This is where I make an effort to begin blogging again...

I was trying to think of a good reason why I haven't posted anything since Christmas... nothing. No good reason at all.

This phase of my life is whooshing by like the 747 I flew on to Hawaii SEVENTEEN years ago. Was I seriously 16 years old, almost 17 years ago?? Good gracious. I was recently searching for my immunization records and discovered I graduated high school 15 years ago. Apparently, I am old enough for the pediatrician, adolescent physician and College of the Ozarks to shred my files. How rude! In the words of my Be Fri, Dawn "Nobody shreds Carrie Baker Crews!" Holla. I found records in our bank box but they weren't complete. The Springfield School District came to my rescue, in which they informed me, "Sorry it took so long. Your graduation year is at a time where the records aren't as easily accessible. It's been a while! We've started microfilming recent graduate records." Um excuse me? I was just making a fool of myself at How Night a little while ago. humph. While I had mostly awesome experiences in high school, I am so happy and blessed where I am right now. But it seriously was not long ago when I was hiking around mountains in New Mexico and Colorado!

So. Yesterday our sweet Aunt Trish sent a sweet note saying she missed the blog. Since I think Aunt Trish is super cool, I'm making another attempt to document the awesomness of life that blows by so fast my hair is flying. I still haven't figured out the photo loading thing, turns out I'm not that savvy, or perhaps I don't have the patience. Pick one, both are true.

Lately...
Lately, we are enjoying the (delayed by a good month of extra winter) spring weather. Most of us have some sort of allergy thing going on in the ear, nose and throat region. Poor Mike gets it bad. Good thing we have Nurse Jenny with discount medication. God Bless my favorite nurse! Our home in Hartville is still on the market. We are praising God for increased showings, interest and peace in the situation. I know He has a plan. My password is Praise247 and I have a sparrow on my iphone wallpaper. I Believe. I Trust. I Pray. That's all I know to do. My faith and trust has grown by leaps and bounds in this trip.

Lately, Beau has grown out of toddler sizing. I cannot sing enough praises for the Ridgekids preschool program he attends MWF. The social, educational and extra curricular activites are just stellar. He has a traditional curricular program but also has a science class, music, gym and cooking class. Yes, a cooking class. Beau is full of questions, such as "Mom, is that a government building over there?" "No, that is business building." "Will you please take me to a government building some day, I'd like to visit." and then there's.. "Ooo! What's a big bunch of birds all together called?? A flock! There's a flock flying together Mom! Cool." Let that boy play outside all day (with no shoes) and he's a happy little man. He learned how to use the brakes on his bike. We're all thankful, especially Lauren who was RUN SLAP OVER last spring. But oh he gets frustrated, so frustrated some days. Frustrated at things beyond our control. Life lessons are the pits sometimes. But then he comes to me and says the most eloquent words of love that come from his heart and they just blow me away. "Mama, I love you more than the birds sing." "Mama, I love you as far as it takes to get to space." "I love you more than the waves in the ocean." I get all teared up and thank God for a little boy that loves big. I pray this gift doesn't leave him, only multiplies.

Lately, Lauren grew out size 2T. She will be THREE in just a little while. This precious girl has a heart for nurturing. She is so tender and attentive in play with her baby dolls. She is ready and on standby with a bandaid in hand at a moments notice. When I was sick recently with a bad cold, she would give me sympathy looks, pats and assurance I would be ok. "I pray for you Mommy." I will tell you as sweet as she can be, there's another side that is 180 different. She can be an absolute stinker to big brother! Just mean some days. If she gets knocked over, look out. She's swinging before you can say Sissy!! We have a motto (mostly for my benefit) Girls cuddle. Boys wrestle. Read: I will rock you in this chair all night to avoid a good (accidental) carpet burn or someone standing on my hair. I'm just not that tough. Beau is strong. Mama don't play that. Lauren enjoys all things girly. Paint her toes, she loves to play with my hair, she recently packed her toy hairdryer and curling iron for a trip to Pa and Nannie's house. That baby girl is watching me, like a hawk! She is returning my expressions in frustration, biting her lips together with big eyes - yeah, that's me. I need to be careful. I found her standing on the scale in the bathroom. "Look my Mommy, I'm three! Yay!!" then she insisted I hop on. She cheering at my flashing red number. "Look my Mommy, you have numbers too!!" I cheered... and took the hint from God.

My days are not always filled with the roses and rainbows of wonderfulness. Tax Day was kind of horrible. But, I have an endless list of blessings. That has been my biggest lesson recently, Praise Him. Praise Him in the storm, especially when you feel the furthest from praising Him. This is the place I find His comfort, grace and peace.