Thursday, April 29, 2010

RED HAT TEA PARTY...


Yes, I did! I didn't expect to be going to one of these things for at least...well....20 more years! But would you believe the day I picked to go see my Grandma in the Rehab Hospital this week was RED HAT TEA PARTY DAY! WooHoo!

Apparently reps from different Home health care/Hospice companies come every few weeks and do things like this so the patients will pick them to do their dying with! (Yea, I don't care that I am grammatically incorrect!) Anyway, the party guy brought his Otis Spunkmeyer oven and cookies and we had a party. Poor guy, he looked so uncomfortable...as he offered the ladies (and one man) the cookies he had just baked, he made the mistake of telling them that Snickerdoodles were still baking in the oven. Of course, 3/4's of the ladies wanted Snickerdoodles! There was lots of interesting conversation that afternoon...

Can't wait for the NURSING HOME CARNIVAL next month!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

OH, THE THINGS YOU LEARN IN COLLEGE...

I've told my kids many times that you don't go to college JUST so you can get a better job...you go to grow up, to learn to get along with others, to be more responsible, and to



GO TO BANQUETS ON A SUBMARINE DECK?



AND OF COURSE, LEARN HOW TO CATCH A FISH!

Sunday, April 25, 2010

MY CUP OVERFLOWS...PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY

Every once in a while you have those wonderful, blessing-filled times. A little taste of heaven? Maybe so...

This weekend was the culmination of several months of training for the HALF MARATHON! I consider myself a walker more than a runner, so it was an amazing last few months making the transformation to being a runner. My husband/coach ran with me the entire time, at my pace, 12:21, even though that's slow for him. We finished the 13.1 miles in 2:42!!! My knees are sore and I've got a blister, but feeling pretty good about it! It was a fun family time with my oldest and youngest running as well.



NOT ONLY THAT, but it also was GRADUATING SENIOR NIGHT at our congregation. I watched as my son and so many of his friends led us in worship and received Bibles from the elders. I was really touched as my son led the round, "LOVE ONE ANOTHER" and 4 other seniors did sign language to the different parts. We honored the seniors by decorating tables with items that reflect their life and accomplishments. We listened at a banquet of how each one was special to our youth ministry staff. It was a wonderful evening of celebration of 12 years of education and transition to the future!








MY CUP TRULY DOES OVERFLOW!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

MENTAL HEALTH DAY...

I preach a balanced life, but don't always live it. Total exhaustion has about pushed me over the edge. Guilty feelings about not seeing my Grandma, not attending Moms In Touch for 3 weeks, a house that is in desperate need of vacuuming and dusting (not to mention the toilets!), training for the half-marathon, expecting my daughter and friend this weekend and of course wanting to make wonderful recipes for her, tomato plants waiting to be put in the ground, senior table finished up...the list goes on and on.

I'm checking out today. That's one good thing about having all the kids in school! I'm taking a long, hot bath, and pulling out the Tony's pizzas for the fam. DON'T CALL ME!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

SO, YOU TWISTED MY ARM...

I wasn't going to post this because it was taken on a dress rehearsal night and it vastly improved over the next few days...but only the boys know the mistakes. Us parents thought it was pretty neat...

Sunday, April 18, 2010

BE STILL MY HEART...


Oh, can you say MALE MODELS?!!! The best thing about it is these boys are handsome INSIDE AND OUT! Polite, good looking,great singers, and not only that... among them is Mr. EMHS, a tennis champ, an excellent guitarist, and incredible actor! They sang quartet-style for the Follies talent show this past week. The sad thing is they are headed in four different directions this fall. Remember these four outstanding young men and all seniors in high school as they graduate and move in a new direction for their lives!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

JEREMIAH WAS A BULLFROG...

OH, this takes me back! So glad these kids made it one of their Follies Acts! Watch my son's facial expressions (in blue)...HILARIOUS!

SHOWS TONIGHT, FRIDAY, AND SATURDAY, 7 P.M. EMHS!

