Coyotes on the Run

My Quatama kids worked hard making phone calls to raise money for the school jog-a-thon. They each earned $75 from all the generous people who supported. Even Marin the Brave, who broke her big toe the week before the race. EVEN THEN, this fierce and fabulous girl hobbled around the field with her friend who also had an injury, They were not going to miss collecting pledges by sitting out! She gets her walking boot off next week, just in time for the girls' dance recital :) The excitement never ends.

Way to go Marin, Maddie and Max for working hard and supporting your school. (Exciting side note - the school is using part of the funds to put in a running track! So exciting to have this new resource to enhance their PE experience!)

Still smiling even with a boot cast.

Always stylin, even on race day ;)

Max's class cheering on their "big buddies" (Marin's class)
Complete with cowbells!

Shosh is pooped. He spent the entire day at the field cheering
and finding big, boisterous kids to play with.

Madeline gets baptized

Our precious Madeline Marie approached us a few months ago, saying that she really wanted to get baptized. Her big sister Marin did this in the fall, and back then her feeling was "no way I'm doing that anytime soon! that's too many people to get up in front of!" - but her feelings were starting to change, and she wanted to take this big brave step herself. I say it's a big, brave step because she does not like being the center of attention, or have all eyes on her. The size of our big church means that nothing is a small event, so she was remembering the hundreds of people at Marin's baptism. Thankfully, our church takes this process seriously with the kids by doing a 6 week class/workbook, and they give lots and lots of time to explore the subject, help the child examine their hearts, consider if they feel ready, and empower them to overcome fears (like stage fright) in order to publicly declare personal faith in Jesus.

It was really special and important that Maddie's journey be unique, it is her personal faith story after all. In life, she is going to see Marin do lots of new things, and perhaps just want to follow in them as habit. I was very pleased and proud of her, that she didn't just automatically do what big sister did. Her story is very different, her approach is different, and at the tender age of 8 years old, she really can articulate what a relationship with Jesus means to her. I love that. It makes my heart sing, actually!!!

So, she invited me to come in the baptism tank with her and her pastor, as our friends and family joined in witness to the AWESOME things God is doing in Madeline's life. This is not the end of her story, but just the beginning! I am so thankful for all that God is doing in the hearts of my children.



Psalm 32:7 (Maddie's favorite verse)

You are my hiding place.

You will keep me safe from trouble.

You will surround me with songs sung by those who praise you because you save your people.

The girls' teacher Ms Angal gave them these custom necklaces
with their personal verses printed. What an indescribable gift.

God's precious daughter

Family time

Also during my parents' visit in April, we added a bunch of memories to our time together.

Marin has been dying to take her "bread kit" she received from school, and learn how to make cinnamon rolls. My mom is the exact person to do this with her as she enjoys the process, and has the patience for learning new things. (I wish I had more of this quality! I'm task oriented and just want it done, ha ha)

 We had my cousin's family over too, which was SO nice to see all four of them... My cousin Lesley and I are three months apart and were best friends growing up, and now we get to see our kids (some of whom resemble us a LOT, ahem... EVA!) ... play and become the new generation of friends! I love my family!

Looking for an adventure, we took my parents to the park and hiked along the trails. (If you say "hiked" it feels like more exercise). We discovered ducks, snails, lily pads, and silly faces.

Only my kids could bring out this level
of silliness in my parents! :)

Celebrating Mom

Since I rarely get to see my own mom on Mother's Day, the kids and I decided to plan a special outing with her when my parents were here for a visit in April. We surprised her with tickets for all of us to see the children's theater performance of Snow White. It was so much fun! Kyle was out of town on business, and we left Marcus at home napping with Grandpa. The mommy, the nana, the girls and boy all enjoyed the modern twist on the fairy tale. Have I mentioned how much I love taking the kids to children's theater!?!? So.much.fun. Happy mothers day to my wonderful mom!

Getting autographs

Marcus moments

A few highlights with my little preschooler:
- Hide and Seek... the most ridiculous thing ever to play with a 3 year old is this game. Good hiding places include "under the bean bag", "in plain sight in the trailer" and "standing in the grass blowing a dandelion". Good thing he could care less if I also hide in plain sight! And I only have to count to 5! It's pretty sweet :)

- Holding doors / holding hands

"Mom, thith ithz how you take care of the ladiethz"
(holding door open)

And this is how the little lady takes care of him :)

And the other little lady :)

- Duck Pond field trip with preschool

- Preschool fundraiser bike-a-thon for St Jude (Marcus raised over $75)

He donated all his money from his piggy bank too!

First kid NOT to use the red tricycle :)

God, thank you for Mommy and Daddy and Maxy
and Madeline and Mirind and me!

Tidbits

Marin and her friend used some Corrigan Matching Girl Clothes to be besties for twin day!

Maddie used all of her saved up school bucks to buy little brother Max a purple monkey he has "always wanted" (translation: a few weeks). Generosity comes at surprising times, and brings sweet special moments. Love my kids.

Someone is learning how to pump!

 Soon they will both learn to read fluently, and then they will be required to obey signs. For now, it's our job and Dad said "whatevs" this time to the sign on the wishing pond ;)

Every month the big kids practice calling out on the emergency phone. Just in case, man! Here we have Max practicing calling Mom in the room.