March 2014

March: in like a lion and out like a lamb. This was definitely true of March for us this year. We started the month with another ice storm and ended it with a sunny day in the 70's. I had just packed the winter clothes away when we were hit with enough ice to coat everything a couple inches deep. The boys thought it was great that Dad got another snow day. Dad didn't feel quite the same way. He will be going to school into June now. Bummer! We will try not to complain too loudly though. Much of our family has been buried in feet of snow for months. On the bright side, being home allowed Jeff more time for the shower remodel.
And now everything is blooming, we are loving the warmth of the sun, and the new shower is complete!

The big news of the month was Elijah earning his bb gun. He had to go 14 days straight without sucking his thumb to earn it. There were a few slip-ups sending him back to day 1 but he finally achieved his goal. We couldn't be more excited for him. He has been sucking his thumb since the womb, literally. I have an ultrasound picture of him sucking his thumb. Therefore, this has been an extremely hard habit to kick. Way to go, Eli!!!!!

This month both boys got to each participate in a sleep-over. Eli went to a friends house for a night and Thad had a friend over for a night. It is crazy to think that my kids are old enough for sleep overs and that they aren't intimidated (at least Eli isn't) to sleep away from home.

This month we wrapped up the Spring Co-op classes for our home-school group. Both boys did great and thoroughly enjoyed their classes. We were so proud of Eli for going up on stage and reciting his verse in front of a crowded sanctuary full of parents and kiddos. Enjoy the pics of Thad showing off his safari uniform and Eli with his soccer medal.

We enjoyed getting to have Grandpa and Grandma Rice visit us over part of Spring Break. Unfortunately, strep throat worked its way through the kids so we didn't have quite as much energy as usual. We still got to play games, go to the nature center, take walks, and eat outside. Celebrating Grandma's birthday was a highlight as well as Eli getting to show off his cap and gown. He had graduation practice for his graduation ceremony in May. Can you believe he is graduating Kindergarten and will be seven years old this fall? Wow, time flies!

As part of our Spring Break, we booked a night in a hotel in Tulsa that had an indoor water park. The boys LOVED it! They both spent hours swimming and playing. We also ate at a 50's diner while in Tulsa. The boys got a kick out of the juke box on every table. The Bass Pro Shop was another fun stop before heading home.

This month was a milestone for Marie as she turned 6 months old. She has started eating solid foods and is close to being able to sit up on her own. She continues to be a source of entertainment for us as she coos and giggles...especially in the Jumperoo. We absolutely love having her in our family!

Leigh Ann started her 4th year in the Women Run Arkansas clinic here in Fort Smith. Unfortunately, she has had to hang up her running shoes because her plantar fasciitis has flared up AGAIN. She is disappointed and frustrated. Pray for quick healing and a love for another form of exercise as this is her fourth bout of inflammation and it always happens about the time she hits a certain mileage in running.

Once again we have so much to be thankful for. We are so thankful for Jeff's job that allows him scheduled breaks throughout the year. We are also thankful for the time spent with family. It is hard to be so far away and visits make the distance more bearable. We are thankful for modern medicine and the healing power of our Almighty God. We are thankful for His unending faithfulness and the way He continues to provide for our family.

We hope Spring has found its way to your neck of the woods and that you are enjoying seeing life spring anew. Enjoy the pics!

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