Chinese Fellowship Ministry

We have a lovely couple in our church that help in a Friday evening Chinese Bible study. For years they've had someone come in and "babysit" the kids, but as time has gone on, there have been more and more children, and some of them have never heard about Jesus, His love, and His gift of salvation. The burden grew for them to do something for these kids in a formal way. Would there be someone from our church who would be willing to help them get this children's ministry going?

For the past year, I have worked closely with the Lams in developing a solid program implementing Bible songs, crafts, games, and a Bible lesson (complete with visuals) for these sweet children. The Lams have worked with the younger children and I have had a wonderful class of the older kids. It was such rewarding work. China is a "closed country," meaning, it will not allow formal missionaries into the country. However, the mission field of China has come to NH.

After about a year, this ministry is off and running on its own. I was so thankful to have played a small part.

My sister, Steph, was a HUGE help to me in our class!

These two kids didn't speak much English, but were clearly grasping the jist of the Gospel. How exciting!

Dental "Frequent Flyer Miles"

The kids are both getting orthodontic work done, which means we seem to be racking up our "frequent flyer miles" at the dentist's office. The office is full of a wonderful team and our kids really don't mind being in there often.

Christmas Eve Breakfast Tradition

I love our tradition of going out to breakfast on Christmas Eve morning. It's something that Taigen and Kyle did with their mom when they were younger, so we've continued with it!

Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted Hymn Arrangement

Marshall's piano teacher started working with the kids on hymn playing techniques. This didn't seem too difficult for Marshall, so she posed a new challenge to him: create your own arrangement of a hymn you love. This is the fruit of his labor.

My Poor Sick Little Man!

When you're not feeling well, you just want to curl up in a ball and sleep...even if it's on the floor! My poor little man did just that today. One day it will be mortifying to him that I posted this video, but I love the sweet sound of his deep breathing. I could just smooch those warm nap cheeks of his!

Easter With Friends

Our sweet friend, Sarah Joy, is visiting us from SC. What a special treat to have her with us on Easter Morning too!

Work for the Night Is Coming

2013 Men's Dessert Contest

One of the most awesome events at the church is the Annual Spaghetti Dinner & Men's Dessert Contest. They say it's a friendly competition, but these guys take it very seriously! I love the smack-talking and jabs!

"Normal" School Room

We've moved down to the main part of the house in an effort to save a little on our heating (the guest room is on its own heating zone) and so we don't have to have school come to a grinding halt when we have guests (plus move all of the school stuff down to the main part of the house). We'll be at the kitchen table until we can finish our basement. Check out our digs!

Lil' Miss Smarty Pants!

Pretty soon, we're going to have to fight for our lives to beat her. She's so good and so smart! She loves playing people at checkers.

Robin Hood

I love reading classic literature with Marshall & Shaylen. We are starting to work through Robin Hood so I picked up some cheap fabric at the craft store, along with some feathers, in order to make some Robin Hood hats for them to wear while we work through this awesome book! I love these Wanted posters that the kids made. Aren't they adorable?

Literary Analysis

The kids wrapped up reading Mary Poppins this past week. Before we launch into our next book, they did a Literary Analysis of Mary Poppins, then got to watch the Disney version of the book. They were to take notes on differences and similarities. It was a pretty cool project for them.

Gettin' Buried Alive...New England Style!

Wahoo! See all of this snow? I wished for every flake!

Yes, even *I* got in on the snowblowing action. :)

Mr. Snowman

Winter Wonderfulland

This. Just look at this!

 This is on our drive home from church today. I think that when the snow sticks to the trees like this, it makes everything look like lace. The pictures just don't do it justice, so you'll just have to take my word for it that New England is the most beautiful place on Earth especially riiiight after it snows.

Get Outside!

The kids are really awesome about buckling down and doing their schoolwork. However, after we're all done, it's time to play!