Days With the Duerksens

We woke up Easter morning to a blanket of fresh snow - about 4 inches!  Finally, we had snow on the ground - we waited all winter for it.  Leave it to Kansas to provide it for us at the beginning of Spring.  It was the ultimate Easter surprise!  It says in Isaiah 1:18:  "Come now let us reason together," says the Lord.  "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow . . ." It didn't last long, though, and by late afternoon it was all gone! We celebrated with both sides of the family on Sunday, and apparently, none of the kids are too old yet to hunt for eggs and baskets!  At the Duerksen gathering, the cousins each hid one egg for each of the other cousins - which turned out great until Cambry couldn't remember where she hid Mace's egg. I think it was found eventually! just enough snow to hide one of Cambry's eggs in!  And on my side of the family, my mother and aunt finally came up with a color...

Caiden turned 12 last Friday - during Spring Break.  Although we had been enjoying warm springy weather at the beginning of the week, his birthday turned out to be snowy!  It didn't pile up, but the flakes were beautiful - it was definitely the most snow we saw all winter! The fact that his birthday falls during Spring Break every year is a good thing, according to Caiden.  And this year, the opening weekend of the NCAA basketball tournament coincided with his birthday.  He also got to spend most of the day with his cousin.  And there were gifts, too: mint Oreos from Delaney - he actually shared one with me! A new book from Cambry Finally - a Kindle Fire!  I think he knew he was getting one, but the look on his face is still fun!  March Madness Watching BB with Ty (and Delaney) After looking through the family scrapbook, Caiden wanted me to make the same cake he had for his 2nd birthday - a giant cookie cake!  However, he...

Somehow, I convinced these two that leprechauns visited and turned the milk green!  They figured it out by the end of the day, though. . .

I have struggled with writing about the shooting in Hesston - in fact, I wasn't going to post anything about it.  However, for the sake of memories, I decided I should at least touch on it.  It does deserve a place. It just hit so close to home - particularly since Doug was directly involved.  Honestly, I sometimes feel guilty for struggling with this tragedy.  I wasn't there, I didn't lose anyone close to me, and, although I know a few people who work there, I didn't know any of the victims.  And I get to move on with my life with little disruption.  I feel like I am on the outside looking in.   But I guess that's okay.  I didn't have to be directly involved for this to touch me.  My heart is sad for the families of those who died, for those who were injured, for those who witnessed it, for my brother-in-law who will probably replay images over and over, for my sister and my niece and nephew who might sometimes wonder "what if?", for th...

The kids took advantage of a nice Saturday and actually spent some time outside by the creek - TOGETHER!  It's been much too warm for March - so warm that many trees are budding and spring flowers are blooming!  Spring always leaves me amazed by the new life emerging through the dormant plants.  It is beautiful - even if it is happening sooner than usual!   Shammi - almost 11 years old - and her age is showing as she struggles with what looks like arthritis.

On Saturday, Delaney's dance studio had its picture day.  This meant:  hair slicked back, face made-up, and recital costume on!  She was pretty excited - I was pretty nervous.  I barely put on make-up myself, so to do it on a 5 year old was a little daunting!  I am happy to report that we were ready to go right on time, and even had some extra time to spare.  I can't wait for her recital in May - and she's pretty excited about it herself!