An alien in the Easter tree - and other family news...

I try.

I really do.

I have this little Easter tree -

I want to have something lovely and cheery

for my little ones -

something to make them smile.

Now, my tree is kind of cluttered

and has *maybe* a few too many 

glittery eggs...

but the kids like it.

But true to form

and par for the course in our home,

a wise guy has felt the need to

"improve" upon our decorations.

One year, it was Orcs in the nativity set,

another year, it was a Gollum figurine 

hanging with my snowmen ornaments.

I've also had green army men 

hidden in my Christmas tree.

But until now, I've never had...

an Alien in the Easter tree.

Shall I laugh...or cry?

I'll laugh.  :)

In other good family news:

*The trial surround Nick's mugging is finally finished!  (For those of you who are new here, a quick recap:  Our second son, Nicholas, was randomly mugged and beaten up when he was 14 years old (July, 2009.)  He was walking home from mowing a lawn, was stopped by two guys who asked him if he had any money, then was beaten up (hit, kicked, lacerations with stitches to his brow, a tooth that was broken off.)  Nick recognized one of the guys who hurt him at a local store.  The man was arrested, and the trial was last April, with sentencing taking place the very day that Jeff was having surgery in May.)  We thought things were over - the man was sent to prison with a Class B felony charge for assault and robbery.   It was not quite over - the felon appealed his case to the Supreme Court of the State of Indiana, and we waited to see what the Court would say.  Would they accept his appeal?  Would we be dragged through another court case?  Last week, we finally received the official letter in the mail, which stated that the Court rejected the appeal.  The official quote regarding the appeal was, "this is ridiculous."  We agree, and are thankful to shut the door on this chapter, at least for now.  The offender will likely be out of prison in three years.

* Jeff is beginning a new job!  I won't say too much about it here and now, but he starts within a couple of weeks.  He is extremely excited and we are so thankful.  :)  I can say more later!  :)

* A favorite niece of mine is expecting her first baby.  (Don'tcha know they are ALL my favorites?  :)  )  I am so excited.  It is always so wonderful having new babies in the family.   That's one of the reasons I like to blog about everyday "baby things," it's one way of connecting with new "mommies" across the age spectrum.  I hope to encourage other mothers.  Being a mom is an INCREDIBLY important job.  :)  So, congratulations to Kayla and Brandon!  We are so excited for you.

* We are sprucing up the house a bit....a special young lady is coming to visit our family for the first time in several years.  We have met before - but this time she holds a prominent place in our oldest son's heart.  We are all so excited but nervous too....what if we're too crazy for her???  Yes, we're entering a new era of our lives.  Isn't that wonderful?  (We think so!)

Well, it is almost midnight.  Gabriel will be waking up, ready for a late night nursing.  As always, thank you for stopping by.  God bless you, and make His face shine upon you, and give you peace!