Dyeing Eggs

Nate was very excited that Ashlyn wanted to dye eggs with us this year.  We love spending time with her.  We will be sad when she leaves for college. 

 

Planting Flowers

Callaway Gardens

During Spring Break week we made the last minute decision to go to Callaway Gardens to try out their new zip line course, Tree Top Adventure.   My parents and my niece, Ashlyn, went with us.  Darren, Ashlyn and I did the course while my parents and Nate cheered us on (and took pictures) from down below. 

I must confess that heights are not my thing.  Aerial shots on TV can make my stomach do flips.  I was VERY nervous when we first got started.  I wasn't nervous about falling or the equipment failing, I just do not like the sensation I get when I am high above the ground.  I honestly wanted to quit on the first obstacle, but Nate was down below watching.  I did not want him to see his momma quit two minutes into this adventure.  I literally kept saying "be brave for Nate, be brave for Nate, don't let him see you quit."  After about ten minutes I began to be comfortable and relax and have fun.

There are several obstacles and five zip lines in the course.  It took us a good 90 minutes to complete it.  This (below) was the absolute hardest obstacle.  I could not wait to get done with this one.

I am so thankful Ashlyn got to go with us.  She is a senior this year and will be leaving for college in the fall. 

Of course we had to check out the butterfly garden. 

  

We loved all of the fun spring topiaries. 

When There's "Nothing" You Can Do

I read this on a blog I enjoy.  It was really encouraging to me and I hope it will encourage you as well.   

"There is rarely nothing you can do.

Being still and knowing He is God a long shot from nothing.

Trusting in a God you cannot see is a long shot from nothing.

Holding your tongue is a long shot from nothing.

Counting it all joy is a long shot from nothing.

Submitting is a long shot from nothing.

Confessing sin is a long shot from nothing.

Resting in Christ is a long shot from nothing.

And hear this one really loudly: praying is a long shot from nothing."

-- Beth Moore, Mercy Triumphs

Soccer

Since Nate is four he is old enough to play sports.  Our options were soccer and baseball (t-ball).  We discussed which sport we felt like would be best for Nate and his personality.  We also discussed waiting since he is just four, but Darren and I agreed that the exercise would be good for him.  We briefly explained the two games to him to see which he thought sounded the most fun.  We all agreed soccer would be the best choice for his first sports experience.

We are currently three games into the season and we are confident that we made the right choice.  Nate is having fun, but he's not taking it too serious.  I guess that's normal for a four year old, but he literally just runs around laughing most of the time.  We have to remind him to pay attention and keep his eye on the ball several times during the game.  At least he's stopped picking the grass and weeds.  He is definitely getting exercise because they run almost the entire game (when not picking weeds).

We can see improvement in his skills and concentration each game.  He is also beginning to understand the game more.  The most important thing is that he's having fun, and we really mean that. 

Rodeo

A few weeks ago we went to the rodeo in Montgomery.  Going to the rodeo was a childhood birthday present for Darren every year.  He and Nate talked about it for several weeks.  Unfortunately Nate wasn't feeling that great the day of the rodeo.  He was actually sick with a fever virus for 10 days straight.  It was a very difficult time for him with the girls being here.  He is not used to having to share me.  It was hard for him when he was well, but it was much harder when he was sick.  We kept reminding him that the girls and their mom needed our help so it was important that we help them.  We also told him that we want to help them because God's great love for us compels us to love others, even when it's hard.  So he was totally fine after that conversation.  And I am totally kidding.  He still cried and whined and complained.  And honestly, I cried and whined and complained some myself.