Clare's big surprise

I've already posted about how much Clare loves Barney. It's quite an obsession. She talks to him when she's in her room by herself and when she's allowed to pick a video, its always, always Barney. So when we heard from a friend that Barney Live was coming to Charlotte, how could we resist taking her?!? ;)

We didn't tell Clare about it until the day of event. The biggest reason...I did not want her asking about it 1,000 times a day, and we also thought it would be fun to tell her together. So I woke Clare up from her nap a few weeks ago and told her she was going on a special date with just mommy and daddy. We had a sitter for Elle and we went up to LD's office to meet him. We went to Panera for dinner and told her we were going to see Barney. Her response? She said without much enthusiasm, "oh good, lets see VeggieTales too." She totally did not get it.

When we got there of course there were Barney items for sale everywhere. All growing up my parents took me to see Sesame Street Live and I always got a souvenir to take home. So, much to LD's disapproval I got Clare a wonderful $15 wand with a star on it. Clare also asked for cotton candy and a $5 balloon, but we refrained.

So the show starts and Clare kinda freaks out because its dark and the lights are going and then she says, "oh look its Barney, I need to go say hi" and hops into the asile like she's just going to walk onto stage. Clare did not sing every song (which she knows all the words to), nor did she clap her hands or stand and dance in the asiles like every other 2 and 3 year old. She said as still as a statue for an hour and a half and I don't think she even blinked. Not the response we thought we would get, but she definetely enjoyed the show.

As soon as we left, Clare sighed happily and said "Lets do that again tomorrow!" It's so fun to spoil our kids from time to time and it was a good little surprise date :)

PS, the wand broke before the end of the show, go figure!

2011 Home Makeover

I am so incredibly blessed to be a part of Next Level Church. Two weekends ago we completed our FOURTH home makeover. You think a church does a home makeover and you assume 50 -100 volunteers get together and paint and give them some new furniture, but seriously....this ends up being more like the tv show than people realize! A team of 11 people start in January by selecting the family and plan for the next 4 months! The family selected is sent on a little vacation where all of their meals, activities and lodging are paid for from Thursday til Sunday. While they are gone 300 volunteers seriously tear apart their home and put it all back together! The home was re-roofed, torn down to the beams inside, new floors, new ceilings, new walls, kitchen, appliances, light fixtures, heating and air system, bathroom, carpet, paint, furniture....and even restocking her cupboards and fridge. It's an incredible thing to be a part of and I seriously feel like a kid at Christmas every year the weekend of the event!

Just watching so many volunteers come and give themselves away, working through the night with tents set up in the yard, coming and bringing meals to the volunteers...all so one woman can know that Christ loves her. The thing I love best is that there are no strings attached. The woman selected did not have to fill out an application, nor did she attend our church, nor does she ever have to. The best part....she has been coming every Sunday, not because she has to, but because she experienced selfless love!

My parents came in for the week/end to watch the girls and if they had not been here I would not have been able to be a part of it, so thanks mom and dad! Also, a huge thank you to my husband who allows me to serve and be a part of the things God has called me to, even when it takes away from time with my family. I am blessed beyond measure and so thankful I am able to live life with people who understand that God created us to give love away...selflessly...

Here is the video...it may make you cry :) www.vimeo.com/23441011