why geography and distance stinks. I've said countless times how much I hate geography. Let me give you a little more insight as to why.

1160.62 miles.

It is exactly 1160.62 miles from Jacksonville, Florida to Wyoming, Michigan. 1160.62 miles from her doorstep to mine.

The distance, the miles are normal for us. We've never lived by each other. We've never had the typical friendship of sitting in each other's living rooms talking and laughing until our sides hurt. We can't go on double dates or to the movies. We can't grab a beer or eat ice cream because we had a crappy day. Missing everyday life is normal for us.

When it becomes even more difficult is when milestone and major events happen. When we bought our first homes, the birth of Colin, today.

Today my best friend graduated from nursing school. Words can not explain how proud I am of her and her accomplishments. Words can not explain the disappointment of not being able to be 1160.62 miles away on this special day in her life. I wish I could give her a congratulatory hug, tell her face to face how proud I am of her dedication and hard work. I wish I could tell her she's going to make a great nurse and I would - and will- come to her in a heartbeat with any medical questions or advice. I wish I was there listening to her family's southern drawl and the sound of laughter and excitement in the air. I wish I could see the sense of accomplishment on her face. I just wish I was there.

Reason 427 of why geography sucks. I'm missing Angela's graduation and it sucks. I miss you AC and I love you dearly! Congrats!!

Here are a few random pictures from the past few days.

Mike often leaves his ties out and Colin has been taking it and putting around his neck.
Disclaimer: Mike took this picture himself while I was at work. Notice how Mike is smiling nicely and C is ... not?
Colin looking ridiciously old.
The boys reading together
A close-up

"hi daddy. I miss you."

If you were really the Son of God, you could just climb down off that cross!" they said.

And of course they were right. Jesus could have just climbed down. Actually, he could have just said a word and made it all stop. Like when he healed the little girl. And stilled the storm. And fed 5000 people.

But Jesus stayed.

You see, they didn't understand. It wasn't the nails that kept Jesus there.

It was love.

Yesterday we celebrated His Resurrection Day! I left the sanctuary to get Colin from nursery as the service was nearing an end to beat the crowd of people and as I walked through the halls, I heard hundreds of people loudly excitedly full of passion and hope say "HE IS RISEN. HE IS RISEN INDEED!" What a powerful ending.

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On His Resurrection Day, we spent the day as a family at my parent's house with the people we love because of the One we love.
The boys clearly all excited about having their picture taken. Still equally as excited huh? First picture of all 4 grandkids 'together'. Colin opening his Easter basket from Grandma and Grandpa Sweaty Colin staring out the window

Mike had to go out of town this week to a lovely small town by the Iowa border. He left this morning and comes home sometime late Friday. To say we are less than thrilled is a gross understatement. There have been alot of tears shed, offers of help given, and text messages sent. The truth is we are spoiled. People do this everyday. People raise children and work full-time. People are separated from their spouses. We just aren't one of those people. So while I can't do anything to bring us closer together, I can atleast take pictures. Here was our short night together babe. We miss you and can't wait until you get home. We are counting down the minutes.

Take One (I asked say hi to Daddy and he was looking around b/c he didn't see you)

Take Two - Colin asking if we have to do this again

Giving Monkey our nightly hugs

Heading upstairs to get ready for bed

"What?!?! You gave them to me?"

Trying to put his socks back on

Bedtime bottle