Spring Break

This Spring Break was all about nature.  Ryan and I tried to take the kids to a different park every day and we ended our break with a weekend trip to Beavers Bend in Oklahoma with some of Ryan's family.

We hiked, skipped stones, and played outside all week. 

It was really hard going back to work on Monday.

Something Sweet

Here is my Pre-Valentine's Day/ Marti Gras Cake!!

I got the recipe from Cooking with Sugar

I can't wait to eat it tomorrow with my Bible Study group!!

Watoto

At the end of January, we had the privilege of hosting a group from Uganda called Watoto.  They are a traveling choir formed from children who have been orphaned due to warfare and AIDS.

This was the kids first trip to America, and although they had been in the country for a few weeks, we were their first host family with children of similar ages.  

They arrived at our house at 9:30 pm, and their sponsor, Roy, said they needed to go straight to bed due to the fact they had to be up again at 6:30am-- however after seeing the kids interact, he allowed them to stay up until 11:00!  The boys (Marvin, Osborn, and Jonathon) loved the Nerf dart guns and racetracks.

We did not get to spend much time with them, but it was enough to appreciate them and realize how much we take for granted living in America.

Their worship at the church the next morning, was one of the most moving services I have ever attended.  They had such energy and such spirit, and when they sang, I am Not Forgotten, there was hardly a dry eye in the room.

Please go and read more about Watoto.  Reach out to those in need.

Teachable moments

Here is Andrew.  He is sad because he just got in trouble for writing on the wall with a sharpie.

Here is Andrew.  He is fixing his mistake.

Here is Andrew. He is happy for a job well done (even if he is still grounded from the computer for the rest of the week).

Psalm 37:24

"though he may stumble, he will not fall,
    for the Lord upholds him with his hand."

Crash and Eddie

Last Tuesday Ryan called me from work and told me that some kittens had been found in the field behind the church and that he really wanted to bring two of them home.  I said no!!! We already have two cats and a dog, that is enough.  So, he wisely said, just come up here and take a look on your lunch break.  Needless to say, we have two new kittens.

Meet Crash

And Eddie

They are getting along great with everyone (except our two other cats).  Theo is particularly intrigued by them.

After the first few days of having to feed them with syringes, I am happy to say they are eating well and are already getting into trouble.

They have already offered our kids hours of entertainment.  

I think they are going to be very happy here.

Still crafting

I have kept up my resolutions for a full week.  I am doing pretty good.  Here is another craft I worked on this week.

I made these felt flowers for Mallia's bulletin board.

Then I turned some into clips for her hair.

She liked them... for about 5 minutes.

Crafting

As part of my new year's resolution, I plan to craft more.  My mom bought me some canvases and paint for Christmas so yesterday the kids and I got got them out and put them to use.

First we stuck letters on each canvas to write out their names.

Then I let them loose with paint (they were supervised by our cat-- Hobbs)

Next we peeled off the letters.... and added some pictures.

I think they turned out pretty cute!!!