Winter Wonderland

There's lots of snow at my parents house!
This is a picture of their back yard...and of the kitties.

Convicted

Why is it that I classify people the way I do? I saw a lady carrying bags of groceries across the mall parking lot in the sub-zero temperatures this afternoon. I was on my way home, and thought about stopping, but I didn't. "If she was a little more elderly, or if she didn't have a warm coat and hat, I would ask her if she needed a ride" I thought to myself as I drove on by. "If I knew that she had a long walk home, or if I knew for sure sure sure that she wasn't a murderer, then I would stop."

I am so convicted by what didn't take place this afternoon. I lacked compassion, even though it was only moments before I saw her that I had been freezing on my short walk from the grocery to my car.

I wish I would have stopped.
I wish I would have been more thoughtful.
I wish I was more in tune to the promptings God gives me to help people.

Update on Sandy and Greg

Greg & Sandy are still in the states because Sandy's headaches aren't going away! Greg just updated their blog with all of the details about the decisions they are making and the prayers they are needing right now. They're not sure if and when they should go bock to the Domincan Republic, but in the meantime it looks like they're having a great time with their families!

• Nothing like a visit to Chuck E. Cheese's Pizzeria! Who is playing this game, Auntie Sandy or lucas? Well, I thought it was time for another update for those of you who are still checking in from time to time. Sandy recently had an MRI and some extensive bloodwork done, all which came back normal. This is wonderful news in that we have really eliminated some very serious possibilities with these results. However, Sandy still continues to have headaches and neck pain daily! This, of course, is not normal! We are currently trying a new medication since the migraine medications have not had the desired results. The doctor told Sandy that she would need at least 30 days for this medication to take effect. This means that we will not know whether this medication is the right, or wrong, treatment for at least 30 days. We are faced with another difficult decision. Do we continue to wait things out here in the States? Or, do we take a chance and travel back to the Domincan in hopes that this medication is going to work out in those thirty days? Please continue to pray for Sandy's health and that the Lord will heal her completely. Also, we would ask that you would pray for peace and wisdom in our decision making. Oh yeah, I guess there is one more thing. . .Pray for our finances. Our budget has taken a hit with our decision to stay here in the States. The cost of living is considerably more here than in Dominican Republic. Here is a "make a donation" link if you're interested in helping us meet our needs. Thank you . . . for everything!

Aaron and Angela

Today I was looking at some pictures and decided that I really really miss my siblings!

Aaron is moving to Florida soon and Angela is working hard making people beautiful at Radius Salon and helping Johnnie with the Youth stuff at church every week. I can't wait to see them again!

We're taking a family vacation in May, so I am guaranteed time with both of them! Yippee!

My favorite part of the Superbowl was at half-time when Ryan did the Aunt Jemima headwrap like Prince. He is so hilarious

I love this picture of Johnnie!

He works with youth...and it appears that he loves it!

2by2 Superbowl Party

This year for the superbowl we decided to host our 2by2 group for a party. Luckily we have Michelle and Bryan for neighbors, because we opened both apartments, used both TV's, utilized all of the seating we could muster, made lot's and lot's of Chili, and had plenty of tables for food in both places.

I thought you might like to see some pictues of our friends. Everyone in 2by2 is newly married or engaged. It's so great to have some friends in our same life stage.

Eventhough the Bears lost, people still had a good time...especially Ryan, because he was cheering for the Colts!

It's FREEEEEEZING!!!

Chicago has been very strange this winter. It's sunny, with a flurry now and then, but no snow on the ground. When you're inside looking out, it looks like a nice day to take a walk or go to the park...but when you actually step outside you get frostbite immediately and the drink in your hand becomes a slushy. Last night on our way home the temp dropped 4 degrees in 15 minutes! Luckily I had my handy digi-cam to document the phenomenon.

Pop Culture Trivial Pursuit

We have some new friends! I haven't ever known another Amber, until recently when a new couple joined our 2by2 group at church. Amber and Jason went to Taylor, so it was fun to play the "do you know, so and so?" game. They're outdoorsy, like to hike and camp, Amber has her own Organizing Business, and they are really really cool, so we are excited to get to know them even better!

Saturday night they invited some of us over for some Pop Culture Trivial Pursuit at their house. Have you played this game? I was amazed at how much I don't know about pop culture...even though I watch more E! News than real news these days.

One HUGE hilight of our time over at Amber and Jason's house is their cat, Sandy. She is the biggest cat I have ever seen. She weighs in at a heafty 27 pounds but still manages to waddle her way around the house. Ryan has more pictures of this kitty on his camera phone than you would believe. Good Kitty

'stash night

Can you guess who is growing this mustache?