Peter Pan

Bethany and I took our boys on a date (our sons, not hubbies). We went to see Peter Pan. It was Isaac's first time at a live play. We have read parts of the story, and he was apprehensive about going because of the crock and Captain Hook. I assured him they were only actors in costumes, and he would be safe. While we waited for the curtains to open, we discussed scenes, costumes, actors and theatre etiquette. When the show started, I was inundated with questions. "What's happening? What are they doing? How are they flying? When is the pirate ship coming? Why is it dark? When is it over? How do they make the tick-tock sound? Where did Peter Pan go? When is the crock coming back? What is happening next? Why does the crock want to eat Captain Hook?" I laughed to myself as I saw a little picture of myself as I watch movies with Chris. I tend to be a very vocal spectator and (especially in detective shows) spend most of my time guessing who did what and predicting what will happen next. My husband always tells me, "Just be quiet and watch." I found myself saying those exact words to my little boy. My fearful son, who hid behind the seats a few times during the show when he was scared of Captain Hook, had the sweatiest palms and fastest heartbeat as we walked up to the actors after the show to take pictures and commended them on their performance. His friend, Johnny, was the first one to be brave enough to take hold of Hook's hook when he offered a hook-shake to the boys. After Isaac saw that Johnny was not harmed, Isaac shook the hook too. He was so proud. Isaac said that his favorite character was Wendy. He got so shy when he took a picture with her and turned red in the face. (Is it crazy that my 4 year old is so interested in girls!?!?)
That night, as Isaac drifted off to sleep, he said, "Neverland...Neverland." When Daddy got him up in the night to take him potty, he didn't open his eyes, but he did say, "I shook Captain Hook's hook." Aside from the nightmare he had about 1:30am, it was a great show! So fun! Great memories!

Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm 2010

This is our 4th year going to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. This year we went with Johnny and Kayla. The weather was great and the kids didn't miss a thing. They kept going and going and going. There was so much to do that we didn't even get to see most of the Tulips, but it was a great day anyway. If you haven't gone, you should (this weekend is the last weekend).

This picture cracks me up. It was a bit windy at this moment.

This is a "GREEN" swing. :)

Kids in the kitchen

We were just playing around with the camera this morning.
Isaac said, "Take a picture of our bottoms."
This picture is for you son.

Isaac and Daddy built this train together.
He picked the letters on the train, but didn't have a reason why.
After brainstorming, we decided that it meant "Totally Awesome Train."

Planting

Now that we have a yard, Aunt Christina thought it was finally time for our kids to learn to grow something. As a house warming gift, she planted strawberries, blueberries and rosemary with Isaac and Abigail. Isn't she so sweet and creative? So, now the pressure is on for me and my not so green thumbs. Will I kill these plants or will they flourish? Only time will tell.

The Korens work fast!

Standing at the front door

Formal Living/Dining

Abigail's Room

Isaac's Room

Loft

Master

Master Bath

Family Room

Kids having their first breakfast.
Doesn't this have a little Norman Rockwell feel?

Kitchen...
Look at the view while doing dishes!!!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

This morning we were having Bible time in our family room with the sun cascading in through the big windows. Isaac stops and says, "Thank you Daddy for buying us this house & thank you Jesus for letting us have it." That captures my heart exactly.

We have worked so hard in the past two weeks. We spent many nights putting the kids to bed at the grandparents' house, working on the home from 9-midnight, then taking the 45 minute drive back. The past few days we kicked it onto high gear and were able to officially move in (tonight is our 3rd night sleeping here). As we have pushed through, we have been praising God for the gift of this home.

As I was vacuuming the other day, I was rejoicing that we were able to get nice carpet and make such a great place for our kids. I reflected back to all the places we have lived during the course of our married life. In our first rental condo in So Cal, we had a homeless guy we met at Java n Jazz stay with us a few nights. In the first condo we bought, we had a girl from the Master's College live with us a few weeks when she had no place to stay. We have had the privilege to host friends, family, and neighbors for games, dinners, desserts, and over-nighters in the homes we have lived in since. I stared to get even more excited for the years, Lord willing, we would be able to entertain and host people in this new home. I smiled as I pictured having the kids grow old in this house and, one day, bring home grandchildren to stay with us. I don't know what God has in store, but I am thankful for the opportunity. At the same time, I also acknowledge that this home is a gift and we are not bound to it. At any time we would freely give it up and move if that was the Lord's will for us. Until then, we will enjoy the days here and invite you to come visit anytime...we REALLY mean that.

***We had to post pictures. Honestly, can you believe that we got this all done so fast? Chris is such a work horse. I am so thankful for his talents and drive to get get things done. You are super-de-duper-awesome, honey!

Making progress on the house...

Carpet it, some furniture in, hardwoods being redone.

Before we put the new carpet down, Chris painted our initials
on the floor in each of our bedrooms (this is Isaac's)

Sanded with first coat of stinky, shiny chemicals

Our victory picture!
We are done painting!
(Except for the new touch-ups we need to do
since the workers came in and
we dinged up some walls moving furniture).

Snapshots of Easter 2010

We had the most fantastic Easter with the grandparents and the Springers. After church, we had the drive out to Hood River. We had great food, fellowship, played, dressed up, hunted eggs, picked flowers, read about Jesus' resurrection from the kids' story Bible and just enjoyed the time being together as family. It really was a great day!