Happy Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day from the Dalbey Trio.

More Painting

I finally found a little bit of time to start working on painting our bathroom this weekend. We are still in the final stages of our renovation project that begun about 4 years ago and hope to finish the work very soon. Here is the final product on one wall. I really like the color paint - sandstone cove.

Wow - spring is beautiful!

Super Cool Cardinals Fan

Come on, just look at this kid! He is such a super cool Cardinals fan!

Graduation

One of the great blessings of working in youth ministry is that you get to watch students grow over a period of time. When students enter the youth ministry as 6th graders they are often shy, nervous and tentative. Over the years they blossom into beautiful young men and women who graduate after their senior year of High school. Many grow to know who they are, what they believe and what they want to do with their lives. It is a great blessing and honor to be a part of their lives as they grow and then celebrate many of their accomplishments. For Steven and I, this has been an extra special year as the students who were in 6th grade at Central when we arrived in 2003 are now high school graduates and about to go to college in the fall. We could not be more proud or thankful for our time with them and have so many fond memories with them. Most youth leaders stay about 18 months. Steven and I have been at Central for 6 1/2 years and believe that youth ministry is a calling. We plan to stay working with students as long as possible. Here are a few photos from our time at one graduation ceremony last night.
Preston and Daddy being silly.
Katrina and Leah. Leah will be attending Wheaton College in the fall.

This is Grace giving her speach as Valedictorian of her class. I know I am not her parent, but I am so proud of her accomplishments and feel deeply honored to be part of her life.

Steven and Richard. They have spent a lot of time together over the years.

Katrina and Lucy. Lucy is my future Mizzou buddy!

Katrina with her Discipleship group. She has met with these students for 6 years and loves each one of them deeply! From Left to Right: Grace, Olivia, Mallory, Katrina, Marta, Leah and Lucy.

Riding Lawn Mower

Steven and I were at Lowes this morning looking at some rugs for our dining room. While we were there we had to stop and let Preston 'drive' the riding lawn mower. He was not alone. There were two other little boys 'driving' the riding lawn mowers with their dad's watching. Here is a photo of the young lad.

Here is a picture of our new rug. I had some money left over from Christmas and some Birthday money that went toward the new rug. We found the rug at Target, not Lowes.

Graduation Party and a Hair Cut

Today was the first of many graduation parties to attend this season. The group of girls that I have been working with since they were in 6th grade is graduating from high school - crazy! This is Lucy at her party tonight. She is a girl close to my heart as she will be a freshman at Mizzou this fall. Oh yes, notice the hair cut. I thought it was time for a change.
Here I am with the group of senior girls minus Mallory.

Here is a picture of Preston on our way to the party. He is such a sweet boy.

Birthday #30

Yesterday was my Birthday, my 30th Birthday. Yikes. I still feel and think that I am somewhere between 22 and 25 years old so the reality of my real age hasn't settled yet. I am, however, very thankful for the last decade of my life and all the things I have learned, experienced and accomplished. I have been married to my wonderful husband for 6.5 years, I have finished college and a master's degree, I have traveled to many excited places, I have a beautiful son, and I have learned more about who I am and what I was made to do with my life. I am looking forward to what the next decade of my life may look like.

Here is a re-cap of the events yesterday:

I woke up to Steven and Preston singing 'Happy Birthday' to me. I then went to work and received many phone calls and emails from friends wishing me a happy birthday. I went to lunch at the Crossing in Clayton with Steven and some other Youth Pastor's/leaders in STL. We had a great time and I even received a free dessert :) After lunch I did some more work at the office and headed home. Steven took Preston and I out to dinner at Pi on Delmar (Pi is this cool Chicago style pizza place that was made famous after President Obama's visit during his campaign). After dinner some friends joined us for Ice Cream cake at our house and a great time to hang out. Overall, I had a great Birthday and felt very loved! Here are a few pictures from the day.

MIZZOU

Today I had the privledge of traveling to Columbia, MO with 3 students from our youth group to visit MIZZOU. I was more than excited to make the journey with these students as I am a proud Alum of the school and was eager to show them around campus. I had so much fun walking around the Quad, buying Mizzou gear at the new Student Center/Brady Commons, checking out the updated Rec Center and eating yummy pizza at Shakesperes. Here are a few photos from our visit.

First, the Columns where I would study, hang out and play ultimate frisbee on Friday afternoon with my RUF friends.

Second, the Pi Beta Phi house at 511 E. Rollins where I lived for 3 of my 4 years at Mizzou. I have such sweet memories of this house, my sorority sisters and many fun parties and activities.

Third, here I am at Tiger Plaza with Lucy, Marta and Ward. Jesse Hall stands in the background along with the beautiful Law school building.

Finally, Preston sporting his new Mizzou T-shirt. Only 16 more years till he will be a freshman! Ok, I know I am getting way ahead of myself but can't a mom get excited about these things!?

Baby Shower

Last weekend I helped give a baby shower for my friend, Megan. I work with Megan's husband, Marc, at Church and Megan has been my personal trainer from time to time. Megan and Marc are having a baby girl named Hannah and we decided to love on them by giving Megan a shower. Everything was a success from the food (yummy cupcakes), games, and beautiful gifts. Here are a few snapshots from the day - enjoy!

Starbucks Drink

Steven and I took a drive the other night with Preston and stopped by Starbucks for a quick drink. Preston said that he wanted a little bit of my Passion Iced Tea drink and then would not give it up. Each time I tried to take the drink back he would raise his arm up and say 'No Please". Well, I guess the Starbucks cravings start early.

Thank you Eli

Preston's friend, Eli or E I, came over to play for a little while today. Eli is the oldest son of my good friend, Leah, from Mizzou! When they arrived at our house they brought a gift for Preston...a super cool basketball net. It needs a little love to fix the piece that holds it in place as you raise the basket, but we are super excited and super thankful for this addition to our back yard. Thank you, Eli.

Here are a few other photos from our time outside this morning. Preston just loves playing in the sandbox and pointing to trucks passing by the house.

Happy Mother's Day

I had a wonderful Mother's day. Preston & Steven made me feel special by giving me flowers and cleaning up the kitchen after lunch. I am so thankful to be Preston's mom and I am so thankful to have a wonderful husband. I hope all mother's had a wonderful day.

ABC's

So, Preston busted out saying his ABC's the other day. I didn't know he could do this, but I guess singing the song and reading really does work. Good job, buddy!

Spring Storm

Steven and I had a fabulous weekend at our Annual Spring Storm retreat. This retreat is run by the children's ministy at Central and all 4th, 5th and 6th graders are able to participate. The weekend is full of games, outdoor activities, singing, small groups, and plenty of fun! This year Steven was the speaker for the retreat and the theme was the Armor of God which is found in Ephesians 6. Steven did a fabulous job giving five, yes five, talks where he shared many stories and examples from his life that helped the students and leaders grow in their understanding of the Bible and how it applies to all areas of our lives. I learned a lot from Steven and through the discussion time with my 6th grade girls small group. Oh yes, I also want to say thank you to Grammie and Papa Dalbey for watching Preston this weekend so that Steven and I could go on the retreat together. Here are a few photos from our time this weekend. Here is my cabin of 6th grade girls.

Here is Steven and friend, Simon as sumo wrestler's for the skits! They were hilarious.

Here I am with student intern, Kaylie. I had Kaylie as a 5th and 6th grader at Spring Storm. Now, she is a freshman and leader for other girls.

Here is a quick picture of Steven and I at the retreat!

Steven giving talk #1 at the retreat.