Happy Gasparilla, Ya'll!

Well, today was Gasparilla in Tampa and to mark the occasion we donned our beads and waved our pirate flag. It's not much, but that's probably all we would have done in Tampa. The sad fact about Gasparilla, Mardi Gras and other "bead throwing" celebrations is the slave labor that goes into making the much sought after baubles. If you get the Sundance Channel, check out the documentary on Monday the 3oth, Mardi Gras: Made in China. It will most likely change our view and value of these plastic trinkets.

The Faces of Disobedience

I know these faces are cute and sweet, but boy, oh boy! Do they know how to disobey! I know, I know you are saying, "those sweet faces? How on earth could those adorable children do anything wrong?" To which I say either you must not have children or it's been a long time since you've been around them! I love my children dearly and nothing on this earth could change that fact; But they are human, so therefore not perfect. Yesterday, they were FAR from it! But we are over it now thanks to much praying and all the toys in the bedroom being put in "time out" for two days. Thank goodness that tomorrow is another day, (and thank goodness they are cute!)

A Must See Movie

Some of you may be familiar with the story of Jim Elliot and his wife, Elizabeth. He was a missionary in the 50's who went with a group of other men to the Waidoni tribe in Ecuador. They were brutally murdered. The wives and sister of one of the men, Nate Saint, didn't run back to the USA, but wanted to reach these people. It is through them that this tribe came to understand God's greatest gift and ended their violent and murderous ways. The movie, The End of the Spear, is about these events. I HIGHLY recommend going to see it! It is inspirational and amazing. I don't think you'll be disappointed!

www.endofthespear.com

Weather Report

We've been back from Florida since the 30th and in the past 2 1/2 weeks we've seen some varied weather. The first week we saw NO sun. Then we saw some rain. Then no sun again. (And when I say "no sun" I mean cloud cover at about 1000 feet. You feel like you're going to bump you head on them! I've thought about taking a leaf blower to the sky and seeing if they would blow away! ) Despite the little sun, we've had some very warm weather. My air conditioning came on in my car not once, but twice in the past week! That was exciting! And then yesterday... it snowed! And tomorrow it's supposed to be in the 50's. Very strange! Lilly continues to think that God does not like Indiana b/c the sun doesn't shine here! (Secretly I wonder if she is right?)

Rosemary smiles despite the fact that she is refusing to wear her bibs and mittens. Moments later, we go back inside to don more apparel.

The sun actually came out this afternoon! It was quite beautiful to see snow and sun at the same time. The birds enjoyed it too!

More sun and snow!

Here are Lilly and Rosemary with our handy-dandy snow gauge! (note that R. is wearing a bit more winter gear. She is a stubborn child!)

Totally unrelated to weather, I've started to make bread. It started with the Challah I needed to bring for Lilly's Shabbat; (I wish I had taken a picture!) And next was the foccacia. I can understand why people like to make bread... it is a very rewarding thing to do!