Early Spring

With the early spring comes early flowers.
I snapped a few pictures of Magnolias last week.
Today when I went out around 10 am it was 39 degrees.
These poor plants!  As I was driving around, the Magnolias looked terrible.

So glad I got a few shots.

Amazing March Weather

We were spoiled with some really warm temperatures for March....I mean like 80!

My friend Emily really wanted to visit the beach so to celebrate the start of Spring Break 2012 we headed to Sandy Hook with her 2 boys and 2 out of 3 kids for me.  It was a chilly 70 degrees on the beach but the sand was warm from the sun beating down.  Our crazy boys decided sticking their feet in the water was not enough a full on wave jumping was required. Ben was wet up to his neck!  The water was freezing!  It was a fun trip.  Here are some pictures from our adventures. 

Chasing boys already!

What Now?

Spring is here!  The weather has been amazing and we've enjoyed lots of outside time.
I'm looking forward to a trip to Mexico with just my husband!
I'm planning for Summer Playground at my church (VBS).
I am trying to have more patience in all areas of life.
I am trying to be more focused.
Trying to be intentional about my prayers and really search for what it is am supposed to be praying for.
Trying to let God speak to me and following His lead, not going my own way.

But today has been not fun.
A big argument with Cassie to start the day.  Tears followed.  Stress.
Then broken glass & a long clean up since water too was involved.
The gray drab weather outside not helping anything.
A good morning at MOPS chatting with other tired Mommies.
Then a broken - and i mean broken - light bulb.
I am waiting for kids #3 to break some glass to make a tri-fecta.
A cat locked in a room - - peed on stuff in there.  Washing machine in full gear.
A kitchen that needs cleaning again after kids ate cupcakes & chips & fruit sprinkles.
I'm savoring the silence right now.  Told Ben to go in my bed for rest with some books.
Cali in her crib...maybe she'll nap today.  Two days with no nap for her.
I still need the quiet in the afternoon so as long as they can not be in the same room as me for a bit it is OK.
Just need that time to recharge and gather myself before the rest of the day happens.

Next week is spring break...it's coming with cooler temps and some rain.
Trying to plan a fun activity that won't break the bank & is fun for all four of us.
We'll see what I come up with.
Was going to do the Bronx Zoo but it really is not going to be warm enough to be outside for that long.
Maybe a train ride to somewhere.
What is fun for everyone???? To be determined.....

REMADE

Retreat 2012 has come and gone.
But it's still got my wheels turning...
MADE
WRECKED
REMADE

Jesus said "I am making EVERYTHING new"

It was a fun weekend.  I came home tired but with a satisfaction that the weekend had meaning and impact.

Our theme song was I am New by Jason Gray.
Love the video for it....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w6YG2NZguc

The lyrics help us to remember that we are so much more than we think we are:

FORGIVEN

BELOVED

HIDDEN IN CHRIST

MADE IN THE IMAGE OF THE GIVER OF LIFE

RIGHTEOUS AND HOLY

REBORN AND REMADE

ACCEPTED AND WORTHY

THIS IS OUR NEW NAME

It was a great weekend capped with a great worship service.

Please enjoy a few pictures from the weekend....