Ripple of One

Today I started what may be a new adventure. My good friend, Stephanie has founded an organization called Ripple of One. (be sure to visit her website at www.rippleofone.org ) I have decided to help out some so I am going to be working with a precious girl (mid-20s) with 4 children who has lost her job and has no family. I spent the afternoon with her and was overwhelmed with her situation. I don't know how she has the strength to get out of bed in the mornings. While I want to just take her and her kids home with me & take care of them, that's not the way ripple works. I have to help her learn how to get back on her feet: emotionally, financially, spiritually, physically (she's skin & bones). Sounds like a lot, but this group helps me help her every step of the way. Please keep her and her kids in your prayers and me too that I'll lead her in the right direction, and hopefully help her find Jesus in the process.

Surprise! We're going to Florida

Thursday morning we picked Nate & Henry up from school around 10:30 and surprised them with a airplane trip to Florida to visit Silas & stay at the Nickelodeon Hotel. It took a few minutes for it to really register with them that we were going. Once we hit I-85, they were very excited!

Luke pulling his own carry-on!

Checking in with Allegiant Air. Flights direct from GSP to many Florida destinations!

Waiting patiently in the airport. Security is reason enough not to fly any more than you have to.

Finally! We see cousin Silas. These boys were so silly. They always have a blast together.

We went to the most wonderful restaurant in Deland for dinner. Perfect Spot was not only good food, but also very entertaining. Sky divers, playground and a wagon!

Luke & Silas waiting for more skydivers. Check out how much taller Silas is than Luke. They are only 3 months apart!

Here are the boys in their hotel room. Nate & Henry had bunk beds and Luke slept with Mom & Dad, of course! It's really Sponge Bob!!

Luke was really amazed to see all the characters at breakfast. It was quite a celebration!

We love Patrick almost as much as we love Sponge Bob!

Nate & Henry spending fun times with Robin's children Trace & Tara who live in Punta Gorda, FL. She drove up to spend the night in the hotel with us.

Subway for lunch with 7 kids was exciting. Everyone eat so we can see Silas & go to Downtown Disney!

Downtown Disney was lots of fun! This is Mark & Silas, Bryan & Luke, Tara, Nate & Trace before dinner at the Rainforest Cafe!

BUZZ LIGHTYEAR!!! Luke is "Toy Story Crazy" and can spot Buzz a mile away.

Luke & Silas rode the carousel & train together. They missed Marlowe though (they thought she would love the carousel)!

Outside the Rainforest Cafe, aren't these guys handsome!

7 am flight means wake up at 4am...yikes! Vacation is fun, but it's always nice to come home.

Silas, Nate & Henry

I'm so behind on blogging and promise to catch up. I'll kick it off with this video of Henry, Silas & Nate being boys!

Bleach

I did a crazy thing with my hair. I asked for bleach on scalp.

Do I regret it? No, it's just hair. But will I do it again? Probably not. I think I glow in the dark.