This and That

 We have been busy little bees around here.  So busy, I really don't know where to begin.
Where has the time gone?  We now have a 1st grader!  Wow!  Leading up to the beginning of school, Ellie was a little undecided if she was ready for 1st grade and another school year, but she picked up right where she left off.  And of course, she had to begin the year with as many "brownie points" as possible with her new teacher, Mrs. Christy.  So, I was able to cure a 'craft bug' and made a door hanger for her classroom door.  

With all the Olympic coverage a few weeks ago, we got into the Olympic spirit around here.  Jamie & I help with the children/youth on Wednesday evenings, so I thought it was only fitting to have the New Salem Youth Olympics.  It was fun and I tried to make it as "real as possible."  Below, Ellie is holding the Olympic flames for a torch relay.  It could have also been a little confused with the recycling Olympics, but it was fun nonetheless.  

Beth Moore Live!

Have you heard of Beth Moore?  If you haven't, I suggest you find the nearest Lifeway Christian Bookstore or go on line a find her.  I have completed 2 of her DVD Bible Studies and they were equally wonderful.  So when our church ladies heard that she would be in Knoxville in August, we signed up without any hesitation.  I am so glad I went - it was AMAZING!  13,000+ women in the Thompson Bowling area at UT-Knox, with Travis Cottrell (btw - he is at Englewood Baptist in Jackson, TN) with his choir from his church - it was all "just too much" as Mrs. Moore would say!  It was an indescribable experience.  Though I have so enjoyed her DVD studies, and will continue them, it is no comparison seeing her in action.  She is truly using her God-given talent.

Ellie's New Smile

Ellie has a new smile these days and is breaking the tooth fairy.

Christmas in July?

We took a mini trip this past weekend to Holiday World.  We were lucky enough to be the highest bidder at the local school's fall festival auction for some tickets.  And, we were able to take Jamie's cousins, Macy Ruth and Mason, along for the fun.  As my hubby told me during the trip ... "It's a good thing they came because you are a 'park pooper'."  Yep, that's right, I do not ride roller coasters and the like.  Not. Interested. But, I love watch others do it.  We had a great time!  If you have never been, I would recommend it.  There are 2 parks in 1 - the amusement park and the water park.  There is plenty for the whole family - from the little ones to the big kids.  I was impressed with the cleanliness of the park.  And, there are free fountain drinks to help cool off.  Jamie is already planning on returning next year.  

summer

summer is...

Is it me, or is summer just passing by so quickly?  We are trying to cram as much fun and sun into all the summer we can stand.  So, our summer is...

lots and lots of sunscreen for the lake and the pool...

falling asleep after an afternoon of swimming with friends...

marking "park" off our summer list...

ballgames, sunflower seeds, and rooting for this guy, Jaxon...

and trying to keep up with kids at the ball park...

That has been our summer in a nutshell or at least through the lens of my cell phone camera, hence the picture quality.  

How are you enjoying your summer?

The Victory is Sweet

The Victory 93.7 T-Ball team brought home hardware with an undefeated T-Ball season!  All of the coaches and players have something to be proud of.  It was hard for Ellie and her favorite coach to hide their smiles from a great season!  A Victory is sweet!