AWANA

A-approved W-workers A-are N-not A-Ashamed. AWANA. I have been SPARKS (the K, 1st grade, 2nd grade group) director for four years now, and I am sad, happy, excited like I am every year at this time when AWANA comes to a close for the academic year! Sad because I will miss seeing all the kids, and friends that make this happen, happy that it is over and I get to enjoy three months of my Wendesday nights for myself, excited for what will be an even better next year with my SPARKIES! I begin thinking about how to change it up for next year periodically through the year, but more so once Spring has sprung around here. I am very hopeful and excited about next year! But alas, I will enjoy my summer and prayerfully my SPARKIES will have a safe and great summer also!

T-ball time

Pappa spent some time teaching Trevor the correct form for playing T-ball. After a bit of instruction, Trevor hit his first ball - Great Job Trevor!

Tiny Monkeys

Apparently Ariana has seen a "real monkey with a tiny, tiny banana....they climb trees and pick bananas and give them to people everywhere... its thier job" As dictated by Ariana..... its good to be Nanna.

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.

Trevor goes to school

Trevor came back to Wisconsin with us -since Barb has an unbelieveable amount of details she needs to complete in just three weeks. Since homeschooling Trevor did not need to be one of them, she and Travis decided that the "school experience" would be benificial for Trevor. Since he is already academically ahead by a year (he is kindergarten age, but 1st grade schooled) he really just needed the "busy" and of course continuing his education is a good thing! After interviewing a couple of schools, with the input from Travis and Barb - Trevor was enrolled in a private school in the area. Upon arriving his first day - the teacher said from the hallway as Trevor was walking down to the classroom - "Trevor is that you?" Trevor said "yes, yes it is" and then you heard the scramble of feet as the six other boys in the classroom ran to the door to get a good look at the "new boy" they were so excited! Trevor ate lunch and got to play on the huge snow pile with the boys. When it was time to leave Trevor had all the names down, friends with everyone and they all took turns to hug him good-bye to see him on Monday! What a great day for him. He is so excited to go back to school and see his friends.

Note that when Brenda showed up with baby Jessica they were wowed by the baby also.....

Travis says Thank you

Travis shows his gratitude for all that Barbara did to help him through this incredibly rough year of training. Barbara had to be the chef cook, sole parent, fix-it girl, wife, supporter, and team mate for studying, and relaxing..... wow. I am amazed at what they both have accomplished. The end is not yet here... they have not arrived (do we ever?) now, Barb must endure another six months alone -while Travis puts the finishing touches on his education - Barb will be moving back to Wisconsin while Travis completes his training. Then in September they will be joined as a family once again -what a happy time that will be. Meanwhile, we will keep them all busy and we will benifit by having them close physically as well as close to our hearts!

Red Carpet

Craig and Briana sitting in jets during "red carpet" in the afternoon of the graduation. This is when the air force lets us in the jets, and fly the simulators. Briana got a chance to do that and she thought it was very cool.