Photoshop in Real Life

I saw this video on Tyler Stanton's blog. H.I.L.A.R.I.O.U.S.

Stanley Steamer

This commercial always makes me giggle.

A Better Day

Today I am feeling much better. Last night I was afraid to fall asleep because I didn't want to have yet another night of misery, mumblings, and weird dreams. I woke up this morning literally soaked with sweat (I don't think this had anything to do with the fact that I dreamed I was Michigan State's basketball couch, and that we had won the national championship the previous year and were knocked out in the final four this year––more of a weird dream than an athletic dream). I was sure that I would still have a fever. I pulled the thermometer from my dresser and my temperature was 97.1º. This is my normal. Yessssss! Though I am harvesting green treasures from the depths of my lungs, I am thankful for that. For the previous two days it felt like my brain was actually rattling in my skull every time I barely coughed. Thanks for your prayers and well wishes!

The Fever Lingers

It was another night of crazy dreams and mumbling to myself. This morning my temperature was 102.3º. I can't wait to feel better.

First Soccer Game

Last night Alina had her first soccer game. It was a lot of fun to cheer her and her friends on. Alina's sweetness shows, even when she is playing soccer. At the end of the first quarter she came over and I said to her, "You like to pass the ball to your friends don't you?" She answered, "Well. I had to pass it to Holland. She hadn't had the ball very much."

But, first grade girls are also very competitive. Riley told Alina, "When we get back on the field, they will pay!"

103º

Today I just didn't feel good. After returning home from taking the kids to school, I left my coat and scarf on. At 10:30 I fell asleep for three hours. Jean was kind enough to go get the kids from school. When she came home she took my temperature. 103º. I feel horrible.

Soccer

Our house is now officially in full soccer mode as Alina had her first practice yesterday. This picture was taken before practice. She is pretty excited that her jersey number is #1! Alina's coach is actually coaching two teams, but because the girls all know each other either from church or school the two teams practice together. She had a fun time.

Unfortunately, though, after practice one of her teammates did a cherry drop from the monkey bars––with her cleats still on. The cleats caught Alina in the face. She has a red mark from her right eyebrow to her left cheek, a bruise on her eyelid, and several cleat marks across her face. She also got a bloody nose. But, Alina––being the kind person that she is––said that it wasn't her friends fault, it was the mean cleat's fault. She said that she was going to reassure her friend again today at school that it wasn't her friend's fault. So sweet.

Duthie Hill

My friend Jason from school as well as my friend Scott from my internship site have been telling me that I need to try mountain biking at Duthie Hill. Sometimes, especially when it comes to mountain biking, I like familiarity. But, yesterday Sam and I went. I loved it, and I will definitely be back––once my sit-bones feel better. It was only the second ride of the year and Sam and I rode just over 13 miles.

This is a picture of Sam getting air.

The Tenderness of Sam

Behind this rough and tumble exterior resides a very tender heart. Yesterday on our way home from school Sam said, "Dad. Today I asked Mrs. Teeter to pray for a job for you. At first I was embarrassed because I thought my friends would laugh at me. I waited for five minutes, then I decided I didn't care." He is so sweet.

It Was Good

Wednesday I was able to attend Town Hall––the monthly graduation and celebration for the men at my internship site. Even though it had only been a couple of weeks since I saw them last, it felt like it had been months. It was good to see each man. It was good to see their smiles. It was good to be in their brotherly embrace. It was good to catch up with them and to hear the amazing things God is doing in their lives.

I had gone there to fulfill a promise. I had promised that I would see them at Town Hall. I had gone to encourage them to stay strong in their journey. But, in actuality, they encouraged me. Deep down I had entered with much personal discouragement. Seeing them and talking with them restored my hope that God is good, and He is faithful. It was them who encouraged me to stay strong in my journey.