Spring Fever

Half way through Lent and Therese was begging to make

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars.

Someone else was pretty excited about them, too!

Changing out the flannels, I had to take a picture

'cuz it looked so Springy.

But nothing like hanging laundry on the line

really says winter is over.

Francis has rediscovered wagon rides...

cushion and blanket are added amenities when you're as spoiled as this guy is!

The many faces of Miss Nonnie and some new glasses.

Don't ask about pair #8...

let's just say, "Prize to the first one to find them!"

The view at my house as Johnny and I were heading out the door

Saturday morning...

All prepped for the State Piano Contest!

Comparing notes before the big moment!

The return trip home found these in the entryway.

Guess who's home for Spring Break!

LIFE!

To get us through the end of winter, the small fry

pulled out every puzzle in the house

but when that got old

 

they turned to LIFE.

 

Here are some of the great comments I hear while they are playing...

 

Marianna:  When do I get married?

(Repeat every 5 minutes throughout each game)

 

Johnny:  Yippee!  I'm having twins!!

 

(And my personal favorite, although I'm not quite sure who said it...)

 

Matthew, your husband fell out of your car.



Getting into Lent

Some ideas the kids had for Lent this year...

Homemade cross out in the front yard.

 

Andrew and Therese colored the Stations of the Cross

 

and Matthew made a frame with craft sticks

and the handyman's secret weapon

(a hot glue gun, not duct tape!).

 

 Gabriel puts the picture in the frame as we pray

each Station.

(Bet you can't guess what his favorite family prayer is!)

Warmer weather brings some interesting fashions...

Mud season calls for mud boots but Gabers won't give up on

his favorite pair of winter boots.

Last night saw the addition of the winter coat

to complete the outfit.



My Favorite 7 Year Old

 Birthday Boy eating spaghetti.

 Everyone else eating spaghetti.

 Presents!

 Legos and puzzles...

 and a nerf gun.  Oh my!

Butterfinger Cake

Godparents

 

This was short and sweet because the weather is too nice

to be indoors typing on the computer!



Puzzle Mania

As we wait for Spring to arrive,

the kids have pulled out all of the puzzles.

 It's hard to get school done, though.

 I like to think of puzzles as a nice relaxing activity...

but with my kids it's more like an Olympic sport.

Sheesh! They're making it a serious competition to

see how fast they can finish each one.



Girls and Glasses

and Boy with Bruises

Ouch! 

We're blaming it on the swings.

The Calm Before the Storm

 Everyone was outside today enjoying some sunshine.

 Tomorrow the forecast is clouds and snow and wind.

 Have to get the most out of a Minnesota March.

 Crazy kids!

 Wood pile in front of the house is almost gone.

Sure sign that Spring must be coming soon.

Not everyone was outside.

Clare is relaxing after working two jobs for the past few weeks.

 

P.S.  Pray for me!  Tomorrow I'm supposed to be on retreat. 

Not sure the weather is going to cooperate, though.