Let's Skate!

Who knew that you could go ice skating in Tampa? This year Curtis Hixon Park has an ice skating rink, and Matt and I took the middle school HUB for a fun afternoon. Here is the whole group at the end - note the 20 girls and 1 boy...story of the middle school youth group's life.

KIDNAPPED!

This past Friday night I kidnapped 22 middle school girls with the help of 3 fearless high school leaders. It was my second year to do it and I definitely felt more confident this year! The kidnapping was a complete surprise to the girls. We rushed into their house with sparkling reindeer ears and told them that they were coming with us for the best night of their life! That night we made gingerbread houses, played games, and watched Elf. The next morning we joined the church in serving a brunch for the homeless and hungry. Here is a group of girls from the night - eager to start off a game! I do a bible study with this particular group after school on Fridays, also. It was a night to remember!

A Grateful Gobble

Here I am with my precious nephew: Isaiah. Matt and I traveled up to Nashville to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with his family. The highlight of the weekend for me was spending time with this little guy. He is going to be a track star one day as well as a musical genius! We can't wait for his little sister, Evie, to be born at the end of January. The weekend was filled with good food and great conversations with everyone!

everybody's doing it

after hearing several months of my husband talk about how he is a blogger, i decided to take the plunge. at this point in my life, i am growing in grace and living life loved by my Creator. the way these things are most clearly displayed: my life with my new husband, my relationship with family and friends, and the ongoing pursuit to love teenagers to Jesus Christ. here is a prime example of a day in the life of me. i'm drenched after doing a scavenger hunt in hurricane-like weather to kick off the school year with high schoolers back in august. so here we go. my own blog. why not? everybody's doing it.