So the Spring Game here in LNK a few Saturdays ago was an absolute blast. Beth and I went over to Kirby’s house to hang with her Anna, Liz, and Craig before heading downtown. Per the usual, it was just so great to get to catch up with people. And tailgating is still a treat that I’ve experienced few and far in-between; I had never gone to a Husker game before going to the University, and even in my four years as a Husker student, I barely ever tailgated (mind you I worked in the skyboxes my latter two years). Kirby ended up driving us down to Barry’s in the HayMarket. It couldn’t have been a prettier day, weather-wise. Couldn’t tell ya which side won but speaking on behalf of Beth and myself, ’twas a wonderful day!
Life here carried on as normal as my current state of affairs can allow. Both my mom and best friend, Beth, celebrate their birthdays on April 18th. Given my flexibility right now, I was elated that I got to surprise them both at their respective places of work the day before their actual birthday, aka Friday the 17th. Plus, it was the first time I got to see Beth’s classroom and meet some of her co-workers at Adam’s – so fun! Even though Beth teaches third grade, I was totally reminded of Ms. Honey’s classroom from Matilde. Of course, several of Beth’s students (and parents) and already given her birthday presents by mid-day; those kids are so lucky to have her! Red velvet cupcakes and Trader Joe’s flowers for the win. Also, loved getting to see Cass and Mag at SF.
So for my mom’s actual birthday, I helped her celebrate by accompanying her to the Women’s Spring Retreat speaker at our church, Southwood Lutheran in the AM. It was an awesome program called “Noticed by Jesus” by Amy Johnson, founder and owner of The Noticed Network. Just as we were hoping, this turned out to be a lovely way to start the day and got us thinking about what we do to get noticed these days. In the end, it was comforting to be reminded that God loves us JUST AS WE ARE. To quote the newest song I put up on the Jammin’ page and here: “You see the struggle, you see the shame. I see the reason I came.” – Mac Powell (When Love Sees You). To take a step back from our perfection obsessed society and be reminded that God loves, adores our scars, imperfections, quirks, and ‘problem areas’ was so good. Also, The Noticed Network is a really great cause and you should check it out more!
Later on her birthday we eventually popped open a bottle of Freixenet cava (Spanish sparkling wine), which is delicious and festive, and grilled out – since Scott was home for the weekend! My cousin Wade and his best friend, Joel ended up joining us for dinner and it was perfect! Grilled chicken with Stubbs Moppin’ Sauce from MS, Mom’s homemade potato salad, grilled veggies, and fruit. It was awesome just to get to leisurely enjoy birthdays and being present for family time. Trying to soak it all up! At the end of the day we ended up watching The Imitation Game, which I highly recommend if you haven’t seen it yet!
SAMHOPEHANSEN 