365.67: Grilled Cheese

Is it the gooey goodness or the crispy crunch that gets you? Michelle adds bacon roasted in the oven to her grilled cheese. Tonight was a great night for a full mug of chicken and rice soup and a creamy, crispy grilled cheese sandwich.

You can see my full 365 album at www.365project.org/danmooredesigns.

365.66: Eraser Stamps

The kids love these hand-carved pencil erasers given to them by Mrs. Townsend before she moved away. They won't sharpen any of the pencils, they just like to look at the details on the ends! Thanks, Mrs. Shenagh, for being so thoughtful. We miss you!

You can see my full 365 album at www.365project.org/danmooredesigns.

365.65: Seascape Saturday

Here is K's first creation with her birthday presents (oils, brushes, and canvases). She pulled this off today in about five hours. I love watching her create her masterpieces. She sees beauty in what others consider mundane. I love that about her.

You can see my full 365 album at www.365project.org/danmooredesigns.

365.64: Pretty Pendant

K was thrilled when Grandma and Grandpa's birthday present for her arrived. The silver monogram pendant took her breath away. "Oh, Daddy," she said, "I've never owned such pretty jewelry. I can't believe Grandma and Grandpa got this for me." I love that something as simple as a necklace can still fill her heart with thanks and appreciation.

You can see my full 365 album at www.365project.org/danmooredesigns.

365.63: Face Shake

We had some good laughs tonight! Here's the game: shake your face back and forth as fast as you can while someone snaps several pictures! The results make you look like you just got punched by Mike Tyson in slow motion! Be warned....Titus was a little dizzy afterwards...but it was worth the laughs we got!

You can see my whole 365 project a thttp://www.365project.org/danmooredesigns.

365.62: Buckeye Cake

Michelle made this amazing peanut butter chocolate buckeye cake tonight. It was really good! Not too sweet and full of peanutty-chocolatey deliciosity. We had our slices straight out of the oven, but I imagine it will be good once it's cooled too...I'll let you know tomorrow...

You can view my entire 365 project at http://www.365project.org/danmooredesigns

365.61: Making Progress

She is still hard at work on her oil painting for state competition. She has spent so much time on the details! She stares at this canvas for hours and makes adustments to the smallest stroke or swirl to get the image to match her vision for the work. Although I love watching her paint, her teacher doesn't like the paparazzi in the art room...so I snapped a quick one and scooted on out. Competition is a week from Thursday...she says she has a lot of work yet to do. Looks great to me, but she and her teacher know best, I suppose!

You can view my whole 365 project at http://www.365project.org/danmooredesigns.

365.60: Leap Day

Does today count?

365.59: Birthday Basics

Today was Kate's fifteenth birthday! To celebrate we got her a new easel and storage case for her oils, brushes, and canvases. She takes her media very seriously, so she was thrilled to have a place to organize all her goods. It's exciting to be able to cultivate the gifts your child has. She loves art so much. It has become the way she communicates what is in her soul. We learn so much about her by studying what she illustrates. We are looking forward to seeing her work develop even further as she grows in her knowledge of this medium.

365.58: Working Together

It was neat to meet Danny Wuerffel today and hear him speak, but what was even better was seeing my colleagues working together to get this event hosted and done! I got to know my co-workers a lot better through this whole process. I was amazed to see our parent and alumni helpers go to work. We are so privileged to have the talented and hardworking faculty and staff that we have at Community Christian School! God is good all the time.

You can view my entire 365 album atwww.365project.org/danmooredesigns.

365.57: Beach Barbecue

Here's the beach barbecue set we worked to put together today for the benefit auction at our Christian school. We are praying for a great turnout at the event tomorrow! We are hoping for a great closing bid!

365.56: Stuffed French Toast

The whole house smells like cinnamon, vanilla, cream cheese, and butter! Michelle's stuffed french toast cupcakes will be sharing space with tons of other amazing foods at this weekend's benefit breakfast for Community Christian School. We are excited to see what the Lord is going to do at the event on Saturday! We are praying for Him to shower His blessings on CCS in an amazing way!

You can see my whole 365 project at www.365project.org/danmooredesigns.

