John Piper on Racial Harmony

I often tell my clients that I don't look at my kids and say, "Oh, there's my black daughter" or "There's my black son."  They are just my kids, created in the image of the Father.  Just like me and you!


Bloodlines Documentary with John Piper from Crossway on Vimeo.

Weekend in Indiana

As promised, here are pics from weekend at Grandpa and Meemaw's.

Grandpa will think of any excuse to use his favorite toy & AJ and Em were happy to offer counterweight for the load. 

I told my Mom that Dad would have never allowed us kids to do this, but the rules get relaxed when grandkids are involved. 

Aunt Kelly's new (used) trampoline

Wish I could show you Em's face, but not possible yet (foster care rules)

The Three Amigos

Shelby doing her favorite thing...making noise (in Grandpa's crocs)

Happy Birthday, Meemaw!

Today is my Mom's birthday (for her sake, I won't disclose how old she is.)  The kids and I traveled to Indiana over the long weekend to spend time with my parents and the rest of the family.  More pictures to come, but just wanted to say Happy Birthday, Meemaw!  We all love you.  Thanks for a great (& relaxing) weekend!

A Lenten Devotion of Love

I saw this idea on-line and wanted to pass it on to you all.  Many Christians give up something (chocolate, coffee, caffeine) for Lent but why not give something instead.  Love Without Boundaries is conducting a Lenten Devotional of Love Campaign.  You can go here and print a label that you can affix to your favorite jar and collect change during the season of Lent.  Your donation will go to purchasing high calorie formula for sick orphans in China.  It's a great idea and I just had to pass it on!

Caesar TV

Caesar has been obsessed with our bird feeder since we had to move it off the old stairs. He's actually worn a path from the house to the feeder so I fixed him the other day when I moved his chain.  He was not happy with me at first, but now I think he's resigned himself to just watch the show. The sparrows were swarming the old bread I threw in the feeder today and Caesar sat outside for most the day just watching them and soaking up the sun. 

Happy Valentine's Day

Ballerinas

Sorry for the delay in posts.  Our family has been down with various sicknesses.  SO READY for spring!

Last week, the girls ballet teacher allowed the parents to watch rehearsal and take pictures.  AJ and I ended up laughing through most of it as the girls were much more interested in watching themselves twirl in the mirror than actually do the ballet moves.  But it was fun and they have a great teacher (yay Miss Hannah!).  I learned that I will definitely never have the patience to teach 5 & 6 year olds ballet. 

Essie is in braids; Chloe was free styling that day 

(which was very appropriate for her style of dance for the day)

Can we tell who didn't crawl as a baby and therefore has poor core strength and therefore has poor balance???  I've learned so much from our occupational therapist.  If you have a baby...have them do lots of tummy time.  It develops their core muscles, which allows them to hold themselves up as adults (not flop around like children with ADHD). 

Free style dance- holds our interests much better

Steven Curtis Chapman Concert

Tonight we had the privilege of volunteering at the Steven Curtis Chapman concert at the Show Hope table. We didn't know until we got there that our good friends the Bellews were there too.  It worked out perfectly as all our kids got to hang out with some friends and enjoy some good music. 

Chloe, Margaret, Essie, Courage

The girls listening intently as the Show Hope volunteer coordinator explains our role for the night.

Nathan & AJ

The Maas Family (minus a few)

AJ hanging with baby Tessa

This series of photos is the girls rocking out to the pre-recorded music BEFORE the concert started.  I was so bummed I couldn't get pics of the girls rocking out during the concert but the house lights were down and well, visible pics of my kids were not possible

Andrew Peterson

The Maas family got called up on stage since Gabriel is one of the poster kids for Show Hope.  When his mom told him he was going on stage Gabriel (age 5) said, "But Mom, I can't dance!"  Luckily for Gabriel, SCC just wanted to talk with him.

Back to Eden

First of all...anyone catch the game last night and see my GIANTS become Superbowl Champs again!!!!  Ok, that's all I'm going to say about that.

I was sick all yesterday which finally gave me time to watch the Back to Eden video that I had heard about through some blogs that I follow.  Being that we've had such a mild winter, I'm itching already to get in the garden and have been researching (Matt would say obsessing) new methods and layouts for my garden this year.   I have so many ideas and after watching Paul Gautshi's method, I'm hooked.  This guy is onto something and I am going to do my best to follow his practices.  And the fact that he's offering everyone a chance to watch the video for free on-line tells me this is not a gimmick.  He truly believes God has shown him the best way to garden.  The way God originally set it up in the garden of Eden. If you can't watch the whole video, the first 6 minutes gives you an overview of the process.

Asbury Cheerleading Clinic

Today our alma mater held a cheerleading clinic for girls grades K-5, and for the second year our girls were very excited to participate. They had a couple hours of cheer instruction then performed at halftime of the Asbury women's basketball game.

Our little cheerleaders

Taking the floor at halftime

Ready to perform

The girls were especially excited to spend the day with their friend Margaret, who wanted our girls to pose with her for a picture.

Stephen Curtis Chapman's Coming to Nicholasville

Next Tuesday night, Stephen Curtis Chapman will be in concert at Southland Christian Church. The concert is sponsored by Show Hope and we will be working as volunteers. If you are interested in coming to the concert, click on the link below.

Show Hope Presents Spring 2012 Songs & Stories Tour