057 - 063 #amyj365

057 | 365 Humble. Courageous. Confident. She makes me so proud.

She performed in her school talent show this morning.

058 | 365 Getting my "SHINE" on this weekend with these special ladies. 

Excited to get this weekend started.

059 | 365 Speaking into our lives. 

"God is not waiting for you to become, he is waiting for you to realize who you are." 

- Debbie Cole. 

060 | 365 Spent the afternoon with family and new friends watching old home videos. 

Lots of laughs.

060 | 365 (#2) She led us at the Shine Conference this weekend. We are following her lead. 

She taught us how to shine in our countenance, behaviors and activities. 

I am blessed to walk with her as a daughter-in-law and in ministry. 

061 | 365 You were made to shine. You were made for life. 

Even if you've lost your way turn and you will hear love say you were made for more so much more.

Child of everlasting light made to blaze away the night. Burn bright. Burn bright.  - Natalie Grant

062 | 365 Sharing this favorite of mine with Sarah tonight.

063 | 365 Where our story began...Evangel College Harvestfest 1991. 

I asked him and fell in love. Today we celebrate 21 years of marriage. 

I am so thankful to walk life alongside him.

This & That...

Brayden's new iPod cover that he picked out.

What happens when your kids take pictures on your phone.

Sarah and Rachel with the half eaten candy filled brownies they made.

She's Got Talent...

Sarah signed up to be a part of the school Talent Show again this year. The show is for 6th-8th grade students. They have 2 minutes to perform whatever their talent might be. They do have to have their "act" approved by the music teacher, Mrs. Spirko, who is also in charge of the show. 

This year they probably had 20 students perform, many sang or played an instrument. One girl did a karate routine. Another set of girls sang and acted out "It's a Hard Knock Life". I applaud all these kids for getting out on stage and performing in front of the entire student body. 

Sarah chose to sing "The Scientist" by Coldplay. She picked the song and then worked with her guitar teacher, Cory, to work on her performance. 

I loved when she got on stage and everyone cheered for her. One of the students yelled "You go Sarah!", and FaFa who was standing right behind me so sweetly and quietly echoed their sentiments with "Ya, you go Sarah!".

She didn't seem nervous at all, but she told me later that her leg was shaking the entire time. I would never have known. She still amazes me with the confidence she displays once she gets up there. We are so proud of her, as always. 

Three of her teachers afterwards came up and told me how great Sarah did and how wonderful they think she is as a student. Jason and I know how special she is, but when you have other adults telling you how great they think your daughter is, it means a lot. 

In her simple Sarah ways she lets her light shine there at school and people have taken notice.

050 - 056 #amyj365

050 | 365 A nice bowl of homemade Chicken Barley before heading out on this chilly night.

051 | 365 Had a great morning catching up with this lady. She is an amazing friend. 

I'm so thankful she is in my life.

052 | 365 Introducing BRAYDEN JAMES! 

Hey, now you're an All Star get your game on, go play.

053 | 365 Today is simply a tree and our house. 

It felt so good to take pictures outside on this balmy 40 degree day if only from our driveway, 

snow and ice are covering everything else.

054 | 365 My kids had pizza for lunch and dinner yesterday and then again for lunch today. 

Is that wrong?

055 | 365 (sigh) It could be worse.

056 | 365 This weekend! 48 hours till SHINE! Countdown is on. 

Can't wait. Believing for amazing things.

Palisades Fun...

To celebrate our two Valentines we took them to Palisades Mall for some fun. Sarah and her friend Jenna took on the challenge of the rope course and Brayden played games at Dave & Busters. To each his own. : )

Just a little nervous, but trying to be brave.

Don't look down Sarah!

At the top level and taking the challenge.

Meanwhile at Dave & Busters...

A little soccer with Homer Simpson.

Favorite game, Mario Kart.

Playing this like a pro.

Ready to see how many tickets he got. Lots of fun.

Valentines...

Sarah and Brayden got some sweet Valentine's from their grandparents this year. I love how much both of grandparents love to be a part of their lives whether near or far.

FaFa and Grandma gave them hugs and kisses through cards with money to spend.

PaPa and MeMe sent love filled goody bags full of chocolate treats, secret messages, wood carved hearts and money to spend.

043 - 049 #amyj365

043 | 365 Some days (like today) I wish the Lord would drop a road sign in my path 

to make it crystal clear which way is the right way.

044 | 365 Necessities today. Brrr!

045 | 365 My 3 Valentines. Love them so. 

Finishing off our day with our new favorite love - 

homemade Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookies. @sallysbakingaddiction 

Nothing like them. Really. Nothing.

046 | 365 Reading..."I wanted to touch the imprint of the nails without acknowledging I held the hammer. 

I wanted my hand inside the wound, proving to me He was real, but I refused to be the one responsible. 

We would rather chase the God who rose victoriously then behold the One wounded on our behalf."

047 | 365 Fresh table side guacamole, chips and salsa. Date night.

048 | 365 A short stop for a treat on this appointment filled day and then off again.

049 | 365 The love just keeps on coming. 

The 5 reasons he loves me - hugs, funny, kiss, cook, computer.