Integrity

I married a great woman! This week Christa is at a conference in Chicago where the business development side of her company is getting training on negotiation skills. Some of the activities are designed where two sides are negotiating with each other, and you will always do better if both sides cooperate (expand the pie) rather than try to shaft the other party. The tension comes as both sides have an incentive to stab the other party in the back, each side doesn't trust the other side, so both parties defect and they end up doing poorly (prisoner's dilemma).
Christa's group ended up winning the competition--both teams cooperated and made the best deal. The other team said afterwards that when they heard Christa was on the other team, they knew they could trust them because 'Christa always tells the truth.'
Sometimes we don't see how we are making impressions on those around us: neighbors, family, co-workers, etc. A lot of little actions add up to people's perceptions of who we are and what we stand for. I'm proud of Christa for living in a way that everyone around her knows she lives and acts with integrity. Way to go!

Waffle Irons and a book on CD

I am completely thrilled because today (Sunday) for lunch, i added waffles to my list of things i know how to make!!!! KUDOS FOR EMILY!!! besides waffles theres only box brownies....... ...T-T........BUT this is still a major accomplishment becaaaauuuuuuuuuse mom is still at grandma's house--i.e. i made them completely by myself!!!!!!! yes, there was no one in the kitchen besides me, the ingredients, and the cookbook!! unless you count dad, who was TRYING to help but ended up wandering around the kitchen, occasionally getting in my way. it's the thought that counts, though, right?? ;D

Indiana Jones is back

Last Tuesday Warren did his oral presentation to a couple 4th grade classes on the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (his independent study topic this year). He decided to start off by playing the theme song from Indiana Jones and come running into the room--hunting for a precious artifact. He did a great job with the dramatics as well as the presentation of the facts. The boy's a natural performer, so look out Harrison Ford.

Triumph!

It only took 4 months and Aup flying to Texas but the hunt is over.

There's just something about Texas and being able to find a Wii when you want one.

Jared's masterpiece

Jared has been working on a very large acrylic painting of our new house for the past several months. Last week he completed it and today it was hanging up behind the front desk at the fine art academy where he takes weekly art lessons. His smile was so big it almost split his face in two. We plan on putting the painting in our huge art niche at the top of the stairs with the scripture from Joshua printed on another canvas (As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.) So, if anyone out there wants to commission a piece for your private collection . . . Jared would be more than happy to comply.

First Steps!

This is the triumph of the year for our family so far. Ethan, at 17 months and 35 ish pounds, finally took some steps this weekend! Hip hip hooray! We are so excited, and he has been taking them all day today! My back is rejoicing...can you hear it breathing a sigh of relief? Ahhhhhhh, I can. :)

Rachel's call!

Here's the video--in 2 parts--of Rae opening her call. I hope you all enjoy her seeing her cute facial expressions and all the before/after fun. What an exciting blessing! We can't wait to hear where Spence will go!

part 1: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3786699149220548184

part 2: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5980391611122540897