blessed beyond measure

For whatever reason we've had a hectic week. Here's some of what has been going on with us: - The garden is planted. Well, at least part of it is. As we are able to use Granddad's new tractor, Brandon expanded the garden area some, and we are hoping and praying the crop will be better this year than the last two years. Keep that rain coming, Lord! - With my mom out of town on business, Trey's weekly Grammy-day was a Papa-day! This was my dad's first overnight and all day alone time with Trey, and they had a blast together doing all sorts of man things that aren't usually part of Trey's routine. (I haven't heard, but I figure Dr. Pepper was involved at some point.) - Potty training has officially begun. I still have yet to read the first thing about it, so I honestly have no clue what I'm doing. Tuesday was the big day. After breakfast we went into the bathroom, took Trey's pants and diaper off, and I set him on his potty. He hates to s...

This kid is so sweet, and absolutely amazes us everyday.

We had such a great weekend with my family! Here's Trey having fun with doggies Duddy (Dudley) and Ky-yee (Kylie): Having fun with Nene (Aunt Whitney): Having fun with Papa: Having fun with Giga: Cooling off after all that fun (you can't see it but he has orange popsicle melted all over him): We loved our mini-vacation!

We took a break from my work today to go outside and play. Trey looooves to be outside - at the mere mention of shoes or coat, he immediately shouts, "SHY!" In his Easter basket this year, Trey got some new sidewalk chalk and this neat bubble gun. This was the first dry day we have had to try those out, so we did. And they were both a hit. (He's trying to catch bubbles in that last one - the bubbles didn't show up in the picture.) But more than anything else we do outside, Trey just likes to run. Front yard to back yard, back yard to front yard, over and over and over. And over. Stop a minute to "shah da" (slide down), then "re-yay, sho, GO!" (ready, set, go). And he's off again. Stop a minute to pick a dandelion and give to Mama. "Re-yay, sho, GO!" Here we go. Oh life is so exciting. Speaking of exciting, Trey and I will be spending this weekend with my folks in what is becoming an annual tradition. Though we miss Brando...

This happened a few days ago. After Trey woke up and watched Elmo, we built a fort. Trey seemed to enjoy building it - he likes helping with almost anything. But once it was built he refused to go in. I put some toys in, but he just stood there staring inside. So I crawled in, hoping he would see how fun and non-scary it was. He threw a fit. We left the fort up, and throughout the morning Trey would occasionally stop and study the fort. After lunch as I was cleaning up the kitchen, I didn't hear from Trey for a while. That usually means trouble. But this time, no trouble at all - Trey conquered his fear of forts all by himself!

He is risen indeed! Happy Easter to all of you. After two inspiring worship services and one Sunday school hour this morning, we spent precious time with our families. The weather was picture perfect, I imagine much like it was some two thousand years ago on resurrection morning. Praise the Lord for such a reason to celebrate. Trey had a fun, exhausting day. He blew bubbles, rode the little red wagon with help from Giga and Papa, very briefly hunted a few eggs, and stopped to smell the flowers. Then we recreated last year's Easter picture, Trey with his basket. "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies." John 11:25

"Shy? Shy??" Shy means outside, and these are Trey's words as he presses his entire body up against the door leading to the porch. This happens at least three or four times every day, in spite of weather or darkness. And who can blame him? Even with the exorbitant amounts of rain we have been getting lately, the warmer temperatures and cool breezes are almost irresistable. Everything is in bloom, the grass is green and thick - it's enchanting. We enjoyed some time outside last night as the sun went down, as Trey played golf with Dad, ran about 2 miles around the yard, and showed off his new skill of going down the sliding board by himself (thanks Giga!!). Well, it's Good Friday. Holy Week and the Easter season are hitting me a little harder this year. Maybe from being in the pageant and focusing so intently on the story for the last few months. Or maybe because I'm getting a little older, Trey is getting a little older, and I am feeling almost a despera...

There are so many words to describe the last couple of days, and yet none of them do it justice. The main one in our minds at this moment is exhausted. Our minds are spent from trying to remember so many details. Our legs ache - Brandon's from running all over the church making sure everyone had their microphones, had them on, had batteries, etc. Mine from wedging myself in a hole backstage so I could feed lines without being seen and spring up onstage when props needed to move. But oh, the glory, the humility, the wonder of watching God's church come together as the body of Christ. So many different talents, every single one made by Him and used for His glory in this. And the excitement surrounding a story we all know so well. The story is powerful. From my hole, about the only thing I could see well was the crucifixion scene. Thursday night, after the actors got into position on the crosses, I looked up, and my heart skipped a beat. How often do I forget what my Jesu...

Can it really be true that Trey has been broken of his paci without a shot fired? We have been without it for a week now, using the highly technical method of, whenever it's mentioned, saying no and changing the subject. And it's being mentioned less and less. Compared to the horror stories I've heard, Trey seems to adapt to change fairly easily. Wonder if that will carry through to potty training... Well, we are a few hours from beginning our Easter pageant marathon. Six performances through Sunday. I have not handled my part well lately, as apparently stress turns me into this evil beast of a human being. Not sleeping well, snapping at people - just a nasty version of myself. But in the moments that I am able to breathe deeply and gain a little perspective, I remember how humbling it is to be involved in telling the story of Jesus Christ to around 2000 people. And now that it's here, I am absolutely giddy with excitement. Though we are praying for so many spe...