Let The Game(s) Begin!

The Little Miss is now officially a "Rookie Softball" player, having had her first official Little League game this weekend. She is playing on an all-girls team for 5 -7 year olds, some of whom played last year (and there is a big difference in skill level and size with the girls who have played before). Our Little Miss looks tiny out on the field!

Instead of regular T-ball, a coach tosses the kiddos a few pitches and then if they don't hit the ball the "T" comes out. Our girl is still learning but has really been enjoying it, especially with her daddy helping out as an assistant coach. This mama loves to watch my hubby and sweet girl out on the field enjoying daddy/daughter time. This activity may keep us busy for the next month but let the games begin!

Easter Weekend Part 2

We hope you and your families enjoyed your Easter! Our Easter morning started off with the Little Miss being excited about finding her Easter basket and then we listened to the Jesus Storybook Bible's account of finding that Jesus had risen from the tomb (side note: that is the best bible for young kids!). We also made Resurrection Rolls for breakfast before church and the Little Miss had fun comparing the "disappearing" marshmallow to Jesus' resurrection.
After church we headed to the annual Sanders/Gosser family Easter celebration, my favorite tradition at this time of year. Mr. Wagner and I both started going to the Gossers for the holiday when we were in college so we've continued to carry on that tradition (as long as they will have us!). Seth and Anna Marie always host a wonderful holiday meal and plan a fun Easter egg hunt for kids and adults alike.
Of course, one thing that hasn't changed since college is that Mr. Wagner doesn't exactly play fair. In college, my now Mr. Wagner (and a few other college guys who were official members in "Jodi's Badside Club") would move the egg that had my name on it. Every time I got close they would move it! This year my dear Mr. Wagner helped hide the eggs and made sure to hide mine in a spot that was above my eye level and reach. Love that man but regardless of what he may say, he is very mischievous!

Easter Weekend Part 1

We are enjoying a weekend of activities as we celebrate Easter. In my mind, Easter very closely rivals Christmas as my favorite holiday. I simply love this time of year. Now if only the weather would warm up and dry out!

The Little Miss and Yours Truly had a good time coloring Easter eggs yesterday. We skipped the store-bought egg dying kits and used what we already had on hand, regular food coloring as well as concentrated food coloring paste (the kind you can buy in the cake decorating aisle as most craft stores). Mix some of the coloring with 1 TBS of vinegar and 1/2 cup of room temperature water and viola! We used both regular white eggs as well as a few brown, farm fresh eggs. I really liked the way the farm eggs turned deeper/darker colors.

Today we took advantage of the (short-lived) nice weather and enjoyed the annual Easter egg hunt and lunch at a local country club that some of our good friends co-own. The Little Miss was not sure of the Easter bunny that arrived though she showed some growth in that at least there were no tears this year! Bunny aside, the Little Miss had a great time hunting for the candy and toy-filled eggs. She also enjoyed the lunch afterwards at her own table with other five year old girls. The girls were adorable all dressed up! (Speaking of dressed up, as you all have heard this mama loves holiday dresses. The dress above is a hand-me-down thanks to her cousins).

By His Wounds We Are Healed

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are
healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

We are remembering Jesus today, reflecting on all that He suffered for us so that we are forgiven and can have eternal life with Him. Isn't it amazing to think that Jesus loves us so much that He died for each one of us?! Our names were written upon the wounds that He suffered, including His hands that were pieced and nailed to the cross. Our sins were nailed to the cross right along with Jesus. By His wounds, we are healed. All He asks of us is that we believe and confess in faith.

"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe
and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

(Romans 10:9-10)

Idea for using markers to help children visualize Christ dying for each of us comes from Celebrated Families

A Weekend To Remember

The West Coast Wagners had a fun weekend to remember. Mr. Wagner and I started off the day on Saturday running in our first 10k (6.2 mile) race. The event was organized to help raise money for medical bills for a local gal diagnosed with cancer. There was a great turnout and a lot of our good friends were there which made it all that much more fun (let's be real, the social aspect is what was 'fun'; not necessarily the running and sweating!) I am happy to say Mr. Wagner and I both finished and were able to run the whole thing. My hubby finished well before me but was so sweet, even running back to meet me so he could encourage me to the finish. I was blessed! The Little Miss also got to run in her first 1k kiddo race. She was super excited for it to start (waking up first thing in the morning to pick out just the right outfit and hair'do) but wasn't too sure once the run started. Thankfully by the end she decided it really was fun and is already looking forward to her next race. Later that day, after a family dinner out with our good friends the Booths, the Little Miss and Yours Truly got to enjoy a mommy/daughter date to the ballet. We watched a lovely performance by a local ballet company and enjoyed watching all the beautiful pointe work and gorgeous costumes. The Little Miss was most exited to see one of her ballet teachers (Ms. Emily) dancing. It was a late night but the perfect end to the day.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day from the West Coast Wagners! We hope your day has been pinch-free and full of all things green.

Our day started off with green yogurt, green milk and green eggs. We have friends coming over shortly for dinner and are going to enjoy broccoli and cheese soup (naturally green), green salad, green rice krispy treats, green limeade, and green milkshakes. I think we've had enough artificial food coloring to last for awhile.

Now, off to find that pot o' gold at the end of a rainbow.

Follow In Their Footsteps

Cara Lynn and Cynthia taking a short break doing one of the things they do best...chat.

When I think of people who have had the most influence in my life these two wonderful ladies are right there near the top. Cara Lynn and Cynthia both discipled (mentored) me over the years starting my senior year of college when I joined the college group at a local church. Being that I stayed for graduate school and am now still living in the same town, they have had the opportunity to have a LONG impact. While I don't see Cynthia often these days, I am still so thankful for her teaching me to truly study the Word, to disciple other women and to lead bible studies. "Grandma Cara Lynn" is still one of my nearest and dearest friends and has listened to me, cried with me, prayed with me and enjoyed life with me for years. Not to mention that for the past five years she has been watching the Little Miss one day/week while I am at work. I love this woman. These ladies have had a major impact in the lives of hundreds (even thousands!) of women, including most of my closest friends. They are such examples for the importance of taking the time to invest in others and to share the love of Christ. I can only hope and pray that I will be able to follow in their footsteps.