Ocean fun & school days...

I haven't posted much about school, we started about 2 weeks ago and have been having fun.

Our kids have never been to the beach and we are leaving in a few days. I can't wait to see them walk in the sand and play in the water for the first time.

We have spent the last two weeks doing a unit study on the ocean, sea shore and beaches. I thought I would just post about what we have used for our study and what field trips we have planned. We have gotten a number of books that all the kids have been able to enjoy.

Read Aloud books list:
George Goes to the Beach
I Saw the Sea Come In By Alvin Tresselt
The Seashore Book by Charlotte Zolotow
Hello Ocean by Pam Munoz Ryan
Sally Goes to the Beach by Stephen Huneck
S is for Sunshine- A Florida Alphabet Book
The Boat Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta
On the Way to the Beach by Henry Cole
Comet's Nine Lives by Jan Brett
Holly from Hatteras by Susan Tate
The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge by Hildegard Swift
A house of Hermit Crab by Eric Carle
Swimmy by Leo Lionni (we have the book, not the video though)Science Read Aloud Books:
How to Hide an Octopus & other sea creatures by Ruth Heller
A Swim through the Sea by Kristin Joy Pratt
Seashells, Crabs and Sea Stars by Christiane Kump Tibbitts
Sponges are Skeletons by Barbara Juster Esbensen
The Underwater Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta
What Lives in a Shell by Kathleen Zoefeld
I Wonder Why the Sea is Salty & Other Questions About the Ocean by Anita Ganeri
Exploring the Seashore- Young Explorers National Geographic
Along a Rocky Shore- Young Explorers National Geographic
Animals that Live in the Sea- Young Explorers National Geographic
Starfish by Edith Thacher Hurd

Other Books I am using:
The Ocean Book by The Center for Marine Conservation

I found some great resources here:
Hello Ocean Free Lapbook - We are using several things from this guide. Lenna has been practicing skip counting to 100 by 5's and by 10's so she's having fun with the starfish & crab counting cards. The Sea Scented play dough has been a big hit!Awesome Ocean/Sea Life Coloring sheets since we have read and looked at book of many of these animals, the kids have enjoyed coloring pictures about them and creating their own sea life book.

Enchanted Learning- I have used the octopus mini book and sea life mini books from here as well as some of the sheets about sea creatures

Other fun things:
Textured Starfish- we colored starfish cut outs and then spread glue on them. We used Oatmeal to create texture.

Sponge Paintings- tomorrow we are going to paint outside with sponges and temper paint- we are off to Walmart to buy some sponges this afternoon.

Fun Foods:
Hot Dog Octopus- slice the hotdog in half about 3/4 of the length, slice again in half and then each leg again making 8 legs. Cook the hotdog in boiling water to make the legs curl. We ate them with shell mac & cheese:)

Grab a tissue...

I know there is so much conversation out there right now about the value of life, the right of choice and so much more... Though I am often not out spoken on these issues, they are very dear to my heart. Two of my children easily could have been aborted because they had medical issues or could not be kept. Their birth mother's chose life and I am thankful.

When we consider medical issues in a child, we often fear those things that result in loss and death, especially when discovered during pregnancy. Before God called me to be a stay at home mommy, I was blessed to be called by Him to work in a ministry known as perinatal hospice. All of the families I worked with knew during their pregnancies that their children would not survive long after birth, some of them did not survive birth or passed away before they were born. Yet I can tell you first hand, that each of these children was very precious to the Lord.

I have rejoiced and wept with families in their children's final hours, recording those precious moments through photography and other ways of collecting memories. I still can remember the joy of singing "Happy Birthday" to a precious little one who celebrated the only birthday she would ever know... but it was spent with family... aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends, pastors, medical staff and others. She was loved every moment of her life....

A dear friend has walked this road twice, though it was painful, I was blessed to be with her for the birth of both of her beautiful daughters and sadly to mourn with her at their passing... yet each of these children's life have held value beyond words and moments that I am thankful the Father allowed me to experience.

Today, our former Pastor shared on his blog about life and where our culture is going. One of the links is entitled, "Choosing Thomas." It is the story of a little boy's short life through pictures and video. I will warn you before going there, it is very emotional to watch and this afternoon, I shed buckets of tears as I watched these parents love their little boy to his very last breath.

