Spring

Today is the first day of spring, and it definitely does not feel like spring outside. A trip to the Dallas Blooms at the Arboretum two days ago reminds me that spring is definitely coming. So, in honor of the first day of spring, here are the words to a beautiful song by Nichole Nordeman.

"Every Season" by Nichole Nordeman

Every evening sky, an invitation

To trace the patterned stars

And early in July, a celebration

For freedom that is ours

And I notice You

In children’s games

In those who watch them from the shade

Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder

You are summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered

To the harvest time

Forfeiting their leaves in late September

And sending us inside

Still I notice You when change begins

And I am braced for colder winds

I will offer thanks for what has been and what's to come

You are autumn

And everything in time and under heaven

Finally falls asleep

Wrapped in blankets white, all creation

Shivers underneath

And still I notice You

When branches crack

And in my breath on frosted glass

Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter

You are winter

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced

Teaching us to breathe

What was frozen through is newly purposed

Turning all things green

So it is with You

And how You make me new

With every season’s change

And so it will be

As You are re-creating me

Summer, autumn, winter, SPRING

Rock 'n' Roll

Last Sunday I participated in my 2nd half marathon. This was the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll event in Dallas. It was an incredibly beautiful day, and the course was amazing. There were very few hills, and we ran through some of the most picturesque areas of Dallas - Turtle Creek and Highland Park. I could have bought a few homes along the way! Getting to race was the hardest part because we had to park in Fair Park and take a shuttle downtown to the start of the race. I left the house very early (6:00 am, which was really 5:00 am due to the time change that night), and only arrived at the starting grounds 15 minutes before the race started at 8:00! That was a little too close for comfort. I had normal aches and pains along the way and was definitely glad to cross the finish line, but I was ultimately very happy with my time and the fact that I took 2 minutes off from the first time I did a half 4 years ago! It was fun having Ray, the kids, and my parents out there to greet me at the finish line. Not sure when or if I'll do another one, but I loved being out there and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with finishing something like that.

Go Indians

Look at that look of concentration!

Good Game!

I'm number 1!

Hi Mom!!

Not much goin' on out here!

We don't keep score yet....

Runnin' to home base for the first time!

I'm safe!!!

Something that I had been waiting on for years finally happened - Will played his first t-ball game. I'm not sure there is anything cuter than seeing a 5 year old boy in a baseball uniform. He was so excited and was dressed in full gear by 8:00 in the morning for a 1:15 game. He is on a wonderful team with friends from school, and the first game was so much fun for the boys and the parents. Will had three good hits off the tee and got to play in the outfield and catcher. One thing we need to work on is the idea of running the bases. He was much more interested in watching his hit than making it to first base. We are excited to watch Will learn this new sport and couldn't be happier that we made it on the Indians team. Ray was a little upset when he discovered that the team was not just the Indians, but the Cleveland Indians. That's not Daddy's favorite team, so we are just trying to ignore that fact!

Trains!

Since Will is off on Fridays this year, I am trying to do a few fun things with just him while we have the time. So, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to take him to ride the Thomas train in Grapevine. He is getting a little old for Thomas, but he still LOVES trains and there are lots of fun games and things to do out there - not to mention it is full of photo opportunities for me. We even ran into Logan, one of his friends from school, out there. Will also got to have his first taste of funnel cake. I HAD to get it for him and split it with him since he had never had one before! We had a great time together, and here are a few of my favorite shots.