THIS is what we woke up to this morning!
18 Mar
Makenna’s Birthday Blessing to Brenda
Makenna was very excited to sing a song that she wrote for Brenda for her birthday. So after breakfast this was her blessing to Brenda, each word was carefully chosen to express her love for her Mom. She figured out the first part of the melody on her keyboard. She did a great job – she’s got a little soul in her I think!
Mom it’s your birthday, thanks for all the love and care you give. When I look at you I smile, cause you’re the perfect Mom for me. Yeah, It’s your birthday Mom! Yeah, It’s your birthday Mom! Cause you’re kind, smart, funny and an angel, Yeah. Mom! Yeah! Yeah!
8 Mar
Happy Birthday Brenda
Brenda’s birthday was on the 28th. To surprise her we flew her sister, Sheri, out from Washington. This is a short video I shot on my handheld digital of the surprise! As you can tell, Devin and I were a little excited and Brenda and Makenna had no clue she was coming. She stayed a few days and it was great to have her here! We love you Sheri, thanks for coming out. She wrote about her trip on here blog HERE.
Brenda's blessings from the kids
Makenna composed and sang a song for her Mom!
Sheri - Brenda - Debbie
Devin and Makenna making Brenda breakfast
Sheri Joy
1 Feb
The ZookCrew Chronicles for January
Here is our January Newsletter. I know it has been a few months since we wrote a letter and hope that we can get back on regular rhythm of sending our updates. Thank you to all that support us both in prayer and in finance!
30 Dec
Happy Birthday Devin!
Eleven years ago today our lives were changed forever! We watched (or at least I watched, Brenda did all the work) the birth of our first born Son, Devin. In that moment the world became and will always be a different place, a better place. We love him for the Boy he is and for the Man he is becoming. He is kind, loyal, compassionate, caring to all of his friends. He has a strong sense of justice for all things and every person. He is funny and has a contagious laugh! He is talented at many things from athletics to music (although he’s as tone deaf as Brenda!). He once legitimately beat me (Mike) on a par 3 – When he was 6 – He parred it!
He loves God.
He loves other people.
He hates the injustice in our world.
He desires peace.
He has a tender heart
He has a fierce heart.
He makes us smile.
He is inquisitive.
He is smart.
He loves Jesus.
So today we celebrate you Devin in special way!
We love you very much - Mom and Dad
24 Dec
Twas the night before…
We have a tradition each year. The kids get to open one gift on Christmas Eve – Pajamas and Slippers (which they will wear through the entire winter Break!). It’s a tradition they look forward to every year. Here they are tonight. And here we are thinking of you, our friends and family that are far and near from us – Merry Christmas to all of you from the ZookCrew!
Devin and Makenna with their annual Christmas PJ's
18 Dec
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree…
Not so clear, but what can you expect when the sky is throwing ice at you from all directions.
However, a tree was selected and shelter from the storm took on a whole new meaning.
1 Dec
Some more pics from NOLA
Devin & Makenna on a street car
Brenda & Miss Rona striking a pose
Adam & Makenna getting their hands messy making dinner
Makenna riding a street car
Mike & Ali discussing world religion while the turkey fries
Greg - neighbor and fellow Turkey Bowl teammate
Amanda chillaxen on the phone
Devin and Nolan at the Po-Boy festival
John - neighbor and annual turkey fryer
Mike & Adam looking forward to something
Susanne and Brenda looking good
Devin training to be a fighter pilot
28 Nov
A few Memories from our week in NOLA
Cindy and Amy leading kids church on Sunday morning.
Kyle and Matt looking..(caption please)
Logan, Jordan, Makenna and Devin
Part of the crew after serving at Second Harvest in NOLA
Brenda with the BIG BEADS at the French Market
23 Nov
Hanging in NOLA
We packed the kids in the car and made the 14 hour drive from Chicago to New Orleans on Friday. We are looking forward to this week, connecting with our team, our community, here in New Orleans. It was a year ago this week that we first came here on vacation that God began stir our hearts to mission here. Thank you to all of you that are supporting us and helping us move closer to joining God’s work here in NOLA through Communitas.
Check out the Carlson’s Post on some work and fun yesterday.
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