Happy Valentine's Day

Justin and I enjoyed an outstanding Valentine's Day evening last night with our dear friends, the Spencers. Many of you know Reed and his amazing musical talents. We traveled to Taylor University to listen to Reed and his choral group perform. We enjoyed a great dinner and were entertained by the group along with a grad student from Jordan who sang in his native language. ( I don't know what that is) It was so neat to see how the Worship of Christ crosses over language and culture barriers. As this young man sang I certainly could not understand each word he spoke but I sure sang along with the familiar chorus in my own language, "Many things about tommorrow, I don't seem to understand. But I know who holds the future, and I know he holds my hand!"
I'm always thankful for the time that we get to spend with Mark and Jan and their whole family - which have become an extention of our own family. Our conversation and laughter are refreshing and such a blessing. If you get a chance, check out Taylor's website for information about the up and coming trip that the choral group, "Sounds of Taylor", will be taking to Jordan and Egypt next month.

Pictures: *Reed (middle) singing with the men's choir of the choral group.
*My dear friend, mentor and second mama...Jan.


Music is the universal language of mankind. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

AWANA Cares for Mikayla

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE AWANA? This week's theme was AWANA cares for Mikayla. We collected items to give to a family in our community who has a daughter recently diagnosed with Leukemia. These items will come in handy as the family travels back and forth to Indy for treatments. Granola bars, fruit snacks, little Debbie snacks, juice boxes, coloring books, reading books, crayons...I loved seeing the kids come with smiles on their faces to load up the boxes with items. Many of them told a story of their friend and how much they missed her at school. While it makes my heart happy to see them give, it makes me happier to know they are learning what it means to love with the love of Christ. Many of them will be praying for their friend each day lifting up specific needs that she has. I can't think of much that makes me happier than to see my own kids and kids of our community learn to love Jesus, hide His word in their hearts AND extend His love to those around. God bless Mikayla and her family as they fight this battle. AWANA cares for you, loves you and is praying for Mikayla's healing!

Monkey See, Monkey Do

This is a classic picture of my two little tykes right now. Sophie has become quite the little sister that looks up to her big bro. It seems like she is always imitating what he does. It is so cute. (At least we think so...Jack, not so much) Here she is acting just like the Jack man once again. He was sitting on the chair watching cartoons and she climbed up right beside him and put her hands up just like him. I love it!!

Droid Fighting Pizza Makers

Jackson had his buddy Max over last night. They played all evening fighting droids with their power helmets, building all sorts of things and making pizzas for dinner. I love watching my little man use his imagination. Max has quite the imagination too. I could have sat back all night and just watched them play. I hope these two never lose their creativity! When we were on our way back from taking Max home Jack says to me out of the blue, "Mom, Max is very kind." My heart smiled! I think that is five-year-old lingo for, "I found myself a good friend!"