Recital Time!

We had such a crazy spring.  And, of course, at the end of all that was the girls' recitals and I was a bad mama.  I didn't take enough pictures!  I did mange to get some of EG but not a single one of the big girls!  (Thanks to friends I was able to at least crop these and hopefully our babysitter/photographer will get some great pictures before the summer is over.)

It never fails, every year, I sit in a chair and watch my beautiful girls dance and I am thankful for the opportunities that they have been given to practice and grow and hone their gifts and talents.  I am mesmerized by them.  I could watch them for hours and am just amazed how much they have grown as dancers and as girls.

There are so many choices to make with what to do with our valuable time.  And right now their ballet dance company provides so many opportunities for growth and service.  Many of their wonderful long time friends are there, they have met many new ones.  I have watched students become teachers.  I have seen the program go from just  few classes to a vision of a ministry that desires to love and serve the local community.

Anyway, I am enjoying the break from ballet but I know my girls are getting anxious to get back.  And, I guess, I can't say that I blame them . . . 

Happy Mother's Day

Our church had a Mother's Day banquet and it was really, really nice.  It was great to see the JoyDome filled with women of all ages.  Some new moms, some expectant moms, moms who had been around awhile, grandmothers and even some who weren't moms but just wanted to celebrate being a woman.

We had a great speaker and good food.  And we got to have our pictures taken.  It isn't normally something I like to do.  I don't know why.  But, I was really glad we were all able to go and spend some time together . . . 

Camp

I don't have any pictures, but Little Mama was not only willing to go to TeenPact by herself she went away to camp for a weekend by herself!  I was a nervous wreck!

She was confident she would know someone and she did.  Her theory about going by herself is then she can do some of the things she wants to do.  She is such a people pleaser and has such a servant's heart, that when she goes with other people she usually will do the activities that her friends are doing so she can be with them.    So, if she goes to camp and doesn't know any one it is OK because then she will do some of the things she would like to do.  I don't think I can argue with that!

Anyway, after dinner on a Friday we drove her to camp about an hour away.  Both daddy and I have been to training there.  And I have volunteered for a weekend last year.  So, it isn't totally unknown.  We support the camp through our church and a lot of our youth are workers and a few of our church members are on the board.

I knew the mom who was cooking for the weekend and she said I could text her if I needed to.  And I did.  Once.  Well, maybe twice.  She assured me LM was having big fun!  LM didn't know her counselor but her junior counselor was a girl NG does choir, youth and the bike trips with and I have known her since she was about Boop's age.

So what is the big deal, right?  Well, we made it though the weekend.  And she had a ton of fun.  She informed me that she definitely wanted to go for a week in the summer whether she knew someone or not.  Daddy and I talked about it and we agreed she could go.  She leaves Sunday and she is super excited.  She already knows a couple of girls going.  That makes me feel better!

My little girl is growing up . . .

Teen Pact

One of the events we have in our capitol city is called TeenPact where kids from around the state come to the Capitol and learn about God and government.  A bunch of years ago we stumbled upon it and have enjoyed it ever since.

It sort of sneaks up on us and so by the time we got around to registering this year, Little Mama was the only one able to go.  No siblings.  No friends.  Just her and a bunch of other kids she didn't know.  One of the things I love about her is that doesn't bother her in the least.  She was adamant about going!  And I loved the time with just her.

The kids learn how a bill becomes a law.  And how, even though we may not agree with the government in place, the people in authority, in our government, are still deserving of respect and prayer and that we are commanded by God to obey those in authority over us.  (Unless the law is contrary to God's law - whole other blog post!)  Romans 13:1; 1 Timothy 2:2

They take a tour of the Capitol and pray over the offices.  They have a scavenger hunt and sing songs.  One of the best parts is, each kid gets to create and propose his/her own bill.  They go to committee and some get selected to present their bills to the "legislature."  It is neat to watch the kids handle the questions and learn the lingo.  Then the "legislature" gets to vote on the bill.  Little Mama got picked the year before (or maybe it was the year before that) but she didn't this year.  This year her bill was about recycling and she was ready if necessary!

We got to see Sissy for breakfast and lunch.  So that was an added bonus.  

I was proud of my sweet LM.  And a little bit surprised she was willing to go by herself.  She is growing in to such a confident, beautiful young woman . . . 

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

One of the really great things about living in a college town is being able to watch some great college sports, live, every once in awhile.  Our baseball team made it to the regionals on the road to the College World Series.  It happened to be played in town.

I got a wild idea to go.  In fact, the whole family went including grandma and Sissy.  It was beautiful night.  One of the really great things for the kids was Jameis Winston, the Heisman Trophy, winner plays on the team.  And before the game he spent at least 10 minutes signing the kids balls.  (The two pictures in the middle.)  So we have two in the house now!

Also, Boop left our seats in the bleachers to hang out with the kids under the seats to catch foul balls.  And he caught one!  I am pretty sure that was icing on the cake for him.

Unfortunately we lost two games and didn't advance to the CWS.  But, we had a great time at the game anyway . . . 

Great Gifts

My hubby is a great gift giver!  About 3 months ago, maybe longer, I saw this great Vitamix at Costco (it was on sale.)  As a demonstration, they made a quick and easy spinach ice cream that the whole gang loved!  I mentioned it would be great to have considering I am blending/mixing something almost everyday and our blender had issues.

Hubby made a polite nod and let me know that it wasn't happening.  No biggie.

Then, about a week before Mother's Day he asked if that is what I wanted.  I was like "heck ya!"  So he picked up an extra detail and taaa daaa my new Vitamix blender.

We LOVE it!!  I know I haven't used it to its fullest potential but we make all kinds of healthy smoothies and kefer.  Usually including spinach.  They actually ask for spinach ice cream for dessert!  

I have made broccoli cheese soup that turned out fabulous and my sister just sent me a recipe for a tomato soup which I am anxious to try out as soon as our tomato crop comes it.

Today my plan is to make guacamole and I have hummus on the menu.

I don't deserve all the wonderful gifts he gives.  But, I sure to appreciate them!!

Construction Crew

Saturday daddy and Boop and Little Mama went up to the church bright and early to help finish the stage that we need for the Fourth of July event we have every year at the church.  Bouncy houses, food, music and professional fireworks.  It is a neighborhood event that has been going on for years.  It has grown to be about 3-4,000 people.  I love it because it is a pretty safe environment.  The kids can run around with their friends, check in periodically and everyone has a great time!

This year, instead of renting a stage, it turned out to be more cost effective to go ahead and build one.  With the church members participating in the completing of it.  So, yesterday a few of my peeps and a bunch of other guys and gals went to put the finishing touches on the stage.

The professional builder, who is in charge of the project was out there.  And he had some type of digging tractor (forgive my ignorance).  And, he let Boop ride and eventually drive it.  It made Boop's day!  We were able to get some pictures and a video.  So, here they are . . .