365.55: Lick the Spoon

The best part of homemade frosting is licking the spoon when Mom's all done. Michelle made her amazing cinnamon buttercream and her cream cheese filling tonight. She's working on over one-hundred stuffed french toast cupcakes for our school's annual fundraiser event on Saturday. Tonight was frosting and filling night. Tomorrow will be baking night, and Friday night will be assembly and garnish night. Brace yourselves for an onslaught of baking photos!

You can view my entire 365 project athttp://www.365project.org/danmooredesigns

365.54: Very Important Talk

I present to you George and Emily from Our Town by Thornton Wilder. These two kiddos are rehearsing for a competition scene at the Sunshine State Association of Christian Schools. This is the soda shop scene where George and Emily finally realize that they are in love! George is making the understatement of the century when he says, "So...I guess this is a very important talk we've been having..."

You can view my whole 365 project athttp://365project.org/danmooredesigns.

365.53: When Pops the Corn

Based on the title of today's picture, you might be able to guess what the Moore ladies have been watching over the last several days: "When Calls the Heart." Titus and I just pop some popcorn and hang on for dear life. I really do like the show...I just am not able to tolerate it in quite the quantity that the females in my house are. I think its popularity around these parts has a lot to do with a certain horse-riding constable...but I would never say that...

View my entire project at www.365project.org/danmooredesigns.

365.52: Layer upon Layer

Today Michelle made an amazing fajita cake for lunch. ¡Tan deliciosa! You can't go wrong with roast chicken, red onion, sweet peppers, black beans, queso fresco, and spicy salsa. She saw this recipe on one of those Facebook videos that make everything look easy, delicious, and perfect. It came out of the oven ready for its close up! Lots of leftovers too!

365.51: Suit and Tie

Justin and his family drove nearly two hours for senior pictures here in Sarasota. I was honored to spend time with all of them at the Ringling Museum and on Lido Beach. Justin was very comfortable in his suit and tie. It's always a lot of fun when my seniors dress up for their sessions! We had a great time and got a ton of great pictures. Justin's full album will be up soon!

365.50: Boys and Their Toys

Daniel enjoys guns. A lot. A really lot. Daniel is a great guy and has been my student for the last three years. I always enjoy the chance to photograph my students, but I must say that this was my first photo session that included the words, "Birdshot wouldn't kill you, but it would ruin your day." Have a great senior year, Daniel! Thanks for letting me capture some great shots today!

365.49: Creamy or Crunchy

Language fascinates me. Communication has so much nuance and subtlety...sometimes two people can use the same word(s) and be thinking of two completely different things. No where is this phenomenon seen more clearly than in peanut butter. For some, peanut butter is smooth and Velvet-y (shout out to my Michiganders:http://velvetpeanutbutter.com/). For others, peanut butter is loaded with chunks of crunchy nuts. I have always fallen into the creamy camp. Several months ago, we had someone give us some groceries because they were headed out of town. Among the groceries was an unopened jar of extra crunchy Jif. It stayed unopened until tonight. I have to say...I'm not a fan. It just feels like something is in there that doesn't belong. To each his own, I suppose...but when you hear me say "peanut butter," rest assured...I'm talking creamy!

365.48: The Short Walk Home

We always walk home on Wednesday nights after church. I guess it's an unintentional tradition. Goodness, we've even walked home in the rain. The mossy oaks and feathered palms take on a much different appearance in the darkness than they do in the light. At times they are beautiful. At times they are terrifying. I think it has much to do with the frame of mind of the viewer. As is true with most good art, the beholder will see a truth about himself reflected in the medium. Tonight I saw darkness. The smears of Spanish moss seemed to be tear-stains, but the light that shined behind the cobwebs of concern was oh-so bright. Even when the path ahead stretches out dark and foreboding, we know that there is a perfect light that casts out all fear and doubt! "...I walked through darkness by his light." Job 29:3.

