Home-made Family for Easter

Because I was home for Easter this year (!!) I decided to host an impromptu dinner for some friends who didn't have family in the area to celebrate with. Each of them were known by me and not by each other, but I think we all had a great time!

Here's the whole group.  The two ladies in front next to me are Nena (from my small group) and Carly (a new friend I just met today whom Paul brought along to join the fun).

Emily (Paul's sister, who I got to know when Paul moved back to D.C. area) and Paul (classmate from sophomore year at BFA).

Francis, Joanna and I.  We met at our church in San Francisco when I lived there.

Happy Easter!!

I saved these cute pictures from my visit to Seattle for today. Oma and Opa sent the girls bunnies for Easter, and I was there when they got them. We then went for a walk, and OF COURSE the bunnies had to come with us!

I know Easter is not about bunnies and eggs.  It's about Jesus' incredible gift of following through on His Father's will so that we can be saved.  I praise Him for that sacrifice.  And I praise Him for my nieces, too!

Miss Carly Comes to Visit

My dear friend, Carly, came for a visit yesterday here in Seattle. She fits right in with our family

(Photo courtesy of CoCo)

We played a fun game of "Find the mini-animals" yesterday afternoon before supper (Think Easter Egg Hunt with Fisher Price Animals).  Always a great success and lots of fun in this house!  We had to wait on the stairs for the animals to get hidden.

Guess Where I Am?

With my sleeping beauty!

 And spring is on it's way!

CoCo prayed for sun, and we had a picnic lunch outside, proving God answered!

Mandatory Visiting

I haven't seen my dear friend, Ruthie, for over 3 years, even though she lives 45 minutes away in Maryland. Last night, I corrected that problem. Since I saw her last, she has gained 2 new little ones to her family, making her kid count a total of 4. The youngest is 9 months, and the oldest is 6 years. She is one busy momma!!

Laurel (will be 3 in June)

John (6 years old)

Will (4 years old)

Quite the mode of transportation.

Andrew (9 months)--SUCH a smiley, giggly boy!

This is what I would look like if I had this many kids. . .until about 5 seconds later when I couldn't handle it anymore!!  Thanks for the visit, friends!

Buddies in Baltimore

I met my sweet girl, Elaine, in Baltimore on Friday, and had lunch with she and her fiance', Chris DARLING (really, that's his name.)

Elaine had found a low-priced, good food Lebanese restaurant near where we were.  Being that it is very close to Turkish food, she was one happy camper!  (Turkey is where she grew up.)  She started the meal with a syrup coffee, and we ended the meal with this Baklava. 

It was a perfect spring-like day in Baltimore. . .

. . .except for the WIND!!  (BTW, how come I'm looking like I'm falling out of an airplane, and they look like models???  I ask you????  I think I must have been their wind shield.  Yeah!  That's it!)

I must say, it was a little intimidating walking around the city with such models. . .er. . .beautiful people.  But I was so glad I got to do it! 

More Weekend Fun!

On Friday night, I went to our church women's conference (wasn't able to attend the whole thing, due to the wedding in the previous post. Get this. . .the BRIDE TO BE was at this conference on Friday night!!! Tells you where her priorities lie!!)

Jessica, my worship leader whom I play piano for every once in a while.  Love her!!

Lisa Chan, author Francis Chan's wife, was our speaker.  She was not live in our auditorium, thus the TV picture!!  The theme for the night:  "Be still." 

Not a great night without some of my small groupies!!

Saturday. . .after the wedding. . .I watched "Les Miserables" with these guys. . .then we went to 5-guys for burgers!  Good times.

Winter Storm Saturn. . .In My Neck of the Woods

I just went outside to shovel, even though it is still snowing hard. I have 2 words to describe the snow. . .wet and HEAVY!!! It's mostly slush at the base of it because the air temperature is so warm. In the meantime, it continues to gather. I'll try to keep tabs on it throughout the day.

Wedded Bliss

Today my friend, Jo Linda, got married!!! She has hosted me in her home before for thanksgiving, and has just been an encouragement in my life. And her wedding party was full of fun friends, too!!  Rebecca, Erica, and Kathy were all in a small group that used to meet at my house.

Beth, Laurel and Suzanna were also a part of that small group.  And through friends of friends, Beth was the one that told Emily that I was looking for a roommate when I moved here nearly 4 years ago now.

The bride and groom.  Coincidentally, the groom also works for United in the maintenance department.

The three ladies that stood up with her.  BEAUTIFUL!  Hair courtesy of my favorite stylist, Rachelle.

Breath-taking flowers