The Big 4-0!

Written by Heather

For about a month leading up to my birthday, I was getting phone calls from family saying they could not believe I was turning 40. Well I could not believe it either, but here it is. I am officially into my 5th decade of life, and I am feeling as young and healthy as ever. So bring it on! I will not be embarrassed to tell my age, maybe I will even get lucky enough to get carded here and there.

My turning 40 went something like this: Omelets for breakfast made by Jim; Our last Pony Talk at Green Acres Equestrian Center with Ari dressed as the hippie cowgirl; Afternoon tea at Tea Leaves and Thyme in downtown Woodstock, a highly recommended, delicious lunch; Some outdoor decorating while Ariana enjoyed a lengthy nap; Capped off by Italian cuisine with The A Team, Grandma and Grandpa. The weather could not have been more perfect, and I could not have been happier. For all the well wishes and love given, I am so thankful. Now I need to get working on the beautiful garden, I will very soon enjoy.

At 40, I have received gifts beyond my imagination and for which I am so undeserving. Thank you God for sustaining me thus far, and for all the blessings I have been given. I thank my friends, who have always been there, my family who supports me no matter what, and a husband who strengthens me and gives his all. I am thankful for and thank Ariana for giving me new life, a life I had always wished for. And I am so thankful for the family created around her. It has been an amazing and inspiring thing to be a part of. Mostly, I am thankful to finally have learned to appreciate today. To no longer dwell on the past or wish for the future, but just enjoy the here and now. With all my love-Heather

Easter Feast and Egg Hunt

Written by Melissa
Pictures by Heather and Marisa

We had a hoppin' good time at our annual Easter Egg Hunt this past weekend. We started with an amazingly delicious potluck lunch -- I really know how to summon the inner chef in everyone in order to provide fantastic food at my gatherings! :-) After we were all sufficiently full, the kids were whisked to the front porch while the Easter bunny worked his magic (on the weather and the eggs) in the backyard. The rain held off just long enough to enjoy the hunt and capture some great family photos.

Following the weekend, I thought about how different this Easter was for me than that of the year before. I was happy on both occasions to be surrounded by loved ones, but last Easter my heart was aching inside. My life was so different than my younger self had ever imagined it and I was learning how to live in my new world - the world that included unforeseen hardship and discomfort that time has taught me is just a part of being an adult! It was certainly hard then to watch the beauty and innocence of all the kids - the blissful ignorance they thankfully possess as little people - and, at the same time, to feel the reality of my adult life and to know my friends and family also had their own realities that they, too, were facing at the time. It was a tough Easter in 2013.

This year, I attended church on Sunday morning (something I couldn't bring myself to do last year). Pastor Michael said, "Easter is the holiday that changes EVERYTHING." Everything that was is no longer - everything that wasn't is so --- or at least, can be so. He is right. What I knew of life before past Easters is not what I know of life now. Still, I have learned there is peace in knowing that change, while scary, can be embraced and accepted and, eventually, truly enjoyed and loved.

This Easter my heart is very full. I am blessed to have the family I have - all six of us... and really, all 37 that attended our hunt on Saturday, as well numerous others that didn't. Happy Easter. Much love.