Another year goes by...

It always amazes me how fast time goes by and sometimes I don't realize it until another holiday or birthday comes and goes marking the exact amount of years "since this..." or "since when we.. "etc. So I had another birthday this week, yes, it came around again, and didn't skip me like I was kinda secretly hoping. Now, don't misunderstand me here.. I LOVE the gifts, parties, surprises, loving comments, hugs, being spoiled etc etc just not the part about getting another year older, that can pass over me. So, I am still in my 20's hanging on... (I know someday when I hit my 30's,40's etc etc) I will laugh at that statement, but here's why 20's is so nice for me. I am STILL in the age bracket of our students and interns..once I hit the big 3-0+ I will officially be in the "whoa, you look younger" club (they will say that to me right?!" Here's to big dreams :) But a few students and interns are the same age as me! I REALLY like that....

I had a marvelous birthday this year!

Here are 28 reasons why.... :)

1. Walking through City Park holding my hubby's hand

2. Accidentally becoming a part of a protest! so exciting and hilarious "Here's to a Stronger Europe!" WHO-HA haha

3. The Russian (stinkin awesome) Circus!! Absolutely amazing!!!

4. Watching an alligator get thrown onto an unexpecting man-awesome.

5. Date night with Megan to Amici Pub and Corner House, yes 2 restaurants in one evening :) great food and even greater company

6. My new fabulous sandals-ruffles of course

7. Handmade cards from my too sweet little girls

8. SURPRISE PARTY! still trying to get my mind wrapped around that one

9. Drinking flavored coffee EVERY day for my birthday week!

10. M'M's and Cadbury Eggs!-thank you Angie and Andris!

11. Watching Henti, Andy and Andris play Wii-hilarious

12. My beautiful Beach Cake made by Megan

13. Making an order for craft and sewing supplies from Joann's and Angie bringing them over

14. Having a morning to sew

15. Our Family Trip to the Jazberny Zoo

16. Dinner with the Bartos' and Meszaros'

17. Having 5 different people babysit over the weekend

18. Going into BP by myself

19. Buying some summer clothes on sale!

20. Eating at Vapiano's

21. Strawberry Blended Lemonade

22. My lovely new cupcake stand-thanks Anouska and Henti!

23. An uninterrupted bath

24. Not having to do dishes

25. Playing Ticket to Ride

26. Grilling with friends and eating home made Guacamole

27. Eating Mexican Food at Aariba's

28. Having friends and family here to make this week wonderful!

Recycling Broken Crayons

I remember making these crayons as a kid. Its a simple solution to all those broken crayons we keep ahold of.. Clean out those junk drawers, desks and art boxes and pull all those broken crayons out that are too short for those darling little hands.

Have them collect all those crayons and take the paper off and separate into similar colors, we had to break many of them into smaller pieces (I think the girls enjoyed this part the best) :)

I used a mini muffin tin.

Put in a pre-heated oven 250degrees for about 10-15+ minutes, just until the crayons have melted through.

Pull out of the oven, allowing it to cool off for several moments before putting them into the freezer for about an hour.

When the wax has hardened, pop them right out!

And clean-up is simple! Pour hot water over the remaining wax pieces and wipe off.

Enjoy this special time with your little ones!

111 prints for $1.11

Last week I saw an amazing deal on Snapfish 111 photos prints for $1.11!!! How can you beat a deal like that! What a blessing, especially when we need some brochures or photos for our ministry table this summer. We were going to order postcards but you can't pass up photos for a penny each! As I read the small print I realized I had a day before it was to expire!!

I called our friend and asked if she could meet us in 20min. behind the castle to snap a few shots for us!

Andy was gone with the Sports Ministry Team to a village 10min. away I called and he was already on his way home, we were all gross, sweaty but threw on nice clothes and rushed to the castle.

I was shocked with how wonderful the photos turned out! and we were done in 30min!

We got them taken, edited and order in about an hour :) 111 of the same photo! Visit our ministry table this summer to get one!

Backyard Party

As you can already tell, my posts will be farther apart now that it's sunny, warm and we are outside all day long. I've already been "kissed by the sun" twice!! Yay for some color on my skin.

This past wknd we had our first outside Bar-b-que, Campfire, hang-out time!! It was sooo much fun, we played "Throw-the-Rock" haha, badminton, Ninja, talked, laughed, shared stories and enjoyed the company of so many friends! Days like these are such a blessing and encouragement to our hearts being surrounded by those we love and care about. We started around 4 and the last little group left around 11pm. We never want the fellowshipping and laughter to end.

Here are a few photos of our wonderful, encouraging, relaxing day.