IHC...The Great Family Reunion!

Last week was a pretty busy one for many of us in the CHM, wasn't it?! Our week began with having to get the fuel injector replaced in the van. Those surprise expenses always seem to come at the most inconvenient times! :)
Tuesday evening we were privileged to arrive at IHC. It is usually with mixed emotions that I approach the convention. Back in the day, things were really easy...Greg and I would throw a few pieces of clothing in a suitcase, and head off for a couple of days of visiting with friends and family...no worries, no cares. Boy, have things changed! The last several years have much more difficult, caring for 3 or 4 small children who have to have constant attention.
I was really excited about IHC this year, and I was not disappointed. Although I don't "go for the preaching" necessarily, I was encouraged and challenged by the messages and sessions that I was able to attend. Believe it or not, this was my first year to attend WOW at Dayton! Staying on-site made a huge difference in our ability to relax and enjoy our time. We were able to visit with many old friends and teachers at both the GBS and HSBC alumni receptions. Overall, I think that IHC 2009 was one of the best in a very long time. I don't have any pics to prove it, but I'll carry the memories!
p.s. If you're looking for something good to eat in Dayton, you have to try Cousin Vinnie's pizza. It is the best ever, and the prices are more than reasonable...they also deliver to the Crown Plaza.

More Easter...

I have to give a little background on this pic. I realize that Kaitlynn is 5, and has outgrown most of the "cutesy" baby stuff, but every now and then, she just cracks me up with her wit or personality.
As we were walking through the mall, headed toward Macy's, Kaitlynn spotted the Easter bunny. He didn't have any visitors at the time, but I didn't stop because she is usually shy about things like that. She had already visited one Easter bunny at the egg hunt, and we had our yearly picture. As we passed the area where the bunny was seated, Kaitlynn said, "Mommy, will you back up and wait for me?" I wondered what in the world she was going to do. I backed up to the edge of the fenced area, and she proceeded toward the snoozing bunny. She sat down beside him, and with an enormous smile, gazed at his face for a few seconds. He didn't seem to be responding to her, or even looking her way, so she took his hand in hers, and began to rub it...still looking at his face with a beaming smile. I could tell that she had awakened him, and he took her other hand, and they just sat there, gazing at each other, rubbing each other's hands. I didn't know whether to laugh or be embarrassed, so I just waited. A small crowd of onlookers gathered around, amazed at this "adorable" little girl who who was so enamored with the Easter bunny! Finally, the lady who was managing the picture sales area asked if I would like to take a photo on my phone. I laughed and said that I always carry my camera...here is the pic...


Coloring eggs...

Havin' fun with Xavier and Arianna...

Two little princesses!

My Easter post wasn't all inclusive...Easter weekend consisted of having a couple of the kids' friends over on Good Friday for about 4 hours, our annual church business mtg. on Saturday night, and HSBC choir on Sunday night. We kept a couple of choir girls overnight, so between cleaning and entertaining, we had a busy weekend!

The Dreaded Day...

It's 1:18 a.m. on April 15th. I'm sitting in our hotel in Dayton. Everyone is fast asleep but me. With bleary eyes, I'm doing what every law-abiding American citizen (which happens to exclude most of President Obama's associates) does this time of year...filing taxes. Like many of you, we file our federal and state returns early so that we can begin enjoying the benefits of overpayment (typically called a "refund"). But there's more...the school district has to get their extra piece of the pie, and the village also needs a percent. Those are the ones I dread. We live in the village but work outside, so it is a little more complicated. This is my 4th year to file in our village, and I've done it wrong each of the 3 previous years. Why break the routine? :)

I have to say I'm a little pumped about the TEA Parties being held around the nation later today. I probably won't be attending one, but I'm really glad that people are finally getting frustrated enough to let their voices be heard! In the meantime, I'll just continue to be annoyed that I have to fill out these ridiculous forms, and send yet another check to help fund some underachieving government program. Happy Tax Day! :)

Happy Resurrection Day!

Easter happens to be my favorite day on the Christian calendar. I love everything about Easter...from the colors of spring to the songs that exalt the risen Lord. It is just magnificent!
Here are a few pics from the day...



The boys...


The girls...



Aaron loves to sing and preach. When Greg put him up to the pulpit, he was a natural!





Sisters...

Ryan thinks he is cute in Aaron's hat...

Each year, the local U.M.C. hosts an Easter egg hunt, pictures with the Easter bunny, games for the kids, and a light lunch. Although the boys are on the top end of the age range (they wouldn't get their pic with the bunny this year), we enjoy taking the family to this community event!
Kaitlynn looking for eggs (windy day, messy hair!)...



Getting ready for a sugar high...this is better than trick-or-treat!

Kaitlynn and Allison were "lucky" enough to win two of the baskets!

Aaron wanted his pic with Kaitlynn and her basket...

Kaitlynn with the bunny (Alli was scared to death!)...