In February

Thinking up a routine for the talent show audition

Girlfriends of all ages, much-loved

Book Club girl expresses the joy of reading, trailing along behind the family on a nature hike.

 

What goes up must come down

A Saturday at the park, enjoying a picnic. (Note the solitary figure in the background who had enough family togetherness in about five minutes.)

Plugging along on our ever constant pursuit of fitness

The YMCA became even more desirable when MJ realized a friend had a family membership too.

Natalia shadows Aunt Michelle in surgery and explores the idea of becoming a vet tech

Rock'em Sock'em duels

Trying to return to making a special meal on the weekend with all hands on deck.

 

Love looks like this

While we've never turned our noses up at chocolate-dipped strawberries, dinner and dancing, we do recognize that love takes many shapes and forms and can be expressed creatively. Here are the highlights from this Valentine's.

 

My favorite homemade Valentine, made of leftover wood chips

Listening to a friend share of ministry to trafficked women

Dad support: burning the midnight oil trying to solve math problems and build models of Roman colosseums

A soft, cozy blanket of his own

Remembering that our puppy is still a puppy when she shreds things: extending grace (and crate training)

Cards in the mail...even for grand-dogs?

Soaking up the If Gathering conference via web-streaming: hearing of God's love for the world manifested in justice

Being reminded by a friend that our thoughts create pathways in the brain: the more we travel down a certain path, the deeper the impression. Choosing to rein in my thoughts when they start leaning towards negativity.

The love and support of fifty years of marriage

Mimi's loving touch and hand-knit shawls

Making cookies for the neighbors

 

Cheering for one another

Enjoying the company of life-long friends

Heart-shaped waffle night

A kid's favorite after school snacks or cereals at the grocery run

Multiple grocery store runs when we have a man down

A wild display of exotic orchids

The consistency of meeting day after day with the One my soul loves