Easter 2014

Easter is one of my very favorite holidays; it has been since I was a kid.  I was saved on Maundy Thursday in 1986, and I will never be the same - praise God!  I remember understanding, even at that young age, the high price of my salvation and being so grateful that Jesus paid it all for me.  Easter marks my spiritual birthday, so it is extra special to me.  I serve a risen Savior, there is nothing more worthy of celebration!

On Good Friday, our family wore visible reminders that Christ died for us.  The perfect lamb was slain to cleanse us of our sins and provide us with a way to join Him in Heaven for all eternity.  I pray that the magnitude of his sacrifice is something that we don't ever take lightly.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

1 Peter 2:24

We went to Good Friday service and enjoyed a time of worship and remembrance.  It was a wonderful service!

On Saturday, we had some friends over to play and hunt Easter eggs.  We had a great time with our buddies!

We released the kids to hunt for eggs in age order, youngest to oldest.  The two babies weren't interested in hunting, so Owen got to go first.  He was super excited - as evidenced by his tongue hanging out of his mouth.  Ha!

 This boy was serious about his hunting.  :)

 Some of the eggs were "hidden" up in the trees.  Clayton and Drew were happy to work for those.

 Such a cute group of kiddos!

 Owen spotted one last egg that none of the kids had seen.  :)

We also had some fun with cascarones.  Clayton put his bike helmet on to avoid getting confetti in his hair.  Smart kid!  His mama could learn a lesson on that one.  ;)

Someone got Baby Brother good!

 On Sunday morning, the boys woke up to Easter baskets full of goodies.

 We donned our Easter frocks and headed to church.  :)

 That is a good lookin' group of boys, if I do say so myself!  ;)

 The bowtie and suspenders combo made me smile all day!  Too cute...

"How Deep The Father's Love For Us"

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Double Date Night - 4/17

After the Ranger game, we went on a non-traditional double date with our sweet friends, the Youngs.  Months ago, I mentioned to Tracey that I had never shot Wade's gun, but would like to learn.  She decided that we needed to make that happen, and, thus, a double date was born.  ;)

We went shooting at Bass Pro and then went to dinner at Esparza's.  It was so fun!  Anyone who knows me, knows that shooting guns isn't really in my nature.  But... I think it is a good skill to have.  As it turns out, I'm actually a pretty good shot and really enjoyed my firearms experience.  I told Wade that I may need a gun of my own, preferably with my monogram in gold script on the handle.  Ha!

 My Hubs looked so cute at the shooting range.

 Check out those bullseyes!  I surprised even myself!

At one point, Wade told me to shoot at the target like it was really an intruder.  Y'all - the adrenaline got to me, and I blew that sucker up!  I may have gotten reprimanded for rapid fire by the man running the range.  Ooops!  I didn't know that wasn't allowed.  So out of character for me.... but I had a great time.  :)

Home Education Day at the Ballpark in Arlington - 4/17

On April 17th, we joined some friends at the Home Education Day at the Ballpark.  It turned out to be such a fun day -  I'm so glad that we were able to participate.  We were a bit unprepared for the chilly weather, but we managed to huddle up and stay warm.  :)

There was a educational program at 10:15, and then the ball game started at 1:05.  I was a bit concerned about the game being during Owen's nap, but he was such a trooper!  He loved every minute - we all did.

The boys loved seeing their friends from church at the Ballpark.

During the zoo presentation, the kids got to see a Boa Constrictor, Porcupine, Great Horned Owl, American Alligator, Trumpeter Horn Bill (bird), an Anteater, and even a Cheetah!  They brought the cheetah out right on the field.  Apparently, it was raised with a black lab, so they travel together.  Very interesting...

 O-ster loves his Daddy!

The zookeeper said something about how porcupines urinate on their mates, which caused the crowd to erupt in laughter.  We all know that potty humor is a big hit with 3rd graders.  ;)

This is Fitz, the Trumpeter Horn Bill.  This was taken just before Fitz flew the coop, literally.  Homeboy took off and flew out of the stadium.  Ha!  There were some frantic zookeepers when he didn't come right back.  Later, we learned (via Facebook) that they were able to retrieve him.  Silly bird.

Fitz got a little too close for comfort to O.  ;)

 There was also a penguin.  My kids loved being so close to the animals.

 The cutest Ranger fans in the stadium.  :)

I'm so glad that we were able to share such a fun day with friends!  Homeschooling is definitely not for the faint of heart - it is so much harder than I ever imagined it to be.  Getting to have family time during the week is a definite perk.  I'm grateful that we get to take advantage of these types of opportunities with our boys.  :)

Celebrating Baby Ruby - 4/12

On April 12th, we got to celebrate a very special baby girl cooking away in her sweet Mama's belly!  My precious friend/college roommate, Katie, was due to have her first baby in mid-May.  Us 2521 girls were soooo excited about Miss Ruby's upcoming arrival.  :)

Unfortunately, Halie and Laura didn't get to come for our fun weekend.  We missed them so much!  However, I was able to talk Katie, Cindy, and Traci into turning the 2 hour shower into a bit of a roommate weekend.  Yay!  We rented a hotel room and had a good, old fashioned slumber party - just like back in our college days.  Y'all, we had such a great time together!  We talked for hours and hours - it was sooo good for my soul!  I think that the mark of a true friendship is when you can go for months without seeing each other, but pick up right where you left off when you are together.  That's how it is with these girls for me.  We never miss a beat - our bond is just that strong!

We couldn't wait to get our hands on Miss Ruby - literally!

 Katie was such a cute pregnant gal!  She is a gorgeous girl!

 Hostess Pic

 Roommate Pic (minus Halie and Laura  :( )

Fast forward to May 19th, and Miss Ruby made her arrival.  Yay!  I was so glad that I got to come to the hospital and see that sweet little thing!  She is beautiful - just like her Mama!

 Squishy newborns are the best!  She and I were instant friends.  ;)

Congratulations, Katie and Wes!  Thanks for letting me share in this precious time in your lives!  I am so very thrilled for your family.  :)