Take A Chance!

We went to an arcade! It's a great place to go if you only want to spend a little money. I got away with only spending ten dollars.This was thanks to coupons and tokens we were given at a recent party. Saving money is always important, but that is not the story I have for you today. While we were at the arcade Pie Pie decided she had to play the claw game. At this particular arcade it is called Treasure Chest. This is the game where you try to get a prize, usually a stuffed animal, with a giant claw. I have never actually seen anyone win this game, but she was determined to try anyway.



She played for quite some time and used up most of her tokens. She didn't win a thing. She finally gave up. Pants comes over and decides she has to play too. She puts her tokens in, positions the claw, and drops it. Well you guessed it! The claw snaps up a toy. In my head half of me is cheering and the other half is in disbelief. Pie Pie handled it pretty well, but was justifiably disappointed. I still can't believe Pants won on her first try. It truly is chance. Now you can tell your friends you know someone who actually won at the claw game!

Pants with her prize.

Where do you see God?

At Vacation Bible School we did a special activity where we looked for God everyday! I wanted to share some of the sweet things the kids had to say.



 I hope you enjoy! Just so you know Squeaky is our pet! Pie Pie loves her guinea pig. The kids related to the fact that animals help show us God's love. I see God in the beauty of creation. I love flowers. I also feel His love when I enjoy a hug from my children. Where do you see God?

Backstage at Light Up the Night

Now when I say backstage I mean literally backstage! This past school year Pie Pie took ballet. When it came time for the recital, the studio asked for parent volunteers to spend time with the kids backstage. I was one of the parents who signed up for the job. I got to be a part of all of the enthusiasm. There was lots of laughter, hairspray, glitter and tapping feet! The tapping feet did start to get a little annoying after a while. (I do love tap dancers, it was just loud where we were.) The girls were very anxious waiting for their turn to go onstage. When their time came, the girls lined up and went to the wings of the stage. I got to go too! It was dark so it was hard to see. They were a little disoriented at first, but their teacher was there to help them to their places. Their music, "Be Our Guest", started playing and they danced. I am so proud of them. They were captivating! They additionally had fun which is always ideal. When the music ended they ran off the stage. I got the chance to tell Pie Pie (right away) she did wonderfully. You could feel their relief because this dance was over for the night. 

The dance studio Pie Pie attends allows parents to take pictures and video at the dress rehearsal. You can go right up to the stage. So, of course, I took advantage of this.

Pie Pie performed in two recitals. So, the one I wasn't a parent volunteer, I got a chance to enjoy the show. My ticket was actually free because I had helped out! Pants and I got to enjoy all the performances and we anxiously waited for Pie Pie to take the stage. She was just as charming the second time. Even though Pie Pie has decided she isn't going to take dance anymore (at least for now). We had an enjoyable experience and are looking forward to when Pants takes the stage! 

A Day at the Smithfield Farm

This summer we are learning about plants. One of the best places to learn about plants is in a garden.  We are currently lacking in the yard department, so we frequently visit my brother's house. His wife, also known as, Mrs. Smith, is growing a garden this summer. I love to take the girls over so they can see all of the vegetables and fruit. Pants got to eat a strawberry right out of her garden! She thinks it is the best thing ever to see everything growing.

She loved the broccoli. She said it was beautiful!

They also have chickens on their farm that we have seen grow since they were babies. The girls love to visit them. We know that some are going to be dinner! That's okay with us! I love chicken! I am additionally excited to see when they start laying eggs!

I enjoy following the changes on their farm from day to day! It is so amazing to see how plants and animals grow and mature. God is so wonderful in how He supplies for our every need! If you would like to learn more about the Smithfield Farm check it out for yourself on Mrs. Smith's Blog! (http://thesmithfieldfarm.blogspot.com/)

My Week in Hometown Nazareth

Yes, That's Me!

Vacation Bible School is over. It is bittersweet for me. I loved spending time with the kids this week, but I also like to sleep past seven in the morning. I know that isn't early for most people, however, it is for me. I am a night owl. I can manage to do mornings once in awhile, but every day for a whole week is a stretch.

I actually started enjoying being up on stage by the end of the week. It was good practice for Sunday when I have to do it in front of the whole church! I do love to sing. The motions are a different story. I am not highly coordinated so I was always a beat behind. It's harder than you think to sing and do motions. I just smiled and had fun!

Crafts and Snacks

I loved all the hugs, smiles, and hi-fives. They were so happy singing and dancing, you could feel the joy. The adults had a fun time too. They portrayed Mary (Jesus's mother) and Eunice (Mary's friend) at Mary's House. The children got to visit her daily and learn about Jesus as a child. There were Shopkeepers who taught crafts and made sure the children were well fed. They also got some energy out of their system at Fun and Games. I am so thankful for everyone who helped and the children who joined us this past week.