365.47: Meet Beulah

It was Christmas in February for our teachers today. After years of fighting with a tired and outdated photocopier, the school was able to purchase a shiny new model. She prints. She copies. She collates. She staples. She hole punches. She scans. She doesn't make julienne fries, but who would want her to? I call her Beulah because she looks like a small black and white cow, and today when she showed up it felt like I was living in the Promised Land! Oh, just imagine the tests, quizzes, research paper deadline sheets, study guides, and handouts that we will be able to make with this fine piece of tech. Beulah, I think I'm in love!

365.46: Living by the Phone

I have heard people use the expression "sitting by the phone" to communicate that they were waiting for news about an urgent matter. Today and probably for the foreseeable future, we won't be sitting by our phones as much as we will be living by our phones. Every ring, beep, or tone could be a message about Dad. When the phone makes a noise, everything else stops. We got several today, and each was precious to hear. Michelle's brother is with Dad and Mom right now, and he is doing a great job keeping the whole family posted. Dad is still in ICU fighting sepsis. The doctors are having a hard time locating the infection, but the doctors are filling him with antibiotics, and he is not as critical as he was last night. Michael tells us that he is more alert and witnessing to the nurses. Thank you for all the encouraging words and especially your prayers!

365.45: Tightly Knit Together

Michelle's mom loves to knit, and Michelle's dad even enjoys learning knitting from Mom. You should see some of his knitted creations! HA! Let's just say that he is still learning! We spent last evening at their house and were headed out the door to see Dad at the hospital before driving back home to Florida. I saw Mom's basket of knitting needles under the coffee table, and the beauty of all the needles caught my eye. I snapped a quick shot and told Mom that her knitting needles were probably going to be my picture of the day today! Little did I know what the day would hold. We left to drive back to Florida a little after 10:00 this morning only to get a call from Mom around 5:00 p.m. that Dad had taken a very serious turn for the worse. He is fighting for his life right now in the ICU. We don't know what God has planned, but we trust Him. We thank God for our family. We thank Him for how tightly knit we are even when things are unbelievably difficult. We are not a perfect family, but through our imperfections, the grace of God shows!.

365.44: Forgetful Much?

Remember that time you forgot to put your luggage in your van before leaving for a road trip? Remember how you had to go shop for jeans and a jacket because it was freezing in Alabama? Remember that time you had to buy a toothbrush because yours was in another state?
No? I do...

365.43 Ready to Road Trip

We are getting ready for our upcoming road trip to pick up Michelle in Alabama where she has been helping to care for her dad for the last week. She was exactly where she needed to be this week, but we can't wait to have her back with us! I have to say that she does a much healthier job of packing for road trip snacks than we do. I took the troops to the grocery store and let them pick out our car snacks. Let's just say that half this stuff wouldn't be in our cart usually...

We have TEN delicious and (not-at-all)nutritious junk food favorites in this picture for our two-day road trip. Can you name all ten?

365.42: A Good Night at the Library

We spent several hours at the library tonight working on the kids' research papers. I love living in the information age; the world is at our kids' fingertips. This accessibility to data gives this generation of young Christians the ability to prepare cogent defense of a biblical worldview in ways that were previously unimaginable. They picked the topics on their own, and I'm thrilled to see them working hard to develop their own beliefs. Even if it hadn't been a very productive night, I still believe that a bad night at the library beats a good night in front of the television!

365.41: Progress

Believe it or not, this stack was three times this high this morning...papers to grade!

365.40: Let It Snow!

We woke up this morning to more snow than we've seen in three years! How we've missed it! The kids rushed out at 7:00 a.m. and began making snow balls in their flip flops! It was so much fun to have a little time with our fluffy and frozen friend before we had to head back south. Michelle is still up north in Huntsville helping to care for her dad; they are still getting flurries. We continued to get snow all the way south into Macon, Georgia! Fun!

365.39: Coffee Date

While the rest of the family watched a movie with Dad in the hospital room, Michelle and I sneaked down to the cafe for a quick Starbucks date. Man, I love this lady! Over coffee, we got to talk about the road ahead. Nobody anticipated having to walk this path, but our family's faith is strong! Tomorrow, Michelle and I will part ways for a few days, and we will miss her so much, but knowing that she will be here ministering to her mom and dad makes the missing much easier. Keep praying! We know God can work a miracle in Dad's body! Here or There...Dad will be completely healed! That is our confident hope!