Perinatal hospice is an incredible ministry to God's precious little ones and their families. Their lives count and my prayer is that we will never for get that....

FOR TODAY August 31, 2009

Outside my window... It is a cool 59 degrees, overcast and beautiful for the last day of August!

I am thinking... about everything I need to get done today and my list and that I need another cup of coffee this morning.

I am thankful for... friends overseas that have committed to take the time to send me kids a letter the old fashion way for school. I know their days are very busy (most of them are missionaries), but I am thankful they are willing to share their lives with the kids.

From the learning rooms... Charlotte's web, learning about the ocean & seashore, counting money, countries & cultures, Akebu to Zapotec: A Book of Bibleless People- people group for the Letter B, Lessons from Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons and plans for a lot of field trips this week.

From the kitchen... pancakes for breakfast, fish for lunch

I am wearing... A Wild Olive Tee that reads, Such Things, Philippians 4:8, shorts and barefoot

I am creating... Seat to organizers for each of the kids to go on the backs of the car seats in front of them and hold their coloring books, toys and snacks for long trips in the van. I am excited because I am getting 2 quilts back from the longarm quilter today.

I am going... to the library, post office and the vet's office today

I am reading...

I am hoping...To get my list completed today.

I am praying... for our nephew who is still in rehab after his car accident that fractured his neck June 9th, our missionary friends in the Solomon Islands, a family working to bring a tiny little girl home from the Ukraine that has Down's Syndrome and our children this morning.

I am hearing... quiet, only the sound of my computer keys... getting ready to put in Chris Tomlin's latest cd.

Around the house... laundry to fold, bathrooms to be cleaned, kitchen that needs cleaned, books to return to the library and a package that needs shipped to a friend deployed to Iraq right now. packing to do and the van that needs cleaned out to be ready to travel.

One of my favorite things... listening to people sing praises to the Heavenly Father and seeing orphan children come home to their forever families!

A few plans for the rest of the week: traveling, seeing friends, getting photos taken of our family, field trips, making awesome family memories! Celebrating Eli's 4th birthday! I can't believe my little man is turning 4! It seems like yesterday that he was born and I was longing to hold him as he was fighting in the NICU (more about the blessing he is in our lives later this week.) I love you little man!

Here is picture thought I am sharing... We celebrated Eli and his Papa's birthday yesterday by going to the Air Museum and having Braum's Ice Cream!

Head over to Peggy's to check out other Daybooks for the day!

Happy Birthday Virginia Lee Burton

Viriginia Lee Burton is one of our absolute favorite authors! And today, August 30th, is her birthday! We have celebrated it this weekend by reading many of her books and eating chocolate muffins.
If you haven't read any of her treasures, here is a list. These are some of our children's favorite books!

The Little House
Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel
Katy and the Big Snow
Maybelle the Cable Car
Choo Choo
Calico the Wonder Horse or The Saga of Stewy Stinker

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Nought be all else to me save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Words at­trib­ut­ed to Dal­lan For­gaill, 8th Cen­tu­ry
Written in Ancient Irish
Music: Slane, of Ir­ish folk or­i­gin

Heavenly Father, help us to listen for your voice and when we hear it to response to you! Help me to listen to your wisdom and acknowledge that you are with me all the time.

The picture was taken at sunset the other night as we were driving back into our little town after a fun evening of fellowship with our church family out at a family's farm.

Head over to the C Team's Blog!

Take a moment to read about the "C" Team and our goal of raising $5000 for the Love Without Boundaries Healing Homes! We have 6 family members running in Marine Corp Marathon Weekend (Oct. 24th & 25th In Washington DC) events this year on the LWB Charity Team!

Head on over and check out our giveaway. Take a moment to donate to one of our accounts if you can as well! Every $ counts in the life of a child! All funds go directly to Love Without Boundaries! There are great ways you can get involved in the drawing- leave a comment, post of button on your blog and make a donation!

Up with the chickens...

