Project 365, Week 9

Snow and babies and taxes, oh my!

February 23

The forecasters were right...we woke up to a whole bunch of snow, and it was still going. It was piled up enough that we closed the office. It was actually a welcomed day of rest and getting some backlogged things done. Jack was at work, but the four of us got some game time in before the snow removal began.

February 24

I stepped outside for a few minutes, just to be outside. The sun is especially pleasant after a storm.

February 25

The social worker came to do our foster care license renewal. God, in his wisdom and humor, gave me a burden for foster care, even though I don't particularly like kids. 

14 years, 35 kids, blessings, tears, laughter, heart-break, lessons, perspective, love.

My girl, fresh off of happy news in her life. 

February 26

I get to work with my family every day, doing something I love. We happened to be in the same room all in black, gray and white, so I snapped a picture. :)

February 27

Avery and Jack grabbed the kids for the weekend, so they camped out at our house. Unlike me, they love, love kids and its beautiful to watch.

February 28

Our last TBQ Meet before districts. 

This kid. In the car, he was telling me all about his plans to build a treehouse. I thought, you are so much like your dad, though he hasn't seen him since he was an infant. I encouraged Dakota to fine-tune his plans while he waits for the snow to melt and spring to come and I was amazed at his imagination. 

With all the snow we had, it was surprising a field could be available, but apparently turf fields are plowable.

March 1

We enjoyed the last couple hours with the kids. (and then also the quiet when they had left ;))

Project 365, Week 8

February: winter's last bittersweet farewell song.

February 16

No picture

February 17

He did it! We have a new driver in the family!

February 18

Pop and Kiki were headed out on a vacation and they planned their travel time around stopping in to surprise Amanda and do the evening prayer service with her. She was SO happy! 

February 19

Tried the hot tub for some pain relief...a nice addition to the morning.

February 20

Exquisite sunrise that went through a variety of colors.

February 21

Aiden's car only made it up part way late the night before after going out with friends post-youth group.

As Assistant Campus Pastor, most of what Jack does is behind the scenes, but this night he did announcements/offering for the first time. He did so great!

February 22

Avery and Jack came to stay overnight, in anticipation of a big snow storm.

Project 365, Week 7

This week was made extra special by a quick trip to Middle-of-Nowhere, PA.

February 9

This is an almost daily scene right now.

February 10

Mornings.

February 11

For tax season, my desk was moved from the front of the building to the back and now I watch new growth on this plant each day.

February 12

Amanda's school was holding some special services and Avery had the idea to go as a surprise to Amanda. She invited me to go along!

We left very early, getting to Amanda's school at 9AM. Avery and I parked and talked through a couple options of how to find her on campus. Our hands were on the car door handles to get out when Avery spotted Amanda about to walk past our car. So we got out and shocked her and that tight-squeeze hug was absolutely worth the trip.

We sat with her while she ate breakfast and then went to the first service together. After, we left campus to get some lunch and hang out for the afternoon until the evening service. We met some new people, saw old friends, played games, laughed. It wasn't nearly enough time and it was just perfect. 

People ask me regularly how Amanda's doing. At Summit she's happy, she's flourishing, she is so vibrant and full of life. She's learning so much about God, herself, dealing with people. Though she wishes she had a 50-year plan laid out for her life, she's confident that God does and she tries to rest in that.

We stopped by her dorm room and I was not surprised to find her bed made and all her things in order. She likes things a certain way and I love that about her.

As I sat with my girls in the service I just kept thanking God...He redeems, he restores, he does miracles on the regular. What a God, what a God.

February 13

Amanda is on a sprawling 100-acre campus that's beautiful in every season. Summit is such a special place, its difficult to describe.

We joined her for a quick breakfast and the 10am service and then were on the road by noon to beat the evening traffic. I so appreciated getting the car time with Avery. This trip was quick and so heart-filling.

February 14

I bought Valentine's donuts for the office and that was the extent of the celebrations this year.

February 15

My nephew was playing in a warm, close-to-us hockey arena, so I got to watch him skate and was SO happy to catch up with Sarah.

Project 365, Week 6

We started making our way through February.

February 2

Counting my blessings that I get to take this boy to practice; soon he'll have his license and I will greatly miss our car time together.

February 3

Stealing time with this boy as we take care of business while also getting hours of driving practice.

February 4

The lake house has created a lot of extra work...we're counting down the days until it will be worth it.

February 5

He causes the sun to rise each morning...I'll never get over it.

I'm so thankful for option of Telehealth visits. I'm thankful for my support people. I'm thankful for some more months of life (or maybe years or days...none of us knows!).

February 7

Someday I will miss stepping around boys shoes.

February 8

Speaking of boys...Avery and Jack took the twins for the weekend and spent one of the nights at our house, so I got some early morning snuggles.

They are starting to smile and laugh and its so cute! It is a thing to behold, watching Jack and Avery so effortlessly care for two infants. And taking such joy in doing it.