Allergies

 Conversation right before bedtime can be really interesting with the boys. Here's the conversation between Carter and I tonight.

C: Do I have seasonal allergies?
L: Not that I'm aware of.
C: Well I think I do.
L: What do you think you're allergic to?
C: Pondering for a moment...I'm pretty sure I'm allergic to turtles!
L:  Excuse me?
C:  Turtles.  You know.  The animals with shells.
L:  Giggling a bit. Yes, I know what a turtle is.  What makes you think you are allergic to them?
C:  One time the Story County Conservation came to our school and brought a turtle and I started sneezing and coughing.
L: Hmmm...that's interesting.
C: Yeah, and my eyes water about 3 times a day.  I'm pretty sure I have allergies.

There you have it. Self diagnosis of a turtle allergy!

VEISHEA

It was a perfect weekend of weather to be outside and enjoy the VEISHEA festivities.  It's a toss up when you ask the boys which part was their favorite - the parade with candy or tailgating before the spring game.  They loved it all!

We headed to WC later in the afternoon, and the boys enjoyed shooting their bb guns at the cabin and taking a few spins on the four-wheeler with Papa.  Of course, Ace had to get his turn on the four-wheeler.  Needless to say, we are all lucky he's still alive!  Death was staring him in the face from one of two things - him driving like a crazy man, or me strangling him because MY children were with him!!!  UGH...boys...do they ever grow up?

We ended the evening by attending The Phantom Tollbooth, which Aaron's mom directed.  The boys thoroughly enjoyed the show - especially sitting in the second row! 

It's amazing how quickly the weekends go!

Family and Friends

When life hands you lemons - REALLY ROTTEN ONES AT THAT - it's God who has guided your friends and family into your life to help pick up the pieces and find a way to make lemonade.  These amazing people let you cry without expecting you to say anything.  They give you words of encouragement.  They bring you bottles of wine.  They send you chocolates.  They bring you flowers.  They give countless hug.  They share your tears. They laugh with you through tears.

To all of you amazing friends and family out there who have been there for me in the past 2 really ugly days...thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I thank God for putting you in my life every night!

The Postman Roulin

Austin's fourth grade class has been working diligently on researching different artists and their paintings to showcase during their wax museum which was held this morning.  Austin and his partner have been learning about Vincent Van Gogh.  Austin's partner was Van Gogh for the museum exhibit, while Austin became the painting, "The Postman Roulin".  When you "pushed" the button that each exhibit displayed, the artist and painting "came to life" telling you important and interesting facts.

The two boys worked so hard making this painting as a replica of the original with a face cut-out for Austin.  In my very biased opinion, it's TERRIFIC :)  He was most proud of the mustache!  A special thanks to Grandma Ween for helping us out with the costume portion, which unfortunately you can't see in this picture, and to Papa who was able to make a special trip to experience the museum today! What a valuable learning experience this was for all the students involved!

He is risen!

Happy Easter everyone!

Easter church service has always been among my favorites.  Hearing the trumpets play while the congregation sings about our risen Savior always brings me goosebumps.  As a parent, I marvel even more how God could have given His only Son to die for us on the cross.  It's something I truly can't wrap my head around.  How very blessed we are to have a Father who loves us all despite our sinful ways!

There were many times during church today that I found myself thinking about my Grandma Marie who is rejoicing in Heaven with Jesus this day.  As much as it feels like a celebration in church with the beautiful Easter lilies decorating the altar and trumpets sounding, I'm sure Grandma was enjoying an even more majestic celebration in Heaven!

We were able to enjoy celebrating with both sides of the family this weekend.  We spent Saturday evening at the cabin eating great food, taking in the Final Four basketball games, and watching the four boys hunt up some eggs.  Grandma and Grandpa Doering were able to join us and had a ball watching their great-grandchildren play and engage in the Easter activities.

On Sunday, we headed back to Webster City to spend the day with Aaron's family enjoying more great food and egg hunting.  The boys had fun playing with all the other kids, and we had fun listening to Nate tell stories that Ween had apparently never heard!  Since both of my kids are just like Aaron and Nate, I've been listening closely and taking notes whenever either of them tells stories from their childhood :)

Easter blessings to all!