God is Good!

Yesterday was the last day of church school for this year.  I have been Madelyn's teacher 1x/month and we have both really enjoyed our time together.  Madelyn loves church and church school.  In the month of May, they did a 4 week lesson on life in Norway, titled God is Good.  It was really cool because one day on our way home from school Madelyn drew a picture of a cross and told me that God is always with her - no matter what.  My heart was full of joy when those words came out of her mouth.  We talk about God and the special relationship we all have with him but there is nothing better than when it comes out of their mouths and you know it is sinking in.

They sang a song called "God is Good" and we have since downloaded it and listen to it all the time.  The kids love it and so do I!

Jack had the opportunity to go to church school starting in January but he chose to come to worship with us.  He does great during worship and listens, follows along, claps and can't wait to hug Pastor Peter after the service.  I truly believe that Jack loves this one-on-one time he has with Ryan & me  It is some of the only alone time we get with him and you can tell he absolutely eats it up.  Special times for all of us!

Mother's Day

We celebrated Mother's Day at my sister's house again this year.  It was an absolutely gorgeous day!  The sun was shining and it was a perfect day to be with family.  Rich & Eileen (Luke's parent's) were there and it's always fun to see and catch up with them.  Luke grilled burgers, while the kids played and the mothers sipped on champaign!

After lunch we came back home and spent the rest of the day as a family which is exactly what I wanted!  Madelyn had been asking to play tennis so we went and tried it out.  She quickly realized it was a lot harder than it looks but I'm proud of her for wanting to try new things and not getting frustrated.  We ended up playing at the park and then having pizza for dinner.  We celebrated with ice cream later in the week since we already had a big food day!

The kids were so excited to make cards and give me gifts this year.  It's a great age as they are so into it.  At school the kids always make fun things.  This year Madelyn made me a plant and painted a special vase and Jack gave me a picture on a cute mounted frame.  Adorable!  Then Ryan and the kids got me 2 apple trees!  I was totally surprised and thrilled as we lost our other apple trees in a storm last year.  Hopefully we will have honey crisp and zestar apples in a couple years :)

Mother's Day is such a special day as I'm so thankful for my mother -- I don't know where I would be without her.  She is always there, no matter what life is throwing at me, and knows just what I need to hear.  I am a better mother because of my amazing role model!  And now Mother's Day is even more special because there was a time in my life where I didn't know if I would be a mother and now I am so thankful that everyday I have the 2 sweetest, cutest kiddos who call ME mom!!!

 My sister -- another amazing mother! Love you Carla!!

 We don't get many pictures like this anymore - since we are always chasing the kids -
so I cherish these times even more!

 The mom's sipping champaign and mimosas!  Cheers!!