Saturday morning we pulled the kids out of bed well before the sun was up, buckled them in their car seats and headed out. Each year there is a small Hot Air Balloon Fest that we try to go to. The kids slept most of the way there and we pulled in just as the Color Guard was presenting the flag and in time to hear the National Anthem. Everything started to happen quickly after that! It was a beautiful morning for a launch and since this festival is so small, you can get really close! It went quickly this year, 11 balloons launched before the wind came up too much so the last 2 didn't lift off.

but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

FOR TODAY August 23, 2009

Outside my window... The sun is shining, it's not too bad out right now, about 75 degrees, they are saying it will be close to 100 by this afternoon, a few more hot days of summer left I guess!

I am thinking... about our week of school. Working on activities we can do about the ocean and beach for our unit study. I need to finish up some care packages so we can mail them this afternoon and finish out my menus for the rest of the week. We will be heading out on vacation next week and I want to use up everything we have before we leave.

I am thankful for... Great family times this weekend with lots of memories made! We went to a small Hot Air Balloon lift off and the zoo on Saturday morning. That evening we enjoyed an evening with friends involved in missions talking about a short term project they all got back from. Sunday we had the chance to enjoy Thai food at a friend's restaurant and then had a lot of fun at the church's back to school party. It was nice that my husband was off most of the weekend, lately we haven't had too many of those moments.

From the learning rooms... We have finished our first week of school and are starting our 2nd. We are enjoy Charlotte's web as a read aloud right now and doing some fun notebooking/activities to go with it. Lenna is working on her reading and really coming along nicely. We also have started our Ocean unit and have a great stack of books back the ocean, beaches & sea life to enjoy this week. The kids have had fun getting started in Peoples & Cultures this past week, today the girls dressed in Saris and we are trying some fun foods from other countries.

From the kitchen... Spaghetti for lunch

I am wearing... a black t-shirt & tan shorts, barefoot as usual in the summer time

I am creating... quilting projects as usual and a website to help our family raise funds for Love Without Boundaries for the Marine Corp Marathon. Check back tomorrow to see the site and the announcement of a fundraiser & giveaway!

I am going... to the library and post office later today

I am reading...Still reading, A Mom After God's Own Heart, 10 Ways to Love Your Children by Elizabeth George and loving it! It has really challenged my heart!

I am hoping...To get laundry caught up and put away today

I am hearing... kids playing as we take a quick break from school work

Around the house... Toy horses that a neighbor girl brought over and passed down to our kids this past week. About 15 of them! It has been non-stop play since!

One of my favorite things... Hot tea from Cameroon, our sweet friend, Sixtus, just sent me a box of tea and coffee that he brought us back from his recent mission trip to the medical clinic he has started in his home town. Last July, Shawn traveled with him to Cameroon to get the clinic started and running.

A few plans for the rest of the week: School, working on our schedule for the month of Sept., getting ready for vacation, quilt club tomorrow night, walking and making some fun memories with the kids.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...The kids found these flies trapped in a spider's web at the zoo on Saturday. They are convinced that Charlotte did it! We had just finished the chapter in Charlotte's web where she explains how she traps flies, spins them up in silk and eats them!

Head over to Peggy's to check out some other Daybooks...

Catching up for the weekend...

Saturday morning, we spent a couple of hours at a small zoo near where we live! One of our favorites is always the giraffes! They have a cute baby one right now, the kids were amazed by it's tongue! We also got to see the African Turtles up close this time, we had fun watching them eat grass and sun themselves. The kids found a locust on a tree tucked into the bark, they were as excited about finding it as they were the animals in cages! Enjoy a few pictures from our zoo adventure.

Shout for Joy...

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth,
burst into jubilant song with music;

make music to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and the sound of singing,

with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn—
shout for joy before the LORD, the King.

Let the sea resound, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it.

Let the rivers clap their hands,
Let the mountains sing together for joy,
Psalm 98 : 4-8

The US Consulate in the Dominican Republic approved E's application! J&M now need to schedule his Visa interview and get his medical done. After 2 years, E is finally coming home to the US! Thank you for praying for this family. They have appreciated the prayers and ask that you continue to pray for them. They are hoping that the entire process will be done in time for M & E to fly back to the States with J on Sept. 6th for him to start back to work. I know there is much rejoicing in the DR and with family and friends here in the US! Praise the Lord!

