7 days makes one "weak"

We have had some interesting days here at the DeVore home. Nothing major or upsetting, just interesting. Here are some highlights for your viewing pleasure!

*Holly is babysitting Madilyn, Jeff and Cara's 18 month old cutie from church. Sometimes Holly goes there and sometimes Madilyn comes here. Last week, she came here and we had a blast! Wow, it is so much fun having a little one around again - but you really do forget how much (extra?, different?) work they are to have around! Everyone loved having her here and getting to play with her - what a sweetie! Here are some pics:

Playing ball:

Too cute:

Pretending to sleep (we taught her to snore!) with MaKenna:

Playing on the fort out back:

Peekaboo!

*My "baby" brother, J, stopped over last week to show us the floor plan of his first apartment on his own - yep, he is moving out! My mom is trying to be brave, and she is happy for him, but sad at the same time. I am excited for him. He went on a 5 mile walk with us and we had a nice afternoon together enjoying some beautiful Fl. sunshine.

*Monday, we had a great science lesson. We are discussing compounds, mixtures, etc. and got to have a spontaneous object lesson in the midst of it. We learned that, by itself, if oxygen is added to fire, it makes the fire bigger. However, add two hydrogen to the one oxygen and you get water, which will put out a fire. It hit me - it is like us trying to face something without Jesus - we are the oxygen alone and start the fire and then cause it to get bigger. But, if we join with Jesus, He enables us to do what we cannot do alone and the fires of our lives are put out. I know, I am a little weird. The kids say that I am no fun to watch a Disney movie with either, cause I can make it spiritual. But why not learn lessons from everything?? Like water in a desert... (right Beth?)

*Tuesday, we decided that it was such a beautiful Florida day, that we needed a picnic. So, we made some sandwiches, packed a basket with chips, apples, lemonade and some goodies and headed for the "grassy knoll" beside our house. Hey, I can call it what I like, this is my blog! We put out a tablecloth on the ground and ate our lunch. We were in sunny, breezy 75 degree weather in the middle of February - no complaints here. That night was quiz practice, which went very well. We have a great group of kids this year who are memorizing God's word, they are worshippers in church and are going to be great for Jesus all their lives. I know that Jesus can use energy like they have!

The announcement on the white board:

Sitting on the "grassy knoll" =)

Beauty defined:

*Wednesday, we delivered Meals on Wheels to some wonderful people and then had kid's Connection that night. I love those kids! We were informed that near the end of service, pastor wanted us to bring the kids and file into the sanctuary, that he had something important that he wanted everyone to hear. So, at the appointed time, and after much prayer and instruction to the kids, we did as requested. I am so proud of them for following directions and sitting quietly while pastor shared with us news about our new Family and Fine Arts Center. It is an exciting time for our church, but it also comes with great responsibility.

*Thursday night is Ladies Prayer. Need I say more. I love Thursday nights and am constantly inspired by the ladies in that group. I am so blessed.

*Friday, today, we got to go see my brother's apartment. He and another brother came over for dinner and then off to the empty apartment. He has no furniture yet (the wagon before the cart?), but what he has will be moved in tomorrow. He is just so thrilled to be on his own and he has an adorable apartment.

So far, so good! I hope you all had a great week, too. Anyone have plans for Valentine's Day?