This and That

We've had quite the busy week. District Council was this week at First Assembly http://www.desmoinesfirst.org/. I went to the Ladies Tea on Monday afternoon and then Kevin and I went to the banquet Monday night. They provided childcare so we were able to bring the boys with us. Yesterday we had lunch with some friends of ours who pastor in Sioux City, the Mellendorfs. Kevin and Craig went to school together in North Dakota. It was wonderful to catch up with them and see how much their children have grown.

About three weeks ago I started a part time job working Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. I drop Zayvn off at school then head over to Anna Mae's house where I do light housekeeping, laundry, meals, etc for her. She's the mother of our pastor's wife Ann and is so precious. I love going over there and visiting with her and she enjoys the time as well. Once the boys get out of school I'll have adjust my times to go over there.

Baseball is going well. Renn is doing excellent. He loves to be out there and I think this will be his new sport. Saturday I sat through two double headers in the rain. That's not my idea of fun but Renn was loving it. We were blessed to have a coach who cares for the kids and not just winning all the time. We were scheduled to have a break until next Thursday but coach called a practice tonight. Kevin and I are learning alot about baseball. Going into the games we didn't really know anything. I am amazed that when the boys strike out how they come alongside one another and encourage each other. That's nice to see. Renn has grown up so much and we are so proud of him!!

Zayvn graduates from his developmental kinder class May 20th. We are so glad we made the decision we did back in December to take him out of Four Mile and put him back into a developmental kinder class. He has leaned so much and will certainly be ready by then. Even now we see the difference. He is excited to go to school again with his brother. His class took a field trip to Altoona Elementary Kindergarten class yesterday. He let it known that "he already knows what a kindergarten class looks like"! :)

May looks to be a busy month. Graduations happen in May here in Iowa. We have at least 9 graduation parties to go to. These graduates were in 6th grade when we left so to be able to be here and see them enter into a new stage of their life is neat. Our friends Bud and Laura, who pastor in Michigan, have a daughter, Kassie, getting married as well. We were hoping to make it to the wedding but with baseball going on we won't be able to make it. Kassie is so very sweet and will make a beautiful bride.

Preparations are being made for a trip back to Oregon in June. Kevin's mom turns 70 and we wanted to be there for that. The boys and I will be gone for about three weeks. Kevin will join us the first part of that trip and then come back home. The boys are excited to see their cousins.

Even as the busyness of life comes I am reminded that God is not to be left out. It's important to make time for Him. I am guilty of this at times and very gently the Lord nudges me that it's time for Him. I am continually grateful for the things He continues to do, not only with our lives but within our church. Good things are coming and I'm excited to be a part of what He's going to do.

Kitty Kat

This is Kitty Kat. She doesn't have a name because Kevin prefers it that way. She lives in our basement to keep the mice away. The boys have named her Princess (see a smile on my face). We've only had her since Monday and the only problem has been her inability to do #2 in the cat litter box. If she can't get that together we'll have to live with the mice and do without her. I just can't stand the smell of cat poop in the basement. She comes up the basement stairs and lounges at the top by the door. She never is allowed to come into the main part of the house as Kevin is allergic to cats. Oscar and Kitty Kat? They do okay. Oscar pretty much walks around her and Kitty Kat just sits/stands there and watches him. She's a sweet cat and very lovable. I told Kevin how can he honestly think a 9 year old and a 5 year old aren't going to love her when she's so sweet. I have a secret weapon now too. When I don't want Kevin around all I have to do is go be with the cat for a bit and let her rub herself on me!! LOL!! Just kidding of course!! Anyway, Kitty Kat has a home for now, let's hope it lasts!!

Baseball Game

Renn out in the field

Renn up to bat

Tonight was Renn's first official ball game. Redwings won 15-9. Renn's first time up to bat he struck out. He was pretty upset but the rest of the team rallied behind him and told him it was okay. Second time up to bat they walked him and he scored a run. He was so proud as were we. Luke, one of his good friends on the team struck out and Renn made a point to go over to him, pat him on the back and tell him it was going to be okay. After playing soccer for 5 years and then deciding to switch to baseball I wasn't too sure about. However, he made a right decision. Baseball is teaching him discipline and working together as a team. It's also motivated him in school, to do good and have great behavior or no ball. He's just growing up right before our eyes. I'm proud of him and how well he did and is doing. Thursday is another game and a double header on Saturday.