I almost missed the moment...

Last night I got the kids to bed and sat down at the computer to catch up on a email or two. I was exhausted and decided to head to bed as well. I was actually very surprised because Nate had not cried and was very still. I decided to check on him, he immediately rolled over and said "Lay down Mama, lay down." My first thought was ,"son, you should be asleep." But my mama heart couldn't resist so I did as he ask. The next words out of his mouth were so sweet to my ears... "I wuv oo, mama." Then the giggling started as he told me the name of each part of my face and touched my hair.

My heart melted as I began to think about how far we have come. 8 months ago, he was a little boy alone in an large Social Welfare Institute in China, no mommy to tuck him in each night or to said "Iwuv oo" too. He went to sleep in a big room with lots of other beautiful children, yet at night, I think his crib was a very lonely place. I know his nannies loved him and their were many other children there, but I also believe there is something special about being part of a family, that is the way God designed us and where He really wants us to be.

People often ask us about our children who are adopted... Why we did it? Does it cost a lot of money? Does it take a long time? I'll be honest, I don't like these questions, especially when they are in the WalMart line and when I am trying to check out at the grocery store and someone is asking these questions plus- "Are they all yours?" as my 4 squirmy little ones may or may not on their best behavior. I'll be honest, it is not always the easy path to take. It has brought pain at times, but the joy is priceless!

Last night when I heard "I wuv oo, mama" from my little man's lips, God just reaffirmed to my heart why we have made the decisions that we have for our family. He called Shawn and I to adopt and to grow our family by choosing to love those who were orphaned and left alone. He formed our family, chose the children that we call our own, yet often reminds us that they truly are His, they are just entrusted to us for awhile.

Recently some ask me about Nate's special need and the "extra work" it takes to parent a child that is cleft affected. Yes, our life has a few more appointments... doctors, dentist, speech therapy more than likely in the future... but would I trade it? No... because if I did, I would miss the miracle of the moment!

"So breathe it in and breathe it out

Listen to your heartbeat
There’s a wonder in the here and now
It’s right there in front of you
And I don’t want you to miss
The miracle of the moment"
Steven Curtis Chapman~ Miracle of the Moment

"Mama, Jesus shook it (evil Spirit) out of him"

Yesterday morning, the text for our Bible studying time for school was in Mark, chapter 1. This year we are using the Discoverer's Bible for Early Readers instead of reading a shortened Bible story version.

In Mark, Chapter 1, we read about Jesus calling his first Disciples; Simon, Andrew, James and John to follow Him as they were fishing by the sea. Then we went on and started reading about Jesus Driving an evil spirit from a man in the Temple. After we finished the story, I was asking the kids questions to see what the kids heard and understood from the story. It went like this:

me: "Jesus was teaching in the Temple, who did he meet?"
Lenna: "A man with an evil spirit that said Jesus was God."
me: "What did Jesus do next?"
Eli: "Mama, Jesus shook the evil spirit out of him!"

Not quite, but close:)
Mark 1:25
"Be quiet!" said Jesus firmly. "Come out of him!"
The evil spirit shook the man wildly.

Please pray for our friends in the Dominican Republic

Here is an update I just got from M-
"No news to report, except that we are done, they took our papers and money, and that we should hear something in a month. Please keep praying for a positive response. Thankfully either way, we are now officially in the system. Please continue to pray for our family."- M

Today our friends, J & M, are going to the US Consulate in the DR to file their son's immigration papers and they are asking for prayers for this appointment. They are requesting to begin the immigration paperwork/visa process to get their son to the States as soon as possible.

Here is a bit of their story... in August of 2007, their son, E, was placed in their arms through the blessing of adoption. They assumed at that point that everything in the adoption had been completed correctly. In August 2008 as they were preparing to return to the US (they are missionaries with Crown Financial Ministries), they went to file E's paperwork only to find out that there were some things left undone.

Jason returned to the US without M & E to start the new job that he had already signed a contract on, hoping that M & E would soon be able to follow. It has now been a year and US Immigration has still not allowed for them to file E's Visa Paperwork. They have an immigration attorney that feels that under the statues, they have now met all of the requirement and E should be allowed to enter the United States. There has been some concern expressed at the Consulate that they need to wait one more year (August 2010) before E's Visa can be applied for.

