Leader of the Parade

Jacob, the band leader

Doesn't he look grown up in this picture?

Checking out a game with Daddy

"I'm all ready for school, mom!"

"Time to hit the homework!"

Jacob hones his skills on the imaginary accordion.

The "Rogue"

You would think that when we "spring forward" that would mean that the kids get up later. I have learned that this is not so. After one morning of sleeping-in bliss, Jacob decided that for each day thereafter, he would exact payment for this extra hour by getting up 30 to 45 minutes earlier than usual. Sigh. Finally he was back to his normal schedule this morning. He has been kinda cranky this week due to a new tooth, but not nearly as upset as the last time he was teething. He has not required our presence in the middle of the night. But Micah has. This morning he came in to tell us he was hot. I think I told him to take off his shirt and get back to bed. I think I said that. It was 2:30 a.m. When you have small children in the house, you go to bed hopeful, but not confident, that you will get a good night's sleep.

This week it was the cat, however, who caused our anxiety levels to rise. We found some blood in the litter box and took her to the vet expecting to hear that she had a bladder infection, as is usual for her. We weren't anticipating the diagnosis of possible bladder stones and diabetes. A blood test showed that she was not diabetic, but we still aren't sure about the other. We are treating her with antibiotics, in the hopes that this will clear up her problems. If they do not, it looks like Rogue may be using up her last life. I don't want to say it yet, since today she is running around and eating and doing all the normal things. But she is 14 years old now, arthritic, and no spring kitten. I have to admit, after 2-4 years of cleaning up almost daily vomit, I would be somewhat relieved to not have this responsibility anymore. But I am her owner and I made a promise that I would do right by her for life. So as long as she can have a good quality of life without pain or extensive intervention, she's our kitty. She will let us know when it's time. I don't like the waiting game we are playing right now, though.

A student of Dan's who babysits for Micah had a photography project she needed to do and asked if she could use Micah as a portrait subject. Of course we said yes and Dan and Micah and she went to OBU's campus and she took a series of photos of him with various expressions outside in the grass in front of the theatre building. I hope to be able to link to these soon. They are precious :-) In school, Micah has started to sight read some words and Jacob is learning to count to three this week.

It is a beautiful time of year in Arkansas. We are in full bloom here with daffodils and trees. It's still chilly in the mornings but gets up to the 70s in the afternoon. We have been taking advantage of it by going out in the backyard to kick the soccer ball around and generally get some fresh air after dinner. I don't like the time change but it sure is nice to have daylight at the end of the day.

I'm not doing a personal campaign this year for Relay for Life, but I am involved with the HSU team again this year. We are hosting a golf tournament in honor of Henderson's president emeritus, who is currently undergoing chemo for pancreatic cancer. If you would like to contribute to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life through me, please feel free to send a check and I will turn it over to the committee and post it in your name online/send you a link.

Things we're thinking about this week: Dan's father, Roger, who is currently traveling in Japan on a mission trip; the upcoming musical at OBU, Hello Dolly!; Spring Break, which is this week.