Baking Stint

I went through a (brief) phase of making homemade rolls. These were quite yummy:

New Recruit

Joyful Noise

Each week at community group Mrs. Toll (our hostess and pianist) prepares two songs, one of which is especially for the children. Usually she brings out kazoos (hilarious) but this time she had the perfect instruments for “The Wise Man Built His House upon the Rock.” After we sing she takes the children in the other room so the mothers can sit in on the study and prayer time. Bless her heart!

Birmingham in March

I can’t seem to find any pictures of my Lady Banks in bloom, so how about this sensational yellow cascade at the Birmingham Botanical Garden! The kids and I visited my folks for a few days over spring break and enjoyed a chilly tour of the Garden.

One of the most interesting features there is the black bamboo forest (at least that’s what I call it). Someone with real photographic skills could get some great shots here. At least I have cute models.

 

 

 

 

I took each child out in turn for some one-on-one Mommy time: ice cream and sliding at McD’s for Caleb.

Go-karts and ice cream sandwiches for Nate

Shopping and frozen yogurt for Meg.

Chocolate Sundaes and picking up her cousin for a play date for Kate.

And of course there was fishing with Pappy.

Cook’s Helpers

This spring we took another turn providing the meal for about 60 ESL students and teachers at church. Meg, Nate, and Kate did a great job helping me prepare and then enjoyed playing with the other kids, gringos and internationals.

Afterward Meg begged to stay and help wash dishes (amazing how those chores become so fun when you’re away from home and working with friends.)

Lady Banks Arbor

I have always wanted an arbor for my Lady Banks rose. In anticipation of installing one, I let the willowy shoots go wildly unpruned for months (years?) until I’m sure some neighbors wanted to sneak over in the night and clip them all off.  BUT, when we finally put up this arch we could instantly cover the whole thing. It was gorgeous covered with little yellow blooms later in the spring. I’ll try to remember to post a picture when I get to the May pictures.

The Flower Fairy has been here…

 

Actually, we have two flower fairies. Every once in a while a little bouquet magically appears in the house.