Joy!

I was awakened by a phone call around 2:00 this morning with some news that has blessed me immensely.  My former boss of nine years, and good friend, called to let me know that his wife had safely delivered a baby girl.  And the name of this dear little one?

Esther Joy.  My own little name sake.  She was also named after her maternal grandmother.  The very early wake up call was totally worth it.  Welcome to the world, little Esther Joy!

Suffice it to say, "big" Esther Joy is mighty pleased.  I can't seem to stop smiling.

April 9, 1977

They've been pulling together through life for thirty-one years now, and they're still loving it.
Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Refreshed

Back at school.  My week at home was perfect.  By the time spring break rolled around (oops!  I mean Easter break. Sorry, Gregg.), I was still going strong, and really felt like I could make it to the end of the semester without the break.  A good thing!  But the break was an even better thing.  Getting away from the school allowed me to look at things from a different perspective and to evaluate how things are going this semester.  I really appreciated spending time with my family too.  As much as I am looking forward to the opportunity of working at a camp this summer (Lord willing), I will really miss being at home and going to family camp and Mt. Rainier.  Ah, well.  Such is life.

On with the day! 

By the way, the weather is BEAUTIFUL here!!  It's not nearly as green as home, but it is so much warmer than it was when I left, and the snow is blissfully absent from the scenery.  Spring is definitely here, and the robins are simply another welcome confirmation of the fact.

Coffee with Mom

This is one of my favorite parts about being home.  Sometimes we'll just be in the living room with our feet propped up on our massive coffee table, but yesterday we took advantage of the wonderful early spring weather.  We "inherited" this swing from the previous homeowners, and we have certainly enjoyed it.  I had forgotten how wonderful the smells of spring are here in the valley.  Mmmmm.  Delightful.

I still have two more glorious days at home.  Hurrah!!

Surprise!

The surprise was a complete success.  I flew home for spring break unbeknownst to my family.  (Mark was the only one who was in-the-know.)  I had plane troubles in Denver and had to hang around for an extra five hours.  I wasn't sure if Mom and Dad would still be awake by the time I made it home (dear friend Michelle had kindly agreed to pick me up from the airport), but there was no need for worry.  Mark to the rescue!  When he found out I was stuck in Denver, he called up the folks: "How about watching 'The Two Towers' tonight?"  Perfect.  They were all wrapped up in the movie when I quietly walked in the front door.  Even Peter had gotten off work earlier than usual that night, so the whole family was there.  I was standing just off to the side of Dad's recliner when he noticed I was there.  He stared at me blankly for a moment, and then his mouth dropped open.  Their reactions were perfect.  "What are you doing here?!"  And hugs all around. 

It is nice to be home for a bit, especially since I don't know how much I'll be home this summer.  I have applied to work at a camp in Mississippi (bring on the humidity and friendly southern mosquitoes), so it will depend on how long they need me, etc.  I have also asked to consider being a student leader at school next year, and they will be having a training retreat for all of us a week or so before school starts, so I'll have to be back there early for that too.  But it's all right.  I am excited for these new opportunities and for all that I will be learning.  

And, yes.  I am loving this weather.  I didn't realize how much I missed GREEN until I looked out my window Saturday morning.  Wow!!  There are LEAVES on the trees!!  Beautiful!