Gran sent Jacob a new tofu recipe to try (along with $ for ingredients). Tonight, he made it to go along with our dinner. It was very much like a spinach dip and we dipped with carrots, cucumbers, red peppers, and little tomatoes. YUMMY! Thanks, Gran!!

Keith and Jacob have worked hard all year (even on our trip) on their Awana books, learning tons of Bible verses. When we arrived back home, they jumped back into the fun at our church. With each section they complete, they earn "shares" which they can use to purchase treasures in the Awana store. This is a big thank you hug from Kara and Simon because Keith & Jacob chose to spend almost ALL their earnings on their younger siblings! It was like Christmas!!! The big bros were so overjoyed to give!

This is sweet Mattea. She is a young lady who attends our church with her family and comes to spend a week each summer at Camp Promise. I've enjoyed working with her for the last couple of years in our church's Awana program. Every week, we review her entire Spark's book (15 verses or so) and usually another Bible verse or two which she's been working on. I'm her "partner" for game time, and we try to give lots of high fives to encourage our teammates. We have two weeks left of Awana for the year and are looking forward to awards night!!

Indoor soccer fun! Jacob & Keith were able to be on the same team this year. Jeff is having fun coaching this group again. Spring outdoor soccer begins in early May.

Anxiously awaiting his turn.
He's got the stance and everything! He even has little mannerisms like his big brothers. "Aah" (with head hung) if he doesn't get many, and of course, HIGH FIVES, etc. for celebrating!

We continue to have a blast with the Wii gift :)! When we get a free night at home together, we will occasionally be challenged by the kids to a tournament of some sort. This night was bowling. Surprisingly, Kara and Simon can hold there own and do very well. We get into it :)! Simon picture to follow (since I was brave enough to put one of myself, his didn't fit)!

A couple of photo sessions with photographer, Kara :). Jacob is a bit distracted by whatever I was working on on the computer. He!He! Below, Kara took a shot of me in front of the new red wall! For Christmas, Jeff promised to paint our living room and kitchen. I can't stop saying, "Thank you for my new red wall" (I did this at age 5 or so - correct me, Mom :) - when my Daddy put up my swingset, too :)!! There is now, one brown wall, too, with more to come when we all get over the stomach flu and a few more tasks get checked off the list.

Does anyone recognize this new boy in our family???? Simon got a "big boy" haircut a couple of weeks ago!! We keep saying, "Who is that??" To which he responses, "Wimon". He thinks we're all silly, but people all over the place keep doing double takes to figure out who he is :)!

Simon, now, has a couple of new favorite pastimes - "Ring around the Rosie's" & "London Bridge". His siblings love helping him along with this new little hobby :)!

Taylon (third picture down) rides downhill on a "sit ski" (used for those in wheelchairs or who utilize assistance for walking). There were several other camp friends participating in snowshoe and cross country events, but they received their medals at another podium. They may have inspired this Southern belle to buy some used skis or at least snowshoes to go join them next year!

Woohoo for the many other friends we cheered on at the events! CAN'T WAIT TIL CAMP!!!

A few more shots of the Lighthouse team. They are a beautiful representation of the God they love! Friday night, we celebrate this ministry with a BIG fundraiser dinner and swing dance. Followed the next night, by camp's fundraiser dinner!! FUN week!!!

More of Nathan's teammates from the Lighthouse Christian Home where Jeff serves on the board. Michael, the fellow at the top of the page, is blind and won a gold medal in his alpine (downhill) event (side note: Emmy is VERY impressed with all these athletes, but especially Michael, since I'm a scaredy cat even with my sight!)

Today, the Special Olympics Winter Games were held in Whitefish. We did lots of cheering for MANY friends we knew from camp. These are pictures of Nathan who Jeff has been coaching this season. He won a bronze for his alpine event. Way to go, Nathan!