Christ is Risen!

Like every year, the day began with sweet, whispering girls who always get up too early looking for Easter baskets. After much waffle- and chocolate-munching, we were off to Mass, which was perfection, as always. We took our yearly Easter photo and not ONE photo had everyone looking at the same time!

After Mass, we headed to see John's dad for his birthday and Easter dinner. Happy birthday, Big Les!The kids each brought a supply of candy to eat all afternoon while spending time with family. Grandpa kept the boys captivated with childhood stories. I'm not sure it's a great idea to share stories of drinking and smoking as a KID, but hopefully they won't try to imitate the crazy tales they heard. ;)

Parker and Morgan had a great time with the each other. Sometimes I can't get them to let me take a photo at all without hiding their faces, but today was a blessing! My little hams let me take a couple dozen photos of them out at the pond. Here are two favorites...


My beautiful baby, making a silly face...
My big girl, growing up way too fast!It was a glorious warm day to spend outside as well as taking some time inside to color eggs with Grandma Carmi (it was her first time!) and to take a look at all of the neat jewelry she made in the Philippines, before she each let us pick out a set for ourselves. Now the girls want to learn more from her to make their own creations. :)

It was a great day, filled with many blessings! .......Annnnnndddd, after all those M&Ms, the diet starts tomorrow. ;)

Exciting Times

Jalen will graduate this week- he will end his fifteen-year Explorers career on Friday night when he graduates at our annual Spring Extravaganza. He and I have been pretty emotional about it... very excited about his future plans, but sad that this part of his life is over. I keep finding myself thinking, "this is the last time he will ________", "only a few more weeks until _____ is over", etc. It's bringing lots of tears and reflection, but I am determined to make the most of this time. Explorers grads don't usually do the whole cap-and-gown thing, but I really wanted to see our group make a bigger deal out of all of our grads and this was a great year to start the ball rolling. ;)

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to get the six seniors together for some photos for the yearbook and for Friday night's presentation. Here are a few of them that I just love!

Seniors, 2011... Erika, Jalen, Sarah, Michael, Christian, and Ian.

They prefer to think of these as "Jedi robes"...

...and these would be light sabers, of course! Christian plans to photoshop this pic. so that this will become an ultimate SW battle. ;)

Erika had to leave a little early- good thing, I'm not sure where they would have put her...

A goofy group of boys- I love it!!

Another favorite...


Next time I check in here, I hope to have some great photos from graduation... most likely with mascara smeared all down my cheeks. ;)

Have a great week!!

Recent Events from the Sparrows' Nest...

A couple of weeks ago...
Jalen participated in a "Kids Read Comics" event- drawing for kids, attending workshops, and competing in "quick draw" events. Drawing and writing are Jalen's passion so this was an exciting and important day for him. It is so much fun to watch him grow and develop in his God-given talents!! He will be doing another KRC event in June... come see him in Chelsea, along with many super-cool, famous illustrators and writers!

Some of our Explorers' Graphic Novel Academy students...


Last weekend...
John bought me tickets to Les Mis as an early birthday gift and then practically begged me *not* to take him! Thankfully, I have good friends, willing to have a girls day out!! Susan was the perfect date. :)

Thursday night...
I have a new camera and, sadly, I can't figure it out most of the time sooooo this is the best photo I have from our CTK Jaguars basketball banquet. It was a fabulous season- they were 7-1, grew in skills and friendships, and John and the girls really seemed to mesh well. John talked in his final email about how much he will miss the words "Hey, Coach"... a very sweet mom headed up a beautiful effort to give him a priceless gift. In addition to some other great treats (loved dinner at Noodles and Co. this weekend!!), they gave him the following framed photo, which J will treasure forever. <3

J, getting a hug from "Chica" (Francesca), our team "pit bull"...

Greatest coach's gift EVER!... John could not have asked for more supportive parents in this league!
And on Friday...
We sat on pins and needles, waiting for the mail to come. Luke applied to a charter school at the local community college over a month ago and April 1 was the date to receive admittance letters.

I knew in my heart that God was all over this one. I knew *He* knows what is best for my son! Still, I knew how much Luke wanted this new adventure in his life... he asked when he was 11 why he couldn't start college yet!! WTMC will provide both a high school diploma AND college credits (free!)... even an associate's degree if that is what he wants to shoot for!

Thankfully, the "Congratulations" letter DID indeed arrive and we are so pleased to begin this new phase of Luke's education. This is going to be a big change for us- my boys are both done homeschooling! Will someone please send tissues? :'( OK, I'm not *that* sad- I am SO excited to watch what they will do next as they grow and mature. Love those kids!!