First Annual IRPC Couples' Retreat

Brrrrr....

You know it's cold when...

Yeah, that's ice on the INSIDE of our front door hinge.
-16 and -23 with the wind chill,
just in case you missed the Indiana weather reports.

So what does Mommy do when it's THAT cold outside?
Stay inside and recover from being sick.

What does Daddy do when it's that cold outside?
Bring Amber inside and give her a bath!
"YEAH FOR DADDY" the kids say!

Luke said she needed her teeth brushed and so Amber got her teeth brushed.

Snow Day Fun

Soldier Down!

It seems we just can't shake this sickness thing!
As soon as we get over it, we get it again.
Only this time, Mommy got it.
Two days in bed! Good grief! It was AWFUL!
Josh helped out the first day and Eric took off the second.
Josh was so proud of his first pony-tail!
Not too bad, Josh!

Thankfully I'm feeling better today and back to all that needs to be done, including cleaning the entire house. It's been a long day and I'm pooped! Good night!

Dream Dinners

I have heard a lot of gals talking about Dream Dinners lately. Being somewhat reserved and having a super busy schedule, I didn't even give it a second thought, but I just couldn't get others to stop talking about it :-).
One of my gal-pals Tricia suggested we organize a Mom's Group evening there. I swallowed my hesitation and emailed whoever was on my mind that day.
I didn't know what to expect, but I hadn't heard a singe bad thing about Dream Dinners, so I figured I'd nothing to lose. It never hurts to try something new, RIGHT?!
What a TIME we had! It was especially a blessing for me.
If you haven't heard of Dream Dinners I've included the links below.
Dream Dinners, here, and local Dream Dinners of Lafayette.
GO GO GO! If only once, GO! You'll be glad you did.

DREAM DINNERS

Jamie and Kathy! What a PLEASURE to have met you!

Beth and I decided to have a little fun...

Then we got thirsty and needed some water...

Beth decided to try the wine before we left...


*******

I never expected to get so much out of one evening.
It was just the kick-in-the-rear I needed to find my zest in the kitchen again. Someone once said "The kitchen is the heart of the home." It's amazing what a kitchen full of women can do for your soul.
As I looked around the room, shortly after arriving, I realized that the women gathered were dear to me. Every woman was from a different group of friends; church, mom's group, preschool and college days. I have to admit that I was overcome with joy and oozed happiness. These women went about their evening never knowing how I stood there smiling and laughing, but all the while silently offering up joyful thanks. The Lord has done many things in my life throughout the years and each woman there held a different but special place in my heart, attached to a memory. I FELT the meaning of friendship surround by these women. It was all I could do to keep my cheeks from bursting! My God is SO good to me!

Never a dull moment...

A sneakie, smartie but sweetie... who, I guess, wanted some cheese puffs.

Finding joy in the ordinary happenings of life... a good Daddy.

A snuggle bug.

Luke's Birthday Continued

We celebrated with Grandma and Grandpa on Saturday night with homemade "Psp-sketti."
Grandma did an awesome job and Grandpa's cheese bread was the best I'd ever had!
YUM!

We started the morning with Bagels and Pancakes.

I got lazy with Luke's cake this year.
No, there isn't a digital touch-up, it IS still in the pan.
Surprisingly I impressed the one person that mattered most and he was thrilled with his cake.
Daddy did a great job of picking out the cars and truck.

The highlight of the night was the dinosaur tub Grandpa picked out.
Everyone had fun playing with the dinosaurs.
It was such a fun night visiting and sharing in an evening meal.
What a nice birthday for us all.

All for one and one for all

That Uncle Joe and Aunt Heather sure know how to pick out a gift!

Luke got up earlier than Krista the next morning and finally got a chance to play with he gift all by himself.

Thanks Uncle Joe and Aunt Heather!

Happy Birthday, Luke

Luke,

Today you turned five. No longer fingers, but one entire little hand, or maybe not such a little hand anymore. It’s a wonderful walk to travel back to a time when it was just you and me. My days were consumed with everything you did. I was there for every smile, move, coo and diaper change. They were all mine. I spent countless hours playing with you on the floor, throwing balls and wiping tears. Your round cheeks are no more and you have grown into your ears. Your blue eyes are a reminder of the sleepless nights walking the hall, rocking and singing when the rest of the world was sleeping, your wonderful eyes looking up at me by nightlight. Your blue eyes remind me of sunny days, green grass and the big barn where we used to play. You stole my heart and forgave me, unknowingly, for the mistakes I made. Patience was something that you and I had to learn together, a road still traveled on. We have learned many lessons, some good some bad, but you have made me a better me. You are the one our Heavenly Father used to stir my hunger for knowledge and change. There is no other little boy like you. You are defiant, sincere, strong willed, kind, tenderhearted, stubborn, fun, gentle, emotional, selfish, loving and me… my best and worst qualities. There are many times, when I see where I have failed, but God prevails. You pray sincerely for people and things. You are my inspiration to pull my head out of the sand and have a purpose for the day. I love to discipline you, though at times I lack the wisdom and patience I should always have. You are quick to anger, but when all is said and done, you come away changed somehow and I am thankful that it is not because of me. I see the Lord working in your life and have no greater joy. What a rare treasure that God has formed. I love you dearly, no longer little boy. You are growing and changing and I am so pleased.