Warmer Weather...Is It Spring Yet?!

San Diego conditioned me to love temperatures between 68-78 degrees. Anything hotter or colder makes be grumpy and cranky. I blame the beautiful coastal weather on my seasonal depression every time winter arrives.

Why does it have to be so cold?! And miserable?! And wet?! And cloudy?! I'm not sure, but when we experienced warm weather this weekend, I ditched my jacket and spent the majority of my time outside.

I even got a little tan on my pale white Italian arms.

Friday was the perfect way to start off our WARM weekend.

Homeschool group fun!

Every Friday (except during our winter/summer breaks) our church's Homeschool Group meets at our Pastor's house. Most of the homeschooling moms (and me) get together on Fridays to do crafts, math, Bible study and creative writing with the kiddos. And it's always fun. And it's always a blast. And I never want to leave. Maybe I could just move in and play with the kids for the rest of my life?!

Homeschool group!

After we were done with all of our work, my sister-in-law who is AMAZING with young kids, grabbed some blankets and entertained the kids.

Saturday, we headed up to Owasso (aka where Garth has a large house) and did some shopping. O.K. my mom and I did some shopping with a Starbucks in hand (I sure hope my California roots aren't showing here) while Kelly fixed a computer.

Sunday was our family day. Which means church, family lunch at Taco Bell (because the two main men in my life can't go a week without it) and then an afternoon of disc golf.

Treasure ;)

At church, we talked about the treasures found in Heaven and when 3 year-old Ashlyn recited her verse, a tear seeped from my brown eyes.

"John 14:2," she began. Then forget the first two words. Anista, the Toddler Whisperer and my Preschool Partner-in-Crime, helped her along. "In my..." Then Ashlyn finished up the verse, "...Father's house there are many mansions."

Friends, I cried tears of happiness. We clapped and whooped like we were at a sporting event. There is nothing in this life more precious than hearing Bible truth spoken from the lips of a 3 year-old. Not. A. Thing.

Princess Ashlyn

My prayer for Miss Ashlyn is that she always remembers her permanent home is in Heaven, where God has her mansion waiting for her. My heart was so encouraged by this little blond-headed girl who loves to wear dresses and call herself a "princess." I like to remind her that in the eyes of our Father, she is the daughter of a King "who is not moved by the world." But even though she is a "princess" she still must listen to her parents and other grown-ups.

Mom running at the lake.

After church, Kelly and my brother, Zach, decided it was a good day to lunch at Taco Bell. So, we did. Then Kelly went to work on a satellite dish and Zach, my mom and I went to the lake for a very intense game of disc golf.

My goofy brother

No jacket!

We had a great time. I really enjoy the time I get to spend with the two people who have walked through life's roughest moments with  me.

Truman and my brother-in-law, Steven.
This was many moons ago. When S was just a BABY

Monday morning was a rough one. Truman, my in-laws family dog of 11 years, went into kidney failure and they had to put him down. It was a very rough day for all of us. Because pets become like family. We mourn them. We miss their presence. We ask the usual questions: why can't they live longer? Why can't they stay by our side forever?

I take comfort in what Rev. Billy Graham said about Heaven and his dog:

"I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness. If it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there."

Ruthanne, my sister-in-law, and I played tennis and then went to get ice cream. I know that won't erase the pain of losing a family member, but I hope it kept her mind off of it for a little while.

During these beautiful spring-like days, I've been working on lots of lesson plans. Lesson plans for Sunday School. Lesson plans for Homeschool Group. Lesson plans for my upcoming classes. The easiest part of being a teacher for me is making lesson plans. The hardest part is altering my plans when change arise. I'm not good at deviating from the path. But I'm getting better!

The next week will have slightly cooler weather, but I'm hoping Spring arrives sooner rather than later. I can't tell you how much I miss green grass and warm days.

A warm winter sunset :)

--Jessi

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