Easter 2011

German is about to be packed up to make her debut at the Easter Egg hunt.  Jonathan tries to sooth her anxiety with dandelions.






 
Sweet boy, he knows she loves to eat flowers.

Who let that bunny out anyway?  It's ok, she's on a leash.  It is very much fun to let your bunny hop around the yard while you walk her on a leash.



The kids think it's fun to hop along too.


Jonathan has a knack for being gentle, especially for a two year old boy.

The egg hunt;



Jonathan gets to work hunting

He finds more than his sister




Dorathea gets discouraged at not finding the prize egg and finds a place to hide away instead (and eat candy)





German (the rabbit) gets to sit on many laps and have her picture taken a lot.  We pack her and us all up and go home to await her cousin the Easter Bunny tomorrow, "He will come and visit German tonight."  Dorathea says.

Birthday Morning

The morning of D's 5th birthday.  The surprise has been said and the presents have been opened.  But we blow out birthday morning candles in blueberry bread with pink icing.



Just another special moment to mark her birthday

And here she is with her lovely new apron and her decorated jewelry box, "I'll put all my rings in it!" she says excitedly.  Happy Birthday again and again, because you never stop being special.  xoxoxo Mommy

Easter 2011

Dorathea's 5th Birthday..."Surprise!"

Dorathea requested a surprise party.  Surprising someone who wants to be surprised can be tricky, but today Ted, and I pulled it off.  Here's the footage;

P1020051 a video by thekeysfamily on Flickr.

Our party was almost rained on, but I saved it at the last minute by moving it to the Meadowbrook YMCA (in the same building as the Public Library, an Appaliachan Shop, a playground, and a nice little cafe).  Yay, Mom saves the day yet again!

The kids were eager to offer their gifts so we got right to it, to Dorathea's great delight. 

D- "For me?"- a homeaid apron

D- "Just what I always wanted!"

Then onto musical chairs; 

And after some lunch Cupcakes!

Which is good because some people can't wait much longer;

She blows and the pinwheels turn!

And everyone eats to buttercream cupcakes my mom helped me make last night.

then out come the giant balls!  Again my child matches perfectly :)

And we put the giant balls away and birthday party is done, so home we go,

Happy 5th Birthday Dorathea Bella!

love Mommy

Secret God spaces

Sometimes I get out of my own space to get out of my own head and clean up my mental state by spending time with God.  I have looked for these secret spaces since college.  I found an attic widow's peak on top of my dorm, and studying in Italy found a couple great window balconies, as well as a few prayer rooms along the way set aside for the very purpose of  talking with my beloved.  

But can I say that being a Mom and wife that it seems more important, immediate, and so very needed to occasionally run away from home?  The beautiful three I so often pour into often show me I am in need of exorcising personal demons.  So this day I took a ride around the corner to a church with an open door policy for their chapel and hidden garden (God bless them!)

First I planted myself here;

Then I dare to draw a little closer to the alter

And I lay here;

As I unload the heavy to my ultimate Father I shed a few tears too.  Just think someday He will wipe even that one away.  I let go of the baggage of who I thought I was; Angry, empty, sad.  He sees my efforts to love them so much I change into love in the process.  I turn to the face of Jesus, and I give up my ugly view of myself and those I am working to love.   I am given a glimpse of myself through his eyes; Holy Holy Holy am I!  His light shines in me golden.

I hop on my bike and ride home better for my time here.

This song has been in my head.  When I find it at home I laugh as I watch the artist's video and she takes the same ride to a little chapel on her bike.  He truly sees me :)

 http://www.youtube.com/karijobe

Surprise Dorathea!

Dorathea requested a surprise party.  Surprising someone who wants to be surprised can be tricky, but today Ted, and I pulled it off.  Here's the footage;

Our party was almost rained on, but I saved it at the last minute by moving it to the Meadowbrook YMCA (in the same building as the Public Library, an Appaliachan Shop, a playground, and a nice little cafe).  Yay, Mom saves the day yet again!

Vacation Day #7 Carousels and Fountains

Men at their conference today doing business-type stuff. Nana and I head to the shopping center with the kiddies. We sprinkle shopping with carousel rides, ice cream, playground, and finally playing in the fountain.

P1010017 a photo by thekeysfamily on Flickr.

 "I don't want to shop anymore!, I want to ride the carousel!"- Dorathea. Well I guess I'm glad that she hasn't grown out of that yet.

Stopping to smell the flowers at lunchtime;

And much joy playing in the fountain.