Our Heart Week Fun!

Happy Love Day!

from the Zellners

 

This week, we have enjoyed many special love day sweets and treats. Each Wednesday, we meet with our ABF bible study group. This week, our sweet friends Anna and Matt made these absolutely delicious Valentine's themed desserts. I will be honest and say I had to sample a few. They were that good! And aren't they just so darn cute?!?! 

 

This week my first graders enjoyed a sweet Friendship Party. From crafts, goodies, and games, my kids sure enjoyed a super sweet and enjoyable afternoon.

Our Valentine's Day was exactly what I wanted. It was a night of pure relaxation. After a long week, all I wanted was a low key night of pjs, Papa Murphy's pizza, and a movie. I'm definitely thankful for my sweet hubby and for amazing and perfect weeks... just like this:)

 

ABF Men's Camping Trip!

After weeks of planning and preparation, google docs, emails, and short-phrased texts, the men of our ABF bible study set out for a men's camping retreat in Tyler, Tx. With gear and food in hand, they spent two nights and three days at Tyler State Park. The nights were cold, and days absolutely beautiful. It sure was a great weekend of male bonding in God's gorgeous creation.

 

 

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:3

 



The men left on Friday afternoon to arrive and set up late at night. The men enjoyed afternoons of cooking, fishing, hiking, sports, and great spiritual conversation. I know Ray and I are extremely greatful for these relationships.

 



 

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. ² Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. ³ They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. ⁴ Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:1-4

 

Enjoy pictures of the Men's camping retreat!

 breakfast of champions...
While the boys did catch a few fish, they went with Plan B... steaks!

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

 

ABF Men's Camping Trip 2013

Thank you to all the ladies for sharing these pictures. I know it was a truly special weekend for our bible study group. We are so thankful to continue our growing, serving, and sharing with you!

Weekend Fam-tivities

 Welcome to our weekend fam-tivities.

It was sure a weekend filled with fun dinner dates and relaxing afternoons with the pups. I'm thankful for these lazy weekends. Our weekend fam-tivities included:

 

....Friday, Ray helped with Chi Alpha.

... I visited my favorite preggo mama of twins. She continues to amaze me. I am so proud of this lady as she sets such a wonderful example of motherhood. At 36 weeks, the little ladies should be coming soon!

... Ray and I enjoyed a dinner date night at Buca di Beppo.

 

 

... I got a necessary haircut on Saturday afternoon.

... We picked up a few redbox movies and cuddled with these cuties.

 

... We used a Chick-fil-a gift certificate for a delicious morning breakfast.



 ... Ray and I searched for a few new reads at Half Priced Books.
... Ray ran 14 miles on Sunday to prepare for his marathon at the end of the month.

 I sure do love lazy! I love recouping my energy for the week ahead. It is amazing to think that within a few weeks we will be enjoying Spring Break. Boy this year sure is flying and I'm enjoying the moments... even the lazy ones:)

ONE HUNDRED!

Today our First Graders celebrated the 100th day of school. While as a Kindergarten teacher last year, we held a parade and lots of different activities. This year was a bit more tame. We did enjoy 100 day badges, 100 pizza topping and graph morning activity sheet, and "if I had $100" writing. It was sure a fun and CRAZY day with my kiddos. I enjoyed my jean Wednesdays and of course anything that is a theme:) Wishing all my teachers a fabulous 100 days and the months that lay ahead.

Toby Turns Six!

Our beagle, Toby, turned six today! Our first born furbabe celebrated his birthday Saturday, February 2, 2013. As our independent baby, he enjoys his blanky, barking at the bunnies, eating all food types and many things he shouldn't, and bugging his little sister. But with all that being said, I love our little boy more than words. I love his puppy breath, cuddles, and playful disposition. Happy Birthday Sir Toby the Red!

ABF Saturday Ladies Night

Saturday night while the men from our ABF bible study group were on a camping retreat in Tyler, Texas, the ladies ventured to our sweet friend's house for a ladies night. We enjoyed pizza and desserts as well as some cuddle time with this cutie.

 

Denise and baby Westin

 What a great night of pure relaxation and indulgence.

 

Pizza, no bake chocolate cookies, and cake cookies. YUM!

 

Denise, Anna, and Erin (with baby Ogle)

It was a time to show our "true colors"... a night of great questions and fun!

Julie, myself, and Amy
I am so thankful for these sweet friendships!

Julie (with baby Zoutendam) and Mr. Westin

I am so thankful for these ladies. I'm thankful for the friendship that we have have and the ability for us to get together and enjoy a fun ladies night out.

Jacob Turns TWO!

On Saturday, I had the honor of celebrating one special little man's second birthday. Jacob Daniel Duke turned TWO at the end of January. Today we celebrated his birth in pure Bubble Guppie gladness.

The decorations were absolutely adorable, the food delicious, and the kiddos sure loved the bounce house in the back. It was a fun day to help celebrate this great little guy with friends. Many of our sweet friends attended the party.

  

The proud mama and I

 Kristin and I

Kristin with sweet baby Madelynn and Emily at 35 weeks

Stephanie, Kristin, and I

 Mike, Michael, and Dustin

 The birthday boy's dad, Mike, and Dustin

 Cody and big boy Bryson

What an amazing two years! Their miracle baby has grown into such a big boy. All is worth celebrating! Here's to another 365 days of blessings for our sweet Duke friends!