Saturday, April 14, 2007

Fullness of the heart


This past Friday I took the plunge into the "30 somethings" as I celebrated my birthday. I can say for sure that if the next ten years are as good as they started then I am eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father. I spent Thursday night basking in the richness of friends and a wonderful husband's hard efforts to make my day unforgettable, and he succeeded. He had planned the sitter, told me when to be ready, and contacted my closest friends in the area to surprise me at a quaint little restuarant called "Through the Grapevine." All the details were covered; fresh fruit, fresh veggies, shrimp, chicken salad croissant sandwiches, and desserts with coffee or fruit tea. An absolute blissful time of girl fellowship; a rare moment in a house of boys. Sweet conversation, laughter, memories. Unforgettable!

The next morning as I spent time with my Creator I was feeling a subtle sadness with this date, because I wasn't going to get a birthday call from my dad that passed away 3 years ago this May. I could just hear his voice, "I love you, girl! Happy Birthday and how are the boys?" My prayer was that I would feel his presence in my day and somehow I would be reminded of his love. Well, God is more than good and knows our every little need. Later that morning, my mom called to send birthday wishes and love. And not a moment after those words, she said, "Laurie, I can remember it was like yesterday when you were born. Your dad was so excited. I remember him calling everyone saying, "We have a Laurie Elizabeth! He was thrilled to have a little girl." As mom continued to talk, I just was amazed at how quickly my Creator heard and answered my heart. I was full.

My heart has been so full as I continued to receive cards, emails, and phone calls from all the ones I hold dear to my heart. Many thanks to all of ya'lls tenderness, love and encouragement. I know I don't say it enough, but I treasure you all!!





















Sunday, April 8, 2007

"Hoppy" Easter









Our day was so full of blessings as we celebrated Christ's resurrection! In addition to that we are thrilled that Benji and Rebekah Baker, precious friends who are now in seminary at DTS, had their sweet little Caroline today..what a joy!

Our family celebrated Easter with a frozen egg hunt (due to the weather). I got this fun idea to write words of encouragement on little strips of paper and put them in the eggs. The boys had some much fun opening the eggs and asking to read them. Some statements included; "We are proud of you, I love you, You are amazing, You have a gentle spirit, Jesus died for you, and etc.. The best part was that Owen was beginning to recognize the phrases and could read to me his last few strips. Cool idea, huh..Use it and pass it on, I can't take the credit for that candy-free idea.
As you will see in the pictures, Owen decided to send Tate on an adventure in the laundry basket. The whole time he was singing "Row, row, row your boat" as he pushed Tate around our house. As you can tell on Tate's face, he wasn't sure what was going to happen next.
Another funny story for today was at church (although some of you may not appreciate the humor..sorry). Many of you know that our church meets in a school, and so that lends itself to lots of places to wonder after service if your parents aren't keeping close watch. Well, today as I watched me two PK boys travel towards the cafeteria, Owen yelled back, Mom we can eat in here. I reassured him that there wasn't any food there, but he said, "oh, yes mommy there is..come see. Well, as I got down there, my boys and other PKs were drinking the left over communion juice. I guess it's a good thing we don't use wine! Anyways, have a laugh on us and now you can seriously pray for us in about 12 years :-)

I hope all of you also enjoyed your Easter celebration with family or friends! To those far away we missed you, but rest in knowing we look forward to seeing you soon!












Thursday, April 5, 2007

Monthly Quote

Take Rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. ~ovid~