Priceless

As mentioned we have been VBS-ing all week. Beginning last Friday night through tonight...every night...for 2 hours...averaging 45-50 children...with lots (and lots) of little ones. Can you tell I am a little worn out?! But in a good tired way :) I got to experience lots of "priceless moments" : I taught a WONDERFUL class of 2nd-3rd graders. There were 6 each night & they were all girls! They were so well behaved & made my job super easy. I heard lots of "joyful noise" unto the Lord & some hand motions/signing to go along with it. But, I must say that perhaps the most "priceless" moment for me was seeing Ellie stand so proudly & hold the Bible in front of the crowd during the opening pledges. She was sooo proud of herself & I was too! When it came time for the pledge to the Bible, she displayed it up top her head as if her head was a pedestal. Even though when she did it her arms outreached upward raised her shirt up so that her belly was peaking through - it was precious, cute, & absolutely priceless!

Peace Out!

P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens) This week, we are in full scale VBS 2010!!! This will be the most rewarding, fun, and oh-so tiring week :). To follow our success last year, our VBS director & preacher have designed and prepared our very own VBS curriculum. Because the area kids hit all the VBS's around, we decided to make up our own so they wouldn't get bored & repetitive. With the "peace" sign being very popular among the kids, a 70's theme tyed-dyed "Peace in Prayer" theme was in order to be "hip" (if that word is still used). Centered around the prayer in the Bible we will study "The Tax Collector & Pharisee", "Moses & the Wilderness", as well as "The Lord's Prayer". Thus far, the kids have loved it!

To begin the VBS week a "kick-off" night was held for kids & their parents! The highlight - the inflatable obstacle course & bouncy house for the little ones! Luckily the rain held off until quiting time!
Yep, that is Ellie & I racing! Needless to say I was a little sore - this thing was pretty tough!

Nope, I didn't win! Ellie had the advantage - she is small & can fit between all the little nooks & crannies!

This is a side view of the course & it's not the total end - now do you know why I was sore?!

Sunnyside Up!

I have mentioned in previous posts about the sunflower patch that my hubby has helped tend to for dove hunting in the fall. Well, I couldn't let the bright, sunny side up faces go to waste on birds and gun shells. I grab Ellie & Macy Ruth for a quick, impromptu photo shoot. We braved the swarm of horseflies for a few shots. Since I have become obsessed blogging, I have also become obsessed with taking pictures. In fact, this fall I have enrolled in a digital photography class - so excited about it! Ellie is actually looking at the camera! Love her blue eyes and blonde hair with the sunflowers!
Macy showing off a sunflower that is as big as her head! She cooperates much better with the camera than Ellie does.

Acting Goofy! Ellie is showing off her "horns", though she says they are bunny ears; and Macy is showing her lack front teeth!

And there she goes ...

off the diving board!

Though it may look as if she is falling off, she is actually jumping off! WhooHoo! And, the best part - she loved it and did it several times. She also did a little swimming w/o her floaties in the 3ft end where she can touch. She is getting her dogie paddle down pat! I am so proud of her!

With her learning to swim reminds me of the swimming lessons I took when I was smaller. Having a summer birthday, my parents got my sister & I swimming lessons one year. I believe my sister & I came out ahead on that deal rather than the instructor teaching us. When the instructor gave us a task, such as going under water, I would refuse. So, she would bribe us - I will give you $ if you do it, and under I would go! That worked for a little while, but then the instructor called my bluff. When I would perform a simple task, she got me out of the pool & tossed me in the deeper end. She knew I could swim & wanted to prove it to me.

Ahhh...This is the Life

Those were the words of my dad today as he soaked up the relaxation time at the Lake. The above picture is him laid out in full relax mode. He & Jamie took an early morning drive to do some fishing this morning. My dad doesn't have a lot of opportunities to get away b/c he works in the ag industry & has to plan his schedule around the area farmers. But, after re-catching his fishing fever today, he is already planning another, longer trip back to the Lake w/ Jamie. I know I mention the Lake a lot in my blogs, but it really is such a big part of our lives in the summer. Jamie & I have been going to the Lake over 10 years, I guess, and our fondest memories seem to involve the Lake. Ellie has also caught the "Lake fever". She is ready to move up there so she can become a full time "water bug".
Ellie manning the boat w/ her "assistant" holding her pony tail so it wouldn't fall out. She is such a diva!

My lovely parents. I think Dad was taking about a future fishing trip here.

And...while we were there it decided to come a shower. Ellie & Jamie decided to stay in the water since they were all ready wet.

Splishin' & Splashin'

We went to the water park today with the Chandler gang & boy, did we have a great time! This is our 1st trip to Eddyville, KY water park and we all loved it!

