April

We are attempting a "square foot garden" this year! We're doing 3 4'X4' raised beds and there will be trellises too. Here we are creating "Mel's mix" which is a combination of compost, vermiculite (so hard to find! We call it "vermicu-what?!" since that was our response when we asked at several stores), and peat moss. 

Hopefully we'll be really successful and I'll be able to post pics of our bountiful harvest in a few months. We already have a few sugar snap peas poking out of the ground...so we're on our way!


We had a wonderful reunion with our friends the Jones'! Beth became a good friend of mine while we lived in Knoxville. We bonded quickly while working at Karns Elementary School as the school counselor and art teacher. Beth, Greg, and Anna (6 months) live in Atlanta, GA. This was our first time meeting the daughters! :)

We let the girls take a joy ride in the mall.

Anna's not so sure this is a good idea! :)

Hey, it's my turn to drive!

Easter Morning....she found her Easter basket!

Natalie feels pretty in her Easter dress!

 Here's Natalie at church with her buddy Levi.

Other updates: I'm teaching a few art camps this summer! I'm really excited!!! I had been dragging my feet as to finding a venue to offer my classes, and the perfect situation has opened up. Just a few weeks ago I read in the local paper about an old church building being renovated into an arts center. I contacted the guy and within days, it was settled! It's called the Ten West Center for the Arts and it's located right in Fortville, the town where I teach. I'm going to offer three weeks of camps with will consist of classes M-F for two hours in the morning plus to Saturday sessions. I've already had several kids sign up and I'm getting more each day! :)

(If you happen to be reading this are are interested in more info- contact me at this address: mrsgreenart@gmail.com)

I'm aiming to end this school year strong in spite of all of the drama of being laid off. It is hard, awkward, painful, disappointing...you name it, but I am trusting God to provide. (Our biggest concern is health insurance, urgh!) I'm sure these last 4 weeks of school will be emotional. I have to keep remembering to be thankful for the time I've had at Fortville Elementary and celebrate that time as a gift. It really has been! Who knows what's around the corner? -besides God? There is one potential job opportunity that has come to my attention...well see! But like any teacher (and student)....I'm ready for the SUMMER! :)

Natalie Turns 1!

Here are some pictures from Natalie's birthday! 

All 5 cousins were at the party!

Here we are at Natalie's dedication. Pastor Greg challenged us to love God and follow him wholeheartedly, that would be be best way to teach Natalie about Him. The life verse we chose for Natalie is  Eph.3:17-19 " I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Family bunch after the dedication

Natalie's First Year

Natalie's First Year

Here's the video we made to play at Natalie's birthday party. :)

Sanibel Island

We had a wonderful time in Sanibel! Here are some pics from our trip!

At the Indy airport...preparing for Natalie's first airplane ride. She did okay on both trips, was gave her a B- for behavior. Could have been better, could have been worse. :)

Look at the shop that was right next to our gate! Of course we had a buy candy from this place! 

Our gorgeous walk to the beach. We had great weather! (Did I mention it SNOWED in Indy while we were gone!) 

Very windy!

Searching for shells....to eat!

Fun at the pool!

If this trip wasn't wonderful enough, we basically had a live-in nanny for the first day and a half of our stay! Molly, my cousin's daughter was a HUGE help. She and Natalie were instant buddies. Molly quickly earned the nickname "Mom Jr."! We miss you already Molly! :)

This trip was made possible by my generous and loving Uncle Jim and Aunt Lois!!! Here we are out to lunch on our last day. It was a GREAT trip!