Valentine's Preparations

We made Valentine's for the Orchard Manor residents and the families in Juarez, Mexico (where our church mission team was going shortly)...

This is the banner from our Sunday School kids to the Juarez kids.  We hope they liked it!

Every year we visit Orchard Manor to sing and dance a little, share homemade Valentine's, and hopefully share a little of God's love with the residents there.  It was awesome to hear many of them join in on "How Great Thou Art" and "Jesus Loves Me"!  The old songs never get old.

 We had our Valentine's Day "Fancy Dinner" one night early this year, due to a basketball conflict on Thursday.  It was wonderful to have a relaxing, elegant dinner together...candlelight, steak, mashed potatoes, dessert...the kids always look forward to it.

Mark gave all of the kids (and me!) a treat at school, including a handmade Valentine note. 

 

 At school I tried to get kids interested in our brand-new titles with "Blind Date with a Book" week.  Middle and high school students who were brave enough accepted the challenge!  (Taking a wrapped book, checking it out, and trying to read it.)  Ally selected a book she may never have read otherwise, and she actually finished it in 3 nights.  I think the chocolate candy incentive helped;)

 Happy Valentine's Day every day!  May you find something in each and every day that makes your heart smile :)
To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. --Mark 12:33