He came, he hopped, he hid the eggs

As my husband so sweetly reminded me, the Easter Bunny visits children. Not thirty-somethings, but children. Whatever. Despite my basketless condition, I managed to have a rather enjoyable and relaxing day (even if it was 90 degrees!). Church, brunch, an egg hunt, a nap and a bikeride- Spring has definitely sprung!

Most impressive of all- that the cousins were willing to put up with everyone taking pictures for 20 minutes. Not bad for 8 kids under the age of 7, huh?

Proud Auntie Mimi and Uncle Gabe

Happy Birthday Mom!

Saturday night was full of family fun. The immediate family is currently at 12 with one more on the way (no, not mine) and, needless to say, it is always an adventure when we go out for dinner together. This time it was to celebrate Grandma's birthday. After a near altercation and enough food for three days worth of meals, it was back to the house for my "I can't find a recipe I like so I'll make it up as I go Lemon and Raspberry Layer Cake". All in all, it was a lovely evening with the family. Happy Birthday, mom. I love you.

To every season

Life just never ceases to amaze. Just when things are status quo life steps in and shakes things up as if to remind us that nothing is constant, nothing is forever, and nothing is without change. Never in my life has this been so glaringly evident to me as it has been recently. In less than a week's time I have experienced such a vast array of emotion that, quite honestly, I have just wanted to be alone with my thoughts in an effort to try to make sense of it all. You see, in this short period of time I have experienced the death of a friend, the birth of my best friend's son, a marriage and a near divorce (not mine, someone else's). To say I have been conflicted is somewhat of an understatement. My happiness has been tainted by guilt and my pain has not even truly had a chance to surface.
As I write this I realize that I may be sharing too much or that I may even be speaking to no one but myself, but for me it is the first step in resolving the clash of emotions that has recently taken over my thoughts. You see, the funny thing about life is that it doesn't slow down. There is no asking to take a time out just because you need to regroup. Nope. You must take the good with the bad and the bitter with the sweet, because at the end of it all these are the experiences that shape you. These are the experiences that remind us to live each day to its fullest and to enjoy every moment. Surprisingly, this is easier said than done. But I'm working on it.