It was 70 degrees on Sunday! After a yummy post-church lunch at Italian Sensations, we ventured over to Bel Air Family Golf. What a great place.

We strolled our way through the miniature golf course,

and hit a bucket of balls on the range afterward.

What a fantastic day! I loved hearing the kids hit the sweet spot. And they were so proud of themselves. Now they want golf lessons. Anyone know of any good ones in Harford County?

The girls were itching to take dance lessons, but we just didn’t have the extra money to send them in this season of our financial life. They took the news hard. They were very disappointed. It killed me to have to say no to their passions.

But, very much by mistake, we stumbled upon a local rec program with great instructors for a fraction of the price.

We didn’t even have to spend money on dance duds. Brooke can wear sweats and her hip-hop tenners from last year,

and a friend from high school even gave me a pair of shoes for Breanna–for free!

Now my little princesses are thrilled to be dancing.

And I’m happy to be able to nurture their passions and talents.

God is faithful to not only meet our needs, but to grant even our hearts’ desires…like new friends!

Brooke and Brad are participating in Upward Basketball this summer. It’s a recreational, God-focused league that focuses on teaching skills and team-building. The kids just love it!

After they’ve warmed up,

they start every game in prayer.

Each player is coached to guard “his man.” Brad’s the one with his hands up.

After each game, they huddle with their coach and receive iron-on stars for Best Player, Best Sportsmanship, Best Christ-likesmanship, etc.

It’s been a great introduction to basketball, and the kids love playing with old and new friends.

Chuck has enjoyed leading devotions with the kids.

Brad’s Team

Brooke’s Team

This year Brooke took hip-hop dance at a local studio.  Here she is receiving her award at the end of the season.

Her costume is over-the-top and looks great against black with a little black light.

She learned all sorts of pops, jams, and even the coffee grinder.

She and her friend Grace were the youngest in the class and wore matching costumes.

They loved having an excuse to wear make-up.

The theme of the show is Rhythm in My Sole. Brooke acted in an extra shoe shopping scene, which is right up her alley.

Here’s my best shot at non-flash photography of the performance.

And the finale.

After five hours of rehearsal, we finally headed home after 10pm.

Whew! What a night.

What a year, for that matter!

The kids took Friday afternoon gym class at a nearby Christian camp. It was a great time for me to catch up with my girlfriends and Brea to play on the playground.

For the first few weeks, Brian wouldn’t go. For a few weeks he’d only go if I sat on the hill next to his class.

By the end of the year, he was not only going alone, but happily! He also earned top grades each week the last few months of class–an amazing accomplishment. Way to go, Brian!

Thanks, Kaitlyn, for being such a wonderful teacher!

My sister runs a SOKOL gymnastics program in Baltimore.

Saturday we went to Family Open Gym Day.

Everyone, including parents,

can use the equipment

to get a great workout

or just have plain old fashioned fun.

I must warn you that if you decide to join in on the fun

and craziness,

you might need an afternoon nap.

Brian got top honors on his gym class report card this week.

It was such a huge deal for him we called off all other plans

and headed to his favorite place, Brooms Bloom Dairy, for some serious ice cream.

You see, it was only a few months ago I couldn’t even get him to go to class. Now he’s got stellar marks.

Way to go, Brian!

I surprised the children with a bike ride on one of our first nice days of spring. We loaded up the bikes and headed to the local church parking lot, where there’s plenty of room to get up speed and do crazy eights.

Then I got a really crazy idea.

I took off Brian’s training wheels! I just had a gut feeling he was ready.

He was! Look at him go!

Brad learned just last year and now he’s a pro.

Brooke always smiles the entire time she’s on her bike. I love it!

Breanna was thrilled to recognize her own shadow.

And then her own reflection.

“Objects may appear cuter, if that is possible, in the mirror.”

When she was tired of riding her bike, she found these binos. Crazy kid!

This weekend we met friends at the local ice rink for our FIRST EVER ice skating session!

I was so impressed with my children. They all four skated the entire two hours, giving it all they had.

They did not quit when it was not easy. They did not whine or cry when they got soaked from falling on the ice over and over.

When the going got rough, they got tougher. I saw a side of my children’s character I don’t often see–pure tenacity.

Brooke was particularly talented–she’s asked for lessons. Well, this is where Kimmie Meissner trained.

Breanna and I posed for a few silly shots while the ice was being resurfaced. She’s a HOOT!

What a fun family afternoon. The kids started asking when we’ll do it again as they were taking off their skates. I see a few Daddy-Child dates in the works…

Maybe you’ve wondered where my Fitness Fridays are going. Maybe you’ve watched my struggles with food and weight in the power of my flesh. Maybe you’ve even seen me defeated by those struggles. I have good news. God let me fall right where I needed to fall–flat on my face. Only there am I ready to try His way.

My friend Heather, who has been a God-send from the beginning, let me know about Setting Captives Free’s free online study, The Lord’s Table. In the past week alone, God has used it to break several strongholds and set me free in areas I did not even recognize my bondage. I’ve realized that, as with all other things in this life, it’s not about my work, but about His grace.