Well, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Some highlights:

- the 2^nd annual Casserole Crawl – our very own 5k @NLR – last year we had about 7 people….this year there were closer to 20!

- seeing Beth’s brother and parents and extended family

- wonderful food (mmm…..deviled eggs – Beth’s favorite!)

- visiting with Beth’s friends from Washington, Julie and Melissa, & holding precious two-week-old baby Riley

- finding 2 fabulously ugly sweaters (more info on this to come later)

- “The World’s Fastest Indian” (a great movie)

- a 24-pack of Sun Drop

- a 21-mile bike ride on the Katy Trail (which made Beth VERY sore!)

Happy Birthday to my brother!

…new life in Jesus Christ – ben – new life ranch – Dayspring – JBU – supportive friends – changes of the seasons – Christmastime – love – hope – joy – dr. pepper – neighbors who aren’t just neighbors – forgiveness – e-mail – ben & jerry’s – family – leaves in the fall – living in the woods – the Lord’s faithfulness – the future – the unknown – friends getting married – friends having babies – our community group – sunshine – wood stoves – warmth – coffee – chai lattes – monkeys – my brother’s safe return – his sacrifices for our country – sales & discounts – smiles – yellow roses – birds at my birdfeeder – snow – surprises – Christmas morning – belly laughs from little kids – community – discipline – early morning meetings with lovely ladies – pictures – laughter – worship – music…

…..and many, many more things …..what are you thankful for?

Happy Birthday to my brother….. welcome home!!! I hope you have a fabulous day and I’m so glad that we get to see you soon!!!

love,
big sis

I am reading this book by Richard Louv called Last Child in the Woods. He does a great job examining the issues of “nature deficit disorder” (a non-medical term he coined). By looking at scientific research as well as his own research interviewing kids, parents, teachers, and other professionals he develops a strong argument why my parents where right when they made me go outside instead of watching TV, which I am thankful for! I think he is right when he says that North Americas trend toward isolating ourselves from nature has potential harmful effects, and I hope that there are ways that the trend can change. I know I don’t spend enough time outside…and Beth can tell. Now, let me sit at my desk inside for a few more hours…

I am working on this promo brochure for summer camp. The idea is that it is a take away for people to have that will direct them to the web site where they can find more information. I would love to get some opinions from all of you of what you think. What’s bad? Good? Needs to change (besides the Lorem ipsum text that you can’t understand)? Just download  the pdf and let me know what you think.

Well, I did it.  36 minutes and 54 seconds…I even beat my score from last year!  (37 minutes)

For some reason, running with thousands of other people is MUCH easier than just running by myself.  I always do better than I think I will.

And we had a great weekend in Tulsa – spending time with the Graneys, staying with the Woodsons, doing a little shopping, Hideaway Pizza, and of course being entertained by our favorite baby, India!

Here are some pics…..

Beth…..a runner???

Well, not exactly… but I am going to attempt to run the 5k (3.1 miles) in Tulsa this weekend with my good friend, Brandi. I did this race last year and surprised myself. This year’s training regimine has not been quite as…..let’s say, “intense.” But it should be a fun weekend nonetheless.

Thanks for your prayers! This morning went really well. There is a great group of kids (12 in all) that go to the A-school. I basically gave them a big introduction to Graphic Design and the design process. Then they each started working on their own personal logos. There were several of them who really latched onto what we were doing and following the process and trying to come up with really good ideas. There are several of them who are interested in photography and design already, so they are really excited about it. There are a couple who are not all that interested, which is ok. It’s not for everybody! But I do want to find creative ways to engage them as well. Pray for next week. We will be starting to move to the computers, which will be harder and has lots of challenges, particularly when it comes to engaging everybody.

I will be heading to Grove bright and early on Thursday morning to begin a little teaching series on Graphic Design for the Grove Alternative School. I am excited about the chance to help students learn and understand a bit about the ideas and processes of graphic design. But at the same time I don’t really know what I am getting into or what I am doing. If you think to say a prayer for me Thursday morning that would be great!