One last kiss

 My precious Grandma passed on into eternity just this week.  I love these reminders of our last visit with her.  I had wondered....could this be the last one...the last kiss...the last time we hear her tell her testimony...the final hug?  I'm amazed how quickly she decline in just a few short months.  Now the struggle is over and the race won.  I will be forever thankful for her steadfast life & wonderful example. 

Music in our home...

I love music.

For me, music is morning coffee.

I'ts mood medicine.

It's pure magic.

A good song is like a good meal -

I just want to inhale it and then share a bite with someone else.

(hoda kotb)

 



last day of school

There was a mixture of emotions this day...last day of elementary school for Ben.  On to bigger things next year as he transitions to middle school.  Trevin will miss him so much.  Trevin has lost most of his patience with school/his class - "Mom, they don't behave & I'm the only good one there."  Poor kid! I think everyone else in his class has a major dose of spring fever...or maybe summer fever.

 

Looking forward to our summer adventures & having the boys home this summer.  I want to enjoy each day to its fullest!  At the top of our summer list:  learn Spanish! 

5th grade Party

We hosted a celebration supper for the 5 5th graders in our area.  It was a special evening and they loved each having their own cake (with a surprise donut in the middle).  Quite clever, I must say.  Lori did a great job on the cakes. 

Trevin is quite pleased  to find himself in this picture.  The other kids were protecting their cakes from little fingers! 

Finishing strong...

These last few weeks of school have been difficult....the boys were just done!!  So, I wasn't sure if this sentiment would be reflected in their grades, attitude & behavior at school.  However, their awards indicated otherwise.  Trevin:  Super Reader Award & Integrity Award for his 1st grade class.  So very proud of him.  Ben:  5th grade graduation certificate & Presidential Academic Award.  Summer has begun & we have very big smiles!

Mother's Day 2017

My heart is full & thankful.  I love the boys' thoughtfulness & reminders that I'm loved....despite my many flaws.  It was pretty special they served me dinner at Cortezes along with 10 other mothers.  The kids did a fabulous job (while being supervised by the Dads).  Sunday dinner with Taylors & my parents made for a special day as well.  There was a time in my life when I put aside thoughts of having my own children.  I've realized there are unexpected turns & corners in this journey.  I'm so thankful for these two boys that call me Mom.

 

Studio Recital - April

Both boys performed violin pieces at Alexis' studio recital this Spring. 

 

Ben:  Suzuki Violin Book 3 - Humoresque (my favorite!!)

Trevin:  Suzuki Violin Book 1  - Minuet 3

 

Other tidbits regarding their violin progress:

Trevin moved up to 1/2 size violin the week after this recital.  He is skipping the last piece (for now) in Book 1 & is starting  Book 2! 

 

Ben is nearly ready for a full size violin.  We found a fantastic handmade Amati violin for him thru a local violin shop.  The sound is bright & clear.  Over time Alexis says the sound will have even more depth & richness.  Her expertise & very good ear for such things is invaluable.  (confession:  I play on it every chance I get).  He is currently working on the last piece in Book 3. 

Spring Break Part 3: Santa Fe

We quickly realized we didn't have enough time to see everything in Santa Fe & the surrounding areas, but we certainly got a taste of the history and culture in this northern NM spot.  We saw 600 year old dwellings, the oldest church in N America, the historic town square, and the brothers!!  Our 1 hour with the friends there on Wednesday night was pretty special too.

Authentic New Mexico food - it was wonderful!!

typical sighting - red chiles

Bandelier National Monument - climbing ladders to check out old Indian dwellings. 

Russell & Ben took the ladders 140+ feet high to the highest dwelling.  They seemed like little specks from where Trevin & I were watching.   The view was fantastic from there - overlooking the valley.  I had hoped to take a turn, but there wasn't time.  Trevin wasn't interested in climbing that high, and I understood.  Next time I'll be the first one up the ladder! 

West Fork by Oak Creek - Sedona, AZ

 

 

Spring Break Part 2: Sedona, AZ

A few hours north from Phoenix is Sedona!  It is difficult to find words to describe the beauty there.  Loved our hikes, sunset & sunrise views, & just being together here.  The weather was so pleasant & aside from Trevin pulling me into the creek a few times as we were crossing creeks, we had a grand time(even with wet feet)!

Spring Break Part 1: Phoenix

Our roadtrip begin Friday as soon as the boys finished school.  Surprisingly that night was the only time on the whole trip when we encountered any rainstorm.  I was glad to get thru it!  Accuweather was showing purple.  Hmm.

 

We made a few stops along the way, but arrived in Phoenix Saturday evening.  Lovely day Sunday with meetings, lunch with cousins, time with Grandma (93 yo), visit with my wonderful friend Ginny & family.  Monday we spent the day with Grandma at her apartment...swimming, lunch, Mexican Train, visits.  I loved hearing her testimony again.

Look Up

Our dear friend Mary reminded us that Trevin wrote her a little letter once that told her to "Look Up".

I love to remember the days that Mary helped me to this very thing.  It was at a very difficult chapter in my life...

I found myself looking up this past week on our trip...to see God's natural beauty in creation as well as at those who serve & labor for Him.  It all encourages me so much.

Today I share with you:

LOOK UP

The clouds so puffy, the sky so blue
Ever changing, ever moving, ever new.
So beautiful - is it more special today?
Could it be any minute I might see Jesus on his way?!

How I look and wait with hope so high
The first signs should be there in the sky
But, it could be even in a very dark night
Or when it's beautifully filled with light.

Ever ready, ever looking up to see
For one day I know He'll come for me.
I want to be ready, waiting for the day
When He comes to take me - to His home to stay.

Pat V. 9.3.2010

Things from last week...

6th grade orchestra auditions are in 1 month.  Ben has been learning new scales & 5th position.  Love so see his progress.  A delightful care package from Vietnam arrived here this week.  We tried to read their local paper & decipher a receipt.  Didn't get very far obviously...the coconut candy was delicious!

Valentine's Day 2017

 Today...

I squeezed this kids tighter & gave them extra love.  We've had so many reminders of how fragile life is.  This is my day to give my best to Him and my family.

I wrote a few letters to remind others we love them so.

I drank my coffee black!!  I'm used to it now.  Day #26 of Whole30.  I'm certainly not doing it to lose weight, but glad for the surge in energy & deep sleep at night. 

I got wet...rain & damp cold as I walked to the boys' school for their parties.  Refreshing!

I won't get chocolates.  Rather unusual for me, I must admit.  I'll suffer through this one time.  I've slayed that sugar dragon!  Yay!!

Hope you are feeling loved today!

US Capitol

One of Benjamin's winter projects was putting together a model of the US Capitol Building.  He & Russell found it to be quite challenging yet fun.  I love the end result....especially with the lights on inside.