Spring Forward..

Spring came forward during this "spring-forward" time change weekend--finally! It was a gorgeous two days and one of those times I really LOVE living here.

DS 1 was with us most of the week last week as he was on Spring Break. It was hard for me not seeing him as much as I'd like, but nice to have him around still. He had to do a "drill weekend" for his Guard unit, so he left on Saturday evening.

I know it's wishful thinking, but I do hope that the boys settle somewhere near us when they are finished with schooling. Even if they can't do that, I hope we are somehow able to see them regularly, cause I sure miss them when they are gone!

DS 2 came home from his mission trip Saturday afternoon. I have only talked with him briefly and am excited to hear about his trip to Nicaragua. He has agreed to do a guest blog...so hopefully you'll get to read about it soon as well. The pictures are gorgeous and heartbreaking all at once. When I said, "I can't wait to hear all about it!" He said, "There's SO MUCH to tell!" That's where we left it. I cannot tell you how much it warms my heart to know that my guys love being out helping people so much!

I don't know if I mentioned that DS 3 is in the midst of track season once again. He is pole vaulting again this year. If you've read this blog for more than a year, then you might remember that last year he "no heighted" the season. (This means he didn't make it over the pole.) Still he stuck with it to my amazement and awe! Now here we are in a new season and he is clearing 8 ft! Anyway, we went to see him the other day for just a bit and I was once again reminded just how much I admire his focus and drive.

Another thing DS 3 has discovered is just how much he likes biking. He took a long bike ride this weekend to our local national park and hiked back there a bit. He loves just being out there and discovering new things.

Speaking of bike rides, DS 4, LG, and I left Saturday to ride around a bit. She made it about 2 feet ok 2 blocks before something happened and she decided she didn't want to do it anymore. She is really still learning and it's quite a chore for her to get started. DS 4 and I took her home and we continued our own ride. It was fun to ride with him. We went about 12 miles total. I could tell you I payed dearly later, but I'll spare you the details.

Sunday was another gorgeous day. DS 3 and I walked downtown a bit and had lunch down there. Then I took DS 4 to the skate park for a little bit while I did my homework for small group. So nice to sit outside, soak up the sun, and read a bit.

DH and I had small group last night. This is always an interesting time. I have to say we got the nicest compliment last night about the kids. They generally stay in their rooms during our small group so they don't interfere. One of the participants said, "I have to say you really have good kids! As many times as we've been here, we've never heard them during our time." Our sermons at church recently have been about having "reference points" that help give us a picture of reality. I needed that reference point! I am very PROUD of my kids for MANY reasons. This reference point reminded me again that I need to say it more often!

There ya' go...our weekend in a nutshell!

Mall Blitz Part 2 and Spring Break

The Mall Blitz that I blogged about below did not end on Sunday. My DH called the mall manager yesterday and explained to her what we were trying to do with our kindness outreach. She thought it was so cool. She did explain to DH that they do not allow solicitation from store to store, but that what we were doing was fine.

So, tonight, three of us headed to the mall to deliver the other 151 bags. It was even neater than the initial day. Store managers were blown away that we even made the attempt to come back and finish what we started. The head of security (who we did NOT meet on Sunday) came and met me. He even said, "Make sure you deliver the biggest bag to Leon" (his name). So, guess who's getting bags TOMORROW??? Yep, you guessed it! Security!!

This is our Spring Break, so I'm enjoying some free time this week. We went to Chris Tomlin's concert last Friday. My colleagues and I enjoyed a brunch with a person who used to teach at my school on Monday. DS 2 and DS 3 played a "bowling game" on the radio station today and will be bowling with the guys from Jars of Clay on Thursday. There may be a Disney Day in here.

BUT the biggest part of the week for me is happening on Friday/Saturday. I am going to be meeting up with my three BEST friends and roommates from college. We were all in each other's weddings. We were absolutely best of friends in college. We have seen each other sporadically over the years...but we have not, the four of us, been together in the same room for more than 18 years! I am SO EXCITED!!

Stay posted. It may be a couple of days, but there's more to come!

Wordless Wednesday---I LOVE Spring!!

Thursday's Here....

Thirteen Things SUSAN LOVES about SPRING! 1. The weather is breezy...not too hot/not too cold 2. Bright colored clothes are in the stores 3. Eating Lunch Outside 4. Walking outside 5. Planning summer vacations 6. We get a week off to enjoy it 7. It's the "downhill slide" to the end of the school year 8. Easter 9. Bright Blue Skies 10. Tulips (even though they don't grow here) 11. Flowers of any kind 12. Newness of life 13. Light Spring Showers and the smell afterwards Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Red Headed Rants and Rambles 2. The KtKronicles 3. Seeking Thin Spaces 4. Treasure of Jewels

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