A Peak of Spring

I say this...along with almost every other hearty Wisconsinite - we are really, really ready for Spring! My grass has a hint of green, and yes - we can actually SEE grass instead of piles and piles of snow. Spring is very dirty here at first, lots of black snow, the grime accumulated from soot, salt/sand, and mud. It does remind me of our hearts during a long cold winter (being seperated from God), seeing all the black snow and wishing it would all go away - just vanish. (Like our sins we have committed). Finally, not seeing any more black snow (asking for forgiveness, accepting that forgiveness from God), and slowly appreciating the return of freshness, cleanness of the green grass and the beauty that Spring brings to our winter stripped landscape. Our God is a God of forgiveness and restoration - so evident in our seasons! Every year I think of that, and appreciate what Jesus has done for us - allowing us to come before God as clean vessels.

We have had THE flu come through the house, so for the last two weeks, there has been red watering eyes, lots of coughing, fevers, general aches and pains. I am really ready for that to be over too. It will be nice when everyone is feeling better and the sun can shine into the windows and we can open them just a little bit to let in some fresh air.

We had decided to close our other business "Blackberry Hill Adult Day Care" as the state is running into budget problems and not able to deliver the CMO as originally planned. The CMO is already out of money for the 2008 budget year, and is placing people in nursing homes only so we have heard. That does not effect the Adult Family Home we own and operate out of our home, they are all safe and sound. It is with some sadness, but also some relief as it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep the doors open - a service that we needed in our community, but it has to have funding and that was not happening. I am relieved to be able to spend my summer as I see fit for the most part, looking forward to some yard work, and possibly a small garden this year.

Briana has been accepted into Trinity College this fall, we are so proud of her, she received a "Dean's Academic Scholorship". We anticipate her High School graduation from homeschooling, which entails a great dinner out (most likely Red Lobster) presentation of her dipolma, and a open house in early June. She wants a lap top for her graduation present! That will make a great present for her to go off to college with.

Tomorrow I am off to shop for Easter dinner items and lots of eggs so that the kids and residents can color them on Friday. I will post pictures of that for everyone. The family gets together again on Easter Sunday after the church breakfast and service for our Easter dinner and indoor egg hunt (too cold and snowy outside!). Should be fun.