Valentine's 2014

What a great day! 

In the morning I put the finishing touches on cupcakes for Rob's class party.

Josh blessed Allie and I with gifts. Allie LOVED her bear and named her "Berry". And I especially loved that he made me homemade, no sugar (just Truvia), chocolate peanut butter balls. He knows what I like!

I was really blessed to hear about Josh taking the boys shopping for Valentine's stuff because the boys made a point not only to get me a card, but also one for Allie. How sweet is that!! 

I cherish the fact that my kids love each other so much.

 During school, Rob had a special talk to give on teaching one of his talents. He taught the class the basics of golf and why he loves it. He didn't forget to mention that he loves golf because he beat his dad on a hole!

He showed them his driver and putter, as well as our practice putting green we use at home. He showed the class how to putt and then each of his classmates got a turn to try.

I was so glad I was there for his talk. Afterwards the stayed kids were saying, "That was so cool!"

Allie showed me the book she made on things she loves...

(Out of curiosity I asked her why she put the bank. She said, "Because we get suckers there!"

(Allie is truly an animal lover! Can you tell?!)

 After school the kids were super excited to play with their cousin Zeke. We had something like a little scavenger hunt for him-Marcus hid a few gifts around the living rooms and he had to try and find them.

 While the kids were playing I had to get things together for our Marrieds Retreat at night and this morning. First, I put some gifts together that we raffled off for the couples. And then, I put these flowers together as table centerpieces. I had a lot of fun doing it. I love flowers!

Here we are 19 Valentine Days later! 

I am a blessed woman. 

 Our Marrieds Retreat was a great success! We had good food and fellowship, a great turn out, and the best part was that my brother, Josh, preached the messages. Everyone loved it.

Really, my brother was absolutely amazing! And, I'm not just saying that because he's my brother. Last night I was going to cry thinking about how proud I am of my brother. He preached such great messages that were so packed with wisdom and practical application. He talked about the ministry of marriage and how we are ministers to our spouse. Such a powerful revelation. Today he talked about things that can spoil your marriage: criticism, busyness, and selfishness. He also shared what can keep those spoilers from living in your marriage.

I cannot wait for tomorrow's church services...I get to hear him preach some more!

Life Lately

• The women's Bible study at our church has picked up again to finish the second part of the Daniel series. It has truly been a blessing to go through each chapter of the book of Daniel. What an eye opener! I've read the book of Daniel before, but this time it's different. I am learning so much about history, Bible prophecy and Daniel's life. There are multiple things that I've read before, but didn't fully understand at the time. Now I do. I'm so grateful for God's Word! God is so amazing and wonderful!

• Josh has started taking the boys to play basketball again at the gym on Saturday mornings. Our family has spent a part of every Saturday watching the boys at their games.

• Ever since Christmas time I have been going through the house, trying to get rid of things we don't use or clothes that don't fit. Less stuff and less clutter=a more simplified life. I currently have two piles ready to leave the house. 

• Allie has been wanting to match me in what we wear. She is so cute. I'll tell her to go get dressed for the day, but she quickly asks me, "Mom, what are you going to wear?"

On our way to church.

We try and do our best with what we both have...her outfit is cuter this time!

• I took pictures for a baby shower hosted by the NICU parent support group I volunteer with. It was the largest turnout they have had to the baby shower. Many moms that are on bed rest in the hospital came this time, as well as moms with babies currently in the NICU. I think the most powerful time of the shower was when we all went around and shared our stories about being on bed rest or about our preemies. It reminded me again of the power of sharing one's story...saying out loud the difficult things you have gone through and feeling like people were really listening and empathized with you about your difficult situation. It was a good reminder for me that not only in this group, but everyone has a story to tell. I want to be someone people can share their's with.

• Josh has been training for his marathon. He's run up to 19 miles in one day!!! I can't even imagine what that is like. I'm so proud of him. He's had a couple of training days that have been "snow days" so he had to run around the indoor track at the Olympic Oval. That's a lot of laps!

