Busy week, good week...

We think that our raccoon problem resolved itself--we haven't heard them in the fireplace for a few days and can't see them down the chimney, either.  Yay!  I suspect that the Eau de Ammonia might have convinced Mama that this was not a lovely place to raise her babies.  One evening at my desk upstairs, I heard a loud thump on the roof over me and quite a commotion, so that might have been her departure.  We've got a chimney cap on now and haven't seen any frantic little masked faces trying to stage a jail-break out the mesh enclosure.

I love the contrast of old and new growth

I'm in the home stretch with our church's VBS materials. It got to be something of a last-minute push this year again, but the Lord is helping me get it done, and of course, it's an incredible blessing to be reviewing the fabulous truths of our faith.  This year it's a Treasure Hunt theme with God's Word being the treasure.  The kids will be working on a treasure map during the week, with each day a focus on what they need to do with the Word--hear it, believe it, know it, obey it, and speak it.  Great reminders for the grown-ups, too!

Spring green pond life

I've so enjoyed some lovely walks with my family this week, soaking up the vivid spring colors, smells, and awakening world around us.  Even managed to get up really early a couple of times and accompany SweetPea in her running challenge with one of her friends (Note: SweetPea was doing the running; I kept up a nice, reasonable walk). I'm trying to get in shape with a program my Honey is overseeing, from a great book called You Are Your Own Gym.  It's deceptively easy...but I've been sore this week!

We couldn't believe it when the camera revealed what
the bumps-on-the-log were in the distance!

My beloved auntie, who suffered a stroke a month ago, is making a wonderful recovery, praise God!  She's setting an amazing example of diligence in her rehab exercises, as well as her trust in God's help and healing. She's at my sister's now for an interim period, learning how to resume the daily tasks of life.

The ubiquitous Golden Pea

A sweet couple enjoying the afternoon sunshine

SweetPea is in the final weeks of her school year, dragging herself through the I'd-rather-be-doing-anything-else (especially if it has to do with a camera!) spring syndrome.  I'm glad she has her mother's helper job to lend some variety to her days.

Truly God "has given us all things to enjoy richly"!