Say Ya Ya Ya Yes to Vvvvv VBS!

Vacational Bible School consumed 3 weeks of our summer and I think the kids will say they were some of the best! We have been so blessed by each VBS and all the workers who dedicated many hours to make them possible. The fact that the kids get to have a blast, sing praises, make crafts and have snacks all while learning about what an awesome God we serve is priceless and better than a weeks vacation anywhere! The three oldest kids have participated in VBS programs over the summer for years, but this was Grady's first experience; he loved it!

The first VBS we were part of was in June in Rehobeth, at the Rehobeth CRC. Panda Mania! I got to lead a group and have Hope, as well as Alice Kok & Jadyn Kimm, plus 4 other little sweeties. This VBS was awesome! I served along side many others from the River as a leader, which was really cool. There were about 150 kids and each and every one of them were able to see God at work. The groups rotated thru, story time, games, crafts, snack time and a video session, each of which were well planned and exciting for the kids. Grace and Hope both really got into the worship time and often got on stage to sing and do the motions. The kids really enjoyed getting to know new kids, as well as participate in a VBS with kids from church. Wesley didn't get to participate in VBS, but got to play with other little ones and still had lots of fun.

The 2nd VBS the 4 oldest were part of was at the Packing House in Redlands, July 11-15. This VBS was huge! This one was Promise Island and the kids got to dress island style with hawaaiin skirts/shirts, leis and the girls wore a flower in their hair. The kids came home each day singing the songs and talking about the promise they had learned that day. Kids from our church and our homeschool group were all part of this VBS, so the kids enjoyed having friends with them. I was really looking forward to a week of just Wesley in the mornings, but it didn't quite turn out as planned. Wesley was an absolute wreck and was a naughty teary mess. I asked him what his problem was and he said "there's no kids. I miss Grady. We need to pick up our kids" Poor guy, he didn't know what to do with himself and I guess running errands or finishing projects with mom isn' that fun and he was miserable.

The last VBS was at Fellowship of the Pass in Beaumont and was the last week of July. We've gone to this VBS for 4 years now and every year the kids are excited to go to see friends from years past, there were also friends from our homeschool group and some friends from church too. The theme was the Big Apple and the kids learned about the big city and how God will meet us anywhere, even in a busy, big city. Wesley was better this time around and I have stuff planned so he wouldn't be bored doing "mom stuff."

We have enough VBS songs in our heads to last at least til next summer :) We are blessed!

Moms...by the Oates kids

My Aunt sent me an email of these questions asked to a 2nd grade class about Moms. I laughed out loud at some of the responses, so I thought it would be fun to ask my kids the same questions and I laughed at their responses too.

Everything you wanted to know about Moms...by the Oates kids...ages 4, 7, 9 & 11

How did God make Moms?
Z- by taking minerals, blood, some dirt and Adam's bones. Didn't you read Genesis Mom?
H- first He came up with Adam & Eve, then a bunch of other people, then when you have kids you're a Mom

Why did God make Moms?
G1- to have kids
G2- to "nuggle" wif us at bedtime

What ingredients are Moms made from?
Z-muscles, bones, blood, a brain and even privates
H- the same thing girls are made from

Why did God make me your Momma?
Z- because He blessed you with me
H- because you married Daddy

What do Moms do in their spare time?
H- go to the grocery store
G2- look at pictures on the computer

Why did Momma marry Daddy?
G2- because you kiss him
G1- Seriously, Mom? Because you love him

What's the difference between Moms and Dads?
H-Moms like to shop and Dads like to play golf
Z-male and female and Moms boobs grow bigger than Dads

Who's the boss at our house?
H- Daddy, but he has to ask you
G1- depends on who's home

What would make Momma the perfect Mom?
Z- getting us a swimming pool
G2- getting a baby in your tummy

Oh to have the perspective of a kid again! :) I need to do this more often, simply ask them questions and record their responses. Soon they'll know the "right" answers, but I love relishing in the fact that their minds are growing and their perspectives are changing as they grow. Thanks for a good laugh kids :) Momma loves you!