Cross your fingers...the decision is......

Let's all pray our state legislature gets their act together and stops bickering long enough to pass the education budget today.  They have until midnight tonight when the special session is over.  This will let the districts know how much their shortfall will be and hopefully let them add back some teaching positions (since they were going with worst case scenario when they laid people off).  My prayer is that they will also let outside people apply. 

Okay, I'm over it and wow can I act like a baby.

Okay, so if you read my earlier post (which I think I might completely delete), I apologize for being a crying whining selfish baby.  God gave me a HUGE reality check on the way home from the movies a few minutes ago.  I drove past the house in our neighborhood that burned up a few weeks ago and God whopped me with, "Here you are crying over a few lost pictures while these people lost everything."  So, yes, I lost some precious pictures and videos but I didn't lose everything.  We're healthy, comfortable, and happy.  A few pictures are nothing when compared with the things that really matter in life.  So, sorry for letting my sinful nature and ungratefulness shine through.  I have way to much to be thankful for to whine like that.

My lesson of the day:  Think of others, not just yourself.

What did I do this week?

I was one of the mission leaders.  That's me WAY up there on the stage.  We would teach and explain crafts  for up to 750 kids per day in three different sessions.

I seriously think that if I could find a job where I taught large groups like this all the time, I'd love it!

This week was our highly anticipated VBS. I really believe we do VBS like no other church and I say that with the voice of experience. I have worked VBS at least 4 different churches and 3 of those being very large "mega"type churches. Our church, by far, has this down to an art form. The week before VBS, the entire church starts it's transformation process into whatever the theme is for the year. This year was "Big Apple Adventure," so the halls became city streets, the classrooms became scenes from around New York City like Central Park. There were Statues of Liberty, hot dog stands, taxi cabs, and skyscrapers created from a variety of materials throughout our campus. Our K-Zone (where I was) was turned into Grand Central Station (I wish you could see our super cool information booth, clock and all, in the back of the building), and the list goes on and on. Then, when we are all good and tired, it's time for the kids to come; so we drink our coffee, pump ourselves up, and get excited. One thousand children converge on our campus ready to go. They learn bible stories and truths, they are entertained, they hear about missionaries around the world, they create crafts, they play games, they make friends, they have a LOT of fun, and bring glory to God! It is a phenomenal experience and although I'm always tired at the end, I always have the VBS high. Since I've been at our church, I always end the week with one thought, "That was a GREAT VBS!!!".

Jesus is not a villain!!!

At lunch today, the kids were talking about the VBS songs since I had the CD playing in the background (This past week was our VBS).  I wasn't paying much attention until they started arguing.  I clued in right about the time Z repeated in her "totally put out, you are an idiot, completely unacceptable" voice, "It does too, J______!  It says Jesus is a villain! That's what they sing.  That's how I know this song!"  J right back to her said, "Z_____, Jesus is not a villain.  A villain is aways the bad guy and Jesus is definitely not a bad guy.  He's a good guy!.....Mom, Z says this song calls Jesus is a villain!"  I respond, "Jesus is not a villain.  I'm sure you have the words wrong."  Z:  "But, Mommy, it really does say he's a villain. I've been singing it all week."  So, I sit down to listen to the song.

Come to find out.  Jesus is not a villain.  The song says, "God has called us all to be part of fulfilling the mission of His heart."  But, I can totally see where villain came from.  I guess we've watched too many shows with villains or something.

Lesson of the Day and Moral of this story:  They may think they know the words after singing them a million times but Oh my, they sometimes have it SO wrong.

Birthday Week (#1 Post of 2)

This picture just sums it up.  She is so happy to FINALLY be 5!!!

The Big Backyard Surfin' Party

The Surfboard Cupcakes

Part of the Decorations.
We had 2 pools and a water slide in the backyard for their entertainment.
If you click on the picture, you can see the really cool picnic table
Alan built last weekend under the fort.

The Birthday Girl
We took each girl's picture with Z and her surfboard.
They were so funny.  They couldn't wait for their turn.
We'll give them the picture with their thank you card.
(It's a Potater Patch birthday tradition.)

Most of the surfer girls

Yesterday was the highly anticipated 5 Year Old Surfer Girl Birthday Party. We had a grand total of 17 girls and 1 big brother slashing away in our backyard. Needless to say, it was a wild afternoon but a great afternoon. Z had a fantastic time. Even though it was about a million degrees and the mommies all looked like one big puddle of sweat, everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. The girls got along wonderfully and played so hard that I'm sure they all slept extremely well last night. I know the birthday girl could hardly keep her eyes open during bedtime prayers. All in all, it was a successful party, especially since Z was so happy.

Lesson of the Day: Parties can be a lot of work but are totally worth it when it makes someone you love feel so special.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for all your help before and during the party!!!

Earring Torture for 3

Right now, I am very thankful I only have one girl and that I only have to go through the getting the ears pierced once. That was torture! Z has been talking forever about wanting her ears pierced. She has begged and pleaded. We have window shopped for earrings. I have warned her over and over, "Z, getting your ears pierced is kind-of like getting a shot in your ear. It hurts but only for a little bit." But she was determined and she insisted that today was the day. She excitedly picked out her earrings (pink crystal hearts). Earing #1: She bravely sat in my lap, squeezed my hand, earring went in, she cried like crazy but no more than a shot. Earring #2: Refused to sit, started screaming when the lady came close, started crying and proceeded cry for the next hour. I think she tried every way possible to get out of earring #2. Long story short (after many prayers, moderate bribing, pleading, and begging on my part) we finally got earring #2 in. She screamed like someone chopped off her left arm and I have vowed not to go into that Walmart for quite a long time (if ever). I felt like a terrible mom but by the time we got in the car, Z was grinning and showing off her new earrings. In fact, she was very excited when I took the picture to show everyone. I asked her if she was glad she had it done and she said yes. She sure looks cute with her earrings too. But as J (my partner in this crime) stated on the way home, "I have definitely learned a lesson today. If I ever have a daughter and she wants her ears pierced, I am going to have NOTHING to do with it!"

Lesson of the Day: Do yourself a favor, pierce them when they are a baby, find one of those places that does both ears at one time, or just wait until they can drive themselves to have it done.