Fun and Games

We also participated in a Service Project. We collected toys, school supplies, and many other items for children who were affected by tornadoes. Everyone was very generous!

Overall we had over fifty kids registered throughout the week. Each one got to learn about God in a fun way. Was it a success? 
In my opinion, Definitely! 

Daddy's Little Sure Shot

The Daddy in our family has managed to avoid being featured in our blog. That is all about to change starting now. Over Father's Day weekend my brother and he decided to spend Saturday afternoon shooting rifles and shotguns. My brother owns a clay pigeon thrower so they took turns pulling and shooting.
Pie Pie decided she wanted in on the action. So Daddy took the time to give her a lesson. She shot his Ruger 10/22 Carbine. It is a .22 caliber and it holds 10 rounds.

I did some research and according to Ruger's Website (http://www.ruger.com/index.html) this rifle is America's favorite .22 LR rifle. It is ideally suited for informal target shooting, small game hunting, and action-shooting events. Millions have been sold since it's introduction in 1964.
Pie Pie got to shoot 15 bullets. She said it was weird but fun. She is looking forward to shooting his rifle again. Daddy was thrilled with how much fun they had and that she is showing an interest in one of his hobbies.

How do I feel about this? It was a little unsettling at the sight of my sweet, innocent, little girl holding a manly,big, grown-up gun. I am, however, fond of the fact that she was having a enjoyable time with her Dad!

Let Them Eat Cake!

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday Dear Friends!

Happy Birthday to You!

Pie Pie's creation at her Cupcake Decorating Party!

It's my birthday today! I decided that I would showcase some of the cakes we have tasted over the years! Many have been made by my mom, but there are a few others. We have enjoyed Transformers, Zhu Zhu Pets and many more. I promise they taste as yummy as they look. Watch Out! You will probably get a little icing in your teeth and on your lips. I am one of those people who has a mild phobia about having stuff in my teeth. Kids don't care, they think it is quite amusing!

Pinky made by my mom.

Sweetie Belle and Rainbow Dash made by my mom.

Spongebob GhostPants made by my mom.

Optimus Prime made by my mom.

Num Nums made by my mom.

 No matter what color my teeth and lips turn, I never pass up the chance to savor a slice of one of my mom's scrumptious cakes!

Flag cake made by Pie Pie and me!

Even Roosters Drink Coffee

We were reading bedtime stories the other night and I found the most exceptional illustration. The picture was in the book No Sleep for the Sheep. This book is written by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic. It is a humorous story about a sleepy sheep.  All of the animals take turns waking up the sheep. You have to make sure you are nice and loud when you are reading this book because there are numerous animal sounds! Bellow out that "MOOOOOOOO!" and  squeal out that "OINK!"! When the poor sheep finally gets to sleep the rooster calls out his "COCK - A- DOODLE DOO!" I won't tell you the end. You will have to read it for yourself. Your kids will love you even more than they already do!

Do you see that cup of coffee?!? I was in the middle of reading what I thought was a fairly ordinary kid's book and the rooster with the cup of coffee appeared. I love coffee and I found it very entertaining that roosters do too! It made my night! I guarantee that you will find this book a delightful read.



I Survived!

For Nothing is Impossible with God. Luke 1:37 

Well, I made it through the first crazy day! We got behind in the schedule so it got a little chaotic. I'm pretty sure the kids had no idea and we all had fun. I got to meet some new kids and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better as the week progresses. I was certainly very awkward up on stage but I didn't forget my smile! It can only get better and I have no doubt that events tomorrow will flow more as planned. 

Here are three tips for dealing with a mildly stressful situation:

1. Plentiful Prayer

2. Copious amounts of Coffee

3. and a Surplus of Skittles. (I just love them! Them make me happy.)



Sneak Peek

There is less than 24 hours left until Vacation Bible School! I will be live on stage at a church near you! What a stage it is. I just felt all of my stress melt away as I glimpsed it for the first time. I was convinced that everything could go wrong and I would be okay because the stage was so beautiful. I know that was a gift from God because He bestows different talents to all of us. I am very thankful for the women who created our stage scenery and most importantly for answered prayer.

Now I know that it is hard to see what I am describing from these pictures. Don't worry, this is just a sneak peek! There will be more to come.



Oodles of Doodles

Pants likes to draw on any piece of paper she can get her hands on. I find her doodles everywhere. Luckily she has learned to draw only on paper. She also likes to cut and glue her "projects"! Lots of little pieces of paper all over the place. I love her doodles. They make me smile. I hope they do the same for you.

Amateur Artist

Pie Pie has been drawing a lot lately. She has also developed a love for all things horses. So I asked her if she would like me to find a book on how to draw horses. Her reply was an astounding "Yes!". I looked at our library and found a couple of different books. She picked the two she liked best and got to work. I am delighted with her diligence. The final results are better than I imagined! See for yourself.

My Favorite!

Here's another drawing Pie Pie wanted me to share.