Springtime

Hi Fam,

A little update from this side of the country:

Springtime is coming to Pittsburgh and it's lovely. The weather is 60 degrees, with a cool cloud-cover; birds are chirping and we no longer need our down coats! It may all change tomorrow, but I think that winter is on its way out.

I've found a permanent job! The temporary placement I'm at now will turn into full time within two months, and I've decided to keep it. I'm working for a relocation company as the admin assistant for a woman who runs the company out of her home. I was offered a job elsewhere last Friday, and when I mentioned that, she negotiated to match their offer; D and I prayed about it and ran the numbers and we think it's the best choice. She lives just 5 minutes from us, and only requires 30 hours a week. I'm so glad to be done searching, and so thankful that the Lord provided something stress-free, nearby and for just a few hours a day! With the extra time I hope to work for a local church, helping to plan one of their summer events.

David is working crazy-busy hours (10-12 a day), trying to write all of the papers and presentations before the semester ends in four weeks. Please pray for him. If you want to pray specifically, he has an hour-long presentation on Wednesday for one of his graduate seminar classes.

We had a GREAT time w/ Josh, Emily and Benjamin; they are such fun and easy-going guests. :)

love to all--

Lynn

Day 4: Ready to Rumble

Day 3: Is He a Stegosaurus?

Day 2: He emerges

Pittsburgh

We have returned from our whirl-wind invasion of the newly-weds nest. I must confess on the front end that we have very few pictures of David, Lynn, or their sweet little place. I have gotten very undisciplined in my picture-taking and most of my shots are of Benjamin in various locations.

On Thursday and Friday, David and Lynn had work/school commitments for parts of each day, so we took the opportunity to have a little family time. On Thursday we took B to the Pittsburgh Children's Museum. It just happened to be the 80th birthday celebration of Mr. Roger's (Mr. Roger's Neighborhood was filmed in Pittsburgh), so the admission was free and they had a big display and free cupcakes for the kids. On Friday, as a birthday present, we took B to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. Here's a picture of him from the sting ray tunnel--you can crawl through it as if you're swimming with the sting rays. B pretty much had this expression on his face at every exhibit. He loved it!

We had a birthday party with David and Lynn Friday night. At B's request, Lynn made pasta with broccoli and cheese. She also got me all the ingredients to make a "blue cake with a rocket ship on it" including the #3 birthday candle. David made the rocket ship in the prop shop. It was quite spectacular and B was thrilled.

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Here's another video of him a few minutes later singing an excerpt from his favorite show, The Little Einstein's. He always requests this song during circle time at the Lamars' and also at bedtime.

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A few more random shots. Here, reading a story book before bedtime with Uncle D.

Finally, our key to travel success: Oh, how we used to scoff at those parents whose children would be watching movies or playing games while the parents carried on a normal adult conversation. How could they just plug their children in like that?! Disgusting! Well... now that we have a 3 year old, we've discovered--we are THOSE parents. This technique proves especially useful during long airport layovers, when you've exhausted food, watching the airplanes and playing with all your toys and books and your only alternative is to run screaming in circles while your 8-months pregnant mother tries to keep you from clocking people with your rocket ship. Despise us if you will, but we had an uninterrupted 30 minutes of quiet conversation in the middle of the Washington Dulles airport!

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Keri and I have been comparing notes all week about how to celebrate Easter this year, as we're aware that now is when traditions need to begin, now is when our 3 yr.-olds will start to remember from year to year.

I feel really pleased with how things turned out. Here's what M & I decided to do: I baked a hill/tomb to demonstrate Jesus' death and resurrection, and we did readings all week in preparation (got the recipe and idea from Noel Piper's Treasuring God in Our Traditions). And we started the Lamb Cake tradition for real this year. I've done it intermittently before now. And an Easter basket, of course.

I can't wait for you to see what Cody and Keri have pulled off! I know I'm pressuring you to post, but I just love the symbolism in your home and want the world to see! (since the entire world checks this blog)

Here's our tired crew after church:
See the green present in the Easter basket in the above picture? That's from my parents, and contained a dinosoar egg that sits in water for two days while it hatches. I'll post the hatched toy when he comes!
J & E, I imagine your Easter prep/celebrations were minimal due to your travels, but if you have pictures of today, and birthday party, and trip, and. . . and. . .and. . .
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Good Friday Meditation

Jesus, So Lowly

Jesus, so lowly, child of the earth:
Christen me wholly, bring me new birth.

Jesus, so lonely, weary and sad;
Teach me that only love maketh glad.

Jesus so broken, silent and pale;
Be this the token love will not fail.

Jesus, victorious, mighty and free;
Teach me how glorious death is to be.

(Edith Williams)