Easter

Becca brought in the spring daffodils for the table.  I told her she brought in some sunshine for me!

Brandon and Alvianna went to church at Hope City but I caught a photo as they returned to join us for the afternoon and dinner.

The crew being a bit silly-some of my favorite photos to show that life is never dull around here!

 

The Saturday before Easter was sunny and warm.  Michaela and Jason came over with their girls for a simple, loud and totally Lowman dinner and then an Easter egg hunt for Gabby --Ellie did get to join in the fun but was carried by mom!

More photos of my at home crew.  Such a fun day that ended with a yummy dinner that everyone pitched in for.  Happy Easter!  So thankful for my crew and JESUS!

 

It’s Spring….well, maybe

It id spring time but the weather just can't seem to give up winter.  One day we are getting 5 inches and the next it is sunny and warm.  Enjoy a few of our photos from both!

Our cats sit in the barn.  Faith doesn't like the snow and Joy is just enjoying it.  I was surprised they even ventured from the house.  It wasn't long before they were back inside.

Darrell brought these beautiful flowers from his conference.  He knows roses and red are my favorites.  It is still hanging on and we all have enjoyed it immensely.

Gabby and I spent a day at the park playing with Michaela and Ellie.  One of those warm days!

                                           Aunt Becca getting some snuggles in.

Gabby has quite the entertainment when she comes.  Uncle Eli built huge masterpieces with her Magnatiles while Aunt Becca was the horse. 

                                Fun days with many blessings in them! So thankful!

Weekend Away

Darrell and I escaped for a weekend in the white mountains.  We had planned on hiking but the weather gave us a surprise and we ended up having a very quiet weekend. 

We read, took a ride through the mountains and brought back goodies to eat.  We met other couples that had joined us in the A Mother's Rest community and connected over meals, shared our stories, and bonded.  The Inn had a delightful breakfast and amazing dinners. 

It was exactly what we needed.  I finished an entire book and we binged on a few series we haven't seen in a bit while the snow drifted lazily to the ground.  We left refreshed and ready to connect back with our family.  So grateful for the AMR family!

 

Welcome Ellie!

Michaela, Jason and Gabby welcomed Ellie this spring!  Of course, we were all over the moon to see her!  Welcome Eleanor Jane! Sara holds her above.

                                                        Uncle Ben and Gabby

                                      Pop and Gigi are savoring the new arrival!

                                            Gabby and Ellie~ I love this photo!

                                                 Uncle Michael with Gabby!

 

It is fun to get some little blessings running around here!  Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children's of one's youth.  Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with is enemies at the gate! Psalm 127: 3-5

Devon’s Birthday

 This guy turned 14!  It was a crazy busy night and we had Bright Lights and Alert Cadet meetings!  He got to celebrate with all of the kids!  A special treat!  Love this son of mine!

More Happenings Here

The kids have been spending time with some friends.  Devon and Kiara joined them for game night.

We had a Gabby day and her uncles were sure to show her the ins and outs of sword play.  She caught on quickly!  You have been warned.

Eli and Becca are cooking while watching Gabby.  She enjoyed looking at books and eating yummy food!
 

Becca’s Birthday

Whoohoo!  15 it is!  This gal has made many strides this year and is getting ready to start another job working at a grocery store.  Looking forward to see what the Lord will bring her in the next year!

        It was fun to gather everyone together to celebrate!  We love you Becca!

 

Celebrating Jerry’s Graduation

It was fun to gather together and celebrate our friend, Jerry!  We have known him and prayed for him since before he came home from Bulgaria.

We love his heart and his precious excitement over gathering together.  He is graduating from the Monarch school and is moving into a group home where he will work and do activities with many others.  Oh, did I mention?  Jerry is super strong and loves to do push ups and walk on his hands.  Some of his many talents.

 

Ocean City Retreat

Everyone needs a break away!  This was such a needed time away- in Ocean City, NJ.  It was a fairly messy weekend as far as the weather was concerned but it was fun and filled with smiles, naps and good food.

My sister, Carolyn joined me for the weekend.  We grew up about 30 minutes from here and spent some time in the evenings riding the rides and walking the boardwalk when we were younger.  Sorry, OC but our favorite beach in NJ is Cape May.  Our first night in, we drove to Cape May Point to see the sunset.  You can see what is the last of the slowly sinking cement ship in the photo.  It was a surprise to see the lack of Cape May Diamonds on the beach.   I wonder what happened to all of them!  It was still a nice surprise.  We then tried out a new restaurant in Cape May before heading back for the night.

            These are some of the ladies who joined us for the weekend away from AMR. 

We did get a walk in on the beach together and posed for a quick shot.  I did a solo walk on Sunday morning- it was beautiful.  I also found my first piece of sea glass on a NJ beach.  I still carry it in my winter jacket to remind me of the weekend. 

I also got to meet up with my good friend, Eleanor.  We caught up on our families and ventured out to eat to a wonderful little restaurant.  It was good to connect with a piece of 'home' and just relax.  My weekend was also filled with a bit of reading, cross stitching and just chilling out.  It was just what I needed.
 

Winter Happenings

We all attended a Chinese New Year party-we helped to make 500 dumplings!  It was a fun evening meeting people and playing games.

Joe went along to take Kiara to Jess's house.  He helped drive a bit and Milly went too!  We stopped on the way home and hit the Cracker Barrell for dinner too! YUM!

 Seeing the grands is always a treat!  They are getting SO big!  Sky and Tommy in the kitchen.

Happy Birthday Eli!

Check it out!  Eli is 22!  So exciting!  It was a fun day rounded out with some strawberry ice cream cake!