The Blog Life

As I sat down to type today, I realized I didn't really have much to say. "You always have something to blog about," Kelly reminded me, but stories of dentist appointments and soccer practice don't quite tell of the excitement that is our life! Okay, so maybe that's what our life consists of and well, it should.

I'm doing spring cleaning... listing unneeded and unwanted items on eBay, washing windows and welcoming the sunshine. RCTC baseball is almost over (I know, it just started!) and Crossroads' finals begin next week.

That's about it... But never fear, something exciting will happen and I'll blog all about it. Until then!

Blessed

Oh what a beautiful morning, oh what a beautiful day, I've got a beautiful feeling...

Right now you're thinking one of two things: #1 - She's crazy. #2 - Oh, that's the song from the musical 'Oklahoma'. Angela must be having a great day! She's crazy.

It's a gorgeous day. Hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill tonight, baseball in the backyard. We enjoyed an outdoor weekend as RCTC played their first home games and Claire had her first soccer practice. The sun was shining and we've got the pink cheeks to prove it.

We are truly blessed. I was reading back through the archives of this blog and much has happened since August of last year. It's been exciting and scary and hard and fun... and I wouldn't change any of it. (If you're new to our blog, take a look at some of the old entries and you'll see all that's happened). It's now mid-April which means my husband will be leaving for 8 weeks in just over a month. I am so happy that he's able to take part in this tremendous opportunity. While we've learned so much this past year, it has been difficult, mostly for him. Coaching the FCA Grays this summer will be so good for him, not to mention that those he'll be working with, coaching and ministering to, will be blessed to have him.

And we have the best friends and family in the world. We've always known this, but we're truly seeing it in action. You have shown your love by supporting us financially this upcoming summer. We have lived all over this country and have been loved by and have laughed with the best: you. We are moved by your love and sacrifice for us. 'Thank you' just isn't enough, but I'll say it anyway: Thank You.

Although I shouldn't be, I continue to be amazed at God's provision. I've just recently been given the opportunity to care for a little girl, the daughter of friends and a classmate of Nolan's, during this summer. It's very part-time, only 2 days a week, but that small income will make a world of difference. A flexible schedule will still allow us to spend time in Kansas City. Truly an answer to prayer.

It's just one of those great days and I wanted to share it with you.

I've got a beautiful feeling, everything's going my way!

...More

I said I'd post "more" later, so here I am. Let's see...

A few weeks ago I spoke at my Thursday morning Bible Study's large group (about 60 women) and shared my testimony. Afterwards a woman approached me and asked if I would be interested in speaking at a monthly women's outreach luncheon she attends. Yesterday I attended the luncheon as her guest to find out more about it. It was a lovely event, but I was the youngest woman in attendance by at least 30 years! ("She's so young!" they would exclaim as I met the 'regulars'). The ladies at my table averaged about 75, but were fun to talk to and get to know. I'm not exactly sure what will happen, if anything, but the ladies are eager for "new blood" they tell me. We'll see...

Nolan is loving his preschool class and his teacher tells me he's adapted well and is "a very well behaved boy". It's always a joy (and relief!) to hear that your children are behaving when they're not on your watch! He begins t-ball next month and Kelly will coach. Knowing Kelly's interests and passion for sports, we've heard endless comments about preparing our kids for the "pros" over the years. It hasn't been until now that Kelly is ready to start coaching them ("It's time!" he says).

Claire is also thriving in her class, enjoying field trips and playing with friends. She's almost completed her book for Awana and will soon move to the next level. Soccer begins Saturday, the first of 8 weeks. I'm preparing for some cold mornings. Kelly will be watching from the sidelines along with me, as he's not too soccer savvy.

And although we haven't seen a home game for RCTC baseball (due to the weather), that doesn't stop Kelly from soaking it in via television. For some unknown reason I forget that baseball dominates most of our free time from April through September. "I'm working", Kelly says as he watches... with a totally straight face (and he means it!).

Seems like there's so much more going on, but I won't bore you with the details. I'll leave you with the Spann kids in their Easter best. Have a great day!

Wacky Wednesday

Claire woke up this morning and started to cry. I don't blame her. She looked out the window and this is what she saw:

Our backyard at 8 am

We knew it was coming but didn't want to believe it. I'm not sure why we're in disbelief, it is April in Minnesota, after all! Hopefully the snow will melt in time for soccer this Saturday... We're all geared up and ready to go.

We're back in the swing of things, or at least trying to get there. Easter was a great celebration spent with our friends (and adopted family) the Morgans. The weather cooperated enough to have a few egg hunts in the backyard and a bike trip to the park.

Lots going on... Life is busier than ever, I'll post more soon. Hope your week is great and you're feeling some sun (if that's not the case, perhaps we buy seasonal lights in bulk. We'll share.)

Happy Wednesday!

Spring Break

Wow... the week went by like that (I just snapped my fingers). It ended up being a really great week for everyone. Some exciting milestones occurred, including Claire praying to accept Jesus as her Savior! We are all very joyful!

We've been out of school since Friday, officially on Spring Break. We're definitely on break and we've had the spring rain, but it's due to dip down into freezing temps this next week so all those fun outdoor activities are out. Friday we stayed in our pajamas most of the day and enjoyed not having to go anywhere. That is definitely a rare occurrence and I honestly can't tell you the last time it happened. We're still trying to figure out how we're going to spend the next week (I love vacations but actually prefer having a schedule!). I'm considering taking the kids up to the Waconia/Mayer area to visit friends... have to make a few calls though!

Home opener for RCTC Baseball was supposed to be yesterday but the rain put the kibosh on that. Thankfully today is MLB's season opener so all is not lost!

Last night Claire & I enjoyed a "Spring Mother-Daughter Party" at the home of a school friend. Lots of giggles and screams of delight in between goodies and crafts. It was nice to spend time with new friends.

And though the sun might not be shining, I love this time of year. It's a time of rebirth and new growth. It was this time of year, many years ago, that I made the decision to fully commit my life to Christ, giving Him all of me. Claire's sweet prayer is a reminder of what Christ has done for all of us. Easter, a holiday that is often all bunnies and eggs is truly the most significant holiday we as Christian celebrate. Christ's ultimate sacrifice is at the forefront of our minds and is overwhelming if we truly consider it. It is real, it is true.

Thank you God, for the gift of your Son, allowing him to carry our burden. Thank you for giving us freedom, a life of joy and sense of peace that only comes from you. May we rest in your presence and accept your gift.