Since we were on the road for Easter, we decided to have an Easter egg hunt when we got back. One of our favorite things that the kids got in their basket was colorful kinetic sand. It moves like sand, but sticks together like play dough when you form it. It is great entertainment for the kids.
Later in the week we celebrated Eve's birthday as a family with carrot cake. I also took her to a dance concert at OSU. Her presents included a dance book, some dance stuff, and Charlie Puth concert tickets which I will take her and Sheri to in August.
Here are some pictures from her friend birthday party. The kids had a great time playing games!
While we are on the subject of Eve, I will share a bit more of her news. Because she recently turned 14 years old she is now able to attend church youth dances. This month was a formal dance and so she got all dolled up. I have to say that I was amazed at how grown up she seems all of the sudden! I was asked to chaperone at the dance, and it brought back SO MANY memories! Wow! Eve had a wonderful time and was asked to dance on the slow songs by lots of great boys in our ward. (This mother's heart was very grateful that she had such a positive first experience!) She looked like an angel to me!
Also this month, Eve was awarded a Dublin Champion award for her work with peer mentoring. This was a special honor that kids had to be nominated for within the community. Eve was nominated by Ms. Reddick and Ms. Ray, both 7th grade teachers. Eve went in daily during her study hour to help 7th graders in science and language arts that were needing extra help. The students didn't have a special Individualized Learning Plan (IEP) which provides specific support to the student. Thus they struggled to get the individual help they needed. Eve was able to provide meaningful help to these students, empowering them to succeed. She volunteered about 3100 hours.
Eve and I have discussed how GREAT serving others is. It blesses both the giver and the receiver! This opportunity helped solidify Eve's knowledge in the concepts she tutored in, and gave her a sense of meaning in helping others. Her teachers shared how much it really helped the students feel empowered and strengthened to succeed. It wasn't very difficult for her, but "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6). I think Eve is a natural teacher, but that isn't her passion right now. :)
The rest of the family has been busy as well. Here are some other happenings.
I was able to attend Time Out For Women with some friends in Cincinnati during the first weekend of the month. I was very inspired by the speakers and really gained some personal insights. Between General Conference and TOFW I have had so many fabulous messages to ponder.
Christian and I have had some fun experiences this month. Here he is petting some new born chicks at the library, building a block castle with me, and visiting a fire station.
Christian is still maturing in many ways (learning to be patient when he doesn't get his way, and not whining), but he is super sweet! He always expresses his love for me and often brings me pictures that he has made for me.
Soccer season is in full swing along with their usual dance. The kids have been having a great time, and I drive around town a lot! I don't mind. I love being out and about and watching them involved in great activities.
At the end of April I cut my hair. I REALLY needed a change and my hair was getting on my nerves. You can see the length in this picture. I am out on a walk with Sister Seino whom I minister to. I will include more hair photos later.
It has been a wonderful month, and it gets better as the days get warmer. Here are a few final pictures of things we've enjoyed in April.
I am so grateful for abundance, the gospel of Jesus Christ, awesome family, and spring time!