365.38: A Daddy's Hands

We drove all through the night to come to Huntsville to be with Michelle's dad. This past Thursday, he was diagnosed with aggressive acute myelogenous leukemia. The doctors have advised an aggressive and intense chemotherapy regimen which he began on Friday. The doctors said the effects will begin hitting him hard on Tuesday. Today we all prayed together, we read Scripture together, we cried together...through most of it, Michelle held his hands tightly and cried. It's hard to explain the nature of those kinds of tears, but those of you who have cried them know exactly what they are. I was able to get this picture of my wife holding her daddy's hands.

God is good all the time...in the joys and in the trials...

Dad's mom, Esther Durrill, died when he was only eighteen months old. He never knew her. On Thursday, after the doctor gave dad his diagnosis and prognosis, he introduced him to the nurse that would handle his care.

Her name is Esther.

God is good all the time...in the joys and in the trials...

365.37: Where There's a Will There's a Way

I had a great time this morning walking around the campus of New College of Florida with Will and his mom. Although we spent quite a bit of time dodging raindrops underneath umbrellas and concessions canopies, we managed to get some terrific shots before the downpour began in earnest. Will seemed right at home up in this tree...once he got up in it! You know what they say...where there's a Will, there's a way. I'm very proud of this kid and can't wait to see what the Lord does in his life after graduation.

365.36: Finishing Strong!

We had a great finish tonight to our week of special meetings. The teens had an amazing rally with games, skits, songs, and pizza! Both our teens came home talking about the fun they had and all that they have learned this week. We are very thankful!

365.35: Hiding in Thee

Oh, safe to the Rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly,
So sinful, so weary, Thine, Thine would I be,
Thou blest Rock of Ages, I’m hiding in Thee.

In the calm of the noontide, in sorrow’s lone hour,
In times when temptation casts o’er me its power;
In the tempests of life, on its wide, heaving sea,
Thou blest Rock of Ages, I’m hiding in Thee.

How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe,
I have fled to my Refuge and breathed out my woe,
How often, when trials like sea-billows roll,
Have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul.

Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest Rock of Ages, I’m hiding in Thee.

-William Cushing

365.34: Registration Deadline!

The kids are registered and ready to go! Summer camp is going to happen for the Moore kids! Our older two have been to the WILDS in North Carolina before, but this will be the first time for our youngest. It's going to be a great summer for them! We can't wait to see what the Lord is going to do!

365.33: Piano Accompaniment

During the children's service tonight, Emily continued telling the story of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. The kids were entranced! Her excellent storytelling was enhanced by the team's pianist who accompanied while she spoke. It was like Peter and the Wolf for church! It was really neat to see and hear.

365.32: Jelly Belly Surprise

We were surprised to get this package of Jelly Belly goodness from Michelle's mom and dad in the mail today as a late anniversary present. Such great flavors in such little candies!

365.31: Memory Lane

The Herbster Team is here for special meetings at our church this week. Mark and Amy have been friends of ours since our college days back in the mid 90's. We enjoyed catching up after the service; it was also neat to see our kiddos get reacquainted! We are looking forward to a great week at church this week. If you're in the Bradenton/Sarasota area, come and see! The music will bless your heart, and the preaching will challenge and inspire you! Learn more at our church website: commbapt.org.

365.30: Twirly Dress

What is it about girls and twirly dresses? Both my girls have always loved wearing that they called "twirly dresses." After spending the afternoon with the Norman family for Allee's senior pictures, I learned that it's not just my girls that love twirly dresses. Allee and her mom wanted to make sure to get at least one shot with her dress twirling. This one was on the back campus of New College of Florida. I had a great time with the Norman family tonight! They are great people, and I was honored to photograph Allee!

365.29: Pasta Perfect

Being married to an Italian lady means pasta is a significant part of my life. I have to tell you that it's never boring and always perfectly al dente.

