Spring Happenings

I think we could say that spring has officially arrived to stay here in Indiana!  Though we had some snow yesterday, the temperatures are warming up quickly.  Our daffodils are blooming, the grass finally turning green, and the trees budding with new life.

The month of April holds three birthday celebrations in the family:  Rachael's on the 13th, Benjamin's today (the 16th), and Essie's tomorrow (the 17th).  This weekend promises a combined family celebration of all three.  I'll try to take pictures of the grand party and post them shortly thereafter. :)

There's been a lot happening in our family the last two months.  Just this last weekend, Dad, Kathy, and I made a quick trip to Charlotte, NC to visit a school Kathy is contemplating attending for graduate studies.

Here we are at California Pizza on Saturday night.  Kathy and I had never been there before, but it's certainly a place we'd love to eat at again!

Due to logistics in visiting the school, we were out of town on Rachael's birthday.  Though we were sad to not be with her, Mom, Ben and Laura, and all those precious children did a fabulous job of decorating the entire house in her honor on Saturday night.  We arrived home on Monday to find balloons and streamers everywhere - in the kitchen, living room, bathroom, hallway, bedroom, and even her dresser.  She had to have felt special!

Little Hannah was determined to blow up some balloons, too.  Here is her contribution, not that much smaller than the original size on Saturday.  They were perfect for hiding in Rachael's drawer. :)

There were even fresh flowers waiting for her on the bathroom counter.

Then too, I made sure Rachael had a gift to open on Sunday morning from her sisters.  Evidently Duck tried it out as well...

 

Duck also texted me a picture on Sunday afternoon to say how much he missed us.  I just can't get rid of that bird even over 500 miles away!  But I have to admit, he does make me smile...

 

In the midst of all this activity, Rachael accepted her very first healthcare position at St. Vincent hospital, which will begin on May 19!  What an answer to prayer!  We are thanking God for this wonderful provision!!!

It's a very full and busy season in our family with change coming in various forms on all sides.  In times like these, I take comfort in knowing that God rules over all things and that His faithfulness is sure.  Wherever life may lead in the coming months, I know He is working all things for His glory and the good of His people.