50/365 Ribs.

Last Team Schlatter supper for 11 days, love our hands and feet moments as a family.  Ben and David got something to stick to their ribs :) 

49/365 200 lbs.

Bags are packed!  200 hundred pounds of supplies in 4 bags, 2 carry-ons, 4 backpacks, and 4 very excited people leaving this winter weather.  Tomorrow starts our great winter adventure -- Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale (drop off 2 backpacks and 2 kids), final stop Haiti.

48/365 Slingshot.

 

Ben is forever keeping me on my toes with questions and ideas.  Today's project started with a question of what kind of slingshot did David use to defeat Goliath?  Most of Sunday afternoon he spent making what he thought David had used.  Today however he found an idea on Pinterest and he ran with it!  Out in the snow storm he went headed to his tree fort in search of the perfect stick.  With the help of a forty minute you-tube video, his sisters bracelet loom and bands, he with a little help built an awesome slingshot.  I am amazed at his hands and what they can create, at his mind what it can imagine, true gifts.

47/365 Spring Run.

 

Our hands and feet moment came to Team Schlatter today standing in the isle of this little church.  Each trip we take to Haiti has its own unique obstacles.  However today in the isle of this blessed little place a wonderful man prayed over us, the church surrounded us, and God brought peace where worries once were.  We serve an awesome God.  Thankful for the support of Spring Run Church, and thankful to be their hands and feet in Haiti.

46/365 Chicken.

 

Always a good day when you are matside.  Team Schlatter got the chance to cheer on cousin Josh to victory and advancing to the state tournament.  We also got to spend the day watching many others -- confusing the woman in front of us -- Where are you from?  Who are you here cheering for?  From Wayland, cheering on Columbus Junction for some, Washington for a few, Mid Prairie, oh and a boy from Wayland that wrestles for Mediapolis!  Many memories from district day from the past, including  Eric "Chicken" Davis Briana-Sue's first love.

45/365 Valentine.

 

I'm proud to say that Team Schlatter shows love daily, but it was great to get and give a little extra today.  Special thanks to my favorite "nerd" for my new CD (wrapped in Christmas paper taped with electrical tape - LOVE), pink roses, and the new white chocolate/carrot cake M&M's (He always has me trying something new!).  Also the secret handmade Valentine with a dollar taped inside from the little man, priceless!  Show love daily, it certainly doesn't take roses and chocolate - however to a girl with the love language of gifts -- feeling loved!

44/365 Lego.

 

If you are like me, I often tell my children, we will see.  So imagine my son's surprise when he asked to see the movie tonight and my response was, YES!  The twinkle in his eye reminded me that some hands and feet moments are simple -- put them first and say yes!

43/365 Carlos.

Nine days and counting, and as always amazing things are happening before we even leave the states.  On our previous trips to Haiti we were introduced to Carlos and his school, and quickly we united with him in his vision for his school.  During our time with him he shared of his idea to add a second story to his classroom for an orphanage.  This soon became a dream of our group.  This week God laid it on the hearts of two groups in our community to partner with us to make that dream a reality.  Team Schlatter hands and feet moment today is divine intervention.

42/365 Aunt Cinda.

 

Have you ever met someone that is just born to do something?  I am happy to say I am blessed to be raising someone who is born to be hands and feet to those around her.  This young lady teaches me something new everyday.  (Had to smile, Briana-Sue asked if she could buy flowers for her Aunt Cinda, made my heart smile, I am sure her Uncle Brian's too!)

41/365 Prepare.

Our hands and feet evening -- supper with friends and a trip to Wal-Mart.  That can only mean one thing -- 10 days till we leave for Haiti!  Preparing our hearts, packing our bags, and dreaming about the warm weather -- God is GOOD :)

40/365 Victory.

Team Schlatter was up before the sun to use our hands and feet to cheer on Ben at AAU Districts today.  Rough day on the mat winning 1 out of 5.  However I could not be prouder of his 5th place performance both on and off the mat.  His skills are improving, his confidence is returning, and his temper in control - VICTORY in the making!

39/365 Simple Saturday.

A rare day for Team Schlatter everyone home and under one roof for the day.  We try to never take the simple moments for granted, and truly know that they are a little blessing from above. 

38/365 Boys Only.

 

What a difference four years make.  Our hands and feet moment today is wrestling.  Some don't understand it, or even like it.  However I know what wrestling can do for a boy.  It builds self confidence, mental toughness, discipline, sportsmanship, and competitiveness.  Today though I am thankful for the moments that it creates between father and son, priceless.  Thankful.

37/365 Haeger.

 

My love of vintage things, garage sales, and collecting stuff definitely came from Grandma Vivian.  What a blessing our hands and feet moments are with her every Thursday morning.  I must admit our visit with her each week is probably the best class I teach my children.  I once read if you want to know how your children will treat you in the future, look at what you are doing with your parents and grandparents now.  I hope I have instilled in them the importance of family and caring for others.

36/365 Storage.

 

Snow day project -- storage bins.  I pinned this middle photo long ago and today I thought I would give it a try with my scraps from the loft project.  It turned out great, I still might add the numbers to each bin.  Not sure about you but today my body and mind where on "snow day" mode -- I must tell you had I not needed a blog for the day not much would have got accomplished.  So to all of you who watch and follow our crazy Team Schlatter adventures "Thank You" for being the hands and feet of Jesus to me today, thank you for holding me accountable and motivating me to get something done!

35/365 Fear.

Flipping my own house has stretched me more than expected.  While working with Ben the other day he asked me why it had taken me so long to make these changes.  It got me thinking, why?  The photo above are the markings I put on the buffet of where to cut the sink hole out today.  Moments before/during/after this process fear crept in.  Should I cut it, what if it doesn't work?  I then thought of why I had not made changes, fear!  Fear to put my stamp on my own house, fear that others wouldn't like it.  My hands and feet moment of the day was making the cut, putting aside fear and making my mark on my own house.  Important, yes!  I don't want to raise fearful children.  Ben isn't raising a fearful mom!

34/365 Wallpaper.

Team Schlatter was all hands on deck for more flip OUR house...until they heard the word wallpaper.  Then it was me, myself, and I.  (Note to self if you want some "me" time without interruption -- remove wallpaper.)  Wouldn't you know however, God had other plans.  As I was removing each layer off that wall, God was removing the layers of questions from my mind.  When all the wallpaper was down, my mind was clear -- a true hands and feet moment for this busy mom.

33/365 Thirteen.

Super Bowl Sunday, Ground Hog's Day, but most important our Team Schlatter hands and feet moment of the day -- celebrating Miss Clara's 13th Birthday.

32/365 Dish Duty.

Team Schlatter and the rest of the Jefferson Juniors 4-H Club were the hands and feet of the kitchen tonight for the annual soup supper.  They all did a great job washing dishes for their 2 hour shift tonight!