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? 

Happy birthday, America!

We had a fabulous 4th of July!  (What a difference a year makes!)  Just thought I'd share some of our highlights . . .

The main event of the day - a church picnic!  What could be better than great food

(including Noah's first taste of watermelon - he ate two slices) . . .

 . . . water balloon tosses . . .

 . . . even though some people got VERY wet!

 A moonbounce is always a hit with the kids!  Jaden and Lael both enjoyed this activity, although Jaden came home sporting a few bumps to the cheeks from colliding with someone's elbow mid-bounce.

 And did I mention yummy desserts???

And not just any dessert - these desserts were all part of a bake-off competition.  Lael and Jaden both decided that they wanted to enter a dessert.  Lael made Brownie Bites, a scrumptious confection that combines my from-scratch brownie recipe with Reece's Peanut Butter Cup candies in a mini-cupcake . . . I'd show you a picture, but they were gone before I could take one!

Jaden chose to make Banana Split Dessert - which he renamed 4th of July Cake in honor of the occasion.  He had Mom's help in a supervisory and advisory capacity (and to do things like run appliances), but this was very much HIS dessert.  It was chosen as one of five winners based on presentation by those attending the picnic!

 But that wasn't all . . . Jaden's dessert came in FIRST PLACE - out of all those who entered!  He was pretty shocked at first . . . then really excited!

His Sunday School teacher came in second with a magnificent pineapple upside-down cake!  Here they are with their prize baskets . . . although Jaden was told that he would receive a more kid-appropriate prize soon! ;) 

However, he really liked his first place ribbon!

Not to be outdone by her little brother, Lael won the drawing for a digital scrapbook kit!  I think she and Mommy will enjoy that prize! 

And then what picnic would be complete without a swing ride for Noah? 

We came home exhausted . . . but in such a good way!   

Happy birthday, America!

Happy Easter!

Here we are on Easter Sunday morning . . . excited to worship our risen Savior!

 My boys

 Lael LOVES her baby brother!

 My sweet children - love them so much!

 Jaden - growing up so fast . . . almost 7 years old!

 And Lael is practically a young lady at 10 years old!

 Not to be left out, here's our sweet baby . . . almost 1 year old!

From our family to yours,

have a blessed Easter!

Singing for Jesus

The children of our church are working on a musical that they will perform in the spring, but today they gave us a preview by singing one of the songs - called "Forgive and Forget".

Lael sang the verses as a solo, and Jaden sang enthusiastically with the group; he knew all the motions and did them perfectly! I love seeing children use their gifts for the Lord - and it's a special blessing when it's my own children!

The Slingshot Heard Round the World!

Recently, Lael and Jaden participated in their very first church musical - entitled "The Slingshot Heard Round the World" . . . otherwise known as the story of David and Goliath. They worked so very hard to prepare for this musical, including many weeks of practices. And they did a GREAT job! (Spoken as a proud mommy!)

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend in person - because of being in the hospital on bedrest - but Daddy got some pictures, and friends from church videotaped it so I could see it right away. (The official video won't be ready for a few weeks.)

So, here they are in their stage debut . . .

Jaden had a speaking part - as Eliab, David's older brother!

Lael had some speaking parts AND a solo!

They both love to worship with flags! Great job, Lael and Jaden!!!

Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you for using your gifts to serve Jesus!

Community Fun Day 2009

Saturday was the day of our third Community Fun Day . . . and what a day it was! As a church, we seek to reach out to those in our community with the love of Jesus, and this day is filled with food, fun, games, prizes and other activities that do just that! Here are just a few snapshots of the day:

We had well over 350 people from the community attend this event . . . some recommitted their lives to the Lord, and all had the opportunity to hear about the love of Jesus! Now we are praying for an abundant harvest out of the seeds that were sown!

Mission-Minded Kids Rally

Not sure how I forgot about this, but back in March Lael and Jaden attended our denomination's Missions-Minded Kids rally along with two other children from our church. It was a FABULOUS day that really served to emphasize the importance of missions and the needs around the world.

Throughout the day they experienced the challenges of learning a new language (Chinese), tried new foods, dressed in traditional Arabic clothing -- and through it all were reminded that God loves ALL the people of the world!

It's summertime . . .

. . . and that means swimming whenever possible!

We had a fun-filled day at the pool yesterday with the kids from Treasure Seekers -- as well as a cookout.

Can you find Lael and Jaden in this picture? What a fun time spent with friends!

And even more special is the fact that your sibling is your best friend!