Abbey's swimming buds.

If you want to be thoroughly entertained, have a bunch of preteen boys and girls come over. Abbey invited her swimming buddies over for a "hang out" at our house. They danced, played and generally enjoyed each other. They are all really good friends for the most part and ohhh so full of life. They kept me in stitches!

Emman,  Cameron, Abbey, Eli, Sampras, Matthew, Christian and Jack. (not pictured...Olivia and Miko)

Field Trips to Weather center and Alamance Battleground~ April

We went on a very informative field trip to the National Weather Station. This is the place where all of our state's watches and warnings begin.

We also continued a tradition that was begun many years ago. We attended Homeschool Day at Alamance Battleground. I took all of my bigger kids to this almost every year. Anna and the girls met us there.

 Layne soaks it all in!

Ready for the canon blast!

Here we grow again~ April 26, 2019

She said, "Yes"!! 

We first met Sara about a year ago. Immediately, we loved her and thought she made a good partner for Daniel. It didn't take him long to figure out the same! Shortly after Christmas he told us that they had begun to talk about marriage. We were thrilled!! She is everything we have prayed for for our son. 

They met via a couple of mutual friends at a J. Roddy Concert in Asheville. Daniel decided to propose at another J Roddy concert in Charlotte. I don't think Sara was very surprised, but I don't think that diminished their happiness. 

An April wedding is planned and we couldn't be happier!

John's bd-April 23, 2019

My honey finally joined me in the ranks of 57 year olds. He got to spend his special day at his favorite place! He wanted shrimp for dinner and a homemade cake.

I love this guy to the moon and back. Every year I realize more and more how blessed I am to have him!

Easter 2019~ April 18-21

This Easter, as in years past, we spent at the beach. Beth, Greg, Evie and John, Jr. joined us.

The weather was gorgeous, and we got to enjoy our first foray of the season.

The highlight of this year was the fact that John, Jr. was with us. A year ago God performed an Easter miracle regarding John. I couldn't help but remember the Easter sunrise service of 2018 and how down I felt. When we returned home, we got our miraculous news! It was so very wonderful to be able to have him with us this year. I loved praising God with him, knowing where he was a year ago.

The moon on one side.

 It was pretty chilly, but that was ok, my heart was quite warm!

Making resurrection biscuits.

Filling Easter eggs for our hunt

and the hunt is on....

Another highlight was Beth and Greg sharing with Evie that she was going to be a big sister. They put the ultrasound into an egg. She opened it and said, "Is it a bear?" Beth replied, "No, it's a baby. Do you know where the baby is? It's in my tummy!" Evie's expression was priceless. She replied, "Are you kidding me? I've waited so very long!" I was so thankful to be able to witness this, it was super sweet. She was given a "big sister" shirt which she wore every day.


Helping Mimi make cinnamon rolls.

It was freezing to me, but not to the young...(and the young at heart)

 Taking a break for a little technology time

performing on stage at the pavilion

Beaches and Cream is open again!!

Electronic time...

 Lovely view

Next Easter, we will celebrate with a new little one!

April 6th, 2019--Homeschool Talent Show

Our homeschool group sponsors a talent exhibition each year. This year, Abbey and two friends chose  to perform a Twenty One pilots song, "Stressed Out". Elijah displayed on of his colossal lego creations.

Anna and Jamie came all the way from Winston to support their younger siblings...now that's love!