Spring Has Sprung

I know, I know... it's been a while again. I have an excuse, but let's just not go there. Okay? Instead, I'll update you on what's been happening the Kountry!

I began classes in January to complete my bachelor's degree in Legal Studies. I am taking classes at night and working full time during the day. I should complete my degree in 3 years. I will also receive my American Bar Association approved paralegal certificate. It's quite a challenge, but I have found that class is very relaxing for me. (I guess that's what I get for being a nerd!)

February 12, 2005, a very dear friend passed away. Mallory Nelson was the manager of the Ice Palace where we have all made many memories. Leyden's skating classes were on Saturday mornings, and she would sit on a stool beside Mallory and "work" with him for a while. He loved Leyden, and Leyden loved him. We will miss him terribly.

Leyden was in her very first ice skating show on March 5. She was a disco duck, along with several other little girls in her class. They did an outstanding job. It was a bittersweet show, because the show was dedicated to Mallory, and it was Leyden's first show. I know Mallory would be very proud of her.

We had the most quiet Easter we have ever had since Leyden was born. It was very stormy Easter afternoon. Leyden got "The Garfield Movie" and "My Fair Lady" DVDs from the Easter Bunny this year instead of a stuffed animal, and her Daddy was very excited that we wouldn't be adding another "stuffy" to Leyden's already overflowing bedroom.

In March, my legal professionals association (MALS) hosted our annual Legal Professionals Week. I am President-Elect (will be installed as President May 16th) and was chairman of the Legal Professionals Week committee. We had Prayer Breakfast on Monday morning, Coffee with the Judges on Tuesday morning, Luncheon on Wednesday, and Dinner Banquet on Thursday night. I was very surprised and honored to be presented with the Member of the Year Award at the Dinner Banquet. It was a great feeling to receive this award, along with a dozen roses, after I had gotten up and out of the house WAY earlier than normal all week to pull off these events. Not to mention that Mark was in trial that week and Leyden was on spring break. It was a crazy week, and the Award was an awesome finish!

April has definitely brought showers, and we feel like we're waterlogged! However, we know that the May flowers will make it all worth it. The pool business is going strong - Brad worked about 30 hours this weekend. We have come to accept the fact that we will see Brad when we see him. The sacrifices will pay off in the end, I am sure. We get calls from new customers just about every day, so we are hoping that Brad will be able to do this full time before long. We are doing more advertising this year, and we are now listed in the phone book!

I have mid-terms next week and I also have a paper due, so every spare minute I am studying or writing. Leyden continues to take skating lessons. She has begun private lessons and will go to her first competition in July. She loves to skate, and she seems to be good at it.

Well, that's all for now. Hopefully, I'll post again before three months have passed! Until then, God bless!