Fun times...

I was granted permission by Victoria to share this picture (as was Tony on Sunday) with you. I'd asked her to put her 10 Spelling words in a sentence. One of those was the word everything. So, here is what she came up with...

"Everything is all about me."

Ain't that the truth of what we wake up feeling every day?!. I confess, it's especially hard in our glorified, self-indulgent culture. Me, me, me, I, I, I, mine, mine, mine... remember those sea gulls fishing in the cartoon The Little Mermaid? Ha.

We received a rich word Sunday morning on Mark 9-10...

"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (10:43-45) Help me to be a servant, Lord.

Meanwhile, here are some other 'proud' displays... :-) Eyasu showing off his artwork... precious. "Mama, look my horse-y."

On Wednesday, we celebrated the early arrival of Orphanology. Woo hoo! Proud of my husband and Rick, as well as all who shared testimonies throughout! A labor of love and grace... A reveling in the mercies of God our Savior... Speaking of which, despite having proofed the first chapters, I still cried reading it. I think Tony's sister, Lisa, aptly put, "This book should have come with a box of tissues." I'm looking forward to reading more of the practical implications and variations of doing orphan care.

You can order your own copy here. Orphanology should hit the bookshelves in the next week or so. For those at TBC, there are a few copies available in Tony's office (see Amy for details). Proceeds from those particular books in the office go directly towards our adoption fund expenses (checks payable to: Abba Father Ministries).

This is kind of random, but I thought picture worthy. Tony making cucumber and tomato salad with fresh lime, while Titus hangs close hoping for stray morsels...

Friday was a big day. First, it was my last day of homeschooling Victoria. Short-lived, but a priceless time. After prayer and counsel, I decided to re-enroll her so that I can actually prepare for our move. There is simply too much to do! Victoria joined Tony for lunch while I joined James at school.

James loves Mrs. Ross (sniff*sniff* - consequently her last day was Friday as they move to WVA this week) and Mr. Smith...

James and his friends...

After school on Friday, the beautiful weather and arrival of Spring break created an urge to go celebrate through ice cream... so 4/5's of my kiddos ventured out with me to the Purple Cow...

Meanwhile, Angela had lots of girl fun at a sleep over with her sweet friend, Olivia...

We had a restful weekend of soccer games, tennis and Sunday morning worship...

On Monday, Tony took the kids out for a breakfast of champions at McDonald's. Can't beat $1 sausage biscuits. Then he headed to Dallas, TX for Leadership Network. The kids and I had our own adventures...

Lunch at the BK...

Field trip to Target...

Tennis (well, sort of... more like "see if or how far you can hit the ball on the court")...

Painting in the garage while listening to the rain...

Then, I topped the horrible Monday diet off with Domino's pizza with popcorn during the movie Marma Duke. Fun times...

Tuesday began with early dentist appointments for James and Jana (3 cavities filled between the 2 of them). Now, I'd love nothing more than to curl up in my bed and sleep. If only everything was about me... lol.

Early morning fun in the Dentist lobby...

We are headed to the zoo this morning followed by picnic with friends.... Off we go!