Caroline is toothless!

Caroline lost her 2 front teeth last week and is SOOOOO proud of her new smile. She looks forward to smiling at everyone she sees. I must say it is fun to watch her in all her toothless glory, but I am having a hard time with this. It is really hitting home that my baby girl is growing up! Here she is mugging for the camera!

Judas

Looking for a new church is so hard. We were at FHCC for 9 years but that church doesn't exist anymore. We began our search back in February and still haven't found a place to settle in. But we feel like we are close. It is difficult finding a place we all love! Plus I have to make sure that the church has a strong youth group--Nicholas is almost there! We have heard many great sermons since we have started this journey. One of the highlights was at High Point Church, where we heard a great series called 7000 days. It was a series on parenting--you have 7000 days with your child from the time they are born until they leave for college. You can look it up at 7000days.org! But the sermon I heard last week has stayed with me like nothing has in a while. It was from the book of John and the story of the Last Supper. We have all heard the story again and again. This was Jesus last night with His disciples. He taught them service, love and so much more during this one meal. But he also singled out the one who would betray Him. One of His very own would hand him over, so to speak. We know Judas betrayed Jesus. I always remember thinking, "How low down! How dumb! How selfish! I would/could never do that!" But I realized after hearing this sermon that I HAVE! I have betrayed Jesus many times over! How about the times I have had the opportunity to share the love of Jesus and I kept my mouth shut? How about the times I have chosen to be mad and angry instead of offering forgiveness? How about the times I have turned my back on a person in need because I was just to busy? How about the coworker that drives me crazy, but I can't find it in myself to love her like Jesus would? It has been a humbling experience to realize that like Judas, I could and would betray Jesus. Forgive me Lord, make me more like Peter the rock your church was built upon!

Camping with Grammy & Papa!

We had a very special treat over Nicholas & Caroline's spring break...Grammy and Papa came to visit all the way from South Georgia! To make it even cooler, they brought their pop-up camper, and camped out all week at Shelby Forest!!!

Grammy and Papa got in Saturday night late, but in time to setup the camper. Karen and the kids went out to the campsite on Monday, and the kids stayed there until Thursday!












I was able to take Wednesday off, so after rehearsal Tuesday I drove up and setup my tent. I stayed out there Tuesday night, and all day Wednesday while Karen and Grammy visited the Commissary to restock our cupboards. Nicholas and I went on a decent hike on Wednesday enjoying some father-son bonding time, while Caroline was at her swimming lesson. More on that father-son bonding later...

Sadly, I had to come home Wednesday night because I had to turn in my external reviewer materials for my tenure process the next day. I would've much preferred staying out there Wednesday night too!

We had a fantastic time...Nicholas & I tended the fire (along with Papa's help of course), and Caroline entertained the campground kids at the playground. Nicholas was quite handy gathering firewood and sawing!













We even made "friends" with the local raccoon...I named him Oswald; not sure why...

Enjoy!

Book Fair 2010

Each year at school, the kids get to participate in a Book Fair. The multipurpose/playroom is transformed into a bookshop, and the kids get to "shop" a few times throughout the week. One of the culminating events in the "Book Fair Parade", in which students get to dress up as their favorite character of their favorite book.

This year was particularly exciting because it was Caroline's first one. What a day! Nicholas was his beloved Harry Potter (from any of the books...pick 'em).






Caroline was none other than Fancy Nancy (also from any of the books...though I think she picked Fancy Nancy and the Boy from Paris...go figure...)








I've also included a picture of Alice, from Twilight, as played by the music student teacher (and one of my favorites) Robin Smith. Yay Book Fair!

Our Most Valuable Player

I am WAY behind in my blogging, and one of the most egregious delays on my part is to blog about Nicholas' basketball season. He had a tremendous year, and was honored at his basketball banquet twice this spring. He was awarded the Mr. Offense award this year, scoring the vast majority of his team's points, and also received the Most Valuable Player award. We always thought he was the most important player on their team, but we also know we're his parents and a wee bit biased!
Coach Greg & Coach Tony
It was neat to see him recognized by his coaches and teammates as their MVP, and we're very proud of him. It's fun to see his efforts and hard work pay off!

Happy Easter!

Here are two cute pictures of Nicholas and Caroline with their yummy Easter baskets. We didn't get to go to church because Caroline ran a fever the night before but we celebrated our RISEN LORD at home! Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross so that we can spend eternity in Heaven with you!

Swimming Lessons!

Caroline started back to swimming lessons last week. She LOVES it! The people who run this program truly know what they are doing. We have lessons 2 times a week for 4 weeks! This is our third year there! As you can see from the pictures, Caroline is SUPER excited to be back in the pool, and Nicholas is quite unhappy that he doesn't get to take lessons. He finished up last year at the pre-swim team level! Summer here we come!