The New Playroom!

Ok, so it is not actually a playroom, but it was this weekend. We got the key to the new apartment on Friday so that Greg could do some work on the walls and cabinets before we move in. I called it the playroom because Greg got to play with his toys...um, I mean...tools.



We also set up a giant inflatable basketball goal for the kids to play with.

So THAT is what it is!

I read this today in my bible study time...I have been drawn to the word lately. I have not been able to put it into words until I read this verse today. It is a gift from the Lord...a heart that hears HIS call. Oh that this thirst would never be quenched in any of us!

What a Face!

Greg makes this same face when I give him something green to eat!

We made it!

Whew...the kids and I made it though a week without Daddy. It was a tough go at times with Cole getting sick and not sleeping...But the Lord granted me an extra measure of grace! Caedmon was a big help. He continually surprises me with his sweet and helpful nature...when he wants to. ;) He put Abigail to bed a couple times reading her stories and praying with her. So sweet.

(Greg's entry)

I’m familiar with state-named schools like University of North Carolina that add a city name to distinguish it from other UNCs in the state (Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Wilmington, Asheville, Greensboro). What I find odd are city-named schools located in different cities. This idea is not unlike saying, “The University of North Carolina at Missouri”. I spend last week on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown for Spring Institute, a weeklong intensive CCO training event.

Connecting with fellow missionaries to college campuses is always encouraging. We’re resourcing, sharing ideas, encouraging and praying for each other, and having fun together. I took classes on the Old Testament prophets, support-raising, and learning more about the opportunities within the CCO to help transform college students.

The Author's Tea

Caedmon's class hosted an Author's Tea this morning where are all of the students read one of the books they have written this year. The Title of Caed's book was Caed's Important Book of Second Grade. It is all about how much he likes his teacher Mrs. Goldberg. Here is a short video of him reading his book.



After the program they posed for a class picture...sorry it is from the side...there were a lot of parents there!

I tried to get a little family picture, but this is what I got... Better luck next time!

Provision

I ran across this verse today and it blessed my heart. I hope it blesses yours too!

Not Me Monday

From Mckmama's blog

Are you feeling ashamed for letting your child go to bed without brushing his teeth...again? Did you Twitter on your cell phone during a meeting without anyone knowing? Feel bad for screaming at the cat or eating Pop Tarts and coffee for breakfast? Are you embarrassed that you are far from perfect? We'll don't be. Not Me! Monday was born out of my desire to admit some of my imperfections and reveal a few moments I'd rather forget. You may find it therapeutic to join in and do the same thing!

My therapy session for the week...

Greg is out of town this week at CCO training. As one woman taking care of three kids this week, I would never promise a certain little girl a bowl of ice cream in exchange for quiet so I could seek in a 20 min cat nap on the couch...not me... I would also never leave my poor mother in the van with the kids while I run into the salon for a much needed hair cut...Don't worry, that is what portable DVD players are for!

Ahhh that felt good! Any thing you need to confess that you did not do? :)

Another Chance to Trust

The following is a paragraph from our most recent newsletter:

We’ve seen God do some pretty amazing things in both our own lives and those of our students this year— especially the past few weeks. We know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God has put us here and is blessing this ministry. Yet He is currently reminding us to trust Him in all things. I have partnered with a local church for the past two years and served as the Director of College Ministries. The church, which subsidizes about 1/3 of our monthly support, is shifting its focus and resources toward the youth and family ministries. It has opted not to renew its contract with CCO for a third year. I’m thankful for my time with the church and agree that this decision best positions it for long-term growth. My service at the church will wrap up in July when my contract ends. We’re excited for what God has in store! Pray with us for His direction and provision.

Update: Greg has been meeting with several area churches about his vision for the ministry here at Arcadia. It has been going well. He has been encouraged by the response. Please continue to pray for the Lord to provide.

What are the kids learning in school these days?

(aside)
For those of you checking this blog for ministry news please click here or scroll down to the labels bar on the sidebar and click on ministry update. Most of the students have gone home for the summer so most of our time these days is spent doing behind the scenes stuff like raising support, connecting with local churches and planning for next semester. We are also enjoying some "down" time as a family.

On to the actual post... I HAD to take a picture of this yesterday. Part of Caed's homework was to try to write his name with his toes!



Ummmmm...Ok!?!

Laundry day fun

Tuesday is laundry day. I REALLY don't like doing laundry so I save it up for one day and refuse to do it the rest of the week. One of the many reasons I don't like laundry day is that our dryer vents out into the apartment, not outside like normal! It gets SOOO hot and humid inside when I have 7+ loads!

BUT Abby found a fun laundry day activity! Practicing her letters on the condensation!



Don't you wish you were a kid again?

Not Me Monday!

I have been following Mckmama's blog for a while and I have enjoyed reading her NOT ME! posts so I thought I would join the phenomenon that is NOT ME mondays!

Here is my first attempt at being brutally honest and living to tell about it..Not me...I would NEVER spend 2 hours online playing Monopoly while watching NCIS reruns...NEVER...I would also never look through the dirty clothes pile to find the least smelly socks for my son to wear to school ;)

Laundry day is not until Tuesday!!!

The New Apartment!

We got to take a look at the new apartment today! It was HUGE! The kitchen is sooo nice. It will be great to have counter space and more than two drawers! Here is a picture. (They have not cleaned it out yet so there is still some trash from the students who lived there.)



We don't have a move date yet, but we will keep you updated.

We hate to see them go BUT...

Oh, to watch them leave! (That is a line from a country song)I realize this sounds bad, but stick with me here.

Tuesday was the day all of the underclassmen had to be out of their dorms on campus and their apartments here in Oak Summit (where we live). Students throw away anything and everything they don't want to take home or can't fit into their cars. It's astonishing how much nice stuff gets tossed!

For those of you who know Greg, this is like Christmas morning to him! This year we made out like bandits! We got a brand new-in-box vacuum, lots of storage shelves, an entertainment center, countless rolls of toilet paper, a rug, a lamp, 2 (real, not fake) potted palm trees, and a giant inflatable basketball hoop and ball! This is just to name a few things! What made it all worthwhile was this..



a GIGANTIC universal remote for the TV in our bedroom! (Here is a picture of it next to our regular tv remote)AND it actually works!

Go ahead, laugh if you want but we know you are secretly jealous! :)

It will not be long...

Cole is now getting on his knees! Oh No! I am not ready for crawling yet!!

Rain

Rainy days remind me of renewal. I love the way the trees and grass look so green during the rain. It reminds me of a song by Shane Barnard based on Ephesians 5:26-27. Here are the Lyrics:

wash me in the water of the Word
i lay me on the alter of Your will
present me blameless
without blemish,
Holy Bride,
white
Lord, purify Your Bride

Have you let the Word wash over you today?

Mother's Day Makeover...

This is where Greg and a few of our students are today...

Study Break

Last night we hosted a little study break for students. There is nothing like a cherry cobbler and a movie to get your mind off finals for a while! Here are a couple pictures.



This is Blaise, one of the students that accepted Christ last week. He had some questions about what he has been reading in his bible lately. It is really neat to see how the Holy Spirit is working in his life already! (This picture looks like it could have been staged...I promise you it was not!)



After the movie we began watching funny you tube videos. I am sure you know...this can last a while. We laughed until we were crying!