Rough Morning

 It was a rough morning.  A very tearful one.  This has actually been a very tough school year.  I've been praying so much and feel a spiritual war going on in my mind.  It's hard to even know what is God's voice and what is Satan's, to be honest.  I'm feeling confused, lost and alone but know we will get on the other side.  I just have to go through the storm first.  

I told my husband that I wanted to make no plans for this weekend.  Use the time to be together as a family and take a break from the busyness of life.  We also have many home projects and cleaning that needs done.  

In better, yummier news, I made this Pillsbury cinnamon swirl dessert this week.  I've made it a few times before and used a loaf pan but this time I decided to use an 8x8 dish.  I also poured the cinnamon sugar in the middle leaving none for the top, my mistake, but still delish.  Everyone in my family enjoys it, especially the younger one who is often a picky eater.  

Wishing you all a happy Friday and a good weekend ahead!  

PINK OUT

 Last Saturday we spent the day at our county's minor league field to watch as Matthew, along with his teammates, played against another team for a "PINK OUT" game in support of breast cancer awareness.  That's my number 37, who got walked and eventually ran home, scoring one for the team.  Unfortunately, we lost by 4 but it was an incredible experience.  

This boy isn't the greatest player on the team but I'd say he's one of the hardest working ones.  He dedicates himself to the game and has such a passion for the sport.  Even after coming home from a game or practice he goes right outside to our backyard to play some more.  Or he's playing a baseball game on the Playstation, that still counts, right?  Having a teenager reminds me that the time I have with him at home is getting shorter by the day so I'm embracing these moments that will one day be a memory.  

Another Rainy Morning

 This morning we had a new visitor at our front door.  Let me introduce you to my new friend ... 

Such a cute little toad seeking shelter from the rain.  It also reminded me I did not do a very good job at putting the hose away.  

Well, we have certainly been experiencing April showers here.  There is no fear of a drought, that's for sure.  As I watched birds swoop down onto the ground and take sips from the puddles it reminded me of the necessity of rain.  I'm thankful.  Nature surely is beautiful, thanks be to God.  

So Far In April

 I have to begin to say, my little absence from the blog world has not been intentional.  The days get busy and time goes by so fast.  It meant a lot when Billie Jo checked up on me, thank you!  

April started with a lot of rain.  I thought I was going to have to start building a boat.  Rainy days were meant for snuggling.  

Then we were blessed with sunshine and warm weather.  Finally!

And a solar eclipse!  

We already had the glasses from the last solar eclipse six years ago.  They make a big deal out of how these eclipses only happen several years in between but I'm pretty convinced they happen more than we realize, and more than they are announced.  As a child astronomy was one of my favorite subjects.  My father bought me a telescope, which I still have.  I loved learning about all of the planets and at night I would just lay under the stars and become so mesmerized by the beauty of God's creation.  

Baseball is in full swing and I just love watching my boy on that field.  

I've been doing a lot of praying.  Praying for my children and what to do with them next year.  I have been feeling this desire to take them out of in person public school and allow them to do it through cyber.  Schools today are filled with ... blah ... too much to name.  I don't want to take away some of the experiences they receive by being there but a lot of it just isn't worth it.  I've also been praying about what direction to take with my daughter's dance company.  She loves it there and does not want to leave but it's disheartening to continue paying high prices for a place that is becoming greedy, also a lot of dancers are becoming snooty.  If you want to be part of the cool group you need to be an owner of a Stanley Cup.  Really?  I've never been trendy nor have I ever judged a person on how they look or what they have.  My kids are the same.  I will not spend a high price on a water bottle just because of it's popularity.  It's ridiculous to me.  

There are a lot of exciting things happening in the coming weeks and months and I'll try my best to document as much of it as I can.