Grateful 2011: March Edition

Opportunities to help students. Remembering. Change. Finishing a task. Staying home. Prayerful friends. Time to read. Calls from friends afar. Surprises. A listening administrator. Spring break. Old friends. Birds! Being outside. Gelato! Hikes, canyons, and desert life. History and culture. Santa Fe. Returning home. Cleanliness and order. Book group. Necessary conversations. Dinner with friends. Fruit! Quiet nights. Lunch dates and cupcakes. Remembering the significance of hope and joy. Jessie and Gunnar! Date nights.

Uncle Gunnar & Auntie Jessie Visit!

We were lucky enough to spend a short amount of time with Uncle Gunnar and Auntie Jessie as they traveled back to California. We were so grateful to see Gunnar - it had last been a year. As always time with family is something we cherish - and the little man didn't mind having a little extra attention during their stay either.

Cut!

The little man got a haircut today after he watched me cut Micah's hair. He is quite proud of his new style and wanted a picture....which has become quite an interesting event to accomplish with him. :)

Bee Cupcakes!

Hosted a baby shower today for a friend.

I will be honest - I get pretty excited about creating things and planning a party. When she told us that she was decorating the room in a bug theme, I couldn't wait to throw her a bee themed party. With the help of some lovely ladies, we had a great time (and the little man was very excited to see bugs in the house)!

Spring Break

We headed to Tucson, AZ for our spring break week - we were so thankful for the opportunity to get out of town and to get to much warmer weather. There was an average of 80 degrees each day - LOVED IT! We had a great time camping, hiking, exploring, enjoying great food.....the list goes on. Below are a few of the pictures from the trip.

On the drive down to Tucson. M was able to watch videos (a special treat on the 16 hour drive) while Micah drove (he's such a rockstar) and I read.

Just a few views of the cactus we saw on our first hike in Catilina State Park.

Taking a break and enjoying the pools after lunch.

More beautiful scenery.

M. modeling the size of bat ears for humans.

Taking a little break after the hike.

Visiting San Xavier Mission on the reservation - a beautiful place.

Hiking through Saguaro West

Attempting to take a "great" family photo.....

Giving up and taking individual and pair shots.

The incredibly beautiful sunset.

Another attempt at family photos.

M. entertaining himself on the drive back to Wyoming.

A Day with Uncles

Yesterday we had an exciting day surrounding the uncles in M.'s life.

He began the morning opening his birthday present sent from Uncle Jon. He was very excited, asking if it was his birthday again already!

( P.S. Not entirely sure how to upload the video so it is larger....any other blogging expert could kindly fill me in if they would like. )

Then in the evening we honored the return of Uncle Gunnar coming home from Afghanistan by of course wearing his "Uncle Gunnar pj's" to bed with a double thumbs up.

International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day.

I believe that this is an important day to be aware of - to remember - to honor - to advocate for.

I have only traveled to a handful of amazing countries around this world, and in every one I have found amazing. AMAZING. women working to make a difference in their home - their community - their country - their world.

I have been humbled by the love, grace, humility and wisdom they have to offer day after day, week after week, year after year, with sometimes very little coming back for them.

Check out the videos and websites below to learn more about this day and reflect on what it means to others.

Around the World Celebrations

Art and Stories

The Girl Effect

A Little Panicked

Micah went out for a run while I finished up some house work. The little man started complaining that he was hungry. I let him know that we would be eating dinner soon and that if he was really hungry I could give him a small snack once I was finished with my work.

Well in the course of five minutes hunger panic must have set in because he went to the fridge and helped himself to a snack.

When I asked him what he was doing, he just looked at me like every kid walks around taking bites off of a block of cheese on a regular basis.

Unusual Sleeping Place Part II

I promise that we are letting the little man sleep at night and even get him to bed at a reasonable time. Poor guy has just been so tired lately and feel asleep at the table waiting for dinner with his little belly hanging down between two chairs.