This particular spring...

In Minnesota, March usually means warmer weather and a break from the sub-zero temperatures...but it also means a LOT of snow.

March and April are sometimes our snowiest months.

We have been very blessed this year with a shorter winter (and fewer days below zero) and a pretty warm spring.

But as of March 5, our yard still looked like this.


Sammy had been desperate to play on their swing set. She trudged through almost a foot of snow just to try to swing.

Of which she found most difficult!

Then, just a short 9 days later, here's what Caleb and Sammy were doing.


Pretty sure Caleb is the cutest little guy around!

I could not convince either one (even though it was over an hour and a half past supper time) to come inside.


I spent almost 2 hours giving under-dogs and watching Caleb drive his trucks around the yard and helping Sammy get used to riding her bike again.


There is just something about spring...something about getting back to playing outdoors...something about watching our brown ground turn green again...something about meeting up with friends for play dates at the park.

But beyond the warmer temps and the sunnier days, this particular spring is even more special to me. This spring is bringing more than just green grass and beautiful tulips...it's bringing a new child.

This new life also falls at a significant time for me and for Christians all around the world. It's the time that we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and King and His saving work on the cross. It is the most important event of our faith. Without it, everything else is meaningless.

Even though Baby Girl's due date is April 6, I'm hoping that she will come Easter weekend.

I would love to be able to tell her about her "birthday" in connection with the cross.

But regardless of when she arrives, my prayer for myself, Brad, our children, and the whole world, is to know and fully grasp what was done over 2,000 years ago.

And this spring, it's a bit more meaningful...