And that's what they thought of that...

This is a picture of my view during the annual Starfish Studios screening. These sweet little girls were sitting in front of us, whispering, spilling soda and giggling. I wanted to be annoyed but there was something really special about them. They took care of each other and enjoyed each other's presence. I don't even think they knew what they were watching, but they had fun. And when Olivier got up to receive an award...this is what I saw.

exploring chicago

Here's a a collection of photos that we've taken recently. We don't get to enjoy the city as much as we should! It has been our goal to get out! Chicago in the summertime is so wonderful!

We are also fascinated by weird signs around the city. Here's one that I see every day I drive home. It makes me laugh everytime.



This is a ticket booth from the World's Fair! Isn't it awesome!


This is a picture of Rick Bayless, the famous Mexican chef. He's one of my favorites. We saw him at a craft fair doing a cooking demo. I was in heaven, especially when we got to taste the cooking!

it's going to be a beautiful birthday...

This is a lovely photo that Olivier made for me. I thought I'd share it with you...

how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!

Shortly after moving into the neighborhood, God put it on my heart to host a monthly group for young girls in the neighborhood. I started thinking of it because I overheard a conversation between a mom and daughter at Breakthrough. The daughter was telling her mom she needed to sew a costume for school. The mom laughed hysterically and said "no way, I can't sew". This conversation really got me thinking. How will these young girls know if they're good at anything? Are they using their hands, their creativity?

To make a long story short, God provided a team, ideas and 12 wonderful girls for the group. In May we hosted our first group. It was awesome. I really feel like God has a plan for this group. There is really something special about using your hands, talking and learning to be friends. We decorated flip flops and read the scripture about "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news". These little girls mean a lot to me. They have confirmed to me that God can use anyone. That he loves everyone and wants good for everyone. He never gives up. I am so humbled.

I have lots of dreams for us as a group, but for now I'm indulging in the blessing and gearing up to make toothbrush braclets! Praise God, he is so good!










Isaiah 52:6-8 (MSG)
How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the messenger bringing good news,
Breaking the news that all's well,
proclaiming good times, announcing salvation,
telling Zion, "Your God reigns!"
Voices! Listen! Your scouts are shouting, thunderclap shouts,
shouting in joyful unison.
They see with their own eyes
God coming back to Zion.
Break into song! Boom it out, ruins of Jerusalem:
"God has comforted his people!
He's redeemed Jerusalem!"
God has rolled up his sleeves.
All the nations can see his holy, muscled arm.
Everyone, from one end of the earth to the other,
sees him at work, doing his salvation work.