• Rob's class had a special performance of the book Miss. Nelson Is Missing at a school assembly. He did a terrific job and seemed so comfortable being in front of so many people. 

• Allie has had this set up on her bedroom floor for weeks! She doesn't want Cody our cat to mess with it, that's why there's a scarf over her creation...Josh and I have been ever so careful when we walk into her room at night to tuck her into bed.

I asked her to show me what was under the scarf...a hodgepodge of Playmobil toys

• I've enjoyed reading this new book a friend at church introduced me to. I've tried some new recipes from it and similar ones I've found online. They have been a real hit with the family. Yes! Healthy and tasty!

• Marcus finished putting together his first power point presentation on Christopher Columbus. However, he will have to present it to his class next week, since he's been home sick with strep throat :(

• I have not cleaned off the Bible verse and sweet note Josh wrote on our bathroom mirror. I was completely surprised one morning when I woke up and walked into the bathroom to find it-and it's extremely difficult to surprise me. Props to my amazing husband! He is the best and I love him so much!

• We are all so excited for tomorrow...my brother Josh and nephew Zeke arrive for a week! I couldn't be more thrilled about my brother preaching our Married's Retreat this weekend & the kids can't wait to hangout with their cousin Zeke!

Grandma Time

On Thursday, Grandma Debbie flew into town for a visit. We sure kept her busy! I took her to Allie's gymnastics class that night and we had fun watching her-did I mention that Allie has to climb the rope two times in a row now!

Friday was a big day because Josh, Grandma and I spent the morning at Marcus' school for an assembly where he was honored for achieving High Honor Roll for the Second Quarter (this meant he earned straight A's...nothing lower even A-'s). Josh and I were surprised that only 10 kids in the sixth grade made the High Honor Roll. Interesting side note--7 of them were girls and 3 were boys. 

Way to go, Marcus! We are so proud of your hard work, discipline and character!

While Grandma picked up Rob and Allie from their school, Josh and I went to a private luncheon with Marcus for those 10 kids who made High Honor Roll and their parents. Marcus was loving the Olive Garden food and Dunkin Doughnuts for dessert!

Grandma and the kids played Bingo and we hung out at the house until dinnertime. Then, Grandma took us out to eat and afterwards Josh and the boys went to Rob's basketball practice.

On Saturday, both boys had basketball games-it was Marcus' last game of the season. Allie had a birthday tea party to go to right after the basketball games. Grandma & I took Allie to her friend's party. 

That night we decided to hang out at home. Grandma and I played a new game with the kids called Bananagrams. It was so fun and challenging. Great game for kids-and adults haha!

On Sunday, we went to church, but first we went to Starbucks, of course! Then, Grandma took us to lunch after service. We had to take her straight to the airport from lunch. On the way to the airport everyone complained about Grandma having to leave so soon, and they were trying to come up with a way to kidnap her so she could stay another week. Unfortunately, that didn't happen and Grandma made it on her plane to go home.

We had a wonderful time and are sad that our visit went by so fast.

Can't wait for you to come again, Grandma Debbie!

ToothLESS Grin

For weeks now Allie has been praying for one of her bottom teeth to come out. She has been faithfully asking for prayer during prayer time at school (when everyone goes around and shares their requests and then prays for them) that she wants her tooth to come out. 

Well, on Wednesday night, Allie and I were sitting at the kitchen table eating a quick bite before church and I asked to see her loose tooth. I was surprised-it was pretty loose. I told Allie that it could come out and let's try and wiggle it right now. 

She wiggled and pulled at it. It was getting closer, but still not coming out. So, Allie prayed that God would help her to pull it out. She got nervous and said, "Mom, you do it."

So, I only had to wiggle it a little and out it came! She was so happy! She thanked God for answering her prayers. Allie was one happy little girl!

After I put my phone down..because yes I was filming the whole event (including her prayer!)...

I showed her the tooth and she was surprised it was so small. She went up to her room and found a little Hello Kitty box to put it in. 

She said, "I'm not going to put this under my pillow for the tooth fairy...I'm keeping it!"

Mr. Snowman