A Whole Lot of Normal

I just realized it's been over 2 weeks since my last post, but it's just been a blessedly normal 2 weeks. We're just up to our regular routine - school, piano lessons, basketball practice, Awana, bible study, church, work, etc. Basically just pressing on towards SUMMER. We are all getting so anxious - especially me and the kids - Jack and Noah . . . . for obvious reasons and me . . . . because I GET MY KIDS BACK and the total lack of commitments summer offers!! We're getting the camping itch, but still have a few more weeks to go.

A few other tidbits:

• Jack just recovered from strep throat (2nd time in 6 months) - the poor kid seems to pick it up anytime someone in a 5 mile radius has it. And his tummy does NOT like antibiotics!
  
• Mark "made" me sign up for a 1/2 marathon in June. !?!?? He had such a great time last year he wants me to experience it with him. I'm in trouble. So, I've been hitting the streets with Murphy - training has officially begun. The thought was that I could walk much of it with my dad (he signed up too) but my dad walks about 5 mph, so I'll need to be jogging most of it. I am determined, however . . .
  
• For a few short hours this week I thought I was going to Israel in October. Wow, huh? A great opportunity presented itself . . . . but God was not on board with my plan. I have a tendency to run ahead of Him (which never works) and I'm trying to break that habit. Anyway, I'm not going. But it was fun thinking about for a short while. The long and short of it is that I'm totally addicted to my kids and it became clear I couldn't be away from them for 11 days. :)
  
• Grandma Rayne and Grandpa Paul came from MN for a quick visit last weekend. (Her name is actually LaRayne, but the kids have called her Grandma 'Rayne since they were tiny, and it just stuck). They are great to have around - so attentive to the kids and willing to do WHATEVER Jack and and Noah ask!! :)
  
• This is our last week of basketball, and oh joy we start soccer this week too. No time off in between. Two practices and 2 games a week. I'm trying very hard to improve my lousy attitude but haven't had much luck in that area.

Next time I'll be back with some pictures. Of something. Not sure what. Mark says these posts are much more interesting with PICTURES. Maybe I'll just take some of him.