Easter Sunday!

What a beautiful day!  First of all, can I just say how thankful I am that Jesus died on the cross for ME?  It is unbearable to me what he went through - so unbearable, in fact, that I still have not been able to stomach seeing "The Passion of the Christ."  But I want to.  Soon, friends . . . soon . . .

We woke up this morning and headed to church to celebrate that Jesus is risen!

Sammy doesn't always look at the camera . . .

But sometimes he does!

After a great sermon, we headed over to Heritage Park, to take pictures of the children in their beautiful Easter clothes. 

Unfortunately, they don't always look at the camera at the same time.

However, we got one perfect picture of Sophia, and one perfect picture of Sammy!

They are both so cute!  After a nap, the Easter bunny hid eggs in our backyard, and Sammy and Sophia hunted for them.

Princess Sophia!

Sammy and his eggs!

On the plus side, Sammy shared with us the Easter story.  He told us that the mean men put Jesus on some wood, and poked in his hands and feet, and poked him in the side.  We tried to talk about Salvation, but we'll get there someday.  In the meantime, he is more focused on the mean men, and how he doesn't want to be friends with them!

Seven and Seven

Nope, not the drink!  It was our Saturday!  We drove seven hours to spend seven hours with our extended family - and it was totally worth it!

We actually didn't drive seven hours in one - it was more like 3 hours to get to Sammy and Robi's ranch outside Lampasas from Hallettsville, and then 4 hours to get back home to Katy.  The kids did great in the truck - which is a huge relief considering that Sophia is still facing backwards.

Every other year, my mom's family has a huge get-together with our extended family for Easter.  We've always missed it in the past, as it's been our off-year, but we switched last year, and now will be able to go each time!  It's a lot of fun - our extended family is huge - my great aunt had four kids, plus my mom and aunt, and all their respective children and grandchildren.  This year was a fun year, despite that it was our first year without Uncle Jimmy - he passed away last June from complications with dementia/alzheimer's. 

Sammy and Robi served great barbecue, and everyone brought sides and desserts to share.  Overall, it was a great day, plus we had an Easter egg hunt!

Grandkids getting ready for the Easter Egg Hunt!

Sammy intent on his findings!

Sophia goes for Sammy's eggs!

Oooohhhh, look at this one!

Overall, a great day!  Apparently, at some point Sammy slipped away from both Mike and I, ran into Robi's bedroom and was playing with Aunt Linda's camera.  She has the same camera as mine.  I guess he knew how to work it.  Hope you didn't find any interesting pictures, Aunt Linda!

We left the ranch at 7 pm, and arrived home at 11 pm, just in time for bed!  Although, the Easter bunny had to make a visit first . . .

Obviously, Sophia's is the pink one!

Happy Good Friday!

We had an excellent Good Friday!  We packed up and drove to Gigi and GoPaw's house out in Hallettsville, and it was wonderful.  Sophia spent a lot of time with GoPaw - I was very surprised!  She usually does not like men, and yet, she loved him!  I'm so glad!

The week before Easter went by very quickly.  So quickly, that we didn't get a chance to do our Easter crafts at home!  I packed up everything and we got to do them in Hallettsville, with Gigi and GoPaw!

Dying eggs in the egg spinner!

Uh oh . . . scissors!

Sammy concentrating hard!

Then, Gigi helped us with the bunny house!

And Sammy ate icing!

Daddy helped, too!

And Sammy ate more icing!

Gigi and Sammy!

Best looking bunny house ever!

Dirty, Dirty Ears

I have dirty ears.  For years, when doctors have looked in my ears during routine office visits, they never cease to announce about the scarring in my ears.  I believe that at approximately age 5, I had a set of tubes placed in my ears, and I also had my tonsils and adenoids removed.

Therefore, it came as no surprise to me when Sammy was born almost 4 years ago that he had dirty ears as well.  He had his first set of tubes placed in his ears at age 11 months.  Those stayed in, despite the fact that they really are only supposed to stay in place for 6 months to 1 year, until he was 3 years old.  They came out last July, and since then, Sammy has had about 8 ear infections. 

At the same time, Sophia has also endured many ear infections in her short life.  I have to be honest and say that the ear infections frustrate me.  I am a breastfeeding mom, which is supposed to help with ear infections, and yet they have still afflicted both of my children.  However, I suppose that it could be worse - how bad would it be had I not been a nursing mom?

On Thursday, we visited with Dr. Tara Morrison, of Houston ENT.  She placed Sammy's original set of tubes, and on Monday, April 19th, she will be placing tubes for both Sammy and Sophia, as well as removing Sammy's tonsils and adenoids.  I am not worried about Sophia's surgery whatsoever.  Sammy's went well at around that age, and I have no doubts that Sophia's will be the same. 

I am, however, worried for Sammy.  I know that it is in God's hands.  I know that Dr. Morrison is an excellent surgeon.  But at the same time, he's my little boy, and this is quite a big surgery he will be undergoing. 

Please pray for us.  Pray for Mike and I, pray for Sammy's recovery and Sophia's recovery, and pray for guidance for Dr. Morrison's hands in the surgery.  Thanks for your prayers!

1st Month of Swimming Lessons!

Today, Sammy finished his first month of swimming lessons.  It seems like he has come so far since his first day - I still remember him spending half the day outside the pool - in time out!  Good thing Miss Denise showed Sammy she meant what she said!

Swim lessons have been the best of times, and the worst of times - I've seen my son look like he's about to drown, and I've seen him having the best fun of his life.  And I'm so proud of him!  Way to go, Sammy!  Here's to many more years of fun in the water!