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Sunday, April 28, 2013

A Different Sunday.

sudanprayer

Hope sent a team off to Sudan again today.

Dave and John Jefferson this time.

We raised over $25,000 last year and didn't spend it all when the team went in September.

So basically they are going back to spend the rest.

Every last penny.

On food for people in and around the border region who are starving.

But also to bring them the Bread of Life.

To share Jesus.

Our only true Hope.

In a world that continues to fall short.

We've set up a 24-hour prayer chain and it brings great comfort to know that the trip will be prayed for around the clock.


If you're part of this prayer chain or interested in praying, here are some initial requests:

* Health and Safety

* Endurance and Hydration (outside temps average 110 degrees)

* Wisdom and Favor over the Logistics of the food purchase and delivery


For more information, you can read the Hope 4 Sudan blog here.

You can also follow @Hope4Sudan on Instagram, @Hope4sudanblog on Twitter and/or "like" Hope, San Mateo on Facebook for updates and prayer requests throughout the trip.

 DJ

I'm so thankful for a church family who loves people like Jesus does.

For a husband and pastor who loves people the way he tells other people to.

And for the body of Christ who loves our family as we stay behind.

Monday, April 22, 2013

What 6 Looks Like

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6 looks like box cupcakes and plastic frosting.

Because my girls prefer fake over scratch.

My soul aches about it.

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6 looks like a fun birthday hat.

And ignoring the lice notice sent out the next day.

And special attention during morning music.

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And taking a leap on the birthday carpet mat.

5 was a BIG year.

6 is going to be bigger.

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Just ask her.

photo 5

6 looks like handmade birthday cards from classmates.

And a special Croods drawing from Teacher Ian.

She's currently a big fan.

Of the movie.

And Ian.

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6 looks like Teacher Joanie lighting candles.

While sweet friends look on.

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6 looks like musical chairs.

With daddy as a special guest.

And a very happy birthday girl.

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6 looks like dinner at her favorite establishment.

Mostly for the sundae.

party

6 looks like party time!

Blue was the theme.

It's her favorite color.

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6 looks like water balloons.

Especially when it's 80 degrees in April.

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Summer, I think you might be early this year.

And we're not complaining.

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6 looks like little friends.

In fancy blue party dresses.

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6 looks like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

And Annie's fruit snacks.

And Cheese-Its.

And fruit salad.

And more plastic cupcakes.

photo 5 copy 2

6 looks like face painting.

Not sparkly butterflies and rainbows.

But Eep, the cavewoman from Croods.

My soul kind of aches about that, too.

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6 looks like a fancy pinata.

Held up by an orange extension cord.

Which made it a little less fancy.

photo 4 copy 2

But the candy collectors didn't care.

Sorry, moms.

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6 looks like special presents.

And patient onlookers.

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6 looks like blue sprinkles.

And giant candles.

And an Eep face.

photo 3 copy 3

6 looks like sharing new toys with friends.

And an extra cupcake.

photo 4 copy 3

6 looks like blue balloons.

And running and jumping on the front lawn.

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6 looks carefree and fabulous.

Happy Birthday, baby girl.

We love you.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

10 on 10: A Day in April

You know.

Most of my days are like this one.

photo 1 copy 2

Uneventful.

Routine.

I rarely write about them.

But I know I want to remember them.

I will miss this routine one day.

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Like morning music with my Kindergartner.

I want to remember the way sweet Vidal always saves her place marker under the piano.

And excitedly sets it down next to his when we walk in the room.

I want to remember Teacher Karen's passion for teaching beautiful sounds to deaf children.

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I want to remember the few minutes I take most mornings parked in the Starbucks parking lot.

Catching up on emails.

Reading blogs I love.

Texting and/or chatting with friends.

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I want to remember Hope's first Marrieds group.

And all the little, behind-the-scenes church details I know I'll soon forget.

Or may no longer be responsible for.

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I want to remember her minimum day, pick-up smile.

And her school stories.

Today a caterpillar escaped the class terrarium and tried to spin a cocoon in McKayla's desk.

Ms. Schlecht saved the day, scooping it up with a Post-It note.

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The piles and piles.

And piles of laundry.

Even those.

I want to remember.

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I want to remember the fact that Ashlyn is insisting we name her little sister Taffeta.

And her scowl when I tell her no.

And that she takes her pants off when it gets hot outside.

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I want to remember the joy I felt when we our very first baby gift arrived for our littlest baby girl.

By friends that know us well.

And love us better.

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I want to remember tonight's dinner out.

And playing Go Fish with sugar packets.

While another read her animal encyclopedia.

And the fact that Wreck-It Ralph joined us.

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I want to remember the way she reads.

Slow, careful.

Her fingers tracing every word.

I know that soon this will change.

And she'll read faster.

Life moves so quickly.

Even the slow days.

And I want to remember.


ten on ten button

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Pintertest Kitchen 19: Sour Cream Almond Pound Cake

Easter was amazing.


One of my favorite Sundays in Hope's short history.


The weeks leading up to it were crazy.


Our little family is pretty tired.


But the best kind of tired.


So now we're up at Bass Lake for spring break vacationing with friends.


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Relaxing.


Swimming.


Fishing.


Semi-hiking.


Eating.


All the best things.


photo 1


On Easter Sunday I made this sour cream almond pound cake that I had pinned a while back.


And you need to, too.


As soon as possible.


It's quite delicious.


Add strawberries and fresh whipped cream.


And you will be a very happy camper.


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What have you been up to?


Don't forget there's a really fun perk this month thanks to Julie.


Every single link up gets this cute printable from her amazing shop!