my turn

I am loud. honest confession. I have this "teacher voice," for which I received great feedback in methods classes, that can get a little out of hand. My mother used to tell me repeatedly, "Crystal, I'm right here. You don't have to yell." I was yelling? . . .

So. Perhaps the penalty for a lifetime of social faux pas has found me. Addison is ridiculously loud. Seriously. She likes to talk to the person on the other side of the grocery store. She loves to yell. Her laugh has one volume. She thinks her jokes are funny enough to share with the neighborhood. It makes me laugh. So, with a grateful nod to my mother, I have begun the process of gentle feedback. Addison, I'm right here. You don't have to yell. . .

Pawnee Lake

On Tuesday it was hot. Really hot. My friend Renee, in a moment of brilliance, decided to lead a mass exodus out of hot-ville to Pawnee Lake. It was a great plan. Might I recommend that we do it again? Addison came along, sporting her lime green bathing suite and a slightly ridiculous hair style (which she of course pulled off). Summer, friends. Its summer.

Father Davy

Yesterday was Father's Day. Ben and I continued the tradition of giving Cabot cheese to our fathers. And for the second time, Ben Davy celebrated father's day. I told him this - there are few things that make me fall in love with him all over again more than seeing him interact with Addison. He's just great with her. She knows that he loves being with her. She laughs so freely with him. He can make her a giggling rowdy mess in seconds. He can calm her. Ben prays over her, he cares about her heart growing in safety and love, he is strangely oblivious to pacifier germs. So, because Addison can't say it or write it yet in crayon, I will. Happy Father's Day, Ben. Being a father is just a magnifying glass of the heart to shelter and serve that you have always had. We love you.

regresando

I decided that I simply HAD to post. Ben put up some great photos of our Mexico trip on Addison's blog so you should check it out. And in case you've ever just ached to make your own kazoo, check out this video:



We are going to try to make these at the mission tomorrow. I might even try to find a red sweater. . .

Questions for Thursday

1. How did a year go by so quickly? Addison is almost 1.

2. What is the outer coating of a marshmallow made out of? That powdery smooth stuff. Its genius.

3. Can there be an 8th Harry Potter book, please?

4. Why, oh why, oh why won't Addie take a nap?

5. What am I doing inside on a day like this?

6. If love is so obviously the answer, why do I gift it, like a blessing, and withdraw it, like a curse?

7. What about my theology winces when Christians fail?

Dear Herman

Well, its official. Melissa and I have embarked upon a new adventure. We had our first band debut at Ben Welstead's birthday party and we have two more shows this month! This Friday, May 1st, we are playing at a fundraiser for Grace Chapel's summer missions trip to Walthill, Nebraska. And then on Thursday, May 14, we are playing from 7pm-8pm at the Crescent Moon coffee shop in Lincoln. Consider yourself invited.

Dear Herman at their finest

Our evenings entertainment...until Crystal finds out her husband posted this and removes it :) Miss Melissa on the nose flute, Crystal on the penny whistle...sort of for both.