Perfect Days

Dear Eli,

If I were to write the script for a series of perfect days, I don't think I'd alter it one bit from the five days we spent camping at Daingerfield with Pop-Pop, Mom-Mom, Uncle Phil, Aunt Kelly, Timothy and Charlie last Wednesday through Sunday. I don't think I've ever seen you happier than you were there. I have so many pictures and so many sweet memories... from the feel of your hand in mine as we took walks around the lake, to the campfire smell of your hair as I kissed you goodnight, to the sound of your laughter echoing off the water as you splashed with your cousins... What a gift God gave us, Eli! What a sweet time of His generous, beautiful blessings- days that are as perfect as days get here on earth.

Perfect days include flying a kite with your Pop-Pop and your cousin/best friend.



They include taking hikes around the lake and pausing to do a little fishing.



Perfect days mean holding bright green caterpillars in your hand,



and walking along fallen logs.



Perfect days end with marshmallows being roasted for s'mores.



And perfect days begin with long rides in paddle boats with beloved grandparents and cousins.



And they definitely include lots of swimming.



There is always time to hug your best friend,



And time to build a fire with your Daddy.



And swimming in the lake at sunset is the best way to finish the long afternoon.



Family is top priority on perfect days.



And cousins and grandparents are loved and adored and treasured.



How thankful we are, Eli! I love seeing gratitude in you. Let's give thanks for all the blessings of every day and for memories like the ones we shared this past weekend.

So much love to you,
Mommy.

*Click on the pictures to make them larger!*

Suited Up

We did our usual Easter traditions this year...

Painting eggs (something even more messy than dye! :) ),

Making hot cross buns and delivering them to neighbors,

Hunting eggs (of which it is nearly impossible to get a good picture),

And, of course, dressing up in adorable suits (purchased by my mom) for church:






(This is literally the best picture I could get of all 5 kids! Not exactly a "framer," but still funny! :) )

Easter Sunday

"And he said to them, 'Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him." (Mark 16:6)

"O love of God! O sin of man!
In this dread act your strength is tried;
And victory remains with love;
For He, our Love, is crucified."
(from "O Come and Mourn with Me Awhile by Frederick William Faber)

His death is my justification; His life is my life. In the battle of sin versus the love of God, Love won. The way to the mercy seat is open. May we come through it today with utmost joy and celebration, for Jesus is alive!

Good Friday

"And he brought a linen shroud and, taking Him down, wrapped Him in the linen shroud and laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb." (Mark 15:46)

"What Thou, my Lord, has suffered
Was all for sinners' gain.
Mine, mine was the transgression,
But Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior,
'Tis I deserve Thy place.
Look on me with Thy favor,
Vouchsafe me to Thy grace."
(from "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded," text by Bernard of Clairvoux)

Today I pray that each of us remember that the death Jesus died was for me, for you. Let us mourn the death of our precious Jesus, and let our mourning spur us to deeply long for Sunday.

Spring Happenings

A few pictures from the past couple of weeks...

"Purple Day" at school:



A trip to the zoo last week...


(Eli looking at his favorite animal- the lion.)


(Feeding the giraffes- I love this part of going to the zoo!)

The bluebonnets have been so beautiful this season!



Eric and Eli got season tickets to the Rough Riders (minor league team for the Texas Rangers) for Christmas, and today was the exhibition game of the Texas Rangers versus the Rough Riders. Eli was so excited to go to his first baseball game of the season!


(getting ready to leave)


(Corndogs = the best part of baseball)

We've loved spring so far, and we look forward to more! :)