Easter 2009

We had our first Easter here in NC. It was really fun to have my Mom and Mike come to visit us for the holiday weekend. This year the two older girls received bibles as part of their Easter gifts. My mom had picked them out and brought them along with some beautiful purses that matched their Easter dresses perfectly. On Easter Sunday, Emily made her public profession of faith before the congregation, to become a communing member of the church.
For the first time this year we made the Easter tomb cookies on Saturday night. I was fearful that they weren't going to crack and open for Sunday morning. But the kids remembered right away when they awoke and went to the oven to check and see. Thankfully, Christ is risen indeed! the cookies had cracked and were empty inside!

Spring Outing

Yesterday I took the girls back to the Biltmore Estates. I had bought a year pass last April when we made our first trip to NC to visit John. At the time I thought we would take advantage of the day trip more often. But last week I was feeling pressured to go again before it expires next week. I looked at my calender and the weather forecast and there was only one option that worked. And it turned out to be a beautiful day!!!
I took my husband's digital camera on which he takes wonderful pictures. But this is me, we are talking about - and for some reason I have no gifts behind the camera. I have beautiful images and ideas in my head of what I want, but can't seem to get my children or the camera to cooperate with me. I was wanting some fun pictures of the girls in the flower garden - and we did get a few, but next time I will be sure to take Daddy with us!
The girls favorite part, of course, was the new Riverbend Farms at Biltmore. They have a farmyard area where you can pet sheep, goats, a baby cow, chickens, and a bunny rabbit. They also have an area that demonstrates churning butter, and a live blacksmith in action. Emily fell in love with one baby goat in particular and carried it around with her. A fun time was had by all.

zumba momma

Yesterday I had the girls take some pictures of me when I was dressed for zumba. I have conitnued to teach through this pregnancy, which is quite an acomplishment for me. Never before have I exercised during a pregnancy. I usually find it too tiring and uncomfortable, especially during my nauseated first trimester. But this time I have pushed through, even when I would come home sick. I think I wouldn't have done it if exercise were a luxury to me, but at this point it is a JOB! So, no exercies = no money.
I am thankful for the good health and endurance the Lord has provided for me. I am hopeful that this will make the post partum weight loss an easier challenge. My class participants have repeatedly asked me when I will return after the baby is born. I guess that is a good sign that they want me to come back. Lord willingly I will be able to teach again after six weeks of rest.
My last couple of classes I have just now found it hard to move around. No more jumping for me. I almost sprained the arch of my foot last night trying to demonstrate a move and realized that I need to be careful before I take myself completely out. In this mornings 6 a.m. class, I think the baby was trying to kick her way out - as if to say, why couldn't you sleep a little longer!
Pray for me this month, as I do not have a sub lined up to take over until the end of April/ beginning of May. I want to be able to teach as long as I can but am realizing that it is much harder now, than it was even two weeks ago. The count down til delivery has already begun in my head - 3 months, 1 week to go. July seems like a long ways away!!!