We're having a tea party!

**Caleb has decided to have no more pictures taken of him.  Hopefully this is just a phase.  He runs and hides when the camera comes out.**

Callie Grace received a paint your own tea set for her birthday from Miss Linda.  We painted it this weekend, baked it in the oven and have had MANY tea parties already.  We have had lots of fun and it has been the perfect opportunity to discuss manners!

She did a great job painting!

Love this picture (looking at it made me realize that we didn't talk about elbows or napkins!):)

Going exploring...

around the house requires the proper gear! :)

Blowfish Game

Callie Grace and Caleb participated in the summer reading program at our local library.  When they completed their final level of reading, they were given free passes to attend the blowfish baseball game.  They got to wear their reading medals, meet the mascot and watch a little of the game.  We (Caleb) made it an hour.  I am so surprised that he made it that long!  Callie Grace wanted to stay until it ended so you can imagine the drama that ensued.  All in all, I think they had a good time.  A big thank you goes out to mimi for going with us.  Kip had to work late so he got out of wasn't able to go! ;)

so excited to be at the game

My sissy is 50!

I can't believe that my sister is 50 today!  I am so thankful for her in my life.  We had a birthday party for her on Saturday night.  Our children had so much fun swimming and playing with their cousins. 

We love you, Aunt de!  We pray that this year is your best one yet.  We can't wait to make many more memories with you.  You are much more than a sister to me. 

Growing

Callie Grace and Caleb enjoyed a long swim this evening.  When they got home, we got baths and they watched a little bit of television.  I walked into the den and this is how I found them.  In a brief instant, I realized how much they have grown.  Where did these two long-legged children come from and what did they do with my itty bitty babies?

They drive each other crazy yet they usually can be found right beside one another.  Thank you, God so much for our precious blessings.

Volunteer work

Callie Grace participated in her first Missions project today.  She volunteered her morning with a group of girls at a local crisis center.  Callie Grace helped out by taking stickers off of hangers and organizing them.  When I asked her about the place that she volunteered she said, "if your house were to burn down and your clothes burned also, you could come to this place and get more clothes.  You can get food there also".  I asked her if she would like to go back to volunteer.  She said, "yes but I will need to wait for a while because I am tired".  I pray that this will only be the beginning of Callie Grace reaching out to help others.  After all, that is a big reason why we are given this life, right?  I pray that Caleb will follow in his big sister's footsteps when his time comes!

Reading

Callie Grace was reading a new book to her dad and Caleb tonight.  Caleb did listen but he managed to jump all over his dad in the process.  Callie Grace never flinched - she just kept on reading! :)

What a week!

What a week!  We just finished up Babylon VBS 2012 last night.  It was very special to see God working in our church family and the many visitors that were in attendance.  This was an exhausting week but it was very rewarding. Lots of pictures were taken throughout our time in Babylon and my brother made the pictures into a slide show.  He did such a great job and the children seemed to really enjoy seeing themselves on the big screen.  Our pastor was Daniel this week.  He did an amazing job making each of us feel like we were back in bible times experiencing his trials and triumphs.  We even got to learn a little rap under his direction.  All of our leaders stepped up and really helped make a positive impact on these children’s lives.  From the tribe leaders/assistants to the Market Place volunteers, we felt as if we were truly in Babylon.  The children loved making meaningful crafts and enjoyed delicious snacks all the while sharing about the one true God.  Through nightly donations, we were able to gather many items for our back pack ministry.  I believe we almost filled our lion box up to the very top!  Each night, 1 or more children prayed.  Daily, children got up and said bible verses.  The kids were excited to be there and you could feel it.  One couldn’t help but get emotional on the last night, seeing the children standing in the front, singing their hearts out to Jesus.  When they sang Amazing Grace, I saw many teary eyed mamas.  I know my children were sad for the week to be over!

my silly boy who insisted on wearing his tribe bandura around his head!