February Construction Update

Lots of work is going on as we prepare to be in our new facility by Easter...here are some pictures from February. Painting continued, tile was laid, bathroom installations, several work days/nights...whew! It was a busy month! Enjoy the pictures!

Maplewood's Helping Hand Day

This year Maplewood had a wonderful turnout for Helping Hand...a two month community fundraising effort that supports non-profit organizations all throughout the county. We were able to donate around 165 items and had lots of people there bidding as well. This is always such a fun day and something very unique that is done here in Paris/Henry County. This year's total amount raised after the two months was $253,877! Here are a few fun pictures from the day.

Buckets of Hope

One of the ministry projects our church was involved in during February/March was Buckets of Hope...we sent buckets with food to Haiti that will help feed a family for a week. Our church was able to send quite a few, and it was a blessing to be able to help the earthquake victims in a small but tangible way. Although we cannot go there ourselves right now, we are responsible to do what we can to help those in need. Caleb and Bennett were very excited to get to help (even though you can't tell from the pictures below, hehe). It really blessed my heart when Corey and I were talking about putting cash in an envelope to cover shipping when they boys excitedly told us that they wanted to pay for it with their own money. They ran to their rooms and each gathered $5...one of sweetest moments I've experienced as a parent. It made my heart happy to see them desiring to give to others without being told or asked!

And the Celebration Continues...

Each Sunday night we go to El Vallarta for dinner...one of the boys' favorite things about Vallarta is that on birthdays they sing and put a "pie" in your face. So, the Sunday night after B's birthday, this is how we celebrated :) Feliz Cumpleanos, Bennett
This picture was from a different day, but was just too cute not to include on the blog!

Bennett's Birthday Party

Bennett decided that he'd like to have a swimming party this year...it was so much fun! It worked really well because we were able to have lots of friends and family there. He also picked out what type of cake he'd like, "Chocolate cake with chocolate icing with all my friends and family on it!" So Ms. Trudi made the perfect cake! He also was so excited about the cool presents he received and his bike! Thanks so much to everyone who helped make Bennett's 4th birthday so special!

Bennett's 4th Birthday

It is so hard to believe that Bennett is 4! When we started thinking about moving to Paris we were expecting B...we moved here when he was only 2 months old...time really has flown! We had a great time celebrating on his birthday (Friday)...he loves to help me cook, so that morning, we made cupcakes for his birthday dinner together. Then we worked on the goody bags for his friends to give away at his birthday party. For dinner he chose to have ham, macaroni and cheese, green beans, corn and crescent rolls. Then he opened most of his presents from us...a ball glove for T-ball, a bouncy ball, fabric for a bed skirt...yes, this was his first and most specific request for his birthday ;)
Corey worked on his big present from us after he went to bed...we wanted to give it to him at his party the next day.We are so blessed by this precious boy...he is full of energy, fun, laughter and makes us smile every day! He definitely marches to the beat of his own drum, but that is part of what makes him so lovable. More than anything he loves his family and friends...but a close second is candy and all things sweet :) We are so grateful to God for blessing us with our precious Bennett! Happy Birthday BB!