thank you

 This morning, I'm thinking of God's son who gave his life to save us and everyone who believes in him. 

movie night

The Falls Theater is such a great place to spend an evening with the family!  Last night, I took the three kids to the movie The Croods.  Santa gifted movie passes in each child's stocking last Christmas.  My admission cost was $3.  I gave A and K a $5 bill to pick up a large popcorn and large Sprite.  A brought along some of his piggy bank loot and bought a candy bar and another Sprite--he also bought his little brother a chocolate milk.

The movie was good--it reminded me a little bit of Shrek in the character animations, but the story line was very different.  I would highly recommend taking the family out for a nice treat--especially in River Falls where you can take your whole family and spend less than $20 for admission and treats!

courage

some of the athletes we saw last night--image found on Google images

Last night, our family went to visit cousin Dionne at the Courage Center in Golden Valley.  Dionne was born with Cerebral Palsy and has endured many surgeries and setbacks with her CP.  She is currently recovering from bladder removal/creation of a urostomy.  She is recovering at the Courage Center.   She looks great!  She looks happy/healthy and well.  We talked about things we like about St. Croix, USVI (where Dionne was born and where her Mom still lives).  After Dionne was tired and ready to turn in for the evening, our family said our goodbyes and decided to do a little wandering...

While touring the lovely facility, we found a group in a gymnasium playing wheelchair basketball.  About 10 young adults were playing hard and being quite aggressive in their play.  They had special wheelchairs that had two big wheels (one on each side) that were set close to the chair on the top and flared at the bottom and small wheels in the inside to help keep their balance.  O, K and A really enjoyed watching their play.  I talked a little bit to one of the Moms and her daughter really enjoys playing the game.  The chairs are expensive (about $200), but Mom said that it was so worth the money.  I was amazed at the courage of all the residents and people who visit/work at the Courage Center--makes you pause and realize the greatness of others.

kit

American Girl doll Kit has been K's little fun diversion over the break.  She has been playing with her doll and also with the paperdoll version of Kit and Ruthie.  I love her dramatic play.  She wrote a play yesterday called "Inspirational Child" and delivered her screenplay with much expression. 

palm Sunday

Our family attended Palm Sunday service yesterday and reflected on our experience of one year ago.  We assembled as all the churches in Frederiksted and processed down to the waterfront in a parade.  Holy Trinity was right behind a steel drum band that played "This Is the Day".  We followed a man dressed as Jesus who was riding a donkey.  When we arrived at the waterfront, we heard different community church leaders speak and talk about Palm Sunday.

It was an incredible experience that I hope to never forget.

17

Our uber talented niece and God daughter, Anna Grace has celebrated her 17th birthday with style and grace.  Thank you for sharing your talents with the world dear niece!

one of her cool illustrations

happy birthday dear, Brenda!

Happy birthday on the 21st to the lovely Brenda B!  17 years ago I stopped by to visit and found you at the hospital!  Congratulations on being a Momma and thank you for being such a good wife to my big bro!

civil war exhibit

The River Falls Public Library has some really nice exhibits throughout the year.  K and I went to an exhibit featuring the Civil War.  I believe this is a copy of an actual photo of our 16th President Abraham Lincoln along with Allan Pinkerton and General John McClernand.  I wish A would have had a chance to visit as he is very interested in the events of that period.  We will continue to look out for nice exhibits to boost his knowledge and pique his curiosity.

-6

When I went to get the coats/boots/hats/mittens/snow pants out of the porch this morning, I felt like I was stepping into January instead of March.

I arrived at work and found a temperature of -6 degrees Fahrenheit on my desktop thermometer.  No wonder it felt like January.  Good news though--the sun is shining and the thermometer has crept up to a balmy zero. 

ladies night

Last Friday, K and I had a date to attend the River Falls Dance Theater presentation.  We were able to watch K's favorite camp counselor, Emily perform.  We decided to dress up and wear formal wear.  K chose our clothing.  About 15 minutes into the presentation, she decided it wasn't such a good idea to wear her fancy dress because it wasn't very comfortable.  I think we will have to hit some garage sales this spring to get a new fancy dress.

It was a beautiful presentation--Emily was just so lovely. 

#8 for the 7 year old

I called yesterday afternoon to check in after a day of observations at Hugo Elementary.  K answered the phone and greeted me with a "guess what, Mom".  I said "you lost another tooth"--her reply "YES!  How did you know?".  She proceeded to tell me the story of how she yanked yet another baby tooth from her sweet little grin.  I asked is she looked any different.  She put me on hold to check the mirror and came back telling me that she looked just a little different.

She is growing so much and her mouth is just full of gaps and really large teeth replacing those tiny little baby teeth.