He's 16!

That's right.  J is 16 years old!  Is he driving, yet?  Yes, he's finally driving!  He just got his permit and will be able to get his full license next summer.

J had spent a lot of his summer on staff at camp, which is great.  He loves it there.  He helped at our VBS, then it was his birthday!

On his birthday, he didn't do much.  Played some Xbox games, probably went for a run.  I honestly don't remember.  He opened gifts and we had some cake and ice cream.

That evening he went out with some friends to see a movie.  I love that he has a good group of Christian friends.

J is funny, hard-working, full of surprises, and loves the Lord!

Happy 16th birthday!

VBS 2017

Westside Bible Chapel hosted another fun vacation Bible school this summer!  We chose a Wizard of Oz theme, but really made it our own.

There's No Place Like Home was our official theme for the week.  First, we had to plan and prepare.  We learned the songs, learned the crafts, learned the games, and enjoyed the snacks.  I wrote and directed the nightly skit entitled "Journey to the Land of FLAWS."  I had a total of 24 cast members and everyone did a fantastic job!

When the kids first enter, they are greeted with the twister!

They registered at the balloon to get their name tags and team assignments.  We had Searchers, Scarecrows, Tin Men, and Lions.  Plus Munchkins for the staff preschool kids.

After getting registered, they entered the Home.  This is where they sang songs, watched the skit, and listened to the message.

After the message, the kids followed the yellow brick road to various activities.

First night:  Dorothy searching for a home.

The kids went to the Emerald City to make crafts each night.

Second night:  The scarecrow seeks to learn more about Jesus.

The kids spent some time in the orchard, enjoying a snack while working on their memory verse.

Third night:  The tin man wants friends.

In the rainbow room, the kids learned the verses.

Fourth night:  The lion wants courage.

Heading out to the Land of FLAWS (Fallen Lost And Wickedly Sinful) where the kids play games.

Last night:  We discover we have a home with Jesus when we learn about Him and accept Him into our lives.  He gives us courage to tell others about Him.

I also got to work with a special group called the Twisters!  They were middle schoolers who are too old for VBS, but not quite ready for a full leadership position.  They had different areas they got to help with each night, but whenever they had any down time, they were mine.  I had them learn the verses the kids were learning, do a Bible scavenger hunt, and play some team building games.  I had a blast with them!

A lot of hard work went into VBS this year and I'm so thankful for all of the helpers and planners who put it all together!  God's work was done and He is glorified in it!

She's 14!

I know I'm super behind on my blogging, but better late than never, right?

While J and Little A were at camp, K celebrated her 14th birthday.  I let her have a friend over since she was by herself and her friend's siblings were also at camp.

The week started off normally.  Then, K received some interesting information from a friend.  Our city was doing its annual festival and was hosting a Teens Got Talent competition.  K decided to audition.  The day before her birthday, we headed downtown where she sang in front of 3 judges and a very small audience.  We waited and watched other acts for a few hours.  Then, they announced who would perform that evening in the finals.

Name after name....but K's name wasn't called.  We looked at each other and headed home.  We talked about ways to improve and that this was a good experience for her.  Then, I got a phone call.  There was a mistake.  They wanted K in the finals and apologized for not calling her name.  Excitement set in!  K would be singing in the finals that evening!

We went back downtown and prepared for her final performance.  This time, there was a large crowd.  We waited backstage as each act performed.  Finally, it was K's turn.  She sang her heart out.  The crowd cheered and screamed.  K soaked it all in and gave the best performance I've seen her give.  It was a rush!

Then, they announced the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st place performers.  K didn't make the top 3, but those working behind the scenes were all very impressed.  It was an exciting day....the last day she'd be 13 years old.

Her birthday landed on a Wednesday.  Her friend came over to hang out.  K wanted to eat out at a Chinese buffet.  Then, we went to church where we practiced for the VBS skits.  When we came home, we finally got to enjoy cake and ice cream.  She also opened her gifts.  The next day, she and her friend hung out and eventually, I took them on my list of errands.  We stopped to get ice cream and sat at a park.  We played several games of "the floor is lava" which stems from a game we all played as a child.  Now, it has become a new YouTube challenge!  K had me running through the Asian grocery store to find a safe place off the lava-filled floor.  I died.

The next week, we got to celebrate with more of her friends.  Cake, ice cream, and swimming!

This is K:  talkative, singing, joy-filled, Lord-loving, teen!

Happy 14th birthday!