So today, they are asking that people will pray for their appointment and God' hand in it. that E's paperwork will be accepted and that they will be able to be together here in the US as a family again very soon. If the visa is not granted, then M & E will continue to live in the DR and J will return to work here in the US, visiting them as often as he can until they can reapply.

Thanks for your faithfulness in prayers for our family and this family!

FOR TODAY - August 17th, 2009

Outside my window... It's been very warm lately but thankfully the evenings have been cooling off more than normal for this time of year. The grass is brown in the yard from lack of rain- I guess we don't have to worry about keeping the law mowed!

I am thinking...about the week ahead- the plumber is coming because there is a leak in our water main just outside the house next to the foundation, I have a list of books to library loan this week for school ( we are back in full swing this week), piano lessons for Lenna, and working out a new chore list for the kids to start using with our school schedule.

I am thankful for... friends who shared honestly about their struggles to find time with the Father in the craziness of life. Also for friends who shared about how God is at work in their lives and the blessings that are coming from their strong relationship with Him.

From the learning rooms... We are starting in full swing today! This year we are studying cultures and ancient history. Our current read aloud is Charlotte's web so we are working on a lapbook to go with it. We are doing a short unit study on the seashore/ocean before we head to the beach in a few weeks. Eli & Abigayl are working on counting past 10, what is the same and different and Lenna is learning about money.

From the kitchen... pancakes for breakfast, mac & cheese for lunch

I am wearing... a tank top, pajama pants (actually my winter ones with pinguins on skis on them but they are my favorite!)

I am creating... A mystery quilt- one from Bonnie over at quiltville.com. It's Christmas Lights that is being featured in 3 parts in Quiltmaker Magazine.

I am going... to the post office to mail bills and ships some care packages today.

I am reading... A mom After God's Own Heart, 10 Ways to Love Your Children by Elizabeth George and Chu Ju's House by Gloria Whelan.

I am hoping... that God will teach me and challenge me to be a better mom. I have been studying the verse: "Keep your heart wiith all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23 I truly believe that our choices reveal the condition of our hearts whether we are a child or an adult. My desire is to raise children who are seeking to have a heart like their Heavenly Father's. This means taht as a mom, I need to be dedicated in my time on my heart, soul, mind, strength and time in shaping the hearts of my children in a direction that always leads them to God. I have also been studying, Samuel's early life recorded in the first few chapters of 1 Samuel in the Bible. His mother, Hannah, chose to fully give her son to the Lord, trusting Him with the care of her son. We see that her early training was evident when he went to serve Eli in the Temple, Samuel's young heart was already focused on God.
Samuel heard God... Samuel answered God... Samuel listend to God... and Samuel responded to God's voice.
(1 Samuel 3- taken from verses 4 & 10)
My prayer and hope this week is that I invest deeply in showing my children what it means to be a child after God's own heart.

I am hearing... Abigayl's heavy breathing, she isn't feeling well and is very stuffed up. She hasn't slept well all night:(

Around the house... Toys left over from last night that didn't get picked up, the dishwasher needs unloaded and the usual Mount Everest of Clothes that needs to be folded.

One of my favorite things... Seeing a quilt come together, praying over the pieces that they will be a blessing to whoever is snuggled up tight in it oonce it is completed.

A few plans for the rest of the week: School, going to the big city on Friday afternoon and possibly the Hot Air Balloon Fest over the weekend if the weather is nice.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...Saturday afternoon, I took the training wheels off of Lenna's Bike and she's been loving it ever since!

Run over to Peggy's to check out the daybooks of some other amazing women!

" It's A Family Affair!"

Sandi Glass, the coordinator for the Love Without Boundaries Healing Homes wrote an article about our family and the Marine Corp Marathon Charity Team for the LWB Blog. Go check out her article here.

Be watching, we are launching a new fund raiser for The "C" Team running for LWB where every step will make a difference in the life of a child!

You can donate to Shawn's account here and read about the LWB Healing Homes here and their amazing work with Chinese Orphans.

One of the days we were traveling this past week, we drove past this sign...

The kids and I talked about it, jumped out and took a picture and headed on our way. After we got home, I got online to check out maps... Maybe when this sign was posted, this was Midway USA, but according to Mapquest, with the additions of Interstates, this is no longer the accurate mileage to each of these places.

Mapquest says...
1491.23 miles to New York
and
1587.27 miles to San Francisco

We still loved the sign though:)

I've been thinking a lot about this statement concerning time with God...

“I earnestly recommend that it be in the early morning, unless there are some extenuating circumstances. Entering the day without a serious meeting with God, over his Word and in prayer, is like entering the battle without tending to your weapons. The human heart does not replenish itself with sleep. The body does, but not the heart. We replenish our hearts not with sleep, but with the Word of God and prayer.” John Piper

I'd like to hear what you think?

I believe this statement is very accurate. Honestly, in the craziness of summer, I feel like my time with God has really suffered and I feel it in many ways. As we dive back into school, I know more than ever this time is important. My prayer is that I can get back on track in my mornings, up earlier getting ready for our school day and starting the morning with a cup of coffee and some great fellowship with my Heavenly Father! Can I ask... What are you studying right now or what has the Lord been teaching you?

*****

I can't believe how quickly the summer has passed. Our guests are gone (they stopped by through and spent the night), we are heading to the water park for one last blast with friends today, we have a few appointments on Friday and we are back to school on Monday! So I maybe in and out a bit in the coming weeks. Please stick with me and I'll get rolling more. I am hoping to share more this fall about what God's teaching me, what's happening in school and special moments in our lives!

FOR TODAY-August 10th,2009

Outside my window... A cooler morning than usual for August, the sun is out with a few clouds, we could really use some rain.

I am thinking... Summer has passed so quickly and has been fun. The kids have spent so much time in the pool and their swimming has really improved.

I am thankful for...friends we have gotten to see in the last 10 days! We've had house guests and gotten to meet some others for lunch while we were traveling this weekend.

From the learning rooms... I am spending the next few days organizing everything, stopping at the library to order some library loan books to start, etc. This week we will be doing some fun read alouds and small projects in between guests and a day of appointments.

From the kitchen... I'm finishing up my next 2 months o f menus. This morning the kids are having yogurt and cereal.

I am wearing... A white tank top, black shorts, my hair in a ponytail and barefoot

I am creating... A couple of quilting projects- finishing one with a visiting friends that we started 3 years ago. A quilt for our nephew who is now in rehab after his accident in June and neck injury and trying to get step 1 done on a mystery quilt.

I am going... to the library today and to the vet to pick up the dog from being boarded while we were gone this weekend.

I am reading... A Mom After God's Own Heart: 10 Ways to Love Your Children by Elizabeth George

I am hoping... TO get through my long to do list before the week is over so we are ready for school

I am hearing... the kids eating breakfast and the washing machine

Around the house... laundry to catch up from the weekend, the last of the vbs craft supplies that I got back to be gone through and put away for next year, the garden to be watered (it take s a lot of water on these 100+ days)

One of my favorite things... a cup of tea and quiet moments in the morning before the kids wake up.

A few plans for the rest of the week: the library, the learning center for the last of the items I need to copy and laminate for school, friends visiting Tuesday & Weds, one last trip to the water park with other friends

Here is picture thought I am sharing...My hubby finishing his 2nd sprint triathlon on Saturday morning. We had a great time cheering for him!

The Salty Dog

Bright and early Saturday morning, Shawn headed out to complete his 2nd Sprint Triathlon. He started doing these this summer to cross train for his marathon this fall and just to have fun, saying that he did it. He decided that he wasn't going to buy any special gear, he'd just use what he had (aside from a new pair of swim googles.) He uses his mountain bike instead of a road or tri bike which slows him down a bit but he still finished well. Out of the pool and running to his bike...Heading out for the ride...4 kids waiting to see daddy ride by...here he is...off and running to the finish line!

After the tri, we had the chance to meet several friends for lunch, my cousin & her family, old college roommates and some friends raising support to go on staff with Campus Crusade! What a great way to spend the day.