April showers

April has been a tough month for our family over the past several years. Along with wonderful events like birthdays and anniversaries, we have experienced stitches, diabetes, and the flu all last year. This year was no different, along with another E.R. trip for Camden we unexpectedly lost my grandfather. I know that he is singing those wonderful hymns in heaven with Jesus right now but it is still hard to say good-bye.

Here is our month in pictures.


We wrapped up the soccer season for both boys. Camden's team went undefeated with only giving up maybe 2 goals all season. Noah's team only lost one game all season and it was a close one. We are so proud of each of them.



I accompanied Noah's class on a field trip to the zoo. We had a lots of fun riding the monorail, seeing the animals and of course, the all-time favorite, riding on the school bus!


Noah is not real sure he wants the bird to land on him.



4 friends at the zoo.


Daddy and Camden joined us at the zoo, and had a great time as well.


As we were getting ready for a road trip, Camden decided to bite off the end of Brian's IPod and swallow the piece of hard plastic. After much debate as to actually he really did it, it was confirmed by Noah that he was "absolutely positive he swallowed it". So, with less than 3 hours till departure we made our way to the E.R. for x-rays. Two hours later we were released with instructions to find the nearest emergency room if he should exhibit X,Y or Z symptoms.

We made the 19 hour rode trip to Pennsylvania for my grandfather's memorial service last week. The drive couldn't have been more beautiful. All the trees were blooming and the wildlife (deer, birds, coyote, etc.) were fun to watch for. The boys were occupied on the drive with video games and movies and they couldn't have been happier. This was the first time in a long time that so many of mom's family were together. Here is a picture of most of the grandchildren (minus 2) and both great-grandchildren.





The service was beautiful!!! My cousin played "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes and another cousin sang so beautifully. The message was awesome and I pray that it touched those who haven't heard it before. It has been amazing to see God at work over the last 4 weeks in this difficult situation and to him I give all the glory!

We enjoyed the week at my grandmother's house playing soccer with the boys outside in the beautiful sunshine. We did many home-improvement projects and even visited the Carnegie Museum , where they have an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils. Our trip was topped off with a frozen custard from Young's and a candy run to Baldinger's.



After a whirlwind trip we came home to 15+ loads of laundry, no food a very dirty house, no sleep and a birthday party to pull off. Camden celebrated his 4th birthday in 7 different states and we sang to him just after crossing each state line. On Sunday he had a swimming party at the Allen Natatorium with his friends from church.

After two attempts, the beach ball cake was a hit with Camden.



Happy birthday big guy! There is never a dull moment with you. I love your silliness and your sense of humor one minute and that you can bashful and shy the next. I am in awe of your strength and stamina to keep going when most would collapse. I love that you march to the tune in your own head and nobody else's. You are kind and loving and still want to cuddle with Mommy. You have your own language. You love to play dress-up one minute and shoot em up the next. Pink was your favorite color part of the year and no one dared argue with you! You are a gift from God and I treasure watching you to see how he is working in your life. I love you!!!