Unexpected

A couple weeks ago a friend casually invited me to our church’s Women’s Retreat, and I sort of bristled at the idea. I was happy to promote the retreat to others, talk it up, but wasn’t looking to “enlist.” I had been in 2006, and loved it, but wasn’t actively pursing the retreat because a lot of my close friends weren’t going. I do love to be alone, but, like most, find comfort in being surrounded by friends.

And, yet, there I was—an opportunity to go on the retreat, and I couldn’t bring myself to say no. I had been feeling burnt out by the ordinary day-to-day stuff, and the idea of a break from it all sounded incredibly attractive. Along with some respite, I was also looking forward to getting back in touch with God. I'm the first to admit that my default status is being a fair-weather Christian, and knew that some time alone with God was desperately needed.

And so I went, and I’m so glad I did. I went on my own, and thoroughly enjoyed the car ride alone. I roomed alone, and returned alone, and absolutely, positively loved it. The silence, the peace was just amazingly therapeutic and rejuvenating.

And, although I didn’t know who would be there, I was delightfully surprised to see some people that I hadn’t expected on seeing. I sat in a room on Saturday evening with three women that I casually knew and talked about life—where we've been, where we’re at, what we’re up against, and where we’re heading—and I absolutely loved it. I love being surprised by a moment such as that one. I didn't expect it would happen, and yet I was so glad it did. More so, I'm so glad I didn't miss it. God was there—not just Saturday night, but the whole weekend—and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to re-connect with Him. I feel challenged, I feel different, and I feel more alive. It’s amazing what a "timeout from life" can do for your soul.

And, I’d be remiss to not acknowledge that the weekend “worked” because Dan happily took the reins, and totally embraced the idea of a daddy-daughter weekend. I loved coming home and seeing and hearing that everything had gone well. I can not say it enough—I was (am) impressed with Dan.

Aside from my recent retreat experience, we rounded out April by celebrating Easter with Tom and Sydney, taking the girls to an Easter Egg Hunt, celebrating my 32nd birthday, and taking Ro to a specialist to check out her umbilical hernia (we’re going to give it more time to take care of itself).

As far as "year 32" goes, it doesn’t feel much different, but I am becoming more aware that I’m not getting younger (duh!) and nor are my loved ones; being/becoming healthy/healthier is mission critical; and pondering who I am, and who I want to be (and what God says about this too). Big stuff, big discussions—a little heavy for a birthday conversation, but certainly what is on my mind. More on this soon, but for now, enjoy some recent pictures of the girls!

One of the "best" (or at least the funniest) of me and the girls on Easter Sunday.

Ro munching on some cookies from her Easter basket. Gosh, she's cute.

Dan trying to impart his love of Sushi to his daughter. It worked.

A cuddle moment.

A "put the camera down and tend to me" moment.

A "I wish I was Romey!" kind of moment. I love her expression, and her blonde hair blowing in the wind. I can still hear her giggling.

More giggles.

And.....a serene shot of Avery. She is a beautiful girl......

........but, can, at times, have a phony smile!

A quick update

I’m so glad last week is over. We sure know how to stack a week! Here are some of the highlights:

*Ro had her fifteen-month well-check doctor's appointment, and it went fairly well. Due to the fact that Romey shot up three inches in three months she unfortunately hadn’t gained more than two ounces of weight (not concerning, but hopefully “not a trend,” as the doctor put it). Ro also isn’t communicating "with words" (only babbles, grunts and points) so she needs a speech evaluation. We’re shocked that she’s not saying “Avery”—the word she hears the most often! And, to top it off, Ro’s umbilical hernia hasn’t sufficiently closed so we’re going to see a specialist. All in all it was a good doctor's appointment, and these concerns are all very, very minor so we'll just tread our way through it until Romey has an indented belly button and is telling us to "be quiet!"--one of Avery's favorite "parental phrase" that she uses on Dan and me.

*Avery had spring break last week so we headed to Bloomington for a few days. We ran a lot of errands, saw my parents’ new house, and my mom even took the girls for portraits (something that I just don’t do—see below). We ended the week with a fun pool/pizza party at my parents’ hotel (my Dad had meetings in the suburbs Friday and Saturday), and then a Menning clan celebration at Hugo’s Frog Bar and Fish House (delicious!).

And now, it’s another week, and I’m grateful that the calendar is relatively clear! Yeah!

Have a great week!

Romey

A cute candid of Avery and Romey

Avery

Ro-mouse

The only "mouse" I've ever loved.......

Waterbugs

Last week was crazy, so we jumped at the opportunity to enjoy a little water fun. Avery loved it; Romey hated it.

We outfitted Avery with some water wings and a floating device so she was free to paddle around the pool by herself. She loved the freedom, and would swim up to others and say, "Hi, I'm Avery, and I'm swimming!"

One of the only smiles from Ro. She wasn't feeling it.

Ummm....still not feeling it.

Cheesy goodness

I recently asked Dan to feed Romey. Leave it to Dan to attempt to speed up the process.....

Ro is visibly confused and yet still opens her mouth!