Merry Christmas!

Sadly, this is the only picture of the Holiday Season. My camera is not working right and I'm dragging my feet getting a new one.... here are the boys with their TN cousins and Aunt BZ. Enjoying a little winter wonderful land at Easy Acre Farms! 

We welcomed two new boys to the dorm this week [please visit http://mikalasdorm.blogspot.com to see them and being praying for their hearts!]. 

blessings, 

Tafs

Jump Start to the New Year!

Here is my Pinterest New Year's Project. Each rule has a Bible Verse associated with it. We have been discussing in great detail what God wants from our family this year! 

Travis and I have started the New Year with a T.V. fast. I can't believe the clarity I have without it! I don't watch a lot of T.V. but I find myself falling asleep with a 'night night' show. Knowing that I won't be doing that and that I can use that time elsewhere has been great. Again, God is speaking to me [almost daily] about being a good steward of my time, money, and talents!

What's God speaking into your lives? 

Happy New Year!

Traivs

A couple of super hero's

 My boys go through phases pretty quickly...this week we are super hero's. Man, it doesn't get cuter than this goober! 

 He wanted a shot with cap

 ...making sure I got it

 Get ready for a day of rescuing

 Every super hero needs a get-away car. 

Caleb's current love is soccer, football, and maps. We have been busy with the International students and the Holidays but we have managed to start some neat Holiday Traditions this year. This was the first year we have had an Advent Calendar with a focus on the Christmas Story. We have also started each day on the Operation World website picking a country to pray for. This has given the boys a greater awareness of needs around the world. There is usually a video associated with each country which help my little visual learners. Finally we have been filling each International students' stocking. I pray this helps the boys see the importance of giving during this very consumeristic time. 

Merry Christmas! 

Children's Museum! 12.07.12

 The first Thursday of the month is a Free Night at the Indianapolis Children's Museum. We made our way down there on Thursday and had a great evening! The museum is one of the best in the Nation! Here we have Caleb guarding the Dino Eggs. 

 Napping on a Gator

 Posing in the rocks

 Doing a little Ice Fishing

 NASCAR

 So sweet

 Driving

 I asked Caleb to put his arm around his brother. He added the Dinosaur. 

 Caught one!

 Micah the Builder

 "Caleb....hands down!" 

 Digging for Dinosaur bones. 

Thanksgiving in Ohio 2012

 Caleb snuggling up with Papa watching a Hunting Documentary! Oh boy...

 This picture embodies the Holidays...family around the fire playing "The Newlywed Game!"

 Love them!

 A new Holiday tradition- we ventured to the West Side Market! Absolutely loved it!

Then headed over to see Auntie Lin's Popcorn shoppe!

 

10 Things I am Thankful for in 2012:

1. Selling our House

2. Moving into Mikalas Dorm

3. 11 International Students

4. Healthy Family

5. New Life Church

6. An attached garage!

7. A new friend, Emily

8. MOPS

9. Spiritual stretching

10. Jesus' presence in our lives!


Donkey Basketball, International Festival, and Fall!

 Every two year, Bridges Outreach Inc hosts "Donkey Basketball!" Policemen, fireman, teachers, and community volunteers saddle up and attempt to play basketball while riding on a donkey! This year Micah was eager for halftime for his turn to ride the Donkey!! I'm not sure what he was more excited about - the donkey or the Fireman next to him!

 In our new 'urban' living situation we have been really creative about our outside play time! Not far from our house is a really neat bridge that we love to go explore. Here the boys are enjoying the graffiti markings!

 Today we took several boys to Indianapolis for the International Festival! Caleb and Micah were given a passport upon arrival and were able to visit the 50+ ethnic booths represented and receive a stamp from each country. They loved visiting each area and learning about each exhibit. I am always amazed at Caleb's love of Geography- this dorm has only ignited his passion!

 Finger paint gone wild!

 So sweet! There isn't a day that goes by that I don't just squeeze my boys!! While at the library this week Caleb asked, "Mom- do all moms squeeze their kids?" I just can't help it!

Micah enjoying a British Puppet Show at the International Festival! 

Prom 2012!!

 Just being ridiculous...

 Good. Lookin'

 The Group!

 The Girls

The Hummer Limo!

Prom was this past weekend here at the Dorm and 8 of our 11 boys were in attendance. Since I attended a small private school we didn't have such an event so I think I was just as excited as the boys to check it out! Each boy looked very handsome in their suits and coordinated so well with their dates! Travis and I went to hear Arthur, from China, sing the Prom Song- "Beyond the Sea!" We also served drinks. Overall, a great night!