My Dearest Sister Abby

Everyone needs a sister like Abby.

Photo from my mom. 

A few weeks ago she sent a package in the mail containing David's birthday present, my birthday gift, and four glitter-adorned cards.  (The order is a) envelope b) card c) inside)

Card #1: To David

Card #2: to both of us

Yeah, this one made me laugh for a really long time.  

Card #3: To me

Oh man. You have no idea how much I miss our hugs. If ever you are in need of a good bear hug that squeezes your sorrows and cares away, you must visit Abby.

Card #4 David's Birthday

Abby made this pillow in sewing. Didn't she pick an excellent pattern? 

Oh how I love my sister, Abby. Her personality is incredibly quirky and loveable. She is a born leader and is a friend to everyone. I look up to her in many, many ways! See these posts from my mom for more reasons Abby is amazing. Here. (Dear Rachel #9) Here (Nativity by Abby)  Here (Dear Rachel #1) Here (Vintage View-master) Here (Love Note) Here (Abby's Gift--If you only look at one, read THIS one) Here (Red Pepper Trend Setter)

If you have time, these posts are amazing. And funny--at least to me.

Recent Goodwill Finds

Oh how I love Goodwill. I think I'm an addict. You would be too if you found brand new children's books that are 1) actually worth reading 2) well-known 3) hardback. Here are some of my recent finds. Have you read them?

Miss Rumphius has always been a favorite. Although it always bothered me that she never married and the only jobs she held was a librarian and school teacher. Traveling the world certainly is a bonus.

Peter Spier is one of my favorite illustrators. His books are simply pictures, no words.

The Jolly Postman is quite clever. You actually get a copy of each of the letters. They are very cute. I also found the Jolly Postman Christmas Letters.

Patricia Polacco is one of my favorite Children's author's/illustrators. This book in particular is very touching and makes me cry every time. It is about two boys from the Union Army in the Civil War who get separated from their army and get caught in Confederate territory alone.

Another Peter Spier. This is my second favorite Christmas book ever. It isn't Christmas without this book. His dipictions of the Christmas festivities are incredibly accurate, right down to the mounds of dirty dishes, the not pristine Christmas tree with homemade decorations, and too-small Christmas gifts.

This is my favorite Patricia Polacco cake. I was afraid of thunder when I was younger and this book helped me overcome it.

And to my surprise, it was even signed by the author herself. Talk about a bargain for only $1.50. :)

Even More Beautiful Homes in Sandy Springs

These are beautiful, normal size houses. Well, most of them. Don't you love East Coast architecture?

I really love this one. (Above picture)

The above one is to die for. 

As is this one. 

Singing time: There is safety in following the prophet

I got this idea from another blogger and then expanded it. One of the songs we are singing for our program is Stand for the Right. Our primary learned this song last year so we just reviewed it and kept learning Easter Hosanna.

I made various signs that help us be safe.

These two signs are pretty obvious. Could they stop and start with me?  The next two were a bit trickier for the kids (and for me...I am not sure I thought it through all the way...)

Depending on the sign I held up they had to turn that direction and keep singing. (What I didn't think through was that I would ALSO have to move to get in front of the kids). It was a bit too busy and noisy for it to be successful. Maybe we'll use these signs again when they hard-core know the songs. 

These signs were a lot of fun. Unfortunately I couldn't find a Speed Limit sign that went faster than 45 MPH. Oh well. Our pianist was a good sport and really exaggerated the speed. :)

The last two signs aren't exactly for safety, but I thought they were close enough. I think it is important to go into the right restroom... Safe? Perhaps.

It was fun to switch the signs and see if they could follow. They did a pretty good job, but it wasn't the most calm singing time we have ever had. Occasionally I let the kids hold up the signs and decide when to switch them. It was a great way to review the songs!

Easter surprises

David and I had one of those cliche-cute moments in our marriage on Easter morning. As you may know (and as David knows VERY well), holiday's are a big deal. I think I just love traditions and making occasions special.

The Easter Bunny told me that it was now my duty to make Easter morning special. This is almost as exciting as Easter egg hunts. I gathered up a few books I got from Goodwill (David almost has all of the Hardy Boy series), candy from the dollar store, and some tooth brushes. Practicality is always appreciated.

There is no better way to give a gift than to hide it first. Our apartment is lacking in empty space so hiding places become an issue. I have already claimed two boxes lurking in our closet (David knows not to peek in there upon pain of Rachel's sorrow), as well as inside the suitcases. The only safe place left was the dryer.

The next obstacle to overcome was getting David to open the dryer. This was a problem considering it was Sunday. That morning I asked David in my very polite, loving, earnest voice "David, I think there are some clothes still in the dryer. Can you get them out for me, please?" David, being the practical man he is responded by asking "Can the clothes wait?" me: "I don't know..." D: "Rachel, can they wait." (it was more of a statement than a question, so I left off the question mark). me: "I guess..."

Drat! My plan had been foiled. I spent my entire shower thinking of another way to get David to look in the dryer. I finally came up with this plan. I asked in my most sweet, puppy-dog, 'I am your wife, and don't you want to make me happy look' voice and asked. "David, pleeeease. (Cue lower lip) Can you at least check to see if they are still wet?"

Ah ha! I'm brilliant.

David, on the other hand, displayed an incredible sense of chivalry and charm. He knew I would miss my parents annual Easter Egg hunt. It is one of my favorite things about life. It is very fair. Everyone gets the same amount of eggs. Well, he set up an Easter egg hunt just for me!

He woke me up Easter morning with this:

It says: "Now I am all by my lonesome. There should be twelve of us, you see. If you would find all my siblings I know it would fill me with glee! --From the lone egg Happy Easter, my love David"

Cue heavy sighs of affection.

So after my shower I went on the prowl. And found eggs filled with these!

He bought me TWELVE Cadbury Eggs. Four of caramel, creme, and chocolate creme. He really shouldn't have. :) I have the most thoughtful husband in the whole world. He is so good to me.

Even if he leaves a mess on the bathroom counter from emptying the above basket with its contents. ;)