My Spring Break

Now that Rian is safely home and all is back to 'normal' (like that even exists?!) I thought I'd tell you about MY spring break while we wait for Rian to finish gathering his thoughts on his trip.

Alhough the first days were extremely quiet, and I was VERY ready for his return after 10 days, I really have to admit that I quite enjoyed the time! The last couple months has been very stressful for me and my family (more on that later) so that time with fewer responsibilities and distractions was a very welcome break!

Rick took a couple of days of leave so we were able to tie up some loose ends, like finishing that quick Bathroom project (which turned into a month long ordeal).

I also took some time to finish the valance for my bedroom, do some shopping and spent a lot of time reading, praying and just enjoying the solitude. We also took advantage of the sunny weather and bright blue skies and took a drive out to the Palmer/Wasilla area to do a little sight

seeing.... we didn't see anything new, but everything looks so different with a beautiful layer of new snow on it.

Like I said, I was more than ready for Rian to be home! He had a wonderful trip and we have enjoyed hearing about it! He is in the process of writing a letter to those of you who supported him on his trip and once those letters have gone out I'll post it here for you all to read. I also have to say (because it makes me sound like a better mother) that I am a bit saddened that I am now going to be leaving him for a few weeks...

While life tends to be a bit stressful on a daily basis for all of us, the added stress in my life lately is due to the fact that my mother has recently been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. While she is holding her own at this point (if you know my mom, you know that she is one tough cookie!) she is facing some pretty long days in the coming weeks as they begin radiation and chemotherapy treatments. We were planning a trip south later in the spring for Gerad's graduation, so it just seemed natural for me to head down a bit early and be there in case there is something I can do to help. I am hoping to leave early this coming week on a "hop" to Travis where I'll spend a few days holding that sweet grandson of mine before heading down to Texas. Rick and Rian will join me later.

Although we have had some really nice days lately, and spring is certainly on its way to Anchorage, break-up is my least favorite time of the year here!!! And, while I am not excited about the reason I'm leaving, I am excited about some consistent warm sunshine and green grass!!! I appreciate so much all you who have been and will be praying for my mom and all our family as we go through this difficult time. We have already seen God's hand in so many ways and are trusting Him to provide everything we need and to do great things through this.