Lent, Riley and again catch up

So Wednesday was the first day of Lent. I don't usually give anything up and am still learning more about it. However, I really want to draw closer to God and make Easter more meaningful. I know I have said this before but I am a very simple person. So my favorite holidays are Thanksgiving and Easter. I love Christmas for what it stand for and all the family get togethers. However, I love the simplicity and meaning of Easter and Thanksgiving.
And Easter is such an important part of my Christian walk that I am always wanting to "get" it better. So originally thought I would give up sugar for lent. I am also doing a special devotional that our church has put together. However, after reading a little more I am feeling that that isn't quite what God is asking of me. See, I don't eat much sugar. It doesn't consume me in any real sense. So, for this year I will continue with my digging deeper of God's word and his desire for me. I do understand of giving up Facebook or internet or t.v. because I can see the time that takes away from digging deeper.

Now for my sweet girl Riley. She just turned 4. Yes 4. I can't believe it. She is so sweet and special. She is good and yet has a fun spunk to her that is great. She had 3 of her friends over after hearts at home and they had fun playing. Jim and I made her cupcakes that she had asked for. A little info, Jim is amazing, I have a fun thing about making our kids cakes. However, they don't turn out nearly as good without my husband. He is so good and gracious to me by helping me do them. So, this year was princess cupcakes. I will add pictures when my camera battery has charged.

Then on Friday my sister came home. She had been at bible school in New Zealand for almost six months. Our kids LOVE my sister. So it was a special birthday for Riley to have Auntie come home so close to her birthday. For Riley's birthday dinner she really wanted Red Robin. So since my sister came home the next day we had supper at home on her birthday and ate at the Red Robin by the airport with my sister. They loved it.

Then today was Riley's Family birthday party. We have some great friends we consider family and of course our actual families. We always feel so blessed when they come over.

Other than that life is slowing down. Basketball is over, we have a few weeks before baseball. Even though B is playing catch constantly. Tonight during his devotions it was on the outdoors and when I asked him his favorite thing to do outside he said playing baseball. School is great. He is advancing nicely. And even though we love his school and teacher I am thrilled for Spring Break.