The colors have been beautiful here this week. There has been a lot of outside time trying to drink it all in. We have had lots of conversations about colors, leaves and how they bring God GLORY and tell of Him and His amazing creation. He is an incredible creator! I am not sure that I ever would of thought to make the leaves turn colors but I am so thankful that He did!

We ventured off to the zoo early this morning to spend some time with our cuzzy (cousin) and Gma (grandmother). It was a beautiful day, just one of those days that makes you want to be outside! Most of the animals were out in full force enjoying the temperature change! The kiddos loved running around the zoo like wild animals although brother was pretty beat (he was falling asleep in the stroller, which he never does) by the time we made it back to the car. Here are a few pictures from our day! Enjoy!!!

This baby Chimp was probably the highlight for me today! He is just two months old!!!

The Zebras were hanging out right up against the fence having their breakfast.

This Gorilla was resting his side up against the viewing area glass. Sister was pretty fascinated with him.

There is always something calming about walking through the butterfly gardens!

This turtle has his neck stuck out all the way! It was almost creepy looking but I am trusting that he can get his long neck back into his shell if need be!

We had a great day at the zoo but we are all pretty worn out! I am looking forward to some relaxing sewing time tonight!!! Woo Hooo!!!!

Being a first time gardener I am not really sure how it grows but I think that it looks pretty good…does that count? I am amazed at how some things have taken off namely the squash and cucumbers. It almost seems like the veggies grow at night. Every morning when I return to the garden, even though I just visited the night before, the veggies look as though they have grown whole inches! Amazing! Not all look this way as I still have some concern for the yellow and green bell peppers but we shall see in time I suppose. I think that I could be getting some carrots in. Not many but maybe a few or they could just be weeds again time will tell! Here are a few pics. I hope that you are not tired of the garden yet as I find it super exciting! Odd, but I find it amazing to watch veggies grow!

Oh and I almost forgot the little patio tomato plant! He is struggling a little I think but he is still producing! I am so excited for them to turn red!

Last week we ventured out to find plants/flowers for many of our pots that are around the front porch and back patio. It was wonderful to have some unhurried time to pick flowers. Sister wanted dandelions but I talked her into a few other actual flowers instead of weeds as we have plenty of those. You can imagine other shoppers faces when sister was very persistent in wanting dandelions! Here is what we ended up with…

Just had to share a few more signs of spring that continue to pop up here! I am loving all the fresh greens that are appearing!!!

One of my favorites that I watch for each year is the blooming Periwinkle.

New leaves on the Birch tree along with a little bird nest!

The day was really quite beautiful here so we decided to go out and enjoy it for a little bit. With warm temps and petals blowing freely in the wind from the Bradford Pear Tree we decided to pretend as though we had snow (sad the things that you have to pretend when you do not get snow). We spent a lot of time scooping up petals and throwing them into the wind or even just letting them blow off our hands. The petals, as they piled up on the ground, even looked like snow!

See, what a morning, gloriously bright
with the dawning of hope in Jerusalem
folded the grave clothes, tomb filled with light
as the angels announce Christ is risen!
See God’s salvation plan, wrought in love,
borne in pain, paid in sacrifice,
fulfilled in Christ, the Man,
for He lives: Christ is risen from the dead

Resurrection Hymn (See What A Morning)
-Stuart Townend

“…Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, he has risen!” Luke 24:5-6

He has risen indeed!!!

There is hope for spring here as the Bradford Pear Tree has little buds and the daffodils are in full bloom.

Those are precious words to me right now that truly mean so much more than I can express. For the last few weeks we have really been trying to observe the Sabbath and figure out just what that might look like for our family. It is one of the ten commandments that often gets skipped or over looked pretty often but if you look it is there…the command to rest! Ahhhhh! We are not legalistic about it we are just trying to set it apart and truly rest a little. Two books that have been so helpful in figuring out what this might look like are The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan and Keeping the Sabbath Wholly by Marva Dawn (we by no means do everything that these books say but it is a starting point). I am also looking forward to reading Karen Mains Making Sunday Special. Saturdays have become a little busier as I try to prepare for Sabbath and so far this has just kind of looked like cleaning the house, making sure that everything is ready for church (diaper bags etc) and I am really enjoying preparing a little nicer of a meal that evening. After dinner and after the kiddos have gone to bed I have been spending time reading the Bible and books just resting and preparing my heart for worship the next morning. Sundays are busy with church in the morning but I have really been trying to rest in the afternoon when the kids are down for nap. I am not sure what this looks like exactly but sometimes a nap, sometimes reading and I am learning to incorporate play as well. I see play as maybe the things that I really enjoy doing that I do not get to do all the time or things that just bring me joy, be it sewing or crafting in some way or another. I am really looking forward to getting out in the backyard with the kiddos when it gets a little warmer and just playing as a family which is something that I really enjoy as well. We end our Sabbath at dinner time Sunday. We have been trying to think through a meal that would be fun to have together that is different from the rest of the week. We have heard of people having popcorn and ice cream (crazy I know…what kid would not love that), pizza and other simple things. Tonight we had breakfast for dinner. This was Brad’s suggestion and I think that it is a great one that we will probably stick with. Sister was quite excited to have breakfast for dinner! This is definitely something that is evolving in our home and it is exciting to just rest so I wanted to share. There is a lot more that goes along with the rhythm and rest of the Sabbath that is exciting so if you are interested do check out the books. Happy Sabbath!