Weekend 180 - Becoming

Weekend 180 was an amazing time again this year. Even more amazing for us because it was Hannah's first student ministry event. It was a great event for the incoming 6th graders to take part in. They'll be moving into the Underground Student Movement this summer. Hannah is ready!

Lance doing one of the things he does best

Ross King and band

Ross rocks the Underground

Hannah and friends

Hannah's group takes the stage to share their Big Live

Todd Wright - singer-song writer-speaker extraordinaire (and funniest man in the world)

Party Pics

We had a party at McDonald's for Chloe's 5th birthday. It was the best of both worlds - the kids had a blast, and I didn't have to entertain a dozen 4 and 5 year olds at my house.

We were told that Chloe's Ronald McDonald birthday cake was put into the refrigerator upside down by an employee, so the picture on it was messed up. Oh well, our nice party lady didn't charge us for the cake, and she even found a plastic Ronald figurine to stick on it! You gotta love the Taneytown McDonald's.

Friday Fun

I am headed up to PA for the weekend with my good friend Julie. She is speaking at a women's retreat for her former church, and I am tagging along for moral (and prayer) support. It should be a fun weekend to get away, spend time with a friend, and meet some new people.

I ran by the Westminster Wal-Mart this morning after dropping the girls off at school. I have been avoiding that place for the last couple of weeks because of the complete remodel going on inside and outside the store. Honestly, this is one of the nastiest Wal-Mart stores I have ever been in, so I am glad for the face lift. When I walked in today, I was thrilled to see that there were all new shopping carts in the store and they were large! One of the worst things about my local Wal-Mart has been the mini carts that they provide. I can put Chloe in one along with a 12 pack of Charmin double rolls and that thing is full. I don't get it. The senior adult employee that helped me get my cart this morning just didn't understand my excitement over this change.

Well, I'm off to grab my bags and kiss my husband goodbye. Happy Friday!

12 Years Old

Happy Birthday, Hannah!

This has been a big year for my first born. And, she has risen to the occasion. I am so proud of her.

Hannah began 6th grade last fall and has had a great first year of middle school. Just the other day she said, "I don't want 6th grade to be over, it's been so great!"

Hannah loves life and sees challenges as adventures. She loves to learn and consumes books at an incredible rate. She goes against the flow and is not afraid to be different. She is creative, she's a gifted writer, and she has a great sense of humor.

Last weekend, Hannah attended her first Student Ministry event. This was a big moment in the life of our family. For years we've thought about and wondered what it would be like to have one of our own kids in the student ministry that Lance leads. That time is here! Hannah loved every minute of Weekend 180. And, she brought an unchurched friend to the event with her. She really has a heart for this friend and others. She is loyal and befriends and stands up for kids at school who need a friend.

I love the person that Hannah is becoming in Christ. I can't wait to see what He has in store for her this year.

BreakAway Boot Camp

Rachel had a blast at her first over night church event this weekend. She rode the giant swing at RVR and told us, "It was terrifying and I loved it!"

Thanks Jen and the BA team for putting together such a great event.

She's Five

Chloe's 5th birthday was on Tuesday, April 8.

We had a great day celebrating her life.

Her dinner choice was pizza.

She loved all her gifts.

She requested yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting and a capital and lower case letter "C" on each one.

It's The Little Things

My day started out with a dental appointment, just a regular check up and cleaning. I have always enjoyed going to the dentist. I love the feeling of newly polished teeth. Today's appointment was just for me, so that was fun. I am usually bringing all 3 kids in for their check ups, too. After the appointment I did some shopping.

On my 20 minute trip home I realized what a relaxing time I was having driving all by myself. I was listening to my choice of radio station, and singing along with Elton John, uninterrupted. Going anywhere alone is rare for me right now. And when I get to, I enjoy it a lot. It doesn't matter where I'm going or what I'm doing, but alone time in the car is good for me.

By the time I got home, I felt refreshed. If going to the dentist, Wal-Mart, and driving a car alone makes my day, I guess I need to get a life.

April 1, 1988

Twenty years ago today, Lance and I went out on our first date. I was 16 and a junior in high school. He was 20. I met him in January at a youth event at my church. I was attending the event, Lance was leading one of the middle school groups. When he called a couple of months later to ask me out I said, "I'll ask my Mom." Mom said yes, and the rest is history.

The night we went out was not only April Fool's Day, but also Good Friday. I spent the night before the date with Ericka (my best high school friend) and tried on just about everything in both of our closets as she helped me decide what I would wear. It was an hour drive (from Longview, TX to Bossier City, LA) for Lance to get to my house. He showed up for the date with roses for me and also flowers for my mom - very smart! The weather was terrible that night, the area was under a tornado warning. We had dinner at Ralph and Kacoos, then rented Roxanne and went back to my house to watch it.

It was a great first date. In fact, he called me the next day and drove back over that afternoon for our second date!