Where did the summer go?

The kids are getting ready to go back to school Wednesday. What?!? This Wednesday? You're kidding me. Summer is already over?!?

It's true. Summer vacation officially ends on August 12th. It seems like just yesterday we were taking exams (Mom), preparing for TCAPS (kids), and doing this:

Now summer is almost over. But one thing I always love about this time of year is the beginning of the harvest season. And that reminds me of God's promise in our lives and ministry.

At our house this:

turned into this:

And today in an effort to find an affordable outside activity for the kids we did this:

Blueberry picking! It's a favorite around here! The kids are even plotting to go back in the morning with Dad. So my freezer is filling up. I'm considering getting out the canner. I'm wondering if I should make some preserves too. Decisions, decisions.

But most importantly I'm thrilled to realize one thing.

SCHOOL STARTS NEXT WEEK! HALLELUJAH!

VICTORIOUS

Last Tuesday night was the science fair at the kids' school. All three participated. Robbie was required as part of his science grade and even had to present his project to his class. This of course involved Mom and Dad and even Ms. Robin to bring him the video games and accessories needed for his presentation.

Here are a few pics of doing the experiment at Aunt Marcie and Uncle Tom's house. (We needed more volunteers!)

And here is the finished project board.

Nichola did her project just for extra credit.

And here is Nichola posing next to her finished board.

The school brought in judges from outside the school district including one gentleman from a national committe of science fairs. I didn't even know that they had such a thing. In a school with just a few students over 400, there were 262 submissions for the science fair. So the school supplied the display boards and asked that everyone put the required info on them for display in the gym.

Caitlin did a project just for fun. Her teacher asked for her to do one, but Caitlin had already decided she wanted to do one.

Her's was called Straw Wars and while not the purpose of the project it did show just exactly how big the mouths are in our family.

But guess what. The one who did it all just for fun....

SHE WON FIRST PLACE IN HER CATEGORY AND AGE GROUP!




Dave and I are so proud of all three of the kids and all their hard work.

Independence Day

July 4th

Okay, I know that I have been ignoring this blog for a few weeks...but I wanted to post these pictures from the 4th. I forgot my camera and had to use my phone so they may be a little blurry. This was a busy day from picking up the kids from youth camp to preparing for the Crab Orchard Festival on the 5th to making sure we got to the bank in time to get a good parking spot. We met Dave's sister Marcie and her family as well as the Cobles to tailgate in the parking lot while waiting for the fireworks. This was my first official experience at tailgating with the portable grills and everything. We had a blast. The pictures above are of the kids setting off a smoke bomb and playing with Pop-Its. Overall it was a great day.

End of School Year Crunch

It's that time of the year. It's the end of the semester for me and the end of the school year for the kids. The past few weeks have been a flurry of last minute field trips and school programs for the kids and term papers, textbook readings, and studying for finals for me. This is in addition to all the activities at the church. We have been busy, busy, busy! Caitlin asked me the other day that I wasn't allowed to have any more homework because it's almost summer. I wish it was that simple. My prayer in times like these is that I can be an example of commitment and academic endeavors to my children but also teach them the value of balance in life. Nothing seems to please them more than when I put down the book I'm studying and chase them around the yard. For all the chaos and stress I wouldn't trade a moment of these times with my children. Even when I feel guilty while I'm typing a paper or reading a book, the kids are trying to take care of me too. This week they have been hiding in their rooms, secretly making Mother's Day cards for me. (Ssh! don't tell them that I figured it out. It's supposed to be a surprise!)

Physical Activity Program

Last night was the Physical Activity program at the kids' school. As a response to the childhood obesity problem the school decided to present this program, preceded by a mile long Family Walk, instead of a traditional spring concert. I wonder if the "Tooty Ta" is what the International Offices have in mind when they recommend each minister be involved in an exercise program.

The Tooty Ta!

Cha Cha Slide

God Bless America