Who's excited to go play in the water?Ellie is!!
Jaxon is too!!
This is the kiddie zone at the water park - Ellie & Jaxon loved this part. And, it wasn't too bad for the parent either, you can put the lawn chairs around the edge of the pool area, so I could stay nice & cool.

Lunchtime! We had a picnic on the grounds of the water park. Luckily, a McDonald's was close by so we hit up the $1 menu! What a wonderful idea - no lunch meat to pack, just drinks & snacks. Jaxon refueling for more water action!

Ellie loves chocolate chip cookies!

Then it was back to the water park for more of the wet stuff!

We had such a good time - the weather was wonderful and the park wasn't overly crowded. Plus, all the kids sacked out on the drive back home - that is a plus for any parent!!

Swimming Daredevils

After returning home from the Lake last night we get a phone call inviting us for a little night time swimming. I am so glad we decided to go even though we were all exhausted from the weekend. My uncle's boy, KJ, is a swimming machine! He is fearless & was a good example to Ellie not to be scared & built her confidence. We all had a wonderful time & was so exhausted that we came home & crashed! Ellie & KJ pausing from swimming for a picture.
Ellie running & jumping into the pool!

KJ with a CANNONBALL & Ellie landing in the water.

More water jumping action!

Thanks Uncle Keith for the invite - We had a wonderful time!

*@*Fireworks & Suntan Lines*@*

We had a BLAST this past July 4th weekend at the Lake! Full of fireworks, food, & fun times with friends & family, we are know taking today to recoup & rest. We were joined the first part of the weekend by my really good friend, Lindsey & hubby Chris. It was so nice to catch up with them & hang out with them. The last part of the weekend, The Hays' came to join in on the fun!

Ellie practicing balancing a pillow on her head on the way to the Lake. Boredom sets in fast with her just about any drive.

Mr. & Mrs. Parker (Chris & Lindsey) enjoyed the Lake with us the first part of the Holiday weekend. We had a blast spending time with them & this was considered a little getaway before Chris begins football season.

Such a glamorous shot of us (NOT!) Thank goodness for sunglasses & ball caps - a girl's best friend at the lake.

Lindsey & I riding the tube. Yes, we were both arthritis sore the next day, but it was fun!

Ellie & I practicing our "scream" before tube riding. This was her 1st time to ride the tube & she loved it - as long as we didn't hit any huge waves.

Ellie is all smiles @ the Lake.

She looks mad, but I promise she is not. Overly tired & bummed that we were having to leave is the mood written on her face.

Waiting patiently for the fireworks to begin!

We saw a wonderful fireworks display! Ellie loved them!

I had to post this picture of fireworks - what do you see? I see a herd of cattle; Paige sees a jellyfish in the middle part.

Leaving the fireworks display ... wow! traffic!

They were actually sharing the DS - acting so very nice to get a yummy s'more.

Cousins - Ellie & Jaxon - both absolutely love the Lake!

Ellie learning how to "surf" on a knee board.

We had a fun & fabulous weekend at the lake with all our friends & family!

Rejuvenate, Recharge, & Refresh

It's OFFICIAL!!!! I AM ON VACATION!!!! and, I couldn't be more happier. Though we aren't going anywhere special -no beach :( - I am still super excited be on my "vacation time zone". That is, do what I want to do when I want to do it. So, I plan on relaxing and taking advantage of sleeping in & staying up late. Our plans include the Lake - YAY! and a possible trip to the water park. So, in advance I would like to say - HAPPY 4th of JULY!!

A special thank you to the military personnel for all their hard work & dedication!

Who's a Cardinals Fan?

Yesterday Jamie had his annual "Guys Day" with my dad, b-n-l Jeffery, & Jeffery's dad Mr. Joey. I have lost count of how long this has been their annual event. There are 2 Rules:

#1. no girls allowed

#2. each attendee must wear Cardinals attire

Even though Jamie is a ATL Braves fan, he does own 1 Cards shirt & hat - just b/c Mr. Joey won't let him ride in the vehicle wearing Braves attire LOL :)

Normally the trip concludes with supper at Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston, MO.

With Jamie being out of pocket yesterday, Ellie & I had a "Girls evening" with Paige, JuJu, & Granny. Have I ever mentioned how nice it is to have a sister that does hair? Well, it is such a blessing! Thanks Paige! Not only did Ellie & I get new hair do's, but visited w/ Gran, played with Tripp & Jaxon .... AND had Granny's TACOS!! These are not just any ordinary tacos, but Granny's "Greasy Tacos". I know, it may not sound all that appetizing with "greasy" being the adjective to describe, but they are WONDERFUL! We don't eat them often, so when the guys are out of town we chow down! "Greasy Tacos" were always a special request of Paige & I as little girls when Gran would keep us while our parents were out of town, & we still request them to this day! I was unable to take a phone of the deliciousness of them - but the next time we have the pleasure of them, I will. YUMMY!