Why Does This Child Have a Pink Beard?

Oh, the challenges we Mamas face before 8am...

There are moments when you just want to savor something delicious. I think Jonathan really does like yogurt, but he simply can't restrain himself with a spoon when it comes to that thick, pink texture of Dora the Explorer yogurt. He must touch it, squish it, paint the chair and himself with it.


Well, fine, I guess we'll have an early bath today. Pink goes well with Tractor jammies, don't you think?

Eat, Sleep, and Scrap

I first met Beth 15 years ago. We were in the same small group at Student Orientation at Indiana Wesleyan University. What seemed like a chance meeting and fast friendship was actually the start of something much more important.

Our lives took rather parallel journeys after college: Getting married, working full-time, then each having 3 boys, almost exactly the same ages. The last time we saw each other face to face was in Kalamazoo, Michigan, about 2 & 1/2 years ago.

But we recently spent the weekend together, scrapbooking mainly, but talking A LOT and catching up with one another.

A room full of scrappers

Beth working hard -- notice the varieties of M&Ms on the table, a little Coke Zero

Trying to get together across the miles and without kiddos in tow is definitely a challenge, but SO worth it! Friendships have to be nurtured and taken care of to thrive, so I'm grateful we had this opportunity. (Thank you Jon and Aaron!!!!!!) I love ya, Beth. You are the real deal, my friend. Thanks for loving me over the years and putting up with my junk!

Virginia on my Mind

As I walked into the Y this morning, I couldn't help but notice a huge front page photo of the shooter from VTech staring at me from the daily newspaper. It was sickening. Isn't this exactly what he would've wanted? Some psycho 15 minutes of fame?

Just For Fun

These are just some random pictures I wanted to share...

Daniel's 4th birthday was about a month ago, but I love this picture of his happy face with the Superman mask on his head...

My brother and his wife walking down our road with the kids...I love how Doug is holding Jonathan and Daniel's hand.

We (I) had a lot of fun with these Superman masks from Daniel's party.

a little freaky!

Gorgeous!

Season of Promise

The Promise is done. Seven performances, 200 people from church in the cast and crew, and over 4,000 people in attendance. I have to admit, I was hesitant about the "big production" thing, but what an amazing experience. God moved in amazing ways in my heart, in Aaron's heart. Aaron said last night, "I was doing what I should always be doing: shining the spotlight on Jesus." Amen, baby.

Speakin' of babies, here is baby Jesus before he stripped down to a diaper for the performance. Ain't he a honey??

Promise pals: Jolene, Cindy, and Karrie

Karen and I in stage make-up, ready to go...and I'm still pale.

I love this time of year. Even if we still have 20 and 30 degree weather, you can feel a change. The sun sets later, giving us spectacular views around the kids' bedtimes, and there's a sense of being able to breathe again. We celebrated Easter with all the Reids meeting at Chris and Syna's house. Even Nick and Beth came over from D.C. for a bit since Nick was in Wisconsin for work. It was such a blessing to look out Sunday and see so many family -- we are blessed!

Will I ever get a decent picture of my children in their Easter best???

We Love Dave

Aaron and I have been taking a class called "Financial Peace" at a church here in town. It's a video series taught by Dave Ramsey, who also hosts a radio talk show, and has authored several books. I wasn't completely thrilled about the idea of a attending a financial class, but it has been one of the greatest things we've ever done together. You can check out www.daveramsey.com to see more of his books and some awesome tools he has for teaching children about money.