I haven't been as inspired to blog lately, not because I don't have anything to say (those of you that know me are laughing right now), but simply because we don't have a camera right now.  I think blogging is more fun when you have pictures to share.  I have been using my cell phone, but it doesn't take as nice of pictures and their has to be almost no motion to capture the moment.  At any rate, even without beautiful pictures (ha!), I thought I would update nonetheless.

I finished the girls Easter skirts a week or so ago.  I am quite pleased with how they turned out and I am so glad I decided to turn Avery's dress into a skirt.  I used this online tutorial as my guide.  I followed it exactly for Mia's dress (although I had to alter it because she is so tiny), but Avery's I had to get a little creative since I was working with scraps from a dress I had ripped apart.  It was kind of fun figuring it out though.  I also made them matching headbands, but I am not sure if they will wear them.  I have enjoyed getting to sew again here lately. 

We spent Wednesday evening coloring Easter eggs and the girls had a blast.  Avery wrote each of our names on an egg and she was so proud of them.  Every morning she wants to look at them again.  Mia enjoyed it in a messy sort of way, such as spilling the dye and trying to taste it.  Both of them are quite excited about Easter.  We have been doing our Resurrection Eggs every day and they love it.  Avery has become quite sensitive as she matures and the story of the crucifixion is starting to really effect her.  Today for breakfast, we were going over the Easter story again and Avery wanted to say a prayer for Jesus.  It went something like this: "Dear Jesus, I hope that you are feeling better and that you are safe and sounding (yep) in Heaven.  And please help me have a good day at ballet."  It was cute.  I explained to her that there is no pain in Heaven, or sadness or tears.  It didn't seem to comfort her much because she still thinks Jesus is hurting in Heaven.  As I try to explain all of this to our children, I realize how much faith is truly involved.  I learn more from my girls than they will ever learn from me, I am afraid.

As for the girls, they are both doing great.  This weather has caused Mia's asthma to worsen so we have been living on the nebulizer again.  She seems to finally like it, and will do the treatments in the car or on the couch, etc.  This makes it much easier for Chris and I since they take almost 25 minutes to do sometimes.  And when she is really bad she gets one every 3-4 hours.  Her highlight every week is still hippotherapy.  She love riding the horses!  As for Avery, she continues to mature and grow.  We had her parent/teacher conference yesterday at school.  I can't deny that it was wonderful to hear such awesome things about Avery.  Since she goes to a Christian preschool, they talk about spiritual gifts as well as academic gifts.  They feel Avery is showing signs of Encouragement.  She is the class cheerleader.  They also explained that Avery has tested out of next year's academic program and highly recommended that she could handle a different program.  So we have two options for her:  petition to put her into public school kindergarten (yikes!) which is unlikely they would allow her to enter at the age of 4, or put her in current preschools' 5/6 class.  This is a class run just like a kindergarten but with a smaller classroom setting and only four days a week (and of course, we have to pay for this option).  So, we are challenged as parents with what to do.  It seems likely she will do the 5/6 class, but then public school kindergarten will basically be a repeat for her the following year.  I pray that God will give us direction for Avery.

As for the newest baby Troxel, she/he is a squirming little thing.  I feel the movements more and more frequently now.  We have our big ultrasound on Tuesday and are hoping to find out the sex of the baby.  Needless to say, we are very excited about this!

Have a wonderful Easter!