A Trip to Logan's Roadhouse...

What a blessing it has been to make this Saturday a day of rest as a family... much needed... We decided to use a generous gift card we received for Christmas to go out to eat... As we made our way there the kids were excited saying, "Me want peanuts, potatoes and pickles!" I laughed and thought, "This lunch may be brought to you by the letter 'P'"... Three opted for chicken and the fourth for macaroni & cheese... Plus peanuts and potatoes... :)

Intermittently, James would lean back on his seat, rest his head and stare up at the lights... hmmm... :)

Angela took a lot of time to eat (or savor I should say) her chicken fingers...

Jana occasionally broke out into dance moves along with the restaurant music... After she was finished eating she said, "My stomach tired..." Too cute...

Victoria was proud of all the peanuts she put down her little body... :)

A blessed family outing. Hope you have a wonderful and warm weekend! Oh, and...

"Who Dat!".... Yes, we'll be watching... :)

A Ministry Opportunity for Orphans in Ukraine...

"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James 1:27

I received an email invite from a missionary friend serving in Ukraine to participate in a wonderful project. I do not want to broadcast this worker's contact information over the internet, so pardon a little vagueness on details... Although this is a themed project, Valentine's Day is not widely celebrated in Ukraine. Therefore, you could send valentines throughout the whole year! *hint hint* Whether this is a family project or a small group project, it will be fun and minister to the needs of precious ones who go to bed each night without a mama or papa.

Hundreds of orphans in Ukraine are without warm shoes, clothes, and coats this winter. Here is how you can help:

1. Buy or make a Valentine's Day card, sign your name in English and write the above message in Russian (God is love. We love you.).

2. Put $5 with your card. Perhaps children can earn this $5 by helping out around the house.

3. Once the cards are collected (should you decide to make this a group project:), the cards will be mailed directly to Ukraine, while the money will be mailed to the mission organization here in the U.S. to wire the funds and ensure their deposit. For more information and mailing instructions please send me your email address and I will forward the appropriate information. Thank you.

4. When the cards arrive in Ukraine and the money goes through the particular mission sending agency, they will buy and deliver shoes, clothes, and coats along with your Valentine's Day cards to the orphanages who are most in need. They will be sure to then send pictures of the children with their clothes.

Happy Birthday, Tony!

February 1st Tony celebrated another double digit birthday... We maximized upon our one hour of opportunity (between after school activities and Upward Basketball/Cheerleading festivities) with a family dinner with presents...

Thank you for your sweet cards...

After modeling this shirt, he demonstrated the John Wall dance...

Kids are excited about papa's new tent... looking forward to family camping trip...