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!

Summer Bible Study

Summer brings with it so many good things that I look forward to, Bible study at our church is one of them. During the school year we attend a study at Trinity that offers a class for home schoolers which is great for Zach, Grace & Hoper. The Trinity study wraps up in May and then the study at the River started first part of June. There is just something comforting about being in a study with ladies you know and love. I need to be in the Word and feel so much better when I am being challenged on a daily basis to seek Him more.

This summer we studied

This study was great. I love Beth Moore and her quirkiness, as well as how she challenges women to seek God's Word and see things we might not have seen before. She presents valid truths in ways that women relate to. I must admit though, it was a challenge for me do stay on top of my study, as there is about an hours worth of reading and questions, 5 days/week and summer is full of vacations and fun. I need the challenge and find it ever so refreshing to start the summer mornings off with a cup of coffee, my Bible and study sitting outside as the sun starts to rise.

Linsey Jacobs, thank you for your insight and Godly wisdom and leading us all through this study, I adore you.

Things I love about you...

I've been overcome with gratitude lately at how amazingly good my life is, how blessed I am to have 5 kids, a wonderful husband, great family and reliable friends.
Last weekend, James and I got to get away for 2 nights, just the 2 of us. We slept in, talked for hours, read our books, laid by the pool, ate yummy food, sat in the hot tub and had few drinks. We went to a great wedding and enjoyed the drive both there and home with just some music and conversation.
While lying by the pool and glanced over at my husband of 14 years and my heart was filled with gratitude and my mind filled with thoughts, like a movie reel of our life together. I closed my eyes, not wanting any of those thoughts and pictures to vanish. I jotted them down in the back of my book and wanted to share those of my 6 greatest loves. It's the little things...

Jamesy...You make me laugh, When life is difficult, when life is great, you always make me laugh. Laughter soothes my soul and reminds of what's good in life, please don't ever stop!

Zachary...My sweet boy, I love that your first response in basically every situation is to pray. You remind me that NOTHING is too big or too little to pray about and that God always listens and answers our prayers according to His will. There is little sweeter than to hear you pray.

Gracie...I love when you brush my hair. I so enjoy our quiet conversations, that you're honest & still a little silly. I hope you'll love to brush my hair & chat with me at night years from now.

Hoper...I love when you first wake up, hair all a mess, quackers in hand, thumb in mouth and sleepily say "Mornin Momma, Love you."

Grady...I love that you sing everything. You follow after my heart, because all of life is better with a song. Please don't ever stop singing, even if it's just in the shower.

Wesley...I love your gentle spirit. When you gently rub my face and filled with emotion say "I like you Momma" I want to grab your chubby little hand and hold it there forever!

Busy, Busy, Busy

Gym, School work, Bible study, photography, fun, karate, Gym, editing pictures, piano lessons, Dr. appointments, small group, laundry, dishes, Costco, Wal Mart, schoolwork, editing pictures, home school group, field trips, learning records, laundry, yardwork...
Enough said!!!

Living Desert

It was a free day for home schoolers at the Living Desert, so the Mitchells hopped in the Oates family bus and we headed to the desert for the day. We packed lunches and as many cold drinks we could fit in our bags. There was a great picnic area where we sat and ate and the kids went back and forth into the great air conditioned exihibits nearby.

It was roasting hot, but aside from that the kids had a blast. We decided to head home, when Jenna & I realized the kids weren't looking at the animals, but just trying to sit in the shade to stay cool, hehe! :)

Ice cream from McDonalds was just the right treat for everyone as we headed home.

Thanks Mitchells for joining us on a great, hot day :)

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!

Easter

Easter Day...a few pics after church and before brunch. We are blessed beyond measure. Thank You for the Cross!!!
More to come later...