This weekend, we stopped by the local Firestation to see our friend Sean and to let Michael see the big trucks. It was really fun (for all three of us!). Michael got to "drive" the firetruck.

 Those are some huge tires!

Thanks, Sean, for the private tour! Even though Michael loved the trucks, it's still all about trains in this house. Thomas the Train puts Michael to bed at night and welcomes him in the morning for breakfast; trains are scattered throughout the house, and if you try to take away his train at the library or Discovery Museum, watch out for a tantrum! The Elmo phase lasted about 6 months, so we'll see how long the trains survive. We're enjoying it while we can!

Turning Thirty

Well, hopefully the worst is behind me in the dissertation process. Surely it is, right?! This was a much better week, and it was my birthday week! JD has been wonderful and supportive and patient through all the turmoil, and he threw me an awesome birthday party Saturday night that included pizza, cupcakes, lots of friends, and one circus.

Michael LOVED the circus! We all did, really. He's been sprouting up so quickly lately and learning new words constantly. He's such a joy. I've been wondering lately where his baby years went.

Two more weeks of school are left. Come on, summer!

I hate to say things are bad, but that's sure how I'm feeling this week. But then, I opened up my daily devotional this morning, and this was the message:

________________________________________

When God Says "Wait"
by Rick Warren

"But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!" (Habakkuk 2:3 LB)

Even as you make a decision to follow the dream God places in your heart, you can expect a delay. God will not fulfill your dream immediately, because this is another step toward building your faith.

In Habakkuk 2, God says, “These things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled” (Habakkuk 2:3 LB).

When delay comes to your dreams, you’ll most likely start asking the question, “When, Lord? When are you going to answer my prayer?”

We all have to go through these waiting periods. Even Jesus waited for 30 years in the carpenter’s shop before setting out on his public ministry.

Why do we wait? It teaches us to trust in God. We learn that his timing is perfect. One of the facts we have to learn is this: God’s delay never destroys his purpose.

A delay is not a denial. Children must learn the difference between “no” and “not yet,” and so must we. Many times we think God is saying, “No,” but he is really saying, “Not yet.”
_________________________________________

And then there's my favorite verse for the week:

"Dear young friends, you belong to God and have already won your fight with those who are against Christ because there is someone in your hearts who is stronger than any evil teacher in this wicked world" (1 John 4:4, New Living Translation).

Wow, God spoke straight to my heart. And people wonder how God speaks!

Happy Easter!

I have so many pictures to share! That's what happens when I miss a week of posting. Last week was one of the most stressful I've had in a long time because of dissertation work. I either have no work to do because my committee is reading drafts, or I have a TON of work because they've sent revisions back. I'm so glad that last week is over. But the past two weekends have been so fun! I have decided that Easter is my favorite holiday: there's candy, pretty colors, spring, bunnies, and best of all, the celebration of Christ's resurrection. Really, what could be more worth celebrating? Easter weekend was great; it was the first time Michael got to go on an Easter-egg hunt, and the Ponds were in town to celebrate with us. Our little boy is getting so big!

 At first, Michael was content with just one egg; he didn't understand why he was supposed to keep picking more up. But by the end of the weekend, he was an egg-hunting champ.

 The Liberts joined us for a fun Saturday morning playground time and egg hunt.

 Sunday, we had another hunt at the Libert's house before Easter dinner. I love how a 2 year-old's hunt consists of throwing the eggs in the grass. No hiding involved!

 Miles poses with his bubble.

 Learning to play badmitton is hilarious!

 Last weekend, we had a fun, sunny day at the lake with the Morrisons. Here, Michael and Isaac are trying to coax over the goose that you can just barely see through the fence. Needless to say, they did not have any luck.

 The Dads.

JD has had to travel a lot lately: he was gone one night last week, two nights this week, and will be gone three nights at the end of the month. We sure to miss him! I tentatively have a May 15th defense date scheduled, so keep praying that nothing gets pushed back. I am so ready to be finished!!