Spring Fever

Spring has definitely sprung! We have been doing so many things, it's left little time to blog. Cole graduated from an orange belt to senior orange in tae kwon do. This means he goes to the intermediate class and has been sparring a lot more. So far, he loves it and we've had no injuries! He is excited about the upcoming tournament in Huntsville this weekend. We are all going with him this time and are looking forward to visiting the Space and Rocket Center and spending time with Crab (Aunt Jen) and her parents, who live in nearby Guntersville.

Sparring during testing


24 moves
 

Game on!
 

I earned my senior orange belt!
 

Belt ceremony at the Ice House
 

Mary Conlee and Cole both participated in the annual AEE luncheon that was held this year at Parkway. She led the opening prayer and Cole did an encore performance of "Meteor Shower." Judd and I enjoyed getting to see them take part in the event. Mary Conlee's favorite part was sitting with her principal, Mrs. Dozier. Cole loved dying his hair green-- AGAIN!

Mary Conlee and Mrs. Dozier
 

MC, Katelyn, and Anna loved their princiPAL!
 

"Meteor Shower" rockers- Cole, Mary Alice, and Taylor
 

Our southern rocker takes the stage...again!
 

A southern girl's prayer


Both Cole and Mary Conlee attended a hippie birthday party for Sydney on Saturday. They loved wearing tie dye, peace signs, and hanging out by the pool. The scavenger hunt was extra fun because their group won. We are blessed to have such a great group of school friends!

Hippie chicks (and guys)- Caroline, Sydney, Cole, Mary Conlee, and Woody
 

Mrs. Amanda gave clues for the scavenger hunt
 

Just chillin' in the pool
 

On Sunday night, the kids' choirs sang during church. There was something awry with the electrical board, so they sang to the Lord in the dark...with only a few spotlights. My pictures and videos weren't the best, but that's ok. After all, it was about rejoicing and worshipping God, not about performing.

The Angel choir sings
 

Our little angel
 

Cole and the Music Makers
 

Finally, the kids have been to Open Houses at both their schools this week. Notice I had to make the word "school" plural. Cole will be leaving Parkway and moving on to Lawndale Elementary for 3rd-5th grades. I was spoiled having them at the same school this year. The next time they are together, MC will be in 3rd grade and Cole will be in 5th. It's hard to see him grow up so fast. Next thing we know, he'll be graduating from Tupelo High School. Since they have rezoned the schools, we will have some new friends coming to school with us and sadly, some very dear friends going to other schools. With only a month left in school, we are definitely in overdrive. Hang on...it's gonna be wild!

My only Parkway Panda next year
 

MC is so excited to have Isabella at her school!
 

Mary Alice, Jackson, and Cole at Lawndale
 

Mae Mae and Dalton--along for the ride!
 

Celebrating Easter

One of my favorite traditions each Easter is getting pictures made at the cross in front of Calvary. Cole asked why was it always so cold each Easter? They have fond memories of standing there freezing while Mommy is trying to get that perfect picture!

After church, we headed to my parents' house in Birmingham. We loved getting to see Bubbe and Pop and take lots of pictures there, too. I asked the kids not to complain because I would be taking a lot of photos. Mary Conlee reminded me that Easter is not just about taking pictures. How profound! That night, we went to see the Broadway show, Wicked. We had seen it previously in Atlanta and we were so excited to have gotten 5th row tickets (so we thought). We were thrilled to be seeing it with Bubbe and Jennifer. When we got there, we realized they had removed the first three rows, so technically, we were sitting on the 2nd row--front and center! This was awesome for the kids and for the grownups! Mary Conlee watched in amazement at being so close to the action. She loved singing along to the words! Cole said his favorite part involved the flying monkeys and the dragon!

What a wonderful way to spend Easter with family and friends, both at home and in Birmingham. On our way back home today, we paid a visit to Elmwood cemetary. A tradition that Mom borrowed from some Jewish friends is to leave a rock on the tombstone each time you visit. We have collected quite a few over the years, even ones I brought back from Greece. Although my kids never got to meet my sweet Granny, they love her from all the stories and pictures we share with them. You are always in my heart, Granny. Happy Easter!

A visit to see the Easter Bunny


The Easter Cross
 

Our Easter eggs!
 

Easter morning at church
 

Mary Conlee and Bonnie
 

In the courtyard
 

Visiting with Aunt Jen before Wicked
 

A visit with Granny
 

Bunny Tales

We had a busy day on Wednesday with Easter parties. Cole and his 2nd grade class had just finished their two days of the Terra Nova test, so they were ready to party! We had pizza, chips, and cupcakes--their favorites! We also showered them with treats and candy-filled eggs. Mary Conlee's Kindergarten class had an egg hunt at Ballard Park. Since Cole was finished with his party and his work, he helped hide the eggs for the kindergartners. We enjoyed Easter cookies and snacks back in the room. The best part for both kids was checking out of school a little early!

On Thursday night, we headed to the lake for the weekend. We enjoyed windy boat rides and spotted some turtles at our special place! We also fished with Canadian nightcrawlers and had an egg hunt. We came home Saturday afternoon so the Easter Bunny would know where to find us! Before going to bed, we made some special Easter cookies. Each ingredient is symbolic of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. After each step in the recipe, we read a Bible verse that pertained to it. Once the cookies were in the preheated oven, we turned it off and taped the door shut. They are supposed to transform into something special overnight. The kids were thrilled to see what was in their Easter baskets, but the first thing they wanted to do was check the oven to see what happened to the Easter story cookies. They were hollow--just like the tomb! Bunnies, eggs, and treats are always special this time of year. But the most important thing to remember is that HE IS RISEN...HE IS RISEN, INDEED!

Cole's Easter party
 

Going on an egg hunt
 

Tanner and Mary Conlee have their eggs!
 

Mrs. Farned's Kindergarten class
 

Good Friday on the lake
 

At Turtle Cove, we spotted our first of the season--climbing up...
 

...and up...
 

...and up the branch!
 

MC loves to hunt for eggs!
 

Cole's turn at finding them
 

Daddy tries to pick us up at the neighborhood park, but we're not ready to go!
 

Hot off the grill!
 

This Canadian nightcrawler has met his match!
 

MC wanted to hold one, but Cole had to wash off the dirt first!
 

How to put a worm on a hook, part 1


How to put a worm on a hook, part 2


Getting ready to make the Easter story cookies
 

Crushed pecans resemble Christ's broken body
 

Vinegar, given to him to drink while on the cross
 

Separating the egg whites. Eggs are a sign of new life...Christ died for ours!
 

A pinch of salt represents the salty tears shed by his family and followers
 

We added sugar, the sweetest part! Jesus died because He loves us.
 

After beating the mixture, it turns white--the color of purity.
 

Each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid
 

Folding in the broken nuts
 

Taping the oven door off, just as Jesus' tomb was sealed
 

The empty tomb!
 

Cole loves the iTunes card the EB brought him!
 

MC kept saying..."He knows I like bubbles, he knows I like Webkinz! He knows me!"