Yummy Valentine!

I love my boys!

Family Updates

1. Geoff just applied to spend his next two years of high school (his LAST two years - gasp!) at the Advanced Technology Center. It's a high-tech learning lab sponsored by the city and Microsoft, Cisco and other tech companies. He applied to the Computer Networking class. He will graduate with an advanced diploma AND microsoft certifications.
2. Danny is just the same. Funny, exasperating, snuggly, bewildering, loving and driving me crazy. I thought I'd have a nervous breakdown doing homework with him last night. Then today, he zipped right through a big old pile of stuff with a smile on his face. Of course he has to exasperate his teachers too.
3. Hubby is working too much. He's short-staffed like everyone these days.
4. The weather has been crazy warm, even for Virginia. We've been riding bikes, going out for ice cream and opening the windows.
5. Poor old Summer dog got a nice haircut. She's acting very old and sleepy. I'm hoping the haircut will help, because sheltie hair is so heavy and thick in the winter. But she is still a sweetie. All she ever asks for is a dog treat whenever a door opens and closes. It's Pavlovian.
6. I've packed up my quilting and moved on to scrapbooking for a while. The dining room is a wreck. I'm working on digital and paper both. I'm not going to do any more paper albums, but I have all of the supplies for about 3 books, so I'll finish them. That should take about 5 years.
7. Can't wait to go to FL in May! We'll be staying near friends. We won a free ticket to Universal Studios during the Super Bowl. We were planning to spend a day there anyway, so that worked out great!
8. Getting ready to rip into the master bathroom! Anyone want a harvest gold shower or toilet? We picked out tile for the shower and the floor at the tile store, then went to Home Depot and found the same thing for 1/3 the price. Love Home Depot!
9. Danny and Brad are building a 1000+ piece Lego Star Wars ship in the family room. I've never seen so many grey Legos in my life!
10. Geoff is back to working on the Student Ministry web site.

Mood Swings

I've got to admit, since the election I've been very pessimistic about our country and our time on earth.
1. I am shocked at Congress' idea of economic stimulus. Their plan will leave our nation vulnerable by amassing huge foreign debt, while not strengthening anything except for their own political influence.
2. I am disheartened by the new president's attack on unborn children and schools that allow religious services.
3. On the recent "sanctity of life" Sunday, a representative of the crisis pregnancy center unrolled a scroll filled with tiny footprints. There were 18,000 footprints, representing the 9,000 babies who are killed by abortion each year in our area. The scroll went the whole way across the front of our huge sanctuary, and part way down both side isles.
4. The expression of Christianity is under attack while the practice of other religions is protected and celebrated.

But that is only part of the story. Here in this country where the Living God is becoming less popular and liberal agenda is steamrolling through congress, God is alive and well.
1. He still answers prayers and performs quiet miracles and triumphs over evil on a daily basis.
2. He heals, comforts, encourages.
3. The sun shines because He allows it.
4. Friends love one another, families support one another.
5. Crocuses and daffodils herald spring.
6. Churches and ministries continue to reach out to their communities. Faith based organizations feed the poor, clothe and house the homeless, provide medical care and counseling.
7. We have jobs, good health, great education, transportation, a safe home and beautiful children.

So when looking at the dark side of life gets depressing, I just choose to celebrate the Light. That list is always longer.

Since I don't have any girls to scrap, I'll borrow some.