We’ve had a couple of May snows already this month.

Well, I’ve been steadily continuing my work on April goals around the house but have failed to take any pictures.  The things I’ve been doing haven’t really been picture-worthy.  

*Wash all comforters, mattress pads, and blankets on all the beds – Finished
*Wash and put away flannel sheets and put on cotton bedding – Finished
*Purge and organize the office shelves – Still in progress
*Purge and organize the basement shelves – Still in progress
*Make cards & envelopes– made just a few

I currently have a love/hate relationship with all of the purging and going through the house.  When I finished the bookshelves and Anna’s room in March I was motivated to continue this work through the house.  And, many days I still am.  But it is time-consuming work that requires much perseverance!  Especially when you’re working in the midst of real-life and there is food to buy and cook and laundry to do and kids to chauffeur around.  It is impossible to finish a space in one day, so there is continual clutter as the project stretches into days and weeks.  But, it is progress and it is good work.  I’m getting rid of much we haven’t used in years and finding a few gems that I want to keep.  

Mother’s Day 2021

So, for May I hope to finish up the office and basement storage shelves in the next few weeks before the kids are out of school.  Much smaller goals for this month, but hopefully that makes it doable.  

Last weekend we celebrated Anna at her ballet recital!  She’s been working very hard for months and we were SO proud to see her on stage.  She had the biggest smile, mastered her steps, and was just fabulous.  

Leading up to the recital was a busy few weeks of regular classes plus multiple dress rehearsals.  We learned how to do a new ‘classical bun’, practiced giving her stage makeup, and talked through the nerves of performing.  Kenny told her that despite feeling nervous, the minute the show was over, she’d want to do it all over again.  And that’s exactly what happened.  Leading up to the recital she was unsure if all the extra work was going to be worth it.  But afterward, she said she definitely wanted to perform at the next opportunity.  She’s been bitten by the performance bug and we’re okay with that!  

Anna, we’re so proud of you!  

The past month we have been enjoying Sprinter!  This wonderful Spring & Winter time in CO where one day can be lovely and warm and we’re watering flowers and wearing shorts, and the next where it’s snowing and we pull out our winter coats again.  The week of covering the daffodils with buckets paid off, though.  They’re beautiful!  

I still enjoy my morning walks…

and recently have seen some visitors at the birdbath while I’m walking.

Several weeks ago, Kenny celebrated seventeen years at Young Life!  The date sneaks up on me every year and I’m never prepared to celebrate it the way I’d like.  After dinner, Anna and I quickly pulled some cookies out and wrote a ’17’ on one.  We are so proud of Kenny and his many years of loyal work to support our family.  There are no words to truly express how grateful I am to him.  We love you, babe. 

I mentioned in my last post that James has grown out of his shoes already.  Typically the ‘school shoes’ we buy in the fall last the whole school year.  Not anymore!  So, Kenny took him shopping and he ended up with similar shoes to Anna’s.  Anna thought they should stand in first position to show off the shoes.  

I’m still working my way through reading and collecting the Mitford series.  I so enjoy these books and love my travels to Mitford many evenings!  I just received another book for my birthday; five more to go.

A girl in our small group decided to give her American Girl doll that she’s outgrown to Anna.  Such a sweet gift.  Anna saved her money for a Target brand doll last year – a much cheaper version that is very similar.  Grace wrapped up the doll and all her accessories and presented it to Anna a few weeks ago.  

Aubrey, Isabelle, & Anna

The kids are growing!

Anna’s latest fashion purchase…

The moments where the kids play together seem to be getting rarer these days.  I’m always quick to grab a picture when they happen.  

My, how time flies!

2018 & 2021