MMK Rally!

This past Saturday our denomination hosted a kids' missions rally - I had taken Lael and Jaden a couple of years ago and decided to go again this year . . . and I'm so glad we went!

We took Janasia, one of Lael's friends from church, along with us - it was her first time attending an MMK (Mission-Minded Kids) rally.  And two of the children's ministry teachers went along as well.  (Noah did too, but he's not in this picture!)

 The day was a wonderful combination of teaching on missions and hands-on activities.

 The kids were also encouraged at almost every stop to think about the talents and abilities they have as well as the things they enjoy doing and consider how they can use those things to change the world for Jesus!

 Here they were given a piece of foil - their task: to make something that represents something they enjoy doing.  Then we talked about how they could use those talents for God.  Jaden made a building (representing his avid interest in LEGOs), while Lael made a musical note (for her passions in singing, playing the piano, worship and dance).

 Throughout the day, the leaders prayed over the children - that they would be the people God made them to be and use the gifts that He has given them to make a difference.

 Of course, lunchtime was a highlight as well - my kids don't often have a "bag lunch" - they loved reaching into their bags to see what else was in there ;)

 The kids also had an opportunity to experience a little bit of different cultures.

The tastes - like chai tea and muk tuk - a tasty treat made from whale blubber (or in this case, Cool Whip) and frozen fruit.  Lael thought that was quite tasty and has requested that I make it sometime soon - the Cool Whip version, not the whale blubber version!

 Jaden thought this hat was the best one he's ever worn . . . too bad we'd have to go to Alaska to get one!

 This game is from the Ukraine - when you move the paddle just right, the chickens peck at the ground in a rhythmic pattern.

 This club was also from the Ukraine . . . used by young men there.

 Jaden wanted me to take a second picture - he said he didn't look mean enough the first time!

 The girls loved the origami station - they learned how to make a puppy (and Lael has made a litter of them since we've been home)!

 We also visited a tribe in Papua New Guinea - complete with a snack of grubs (aka gummy worms) and heard why it's so important to translate the Bible into the languages of people that don't have it yet.

 They even learned a little Bindere in singing "Jesus Loves Me".

 The message of the day was clear . . . God has given each person unique gifts - and our responsibility is to use our gifts to change the world!

 We want to be "lightbulbs" and let the Lord's light shine on through . . . what about you? 

Super Bowl XLIII is history . . .

. . . and I really didn't see any of it! Not that I care that much about football in general, but since I've been married, my wonderful husband has endeavored to educate me about the finer points of the sport. Now, at least I can ask intelligent questions ;-)

Since neither the Patriots (the team of my childhood home) nor the Eagles (my huband's favorite team) were playing, I really didn't care who won - although I must confess that I was sorta hoping the Cardinals would pull off the win, mainly because nearly everyone I know was looking for a Steelers win and I like to cheer for the "underdog" - or at least the under-cheered for team!

So, what was I doing during the Super Bowl? Why, I was in charge of the concession stand, of course! I mean, football fans have to eat, right? (Besides, my best friend was here with her husband and family, so the guys watched the game, and we had "girl time" and took care of little ones.)

We had cheeseburger soup (so yummy) with homemade bread, spinach and artichoke dip (a family favorite) with Scoops corn chips, carrots and celery (needed something healthy - thanks, Connie) . . .

And for dessert, "football brownies" -- aren't they cute!

I just took my regular brownie recipe, baked them as usual, cut them into football shapes (use your imagination) and added the white icing "laces". Jaden has been talking about this all week - he couldn't wait for the Super Bowl so he could have football brownies! It's the simple things in life that bring the most joy!

Fun with friends

We had a visit last week from some special friends! While they were visiting, we did a tissue paper art project . . . lots of fun!

Here are our friends working hard on their projects!

Jaden is busy adding squares of tissue paper to his fall leaf outline that he first "painted" with water.

Once the tissue paper was on and completely wet, we let it dry before removing the tissue paper pieces.

And here are the finished projects . . .

It's looking more and more like fall every day! I'm hoping that we can go for a nature walk at the end of this week and pick up some fall leaves . . . both Lael and Jaden have been fascinated by the vibrant colors we've seen around us so far! Our God is so creative, and He's made such a beautiful world for us to enjoy!