Monday, April 12, 2010

I'M ALWAYS SHOCKED TO SEE MYSELF IN PICTURES...


I FEEL LIKE THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING WOMAN!!! But that's not what's really happening here. My boys are just getting INCREDIBLY TALL!

Well, the Easter bunny almost forgot about us! But there were some eggs hidden in our yard Sunday morning, and my 14 and 18 year old boys decided they weren't too big to go find them! They were rewarded with lots of chocolate and coins. Great car wash money for my older one! I did take some pics but decided not too embarrass them by posting them.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

CHEAPEST MEAL FOR 175 KIDS...YES, 175...


15 Stouffer's lasagnas = $150

9 loaves garlic bread = $20

9 Salad in a bag = $45

Salad dressing + parmesan cheese = $20

Desserts = donated from parents

$235 TOTAL, OR $1.34 PER PERSON

= 175 WELL FED KIDS!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

A LITTLE SCRAPBOOKING PAPER MAKES ANYTHING CUTE...


Don't you think? I made these little plaques or whatever you want to call them for my Bible study's year end luncheon and had so much fun! I've seen cute scrapbooking paper strips around pillar candles, paper used as placemats...the possiblities are endless!

What's your best use of beautiful scrapbooking papers?

Sunday, April 4, 2010

12,000 CALORIE AWARD...



Wow! What a trophy, huh? This was an "award" given to our senior for his participation in Leadership Training for Christ for 10 years. He started when he was a 3rd grader, and although he's grown considerably busier in the last few years, I'm pleased that he wanted to continue, even if in a small way. It was our church groups's 10th year to participate and he is the only student remaining that has done LTC for 10 years after starting that first year with a group of 32.

If you've never done LTC, let me tell you a little about it (and if you have, just skip to the bottom!) :

LTC is a program to encourage young people 3rd-12th grade to use their talents for the Lord. They can participate in many different events, from basic Bible reading and Song leading to interpreting scripture through Artwork and Photography. Conventions are held around the nation where kids and their families come to showcase their skills and be judged. This year my son tried something new by submitting a short film. The possibilities are endless!

My song leaders!


Many people don't do LTC with the reason being that it happens on Easter weekend. I totally understand that, however there are ways to still do Easter and LTC. We always chose to have "our Easter" the following Sunday. Which meant that my sister and her family could celebrate with her husband's family one weekend and ours the next. A few of those years we skipped the awards and drove to my husband's hometown to be with them on Easter.

There are pros and cons to every activity you choose for your family to participate in, but this is a neat one that the whole family can go to and participate in some way. We develop their academic and sports skills with tests and tournaments, why not encourage faith building skills? As the kids grow older it might get harder to get them to do it, but getting a friend or two to participate in chorus or a puppet show with them helps. So does a special reward like a little side trip to the mall or Speed Zone!


We eat pretty well, too! Our leaders bring in mexican food from On The Border for a Saturday night fiesta!


The convention concludes on Sunday morning with a mega worship service in the hotel ballrooms. It's a real honor to be asked to participate in the service and it's always inspiring!

I really can't believe we've been doing this for 10 years. How the years fly by!!!

Friday, April 2, 2010

PRAYER FOR SENIORS...

Oh God,

My baby is now over 6 ft. tall and I can't MAKE him do ANYTHING anymore. I can only nag....I mean...gently remind.

I trust in YOU and your promises.

Most of his free time is spent with his friends. I only get glimpses of him...

I trust in YOU and your promises.

You have blessed him with many talents. May he seek to use them for your kingdom.

I trust in YOU and your promises.

He looks for wisdom from his peers now. I feel my words are lost on him...

I trust in YOU and your promises.

This kid needs practical work experience. Please open a door for him.

I trust in YOU and your promises.

What will college bring for him? Will his roommate be a good influence on him or drive him crazy?

I trust in YOU and your promises.

Thank you, heavenly Father for your PROVISION, PROTECTION and your PROMISES!

In the name of Jesus,

Amen!

Train up a child in the way he should go,
and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6