Dear Kelli

Today was a rough day - the normal time alarm felt like the middle of the night. I felt rough with my teaching even though I was planned and ready for Monday. The principal walked in during math, sat down with his laptop and started typing {which equals observing me} For real, my final observation today?

Today I felt out of focus and not me. My hair was frizzy (I left my favorite conditioner in the hotel shower)

I was walking around during lunch duty wondering why I didn't take video of walking around cool Chelsea market and why in the world I didn't take pictures of hardly anything.

But no matter what the day was or what "catch up" is facing me {that darn cast party I'm in charge of} we did it!

NYC just us! No one to help us - a train alone, a taxi alone, a hotel stay, maps on our phones, figuring out where to go...

We talked forever {and I could have talked with you that much for another month}, we laughed about that tea menu, we shared a frozen hot chocolate, we rode taxis, ate at pretty places where the food was as beautiful as it tasted, we shopped, and solved all of our problems in two and a half days. We walked with umbrellas, we strolled the High Line in sunshine {and gusty wind}, we sampled and tried new things.

So tired today, really behind in 'life', a ton of laundry, and emails I'm afraid to open?

SoooooooooOOoooooooooo worth it!



Thank you for flying across the country, thank you for braving NYC with me, and above all thank you for coaxing me out of my comfort zone to meet with you.

If felt gooooood to do what made me nervous... I'm proud of us!

And Kelli, when we were in front of the Warwick and your taxi pulled off, I felt like someone was taking my friend away. I felt happy to be going home to the life I love, sure. But more than that even, I felt grateful to God for friendship, across the miles, and so close in heart. {your taxi pulling away brought tears to my eyes... that was hard}

Yes, friend, today is hard because I don't know when we'll have an adventure like that again. But we will, I know it!

Thank you for adventure, and fun. Thank you for stepping out of life with me. It was the best weekend ever.

Chinese National Honor Society

Last night was a pretty special night -



(blurry but I love it)


Anna was inducted into the Chinese National Honor Society



Like "National Honor Society" {that happens in junior year of high school} this was a World Language Nation Honor Society and Anna was recognized for her achievement in Chinese.



We couldn't have been more proud of her.



She had to read an oath in Chinese and it took my breath away - not to mention seeing her walk across that stage for such an honor - and for it being a Chinese honor.



Such a special night! 

Our Easter

He has risen - He has risen - He has risen indeed!

We spent the Easter weekend preparing for Easter Sunday. We 'celebrated' Good Friday (back here) and then on Saturday it was all about getting ready for the big day!



The girls each made their own cupcakes -  Abigail stuck with a traditional one, coconut and jelly beans for little nests. (non pinterest, just our own simple sweetness)





And I think they turned out lovely, just like her



Anna had daddy at the store for mini marshmallows and pink sugar with an lamb idea she cooked up



And I love these too!



On Saturday evening we headed to bed as 'on time' as we could because Easter for us is a long day and I didn't want us all tired.

They had to wake up before church time (usually they need to be ready for Mass at 9:15 but on Easter we had to get Abigail there early for singing, so we had to leave at 8:50) That meant they were up and at their baskets at 7 something!



That Easter bunny left them delightful, little things. This is the view from the end of the hallway











I loved this happiness...







and watching the things that make their hearts sing!





Anna's favorite that morning was this beautiful Italian watercolor paper with sea creatures on the front.







Abigail's favorite was this little crafty kit that you make inside a tin - its a whole scene {when it's done} that lights up and everything. It's all so tiny and delightful - I can't wait to see it when it's done!



The bunny always seems to bring Calico Critters!





{and a book or two}



This one has such beautiful illustrations and a lovely message - highly recommend!





I've been wanting to teach the girls how to cross stitch this summer - and so happy that they got these to start with!







Be still my heart!



It was a small breakfast and quick - to - get - ready morning!



Just a few moments for a picture or two before church.











Probably my favorite of the day!



















When we got home I wanted to get one of Scott and I - Anna snapped this one...



... and Abigail jumped in the middle of this one!



We walking into our kitchen and it was all set up for our little family brunch.







Do you know this book? It's my favorite Easter story book of all time. The part when the mama bunny teaches her little cottontails each the little chores... these two will sweep, these two will dig in the garden, these two will play music... I love that part {ever since I was a little girl} and I found this vintage table cloth that jumped out at me and said, "take me home" because it's just like that part in the book!







The yummiest brunch ever!





And then the girls started their egg hunt!













We relaxed with Spring tea until it was time to go to Easter dinner at my brother's house. {I left my camera at home and just enjoyed the evening.



A blessed Easter indeed!