Almost to the Finish Line

Here we are....my classmates of Cohort II, 16 of the original 21.

almost to the finish line...

Since January 2009, my fellow cohort members and I have endured weekend classes, group projects, collaborations, and persevered through countless papers, tests, discussions, and endless lectures....

....All for the motivation for that one day when our program of study is finished and we can say, "We did it!" Even amongst all the life going on around us - church, spouses, children, jobs, friends, births (three babies have been born during our program, including Luke!), deaths, and everything in between, we can say that we have completed our tasks. 

Our last chapter is writing the big "D".....the dissertation.  As we bid farewell to one another, we will hopefully reunite next May as we walk across the stage during graduation to receive our final diploma, for a terminal degree, a doctorate.

Personally, the next year will consist of many exhausting days of research, observations and numerous late nights of writing.  But, in the midst of all the deadlines and revisions, I pray that the Lord keeps me focused on Him & my family; yet, also gives me the strength to finish strong....to complete my educational journey.   "I think I can, I think I can......but I KNOW HE CAN."

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 
Philippians 4:13

Thinking about...

these silly girls,

in that precious land,

serving the sweetest people.

 

Saying a prayer for our beloved friends who are miles and miles away.



"... the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you."
Deuteronomy 31:6

Boys & Toys

"The difference between men and boys
is the price of their toys. " 

~Unknown

Loving the concentration - and the tongue out!! 

The day ended with quick motorcycle ride around the driveway

Soaking up these days when riding toys are just TOYS!  

I can't imagine when the vehicles are for REAL?!?!  

I better start praying now.

Dear 16,
Please come slowly. This Momma's heart won't be able to handle watching her sweet boys drive away - by themselves! Eeekk!

Thanks!
Mommy of 2 sweet boys who will always buckle up and drive the speed limit (shhhhh! a girl can dream, right?)

"I am..

the resurrection and the life."

John 11:25

 

Our Easter, this year, was spent with my family on the farm:)

The weekend began with the, "the all important egg hunt" which was necessary on Saturday since the weather looked rainy for Sunday.

This handsome guy looking, oh, so cute in his plaid shorts!

And this little babe, who was just 3 months old on Easter last year, enjoyed his first official hunt:)

A little help from Luke's Great Grandmother.

 

"Hey, Mady, where do you think all the eggs are hiding?"

Luke is definitely teething!  Look at that soaked outfit! The kid needs a bib:)

After the hunt, everyone gathered on the front porch.
Love this picture! Especially Laytons smile!

My crazy family!  (Layton kept putting eggs on Pops eyes!)

We even took a ride around the farm to see the horses and cows on Dad's Mule.

And then we stood around the pond watching Howie (my brothers' lab), retrieve decoys and the sun set.

Mimi and Pops with their littlest angels:)

Nose wrinkle.  Melt. my. heart.

Pops and Layton took a ride on the 4-wheeler. 

On Easter morning, we braved the rain and went to church.  I was dying for a good picture of the boys in their coordinating outfits. Well, this is the best I got:)

Sweet, tired and hungry - didn't make the best combo!

Sweet Mady all dressed up for Easter in her beautiful blue dress (my favorite!)






The boys in their bright yellow and blue.

My littlest bunny....oh how he makes me smile;)

Happy Easter!

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this?"

John 11:25-26

"Is it really raining...

on Easter?", asked these sweet ones as they starred out the window dripping with water. 

Even though it rained on Easter day, we still rejoiced in our Risen Savior!