Here we are at the end of things....

I really enjoyed reading the Lord of the Rings triology for the first time as an adult. Thankfully I got to it before the movies came out. Anyway, for some strange reason, this funny little line from the movie has lingered in my memory, which is unusual because nothing lingers in my memory anymore! Sam and Frodo are on top of Mt. Doom and from all they can see, they've reached the end of their long, painful journey, their own lives dangling in the balance. They hang on tight to each other and one says to the other something like, "well, here we are at the end of all things..." Somehow, I remember this as poignient. And anytime something ends in my life or we face another transition, this little line pops back into my head - sort of a sweet bookend, a little reminder to stop and look around.

Ultimately, I guess what was great about the little hobbits' (I can't believe I'm writing about this) situation is that they knew they'd accomplished their task and for all they could see, that was the end. But what they couldn't see was the amazing future that lay ahead. They had no idea that they'd enjoy the fruit of their labor. So as were are here at the end of one of "our things," Student Venture at Baylor, feeling like this chapter is closing, I'm eager to see what's ahead. I'm eager to see how the seeds God's planted in lives will be watered and grow. I'm eager to experience what God has ahead for us and for the students we've come to know and love.

Jocelyn sketched this fairy for Teya in 3 minutes, flat, with instructions that Teya must add color. The poor fairy now has a red face.
Kristal, Zach, Jocelyn shooting the breeze. Jocelyn can often be seen around campus wearing hot pink massive headphones. Don't know what she's listening to, but she does it with style!

Parker, the ninja master....oh no, he just reminded me of that Beverly Hills Ninja. Never a dull moment with Forrest...really NEVER a dull moment.


They're playing a game, thankfully, and would probably be horrified to know that I posted this picture.

Remembering the lost. A few weeks ago, the seniors lost a classmate in a fatal car accident. Yellow SRB (her initials) are painted on cars all over Chattanooga. We've prayed that this tragedy would be a catalyst for spiritual growth in students in Chattanooga.

Kaitlin and Kristal. How could you not love these girls!

Evidence of the Teya and David distraction/fun factor.

Farewell, good friends. Would you like some "dum?"

Richmond Weekend

This past weekend, we hopped in the car for a road trip to Richmond, Virginia. Dual purposes took us there - a support-raising event and a sweet visit with family. Davison and Ann were so wonderful to host us, and we loved getting to know their sweet little girl, Emily.
Lunch and playground with cousins Margaret, Brad and their three boys, Carter, Jackson and Brooks.

Not the greatest group shot, but at least you catch a glimpse of Davison's pride and joy: no, not Emily...the handlebar mustache. Poor Ann simply sighs and says she misses his lips. She has not seen them for 2 years. That's a long, long time to miss someone's lips (I hope you're reading this Davison).

Davison and Philip were roommates in college, and we have missed living nearby, so it was a fantastic time to reconnect and enjoy some amazing family, who are also great friends. They sacrificed sleep and sanity to have us, so thanks, D. Longs!

THE REAL THING! Teya spent the past month inviting our neighborhood friends to her birthday, so we decided to follow through and ask the neighborhood to a little cupcake party on her actual birthday, May 19. Seventeen cupcakes and many little cups of lemonade later, we were pleased to have had a great time with friends and to have thoroughly celebrated the arrival of Teya into our life 4 years ago!

Like Daddy, like daughter.....What a pleased little girl with her first bike! Surprise, surprise, she dragged it all the way to Phil's bike jumps in the woods, insisting that it was time to ride "the hills."

We love you, Teya, and are so thankful for the flood of sunshine you bring into our life every day!

Feliz Cumplianos, Teya! We had a "girls only" party for Teya's fourth on the Saturday before her actual birthday. Let's just say we learned our lesson. Party before birthday leads to a season of birthday. Teya, Tessa, Jade and Haley (not in the picture :-( )
Pin-the-tail on Snoopy resurrected from our childhood birthday parties

Somewhat reminiscent of the old commercials for asthma meds...just...can't...blow...out...the...can...dles....

Teya and cousin Haley. Good buddies.

Sugar yet to be consumed. Oh my.

What a celebration Teya's birthday was. And what an incredible blessing Teya has been to us for the past four years! We love you, Tey!

Series #1. Saturday Morning boy time

This little flower lover and I had a little time alone this beautiful morning, venturing out on a walk, at his request. That request sounds something like, "Iantalk." Only a mama could decipher that code for "I would love to take a brisk stroll with you, mama." If you think David looks like he fears the gigantic pink peony is about to devour his head in one fell swoop, you're probably right. Danger, danger! Flowers are for girls (and courageous superheroes). Basketballs (and soccer balls, and marbles, and nasty chewed up tennis balls and decomposing nerf balls from my childhood) are for David. Our neighborhood has two ball collection spots, and both are ultimate heavenly destinations for this boy.

Series #2: Slumber Party Casualty.

See Jade and Teya

See Jade and Teya having the time of their lives

See Teya recovering from an evening of sneaking out of bed and playing the recorder (yes, the elementary school flute-like instrument that 4-year-olds play in the shrillest possible manner) at 10 pm.
No more sleep-overs for Teya.

Night swinging. When I couldn't find Teya after her bath tonight, I ventured outside to the swingset and found her in her fluffy red slippers and pjs, swinging quietly. The quiet soon turned to fun for all as David, my mom and I joined Teya for a final pre-bed romp. I love spring!

Pool's open!

Or in adult language, footbath on deck is filled with yucky, polleny water.

Silly faces are the best. And proper floatation is worn at all times. Wouldn't want that little guy to drown in an inch of water.

Inspiration

Winter seemed eternal this year, so even though my last posting dates back to September, I simply cannot go back! I am inspired and revived by the arrival of spring in all its glory (and attitude) and apparently, I've decided to give blogging another try... once again.

In the past months we have weathered some transition: in late December, we moved out of our beloved first home, handing the keys over to a new owner. On a freezing cold December night, we moved in with my parents for what we believed would be a short stint while we await the right time to make our move to Orlando. Yes, Orlando. Home of Mickey Mouse and Shamoo (don't know if he's still part of the spectacle at Sea World), which Teya found out about from some random person in nursery at church.

Long story short, we have loved living here in Krupski Kingdom (the neighborhood where I grew up), and we expect to stay for a while, until all our needed support comes in to enable us to move. This place is a haven for kids, a well-kept secret, because if families knew how amazing it was to grow up in this neighborhood, there'd be a rush on the market.

Teya and David love to venture into the heart of the neighborhood where the Tucker (Anthony and Rachel) and Jones (Jeremy) boys live and to yell down the hill across the street to the 2 Allen (Doyle) boys. Yes, they're all boys. Eleven of them....and Teya, who likes to wear her fluffy ballerina skirt to climb trees. Poor girl. The other day when she asked if I'd help her climb the tree in the Tucker's front yart, I told her she needs a girlfriend. Astutely, she replied, "Mom, you're my girlfriend." Hope she feels that way at fifteen!

Buddies. We are thankful for girlfriends who share a love for holding hands.

David, almost 2. Don't mess with Dave-Dave.

football in Coolidge Park, one of our favorite spots (not sports)

Juice Pop Love - our primary incentive for veggie consumption at dinner.