Baby in a Ball Pit . . . and 4 More April Smiles!

April has been such a splendid gift, hasn't it?  Warm sunshine-laden air flowing back into our lives, creation blooming in the oddest places, plenty of reasons to laugh out loud.

And as busy as it's been around here, these weeks have proven to be an overflowing source of gratitude.

. . . baby in a ball pit

Celebrating Easter in the church's ball pit

So many of you have asked how Tyler's doing since I introduced him to you a couple of months ago!  Despite a few hospital visits {including one unexpected helicopter ride}, he's pretty much at home doing life with the gang and bringing joy wherever he goes.  If you missed big sister Kate's 'welcome to our family' video {or you want to catch the post again}, it's right here.  Get your Kleenex and turn up the volume.

And keep praying.  Please?

. . . going back to elementary school

Hall passes await in the music room

Don't you love these fun little hall passes?  Sure beats the scraps of paper we toted back in the day.

We did one Grandparents Day last fall and ventured into yet another foray into the school system just a few weeks back.  Kinda cool to perch in little plastic chairs while stringing beads and building words with wooden squares with eager little ones who are crazed with excitement at your presence.

Or sitting through a computer lab session and quickly realizing with awe that your 2nd grader knows way more about maneuvering around a keyboard than you'll ever hope to.

. . . playing personal shopper

Christmas Tree Shop bargains

I've had a ball pushing carts around a bunch of stores for my mom and for my youngest daughter, both who have been pretty much tied to the house in recent months.  What could be more fun than spending someone else's $ as you choose just the perfect kids' spring clothes, text back and forth weighing the pros and cons of wrapping paper, and scoop up boxes of pretty notecards and individually wrapped tea bags?

Sure beats opening your own wallet!

. . . joanna's story

video

I just love HGTV's Fixer Upper ... we watch it whenever we can.  Wouldn't it be just awesome if Joanna {and Chip!} dropped in at your place and re-did it even just a bit?  One can only imagine. 

If you're a fan, then you'll appreciate this peek into Joanna's soul, her walk with Christ, and her choice to trust Him with her great big dreams.

Good stuff.  Real good.

. . . #75

Bob & Dot celebrating his 75th

Together, we've kicked off a local Celebrate Recovery, co-founded Creekside Ministries, facilitated groups for single parents, and joined forces as a marriage counseling team.  For 13 years, this wise and kind servant of God has been patient with my rantings and occasional moody moments, and has enthusiastically championed my work, opening numerous doors to counsel, teach, lead, and write.

We all celebrated yet another milestone this past weekend with our faithful pastor, dear friend, and my partner in ministry.  Without a doubt I wouldn't be where I am spiritually and professionally without his encouragement and guidance.

{If you want some of Bob's meaty blog posts, they're right here.}  

And his gentle, lovely wife, Dot?  Back in 2007 she said 'yes' to releasing the whole lower half of her home to become Creekside's beautiful home base.  She happily 'lives above the store,' graciously allowing countless women and men to make themselves at home in this safe haven of counseling center and house church.

To say I'm grateful for this wonderful couple {who've been married 53 years!} would be a vast understatement.  Heaps of birthday blessings, Bob.  And deepest thanks, dear Dottie.

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And on that happy note, I'm stepping away from the keyboard for a few weeks.  
If you subscribe, you'll be one of the first to know I'm back on board.  I'd like that!

A few top-shelf shareworthy reads are on the sidebar.

Enjoy ... and I'll see ya' later!

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doing life with
Kelly  .  Mary  .  Holley  .  Lyli  .  Leigh  .  Emily