Twenty-seven

I thought I better spell out the number lest you think it's a typo. Twenty-seven is the number of points Caleb scored at his basketball game today! The final score was 47-20--a huge win for the team and a huge day for Caleb. He was glowing after the game (yes, I know it was sweat) and has had a smile on his face all day. I forgot my camera, but even if I'd brought it I'm sure he would have just been a blur.

It was truly an amazing game to watch. At this level they try to give the kids equal playing time, so Caleb did not play at all in the first quarter or for half of the third quarter. When he was on the court, he was not a ball hog as the score might imply. He was good about passing and had some great assists. At the same time, when he had the opportunity to take a shot, he was clearly "on" today.

Hard to believe my baby boy is becoming an athlete.

Matthew West

Last night there was an awesome concert in Salem: Matthew West, Jeremy Camp, and Toby Mac. Julianne and Miri wanted to go so badly, but I just didn't see how I would be able to take them. We were able to find a great solution with Kent & Becky. They took the girls to the concert with them, and we watched their younger kids. (I told Brad I know I'm getting old when I'd rather babysit than attend a concert!)

The girls had a wonderful time, and Julianne was thrilled to get not only a personalized autograph, but also her picture, with her favorite artist: Matthew West.

Happy Valentine's Day!

This year's Valentine's dinner menu included:

• Meatloaf with glaze
• Mashed potatoes
• Sweet corn
• Red Lobster Biscuits
• Punch
  
• Cream filled puff pastry w/raspberry sauce

All the kids pitched in and helped make dinner. We found a website with ways to fold napkins and had the coolest ever napkins. Yes, this is made from ONE napkin.

We ate our dinner by candlelight and exchanged valentines afterwards. It was delicious and fun! Unfortunately, the candlelight pictures didn't turn out.

So much for global warming

For the third winter in a row, we've had snow on the "snowless" Oregon coast! This year was the most ever. It was so beautiful, and of course the schools all closed--including the Owens Academy. I took the kids inland a few miles where there was even more snow so they could play, sled, and make a very cute snowman.

MARRIED!

Mark & Jill are married! The only wedding I've ever been this excited over was my own! Brad and I made a very quick trip to Cincinnati to attend the wedding. We were on the ground for 36 hours, and visited exactly four places: the airport, the hotel, the church, and the reception hall. Despite the brevity of the trip, it was absolutely wonderful to be able to watch these dear friends of ours get married after waiting so many years to find each other.

We also got to see several people from our days in Austria. Carol Halm came to the wedding all the way from Austria, where she still lives. Don & Lynn Golden drove down from their home in Grand Rapids. And Roseanne Turner came up from Greenville, SC. We hadn't seen any of these people since we came home from Austria more than 14 years ago!

It was a wonderful trip and a beautiful wedding. We are so stoked to have Jill as our pastor's wife, and most of all we are just thrilled for these two who are so crazy about each other.

2nd annual AYUSA girls slumber party

Yesterday was mid-year orientation for all my AYUSA kids. When orientation ended, we sent the boys home, and the girls stayed for a sleepover. I have a fantastic group of girls this year and we had a blast! We played games, watched a movie, and had fun talking, laughing, and eating together. The only thing we really didn't do much of is SLEEP.

First game of the season

Basketball season is underway! Caleb's first game was today and his team did great! So did Caleb--all the time he's spent shooting hoops over the past months has certainly paid off. His skills have improved dramatically since last year. We are proud of him and look forward to the season!

Final score: 27-13 WIN!