Mikayla and Archery

Last summer at camp, Mikayla tried archery and really liked it. For Christmas we got her a beginner bow and arrows.  She hasn't had a chance to practice it till our Spring Break.The first few pictures were taken at Nate's parents home in Tomah and the other two are from our yard.

Spring Break and April Fools

Right before Spring break, the girls had their spirit week at school. One day they got to wear hats to school. Here is a photo I snapped of them goofing off in the backseat on the way to school.

Elyana recently learned to cross her eyes. It's her new trick!

Mikayla's class got to go ice skating at the nearby Recreation Center. I must say that for a southern girl, I am getting better at ice skating from all of these fieldtrips!

Here are pictures of the girls pranking their dad. They put Saran wrap across the hallway and kitchen. I um, might have had something to do with the idea...maybe.  Their silliness and love has really kept me going these days.

Below are photos of the girls in Appleton on Spring Break.

Mikayla Doing Art at the Appleton Children's Museum with Sophia

Playing in the Museum's Water Room

Morning Sister Cuddles

Elyana Hanging Out With My Mom's Puppy, Chloe

My Best Friend, My Sister

 I still am trying to process it. I am still shocked, angry, and heavy with sadness. My sister suddenly passed away a few weeks ago. She had broken her leg by falling down the stairs 10 weeks ago. She had to have major surgery on it. One day from getting her cast off, numerous blood clots traveled to her lungs. I am including the obituary that was in the paper below.


"Christine Maria Hammes, 40, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 13, 2013. Christine was born on October 2, 1972 to Wayne and Mary Hunt. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Physical Therapy. On May 4, 1996 she was united in marriage to Brian Hammes. She worked at the Bridgewood Nursing and Rehab Center.

Christine was a loving wife and dedicated mother and she will be sorely missed each and every day. She had many hobbies and enjoyed reading, making jewelry, photography, playing the piano, singing, and scuba diving. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and that time will be greatly treasured. Christine was a member of Faith Lutheran Church." 

 An hour before work, I received the news. The next several days were spent arranging the funeral and the burial. Currently I am back in Appleton hanging out with my niece during our spring break and going through countless drawers, closets, and cabinets as we sort through her things.  I keep wondering when my heart will  heal. All I have is the beautiful hope of spring coming soon and knowing that I will see her again some day.  I am blown away at how many lives that she touched. My heart melted to hear little Sophia praying with me last night. She said, "God, tell mom to tell Jesus that I love him."

Spring Is Almost Here...

I am holding onto the hope of spring around the corner.  As a teacher, I know that as soon as spring hits, summer is quickly right behind it.  It has been a long fall and winter with illness in our family. Since September, I have been on antibiotics 3 times for either a sinus infection or strep. I've had a few stomach bugs and colds too. The girls have missed quite a few days of school too. Currently Mikayla is home sick with a stomach bug/cold.  I'm hoping she can get well in time to sing at her school talent show this Thursday morning.  I am grateful that our illnesses have been quick and that we have great medical insurance and providers.  I am grateful for Nate's job.

Last night, the tooth fairy had to visit both of our girls!  Elyana lost her bottom front tooth (her second to have fallen out) while eating lunch at school. Mikayla lost hers in the wee hours of the morning when she threw up.  Yes, I get the mom of the year award for "rescuing" her tooth from the toilet at 4 am!

We are all worn out here. However, I will hold my head high as we "March" into spring.  I have come to love March ever since our wedding day and since Spring break is usually at the end of March.  Of course we cannot forget that Easter is around the corner. I am reminded not only of the end of a long winter, but of the hope we have in Jesus.  I cannot imagine anyone's life without Him especially when life hands you handfuls of lemons.

President's Day

I love that our girls are so close.  After jumping around from excitement from having a day off of school today, they wanted to cuddle.  I had to snap a few quick pictures.

Valentines Week

The girls had a wonderful Valentines Day.  Here are some pictures of Elyana wearing a heart dress ready to go to school. We didn't have time to get a photo of Mikayla as she took too long getting ready. (Yes, we are in pre-teen mode these days.)  The day after Valentines day, the 4th and 5th grade classes at their school had a 50's/60's party.  My mom made her a cute poodle skirt to wear. Enjoy the photos!

Ice Sculpting

Rochester does seem to have so many cool opportunities. When we were picking Nate up from work a few weekends ago, we realized that the Rochester Winter Festival was taking place downtown.  They had so many neat ice sculptures.  One of the sculptors had little blocks of ice he helped kids make snowman sculptures with. The girls also got to sit on ice benches.