february catch up

Whewee! Young Life is HAPPENING here in the Mountaineer Area. Leaders are investing in kids, we're investing in leaders, committees are being built, money is being raised (we continued getting paid by the complete grace of God), the camp trip is full (94 spots filled and the trip has a waiting list), Work Crew training is wrapping up this weekend (I did training this year and loved it!), Young Life College is evolving, interest meetings are happening for 3 new schools/ministries (Lincoln High School, Clay Battelle High School and WyldLife at Mountaineer Middle School) and the YL office is GONE! That's right. For those of you who have prayed us through getting out of that money-pit, you can start saying your "thank you's" After many, many hours by many, many volunteers, the finishing touches and walk-thru with the landlord happened on Thursday. And, as of March 31st, it will not longer be leased by Young Life. It's all so big. It's all so exciting.

At the same time, it's a lot. It's overwhelming. To keep up is impossible. Last week, Ben was out 6 nights. Sunday was leadership. Monday he plays guitar at UHS's Club. Committee meeting in Bridgeport on Tuesday and playing guitar at club in Bridgeport on Wednesdays. Finishing up on the office Thursday. Interest meeting for Clay Battelle High School on Friday. Thankfully we had fairly restful days on Saturday and Sunday. Minus the blazing toothache Saturday night that will most likely require a root canal sometime this week. Thankfully a new friend of ours is a dentist who only does root canals. The Lord's provision. We're learning how to figure this out. Boundaries. Balance. Rest.

Today was an absolutely beautiful day. We broke out Ted's bike, Sophie's stroller and Millie's leash for a family walk on the rail trails. Ted has grown so much over the winter judging by the way he almost doesn't fit his bike anymore. And it's lightening and thundering right now. This has been the craziest February. So here is the last of our February . . .

This is the card Ted picked out for Ben for Valentine's Day. It's one of those singing ones. Sponge Bob singing "Happy Birthday." Funny thing is, they don't watch Sponge Bob. There's not one redeeming thing about that show. Anyways, Ted told me what he wanted to write. I wrote it out for him on a piece of paper and then he wrote it. "I Love You Forever. Love, Ted" 















The other week was absolutely beautiful. I washed the van and gave it a good dust bust. At least got the big crumbs out. Sophie "helped" me by turning all the knobs and pushing all the buttons.



















Sophie and I grocery shop every Monday morning. And a funny tid-bit of information, I usually spend within $10 of the same amount every week. Weird, I know. Anyways, she picked these flowers out all by herself on Valentine's Day. (Don't let the Halloween shirt fool you about what is the actual holiday.) Funny that even 2 year old girls love flowers!




















On a 60 degree day, the kids decided to do some sled riding. The hill in our backyard is steep enough that you really don't need snow. Good to know.



















Play-doh is my new best friend and pre-dinner entertainment. I've never been a big fan. Don't know why. But both kids love it and play nicely together. We cleaned my utensil drawer - orange peelers, baby spoons, chop sticks, pumpkin scraper and cookie cutters. Thank you, Doh, for the Play Doh set. It's been hiding on top of the dryer since Christmas. Like I said, never been a big fan. But it's a HIT!





























So, there you have it. The end of February. Can't believe it's March on Tuesday. Spring is near. And it looks the groundhog (or beaver if you're Ted) was right!