know none of this would be possible without the LIFE that Jesus gave on our behalf, and HIS power he bestowed on all of us Christians by raising so that we can have LIFE in HIM!

Thank you, Jesus.
Jesus has risen from the dead. He has risen!!
He has risen, indeed!