Easter greetings

I love Easter! And though my family would probably say it is because jelly beans are my favorite food (and they are, by the way), that isn't the reason (or at least it isn't the only reason)! I love that all things are made new during this time of year -- that spring is blooming all around, that everyone is aching to be outside appreciating the gifts of the season, and that it is a reminder of the sacrifice Jesus gave in order to make the same thing happen with us -- his death on the cross and subsequent resurrection on Easter morning ensure that we too can become like new simply by accepting the gift of his salvation! What a wonderful picture of that gift Spring is -- all the dead plants, trees, flowers becoming new again, blooming with life, blossoming right before our eyes. What a gift, what a blessing, what...GRACE! May you experience the joys of this miraculous season, my friends!

Bulldogs and Blooms

Happy Monday! We are celebrating the Bulldogs making it to the NCAA Basketball tournament today! It's always fun to watch March Madness, but it's so much more so when our dawgs are there!

The weekend brought cooler temps to us out here but we have so been enjoying the beautiful weather that I had to share this picture of sweet Cate hanging out with Mommy just "being" in our lawn chairs! She loves to sit outside -- and run outside, and ride her trike outside and chase the dog outside! ha

On a bloom note -- if you'll notice my gorgoeous lantana behind her, you can grieve with me that they had to be removed right after this photo was taken! We had some drainage issues that had to be resolved and so "of course" they had to rip out my favorite part of the yard! They have replaced the lantana today, with tiny little plants. But I remember that is how this started so hopefully, it will return to this state soon enough! :)

So today I'm counting my blessings for blooming flowers (my favorite time of year!) and my basketball Bulldogs -- and of course, all of my beloveds!

Spring Wedding

Wade's best friend from our days at MSU married this weekend in beautiful Southern California! We were delighted to attend -- and the photographer in me, was delighted to snap some pics of my favorite subjects amid the spring beauty!

The wedding was at the Wayfarer's Chapel -- an absolutely lovely location! Cate was bit young for the ceremony so she and I hung out together outside while Todd wed his lovely bride, Marti. What a shame -- time outdoors with Cate and my camera and so much beauty!

The Shraders at the reception - -which was held at the historic Redondo Beach Library. Claire was extremely dismayed that all the books had been removed...there was music and dancing (complete with filming for a reality tv show airing this summer called "Rock the Reception"!) but my darling daughter really thought there would be books! (That apple didn't fall far from the tree, did it?)

Thank God for the covenant of marriage -- for my almost 17 years with my hubbie -- and for our fabulous four that delight me with their "gene" structure daily! Blessings!

Are you smarter than a fifth grader?

The big kids are learning about Cinquains this week -- a form of poetry with five lines and a rhythm of 2, 4, 6, 8, 2. I am a totally biased mommy (never doubt that) but I thought they did a great job and so, with their permission, I have to share! Enjoy!

(Photo of Cate after Claire dressed her as a pioneer!)
By Claire

Sweet Sun,

Bonnets flowing,

Flowers sway in the breeze,

Apple pie aroma drifting,

Little House.

(Photo of trio at the Hannah Montana concert, Nov. 9, 2007!)
By Benjamin

Music --
Lots of fun songs --
Loud drums making cool beats.
Big star singing my favorite songs,
Concert!!

(Photo of Pluto at 11 weeks)
By Mason

Pluto --
Hyper, Happy,
Sitting on the cold tile,

Wagging his tail when so joyful,

Our dog!

Now Claire did not want to NOT write about her sweet puppy as well...so motivated by Mason, she wrote the following:

Pluto --

happy, kind eyes,

His fur as soft as silk,

His breath as sweet as fresh, warm pie,

My Pup.

I am counting my poets as three tremendous blessings -- ever grateful am I that God has trusted me with these -- and their baby sister! Have a blessed day!