Taking the Journey

Andrew loves our church!  Mostly because of J-Kidz on Sunday mornings.  We usually get to church a little early so we can get a Starbucks coffee and fellowship with our friends, Andrew heads straight to the J-Kidz auditorium.  Before church starts all of the kids meet and team up for Wii golf or tennis on the big screen it's pretty cool.  Andrew is also learning about tithing this summer.  He has been putting 10% of his weekly allowance into his "Give" bank and on Sundays he puts it into the offering basket during J-Kidz.  We shared with him the verses in the bible that tell us how and why we should tithe and give offerings to God, Leviticus 27:32, Luke 6:38, and 2 Corinthians 9:7.  He is so excited to break open his bank on Sundays, he is truly a cheerful giver!  A few Sundays ago in J-Kidz he shared a story about helping his friend Brady out....in front of everyone!  Which is about 30-40 kids since there are 3 services every Sunday.  We were so proud when we heard about his little testimony. :)

Andrew went to VBS last week and all I can say is VBS has come a long, long, way since I was a kid.  Holy moly, our church went all out.  Crafts, blow-ups, awesome snacks, but the program was what I loved the most, it was called "Sky, Everything is possible with God."  This first night Andrew was so excited when we picked him up, absolutely full of "Did you know..." statements.  "Did you know that with God I can do anything.  And no matter who you are or what you look like or what you may have done, God loves you?!"  It was pretty amazing watching him realize and understand how much God loves him, just the way he is.  After the first night they continued to learn about the miracles of Jesus.  Andrew's favorite was Jesus raising Lazarith from the dead...yes according to Andrew is was La-za-rith, not Lazarus.  You should hear him tell the story in his own words, he didn't miss a single detail!

We are so glad Andrew enjoys our church and learning about his heavenly Father, he has such a sweet and cheerful soul. :)

Easter Weekend with the Days

I must say this was a terrific three day weekend and I could use a few more of them in my life.  Friday I spent the day shopping with my sister and niece then went out for sushi with my love.  Saturday we spent the day piddling around the house until it was time to go to a dear friend's wedding.  It was a beautiful spring afternoon for an outdoor ceremony.  God was definitely smiling down on Young and Shelby.  It was a perfect Southern wedding between a southern gentlemen and an Asian beauty, under the stately oaks on the family's estate, just wonderful!

 A beautiful Live Oak tree.

What a sunset! 

Today we celebrated Easter with our church family and with our Day family.  Bro. Jay's message was so great and not your typical "Easter Sunday Message."  I thought I would share a few of his key point with you.  

His title for today was, "A Better Life."  Bro. Jay said, "that through Jesus' resurrection power, change is possible in any and all aspects of our lives, but only if we open up to Him.  We can begin to live a better life by doing three things,"

Open Your..

• Mind to God's Power- Romans 12:2
• Heart to God's Grace- Romans 3:22
• Life to God's Love- John 10:10

If you have a few minutes, read these versus and I hope they speak to you in the same way they did me.

Now on to Easter lunch which I'll share with you via photos, it was so delicious!

Cuttin' up some filets

Dad/Chef/Butcher/Builder/Lover/Pilot/etc...he pretty much does it all!

Great fresh salsa made by Jackie  

 Mmmm...beef tenderloin steaks.

Does it get any better?  No ma'am!

 Twice baked potatoes made by Erin

 Orzo pasta salad made by yours truly

(I recreated the Whole Foods version, which I love.

Get the recipe here.)

Fresh spinach and strawberry salad with homemade poppy seed dressing also

made by Jackie.  Two words:  "So go-od."  I'll post the recipe when she sends it to me!

I was so excited about dessert I forgot to take pics, Drew requested homemade coffee ice-cream made by yours truly.  For my first time making coffee ice-cream I'd say it turned out pretty good, especially when paired with Erin's homemade choc-chip cookies, macaroons, and hot fudge!  YUM! 

 Poppie and Carrie

 Jax and Rigby

 Jackie and Nate

 Jax checking Carrie out

 Sweet baby girl.

While I missed my Mom & Dad so much today, I am so blessed to be apart of the Day family also.  There is never a dull moment and I always laugh so much when we are all together; if I have to get wrinkles I'd much rather laughter wrinkles over worry wrinkles!  

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and I hope you all have a truly blessed week!