365.28: Oodles of Snickerdoodles

These beauties and a bunch more just like 'em are headed up to the freshman bake sale tomorrow at our school. K has been baking all afternoon. We're making money for that senior trip coming up in a few years! We'll have snickerdoodles, chocolate chip, peanut butter, and brownies! Three for a dollar! What a bargain!

365.27: Crochet or Yarn?

I'm not sure which she loves more: the yarn or crocheting with the yarn. She came home early today with a migraine and was able to work on a crochet project that she has been nursing for several years. I can't wait to see this queen-size blanket finished. It really is beautiful.

365.26: Coffee--the Great Ground

So many things are hashed out over a good cup of coffee. Today I was reminded of several conversations that I had over cups of the brown ground. I wonder how many life-changing talks have been had with this stuff brewing in the background.

365.25: Bonkers for Benefit Brunch

This project is consuming every ounce of free time for me and most of my colleagues. We are thrilled to have 1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel here at our school to speak about his burden for the Lord's work. We are trying our hardest to use this event to raise money for our athletic field improvements. Maybe somebody reading this would consider helping out financially to provide Christian young people with an excellent athletic program. Our family sure would be thankful for anything you might be able to do! Certainly you can pray for the Lord to bless this event at the end of February. Visit http://communitychristianfl.org/pages/about/default/0/12 to learn more about how you can help!

365.24: Michelle's Magnificent Meatballs

Nobody makes a meal like my wife makes a meal. Eating well at home is a dying tradition. It seems that nowadays people head out to restaurants to get good food while they tolerate reheated convenience foods in their home. I don't think there's a restaurant around that serves food better than what Michelle makes for us. These meatballs are one of her signature dishes. When she makes them the whole family cheers! There are even leftovers for meatball sandwiches!

365.23: A Few of my Faves and a Fire

Michelle and I had such a great time with the play cast tonight. Michelle made her homemade Chipotle burritos and we had s'mores around the fire. Words can't describe how thankful I am for this group of kids (and their parents) and their dedication to our theatre department at CCS. We had a great show this year, and I'm looking forward to another great show next year!

365.22: Patience Is a Virtue

I spent three-plus hours with these wretched gift cards tonight. We purchased them for T to connect with buddies and play Star Wars games online with them. That's quite a gimmick Microsoft has going there...buy the console...buy the game...pay monthly to connect. Anyway...apparently the gift cards that say XBOX can't be used to pay for connection fees. You have to get the gift cards that say XBOX LIVE to use them for connection fees. The plain XBOX cards have to be used to download digital content. WHAAAAAAAAAAT? Mason at XBOX customer service was very patient with this XBOX newbie...we finally got it all figured out...now I'm tired...

365.21: American Voices

I spent most of my evening at home with this book in my hands. I teach seven different classes--each one is a favorite at different times of the year for different reasons. Right now, I am really enjoying my American Literature class. I'm trying to help my kids to appreciate the lost art of public speaking by showing them some great American speeches given by orators of days gone by. Whether we are reading speeches by President Abraham Lincoln or General George MacArthur, I hope they see the importance of believing strongly, speaking clearly, and living those convictions. That's the American way!

365.20: Read to Lead

As an English teacher, I require an extensive amount of reading of each of my students. My eighth through twelfth grade students will read a total of twenty-seven books this school year in four different genres: fiction, biography, devotional non-fiction, and drama. I try to challenge myself to read a new book in these genres every time I assign one to my kiddos! I am excited that our pastor is starting a Sunday school study of _Visionary Parenting_ by Rob Rienow; that study made my next book choice very easy! I look forward to learning even more about being the best dad I can be to my three precious children. You can learn more about Visionary Family Ministries at www.visionaryfam.com.

365.19: Here She Goes Again

K is at it again. She is working hard in a new medium. She loves pencil and watercolor, but oils are new to her. Her teacher is convinced that this is a good fit for her skill set, so we are excited to see how she does. State competition, here she comes!

365.18: Sunset on Campus--No Improvements Needed

I am so thankful for all the improvements that are taking place on campus. The Lord has really worked miraculously to provide for the various projects that needed to be done. But...I have to say...the view of the sky at sunset across back campus is something that you just can't improve on. Gorgeous blue. Blazing orange. The sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking!