The Spring Roundup

Out for Mexican on Easter Sunday

Well, I started out the year strong, only to fall off the face of the (blogging) earth for a few months. It's not that nothing has happened; in fact, the opposite is true. And that is my excuse for neglecting the blog for the past three months. I'm disappointed in myself, because all of the things in this roundup could be posts in themselves. But no use in wallowing. Here's what we've been up to since February.

1. Theology Class. What originally threw me off schedule was an eight-week online theology class I began in February. Each week brought a fifty-page chapter, a quiz, and a writing assignment. I was a little rusty, not having taken a class since 1999, and never having taken an online class. But I got the hang of it and was happy with the results. So if you want to have a conversation about the hypostatic union, pneumatology, or the Cappadocian Fathers, I'm your girl.

2. Family Visits. Harvey's parents drove out for Easter and spring break and spent a week with us. We saw Gettysburg and Philadelphia with them, which were interesting and lovely for the adults and kids alike. History around every corner. The weather was super chilly, but we had a blast. 

Easter Dinner with Gamie

Battlefield at Gettysburg

At Gettysburg

At the site of the Gettysburg Address

Soldiers' National Cemetery

Everybody gets a pic with the Liberty Bell: Ben

Tabitha and PaPa

Gracie and Judah holding up the Bell

With two of my cuties

Had to try a Philly cheese steak

Independence Hall

Inside Congress Hall, once the U.S. Capitol

Inside Independence Hall

Enjoying a sunny day in Philly

Had to run the Rocky steps

Happy to stuff my face with sauerkraut

Then my parents flew in for a weekend to celebrate The April Birthdays. The chilly theme continued, along with much rain, so we were largely confined to indoors, but they got to see Ben's soccer game and Gracie's ballet rehearsal and come to church with us. And who among us could forget the evening at Chuck E. Cheese? Ah, kid birthdays. 

Judah's perfect birthday:
Chick-Fil-A, a balloon, ice cream, and Oma

And just when she thought it couldn't get any better:
Chuck E. Cheese!

Oma and Opa with the kids

Love these two!

My perfect birthday: Ted's Bulletin for breakfast
(love those homemade pop tarts!)

Collecting the piñata candy at
Gracie and Judah's birthday sleepover

Lighting birthday candles after cupcake decorating

3. Half-Marathon Training. I would never have done it on my own, but when a couple of my friends from church invited me to train with them for a half, I thought, might as well give it a shot! I've run three miles before; why not thirteen? So at the beginning of March, I began running with a group of friends each Saturday morning. 

After a rainy run

A couple weeks into it, I realized I would not be able to make the race because of a scheduling conflict, but I continued the training. My friends love me so much that on the day of our longest run (supposedly twelve miles), they tricked me into running 13.1 so I could have the full half experience even though I was going to miss the race. It was a sweet gesture (even though my body might have argued otherwise that final 1.1), and I'm so thankful for the whole training experience. Can't wait to try it again in the fall and actually do a race.

Celebrating completing my unofficial half marathon

4. Pregnancy Center Training. If you read this post, you know about my recent connection with the Forestville Pregnancy Center. I have followed through with the volunteer training (three Saturday six-hour sessions), and I am currently in the observation phase (twenty-four hours observing receptionists and counselors). This has been a tremendous blessing, and I'm excited about the opportunity to serve there as a receptionist and counselor.

5. Spring Sports and Activities. Tabitha is playing lacrosse. Ben is playing soccer. Gracie and Judah are continuing in the Washington School of Ballet, with Gracie's spring performance coming up this weekend. This means a crazy schedule of practices and rehearsals throughout the week. Lacrosse and Judah's ballet are now over, so things have calmed down a bit, and come June I don't know what we'll do with all the free time on our hands. Hectic but fun.

Judah's spring ballet performance

Tabitha after a lacrosse win

We all learned a new game!

6. PTA/Art Auction. I am serving as secretary of the Anne Beers Elementary PTA and ad-book chair of the PTA Art Auction. Almost every week it seems there's a meeting, a conference call, activities (e.g., Teacher Appreciation Week), and/or multiple e-mails and tasks to keep up with. I'm excited to be working with such a passionate, dedicated group of parents, but it is time consuming. Rewarding, but time consuming.

Gracie helping Mom serve ice cream to teachers
during Teacher Appreciation Week

Treats for teachers

And then there were smoothies

The Art Auction at Eastern Market
benefiting Anne Beers Elementary

7. Surviving the End of School. Testing, projects, performances, ceremonies, homework, comprehensive exams. June 17 cannot arrive soon enough!

Gracie received one of two Principal's Honor Roll awards.

8. Chicago Trip. I recently returned from a weekend getaway to see my friends/college roommates Sarah and Jenny (and Jenny's husband and kids) in Chicago. This was my birthday present from Harvey. So much fun to hang out with them, as always. We ate great food (both at restaurants and in their homes), shopped, and saw a little of the city. We stayed up late talking. We listened to 90s music. We laughed. I'm thankful to have kept up those friendships over years and miles. And Jenny's husband told me he was a fan of my blog, which spurred me to do what I've been meaning to do for weeks: write again. (If you're reading this, thank you, Patrick!)

From my visit to the Art Institute of Chicago

One of my favorites at the Art Institute

Two of my best friends since we were college roommates:
Sarah and Jenny

And thanks everyone who's made it to the end of this post to catch up on the Sparks Story!