Johnny leaves for Greece

Feb 18,

Johnny called from the airport.  It was so wonderful to hear his voice.  He is excited to go to Greece.  He will arrive on Wednesday morning.  He will get a temporary companion and go tracking for the day.  They will then go up Mars' hill where Paul preached so long ago (Acts 17) and have a testimony meeting.  He will stay overnight with his temporary companion and then meet with the mission president and sent off to his new area.  

It is such a joy as a mother to have a missionary out serving.  It makes me so proud and happy to see him excited to share the gospel and hear as his testimony grows.  These are truly joyful moments of motherhood.  I still don't have a picture of him in his missionary suit with tag--hopefully he will send us one soon.  This picture was taken in December.

Feb 14th, 2008 We woke up to a winter wonderland once again.  We have not seen the front lawn since right after thanksgiving (I have some extension cords that are still buried under the snow).  John and Joseph decided to dig out an "igloo" out of the snowbank.  It took a while because a lot of the snow underneath was solid ice.   

winter camping

This is our indoor camp out.  I had to move all the family room furniture to the living room. Our 8 man tent was a lot bigger than I realized.  When the kids saw it-- they thought I was a little nuts.  They said, "Mom, what gave you this crazy idea?"  We had hot dogs for dinner and s'mores with Jake's little s'more maker.   The kids loved it and the next day hung out reading books and playing games inside the tent.  Joseph cried when it was time to take it down.  I told him we will do it again next winter.