I'm Still Alive and Kicking...

though not as high as I used to!

Lots of stuff happening here, but very little time to blog about them. The other day, Jonathan said, "Mom, this year is flying by!" Here's what's been happening in our corner of the world.

Chelation has started for the boys and it's going smoothly. Elizabeth had an ear/sinus infection at the time, so she will begin at our next visit in two weeks. God is faithful!

I also had a checkup with the MD and was encouraged when he commented that we were on the right track with our recent diet changes and decision to kick coffee. It's been three weeks since I had my last cup of java. I can't believe the difference it's made in my energy level; I feel so much better all around. Alan decided to join me in quitting coffee, but he asked if we could find something hot to sip on instead. Enter decaf green tea, very soothing and high in antioxidants to boost.

More fun to report. I've been spending hours at the dentist having my amalgams replaced. Just one more, and I'm amalgam-free! I can't believe how relaxing it is to lie down and listen to classical music from headphones while the dentist drills my teeth. The assistant was surprised when I admitted to dozing off a few times. I told her that it's rare that I get a quiet moment (sans drill) in the middle of my day!

I went on our church's women's retreat and returned renewed, refreshed and refocused. Our retreat speaker was Catherine Martin of Quiet Time Ministries, and the theme was my verse for this year, Psalm 46:5. "God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved." During the retreat, God's still, small voice was heard; idols were laid down and burdens were nailed to the cross. The Author and Finisher of my faith penned another promise-filled page.

We joined a group of homeschooling friends at the park to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Everyone had to bring something green to share. I brought guacamole and chips to add to the spread which included green salad, honeydew melon, kiwi fruit, green grapes and more. The girls enjoyed the swings and play equipment, but the boys immediately became imaginary warriors waving around their "swords." What is it with boys and sticks?

This is the week for visitors. My childhood friend from Hawaii, Susan, her husband and three kids are in town to visit Disneyland. They came by tonight for dinner. Though we haven't seen each other in years, our conversation flowed as if we had talked just yesterday. It's amazing how some things never change, like pidgin accents!

My parents fly in tomorrow to spend Easter week with us. The kids can't wait--when Grandma and Grandpa are here, it means lots of read alouds, treats and fun galore! Spoiling the kids is a grandparent's prerogative, isn't that the truth?

Elizabeth is looking forward to wearing her new Easter dress and hat!

Have a blessed week as we contemplate the depth and breadth of God's love toward us.

"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:31, 32.