and then there were 4

we took our oldest son to college this weekend out in rapid city, south dakota. saturday, we needed to blow off a little steam however, and it was cool deadwood nights in deadwood. this is the kids in front of the four aces casino. our youngest in red shorts, our oldest looking at me with shades and smiling, our middle in purple, and our oldest's girlfriend (who wanted to come along to say goodbye.)

here is the couple taking a break from the walking and looking at the cars. the dynamics of our family is going to drastically change, as he was an extra driver and he and his brother had finally started really getting along good and bonding (just in time for him to leave for college....). i did get a text last night, and things were good. he had found some supper and managed to find someone else who is techy to help him get his gaming system hooked up to the fastest connect (cuz that is really important :) unlike getting his printer set up.....he will get it figured out- he will have to. but, this momma is still mildly worried and missing the first out of the nest.

spring has arrived

i am finally feeling like spring is here...and here to stay. last year at this time, i think we still had a snow storm or two lurking around.

last night,
hearing the kids playing in the driveway (giggles, balls bouncing, and no glass being broken...we have already had a casualty or two)
feeling the warm concrete on my bare feet (the little grit of the concrete on my winter soft skin)
seeing my tulips finally poking their colorful heads up (mine seem to be a little slower than the rest of the neighborhood)

with spring, hope is eternal; life cycles, and even after a very cold snowy season of life, things manage to patiently wait for the gentle warmth to melt away that cold; giving them a chance to grow,and blossom again.

1, 2, 3...day 3

our house would not be a home with out our three kids.... our oldest is 15 (he only looks like he is 18) and every day here in mn is a painful reminder that his birthday is not until june when he will have a regular driver license and then, can drive without a parent. i anticipate a huge change in my hair color this summer...our middle is 12 going on 17. she is as tall as me and it boggles my mind how similar yet so far at opposite ends of the spectrum we can be. you would never image the medical miracle she overcame in her first year of life to get to this point- especially by seeing her...our youngest is 11 and has told me more then once he aspires to win the nobel peace prize...always original this one bringing up the rear...so tender, thoughtful, creative...they make our home fun, interesting, loud, colorful, full of laughter, not many tears, some frustration, but, always love. beyond the boundaries, past all expectations, never faltering, forever.