Mom turns 5

For those who are in Christ, we all can boast of having 2 birthdays, our physical birthday as well as a spiritual one. But my mom is the only one I know who can boast of having 3! Five years ago yesterday, Mom received her long-awaited for, and prayed for bone-marrow. Back then, the doctors told her that they would not consider her "cured" until she had survived 5 years without relapse. While, we praise the Lord for doctors, we never put our faith in them, nor did we believe that their "magic" number 5 was proof of God's healing power. Long before we hit the 5-year mark, we knew that the Lord in his mercy had spared my mom (and us). But, nonetheless, it marks a significant milestone and we continue to praise Him for his faithfulness.

Last night, the whole family surprised her with a celebration of this milestone at El Pinto. M & C and their fam brought balloons, I made a birthday cake, and the kids all contributed their cards. Dad pulled off the surprise, by organizing us and casually suggesting they go out to eat instead of staying in. She couldn't have been more surprised when she walked out on the patio and saw all 11 of us there waiting for her.

Psalm 103:1-5 says it all: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle."

Spring in Review

I just downloaded my camera, sheesh... a lot has happened in the last few months! Here's the lowdown.

May 1st, #1 had her 2nd recital with her piano teacher, Penny Patz. She was so excited and confident and showed very little nerves, she certainly didn't get that from me. It's wonderful to see her enjoying piano and desiring to learn more.







Then #1 also turned 8 on Mother's Day. We had a great birthday bash for her this year. Over 40 people showed up at a local park for the party. I think fun was had by all.













To fit our butterfly-themed birthday, we released our own butterflies.





C & C both graduated from their Awanas classes. We can't wait for next year!

We celebrated the end of 2nd grade at Mrs. G's house! What a tremendous blessing she's been to our school and family! We love you Mrs. G!



In a bittersweet finale, the whole school participated in an end-of-the-year performance on the last day of school. It's amazing to see what these children have learned this year. Kinder recited Psalm 53 and sang some songs, 1-2 recited the Table Blessing in Latin and sang their history chronology song. (This was a feat in itself: 32 events from 2200BC to 476 AD, I sometimes wake up to parts of this song running through my head in the middle of the night!) 3rd graders recited Psalm 23 in latin as well. It was so great to see how faithful the Lord's been to us this year at Oak Grove.







And finally, we spent Memorial Day in Pagosa with some of our dearest friends. About 20 of us (half of us being under 10 years old) rented a great house in the Springs. We got a lot of rain, but it was great to let the kids play, grown-ups relax, and enjoy having nothing to do! Can't wait to do it again next year!