Outward Apperance

Sometimes we can judge those around us on the outside apperance, not really looking on the inside. I have been guilty of this. Take a look at this video of Susan Boyles and you'll see exactly what I mean. You'll be amazed just as I was.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

First Game, No Game

Well, tonight was supposed to be Renn's first baseball game of the season. Due to it raining yesterday the ball field at Mitchellville was too muddy and wet. Renn was very bummed about it. However, we have, I believe, one of the best coaches. He had the team come out to Yellow Banks where they practiced their hitting. Renn will have to wait another week before his first game. In the meantime we'll continue to practice, practice, practice!!

Easter

Easter Sunday was awesome!! We had about 150 children in Zoom Zone. Easter Eve Kevin, the boys and I sat and watched the Easter Story of Jesus. To know that He died for my sins and took that brutal beating. I'm glad I serve a Risen Saviour!! After service we headed to our house where Bob and Dee (papa and grandma), along with Sarah and her family joined us for dinner and an egg hunt. The kids had a blast going throughout the yard gathering eggs. After dinner and visiting we decided to go to papa and grandma's so the kids could ride on the ATV. The boys love to go out to Papa and grandma's and have papa taken them on the ATV. They go exploring all over their property and find all sorts of things. What a great day!!

Getting The Fields Ready

So the field behind our house is huge. The boys like to roam it and explore. That will have to be put off for a while as the field is now getting ready to be plowed and seeded for corn. We've told the boys the field is now off limits. We'll post more pictures through the summer as the field turns from brown to tall stalks of corn!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RENN!

Here's some pictures from Renn's party tonight. After his baseball scrimmage we headed back to the house where he had four of his friends join him. Matt, Luke, Andrew and Elijah. They played out in the yard for a bit then we brought out the pinata'. After that into the house where we had pizza. Presents and then cake and ice cream were next. What a great time Renn had with all his buddies. We missed having the cousins here but having his friends here was great. Andrew decided to stay the night so the boys will settle down with the movie Bolt. What a great ending to a great party!!

The cake I made Renn~Wasn't perfect like puppy grandma's but at least he had one!!

My guy turns 9 today. I can't believe how much he's grown, even since we've been here. Not only has he grown physically but maturity wise too. I'm proud of him for trying his best in school and he's made some real progress. I say this all the time but it seems like just yesterday Kevin and I drove to Cedar Rapids and met him at the foster family's house, to bring him home as our own. He is one of the greatest joys God has given me and I thank Him each day. Some things I love about him: his laugh, his hugs, his I Love Yous, his sensitivity and I love to go in at night and watch him sleep. I know he doesn't know I do that but as I head to bed I enter his room, look at him and just pray over him. He's precious not only to me but to God. Happy Birthday Renn!! We love you!

Happiness in the Midwest

Who ever thought living in the midwest would make people happy. I for one love living in the midwest. There's just a different atmosphere all around. People, schools, farm town feeling. I LOVE IT!! Here's an article about Nebraska being the happiest state to live in. Iowa comes in second. http://www.mainstreet.com/article/moneyinvesting/news/happiness-index-nebraska-nabs-top-spot

Weekend Fun

What a busy weekend we had. Thursday night we headed to Scott and Angela's to watch the final episode of ER. When we lived here before every Thursday night we would head to Scott and Angela's where we would bring out the ice cream and watch ER. It was just like old times!! ER didn't have a grand finale but the conversation and time together with friends was great!!

Friday night our good friends Pastor Heath and Ali, along with their two daughters, Leighton and Dallon came over for food and fellowship. What a great time we had catching up and renewing old friendships. The kids even did well to play together.

Saturday afternoon we headed to SE Polk Highschool where we watched one of the youth, Drake, play baseball. Drake was in our children's church and the boys have been wanting to see Drake play. It was quite windy out but not too cold. We didn't stay for the whole game but enough for Renn to check it out. Renn is pumped about playing ball and really kept attention to what was going on.

Saturday night we had dinner at the Prindles. Dennis and Carol are wonderful people and their daughter Beth and I worked at Wellmark together the first time I was here. Beth, Don and Kyle also help us in Zoom Zone. Renn and Zayvn were loving that Kyle was there (he's another one of our "kids" from Zoom Zone). Kyle took them outside to play flashlight tag which the boys thought was really cool. We are blessed to be part of such a wonderful church family. The boys always have extra "grandparents" around and it helps when their own grandparents are so far away.

God's Faithfulness

I don't share this to brag but I share this to show how much God really takes care of His children.
A few days ago Kev and I were having that dreaded money talk and how our vehicles need to be serviced. With finances a bit tight we knew it wouldn't be soon that it would happen and we just left it in the Lord's hand.
This morning I open my email and I won a $50 gift card to Car-X Auto Service http://www.carx.com. I just sat there for a few minutes just shaking my head and thanking the Lord for His provision and goodness. When you least expect, He'll always come through!!