Toddler Talk

This was very funny and so cute. After lunch Gabi had some of her fruit smoothie on her forehead... she like to get every drop. I asked her to come here so I could clean off her forehead. She said mom.. is it my forehead or my Five-Head. I just had to chuckle. She was totally serious.

Congratulations Mana!

!! CONGRATULATIONS ON GRADUATION !!
To my little sister::From your big sister & family

We love you! We wish we could be there to celebrate your hard work, long years, sleepless nights, group projects, endless hours behind a computer, trick test questions and easy A's. We are excited for you and for your future. Though you have finished your formal schooling, we hope that you would never cease to be teachable and never withdraw from learning from the source of all knowledge.

Romans 11:33 Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

Search His judgments. Seek His wisdom. Mine His riches and Love His Way! Our prayer for you is to walk in the gospel, to know the power of God to transform us from dead to living, to live in the light of Christ that lets us see our sin and come to the cross rather than hiding in darkness, to feed on the nourishment of God through His Word that can yield fruit for His glory.

WE LOVE YOU!

Intro to Gardening

BEFORE

Today began my first semester in ........Gardening 101.
It seems as though every time I get a plant (usually as a gift), I kill it. This year for my birthday I received a several plants (pretty violas and hardy kalanchoe). This morning my green thumb sister in-law took us to the "Disneyland" of gardening. As we toted our five kids in both Gabi and I had the same reaction... Oooooo Ahhhhh. The place was gorgeous. Every type of plant, pot and accessory was there on display. It was awesome just having Carey there, it gave me more confidence in this area that I so desperately need help. This afternoon while the kids took a great nap, I was able to get all the flowers planted. I wanted to plant a pot of herbs but I couldn't find my seeds I just purchased. Hopefully they will turn up here soon... nonetheless I was very excited about my 7 pots. Now I guess we will have to see how long they live.

AFTER
My Plants (a close-up)

Home at Last.

Steve arrived home saturday night, excited yet very tired. This is very expected since they spent 30 hrs on a bus. We had a great time last night at the Katrina Reflections Meeting at church. Many people both youth and adults got to share their testimony of the impact of the trip had on them. Overall the trip to Gulfport, Mississippi was a huge success. They accomplished more than they expected. The 41 high schoolers had great attitudes despite the long bus ride, sleeping on the floor and quick showers. The 18 adults were extremely pleased with working and teaching the students how to do major carpentry tasks. There were several teams working on a variety of projects.... roofing, drywalling and painting. The evening bible time was spent in the book of Job.
Steve's Top Memories from the trip were:
1. The relationships formed with the cooking crew who were elder (60, 70 and some 80 year old) believers from North Carolina who were so chipper and happy even though they woke up at 4:00am and didn't leave the kitchen until 9:00pm.. that is serving!!!




2. The devestation they saw first hand. It is hard to imagine that that area is still a disaster area even after 8 months have passed. Many people are still homeless or are living in desperately damaged homes.


3. The relationships formed on the trip amongst the group. Many jokes were played. The most famous one done on the ... Youth Pastor.. (of course!) Here is the short version: Steve lost his towel, so they thought he wouldn't mind having a girly towel..
Well as you can imagine.. that went straight to Gabi once he got home. Oh does she love it!!

We are continuing to pray that the area hit by Hurricane Katrina and those that have served that area would both be redeemed and reconstructed by God for HIS OWN GLORY!!!