We didn't have much of a winter in our part of the world, but at least we're having a fairly nice spring. Sometimes by mid-March we're already melting, but we had the heat on this morning and got to wear jackets to church. That probably ends tomorrow, but the cool wet air has been very nice...

Many of you have asked about my mother. She had a very successful knee replacement surgery on Tuesday morning and has now been moved to the rehab side of the hospital to learn to use that new knee. Her surgeon was surprised at how bad her existing knee was and the surgery took nearly twice as long as he had estimated, but she is doing fine now. The rehab is a challenge for a Parkinson's patient, but so far she's participating vigorously and looking forward to walking without pain again. Thanks to those of you who prayed for her!


If you've got a very good memory, you might remember me talking about getting an AeroGrow herb garden last year. For some reason (probably dozens of reasons) I never actually unpacked it and started using it. Until yesterday. It's now sitting and glowing above my kitchen sink and hopefully germinating seven different herbs. I can hardly wait!

We're also tossing around the idea of trying a real garden this year. San Antonio's early growing season makes it very tempting, but it can be very discouraging when everything is parched by June. Gives a whole new meaning to "Fried Green Tomatoes." We know we can't do it without devising some kind of elaborate shelter from the afternoon sun, but we might just be ready to try!

Our kids have enjoyed their spring break week, although it seems as though OUR spring break week and the ones they have in music, online classes, and their local science classes never seem to coincide with the one I schedule. And then of course two of them had to take their SAT on Saturday, which wasn't ideal either. At least they've all had a break from the normal routine and we'll dive back in tomorrow morning.

What a joy to welcome the Slaughters back into the membership of our church today. Kristen and Dave were charter members of our church nearly five years ago, so this is really a homecoming for all of us. Here are some photos from our membership vow ceremony this morning...


Pastor/Uncle/"Apu" Dirk welcomes Molly to the fellowship...


Henry is considering accepting the welcome but isn't quite so sure...


The family once again becomes church family as well...


...and what a tear-jerker to hear our church family's children sing "Welcome to the Family" to our newest members! (This song has become part of who we are at Covenant of Grace. Do click on the link and turn on your volume if you don't know the song! )


Another blessing is that Kristen has started baking our weekly communion bread. I don't have a photo, but I did hear some complaints from a certain unnamed music leader who was so distracted by the aroma in front of him this morning that he forgot where the downbeats were.

And from our morning together...

Labels: Body of Christ, Church, Family, Good Stuff, Homeschooling, Weather