Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real...A Get Away, Art and Easter Joy!

So much has happened this past week. First of all we decide on Sunday to take a little get away since the boys had a school break and Gary was able to get some time off. So Monday I spent making arrangements and Tuesday morning we hit the road ...destination Virginia. We woke up to snow Tuesday morning...my comment "it sure is prettty if you like this in April after a really long winter. By Virginia the snow was gone and trees were in bloom. It was lovely! We arrived at the hotel to learn we made it just in time for a complimentary dinner of pulled pork sandwhiches, mac and cheese and drinks. After a bite to eat and settling in the hotel room we got ahold of our friends Bill and Heather and drove the 2 miles to their house for wine and conversation. It was lovely! We normally stay with them but they are in the process of moving so we felt a hotel was best for this visit.  Wednesday morning we took the metro into DC and enjoyed some sunny but cool weather and the art museums. We did take a hike to Union Station for lunch and then went back to the National Galllery of Art. Thomas has taken an interest in art which was part of why we wanted to go to DC. It was a lovely day that went by way to fast but left me with many special memories.

Art, art and more art...how do I choose...

Thursday we thought about going back into the city but decided it would be to rushed if we wanted to get over to see Bill and Heather's new property. We thought it was about 100 miles but found out it was 180 which made for a long trip. It was worth it as we were near Chinctoteague Island and after locating the property and settling in the "garage" we decided to head for the beach. On the way there we got a call from Bill and he was just leaving work so he met us for dinner. He suggested the Chinctoteague Diner which was a nice family friendly restaurant with good food and as it turned out Bill knew our server. After dinner we made a quick trip to the beach. The air was a bit chilly and with the wind it was down right cold but I wasn't about to miss out on some beach time. On the way home we stopped at the Island Creamery a popular local ice cream place. Another lovely day with many special memories made.

The "garage"

Three trees

The saltwater pond...our view on waking in the morning!

Friends...Bill was our best man and still a dear friend!
Make new friends but keep the old!

 Dinner at the diner!

  The beach...what else is there to say!

On Friday our last morning we were treated to a tour of the NASA Gallops Flight Facility. It was amazing. I was so impressed with all they do and from all appearances making the best use of our tax dollars. The facility was neat and maintained well but no frills and all older buildings. My favorite part was the experimental balloons.  These massive balloons could fit 195 blimps inside of them. After our 2 hour tour my brain was full! It was so interesting and I definitely want to go back. I don't think it will be hard to convince Gary as he enjoyed it as well and spending time with his good friend Bill is an added plus. Since it was Good Friday I felt a little funny to be "vacationing"  but we were on the road by noon and traveled in quiet and observed the Good Friday fast. The trip home was long as we had added another 3 hours on to the trip. Thank God we made it home safely by about 12:30.

Easter Sunday the girls came home to join us for Mass and dinner at Granny and Papa's house. What a blessing to have all 4 of our children at Mass and then with us for Easter dinner.

Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real...Joy in Lent

Today as I sit and reflect on the last few weeks I am filled with joy. Spring is in full bloom and the days have been filled with special moments. I am grateful to be able to take some time to reflect today on all that has happened.

1st the Sacrament of Confirmation...Our precious youngest son Thomas was confirmed a week ago today. He chose Grandpa K as his sponsor and St Martin of Tours as his patron and confirmation name. The weather was lovely, the 41 teens confirmed were looked so grown up and acted with great respect...I was so proud of all of them. My own dear Thomas looked so handsome and watching him I realized he has matured into such a wonderful young man. The time we spent preparing for the sacrament was full of learning and discussions and I truly felt he was ready and willing. May he always know the presence of the Holy Spirit in his life!

We celebrated with a brunch here before Mass. I was grateful so many were able to come and celebrate with us. We had ham, side dishes, fruit (of the Spirit) pizza, and decided on an Italian Soda bar for an special treat.

Yesterday Thomas tested for his high green belt in karate. Once again watching him from the sidelines I was so proud of him for this accomplishment. The sensi (?) push them and I could see Thomas was tired and later he confided that his feet felt as if pins were sticking in them and the sun coming in the windows was blinding him. I am grateful that he is having the chance to be pushed out of his comfort zone and persevere...I believe our young men especially need these challenges.

John's big news this week was he took his driver's test on Tuesday and passed the driving with a 100%.

 He had a big day yesterday as well. He took the ACT for the first time. When I picked him up and asked him how he did his reply was "great".  I am sure that reaction is a minority among ACT test takers...I admire his confidence! In the afternoon dad decided it was ok for John to use dad's car and drive over to Marion to take his friend Thomas to Taco Bell. I am grateful that I have learned to pray to alleviate the worry I feel when my children take these big steps out into the world. It all went well and I was out digging in the dirt when he pulled up the driveway. I am very comfortable with his driving skills but pray he does not get distracted and that he is protected from situations that could result in an accident.

The next few weeks are sure to be full of more joy filled days.. Easter, Elle's graduation from nursing school, Thomas's 8th grade recognition, Colleen's birthday, cousin grad parties, a friend's wedding and then the joy of summer break.
but first we enter into Holy Week....we pause and remember where our true joy comes from.
Lord, Jesus Christ, by your cross and resurrection you have set us free, you are the Savior of the world.