One Way Street

Kevin called yesterday afternoon about three with this spur-of-the-moment idea: Let's take the kids to see One Way Street tonight. They were doing a show at CLC in Stockton. So, we did and it was great! The puppets were really fantastic and we got some great ideas for our own "idea files." The best part though was seeing how much the kids enjoyed it. As soon as the puppets came out, Denae started pointing and saying "puppet!" She danced around in the pew to the music and waved her hands when the puupets would. Dallas' favorite part was the big huge "body" puppets that they used with the black lights, especially two that sang and danced at the same time. He said they were like twins. The girls liked the puppet shows that played on the the screen. Their was a really neat mix of screen shows, black lights, music and singing, and puppet/puppeteer interaction. Totally cool!

All Done!

The girls finished learning all of their verses on Saturday. Yea! Now we just have to get them down enough to reference. They can reference 164 verses. The last 20, from Eph 6, they haven't started referencing yet, although they can quote them in backwards order, from verse 20 to verse 1. Tomorrow we'll mix that chapter up seperatley and by the end of the week, the last chapter will be in our reference stack with all the other verses. They enjoyed learning this chapter, especially about the armor of God.

Happy Father's Day

I have been so blessed to have wonderful men in my life that true examples of what it means to be Godly men.

First of all, Happy Father's Day, Kevin! You are such a great husband, daddy, provider, and leader of our home. You work so hard and do everything you can to take care of us and allow me to stay at home with the kids. Thank you for that. You take time to be with kids, whether its all together for a game of softball in the backyard or wrestling on the living room floor, or for special one on one times for a trip to Costco, to go get donuts, or even to go to work with you. You make each one of the kids feel so special and loved. We love you and appreciate you.

Also, Happy Father's Day to my daddy, the best Daddy and Poppa ever!! You have always been my rock, my hero. You were there for me when I was growing up and provided a safe haven during the rocky times. I remember playing ball with you in the front yard and the game where we would throw the ball over the roof of the house. I know that things would get tough sometimes, but we kids never knew it. As a young lady, you taught me what it meant to be treated like a lady and I knew to never, ever except less than the best. You were like a guard dog when it came to the guys, and I thank you for that. Now, you still do everything you can to take care of your kids and grandkids and we appreciate it. I love to watch you play with my kids the way you used to play with me. I know I can always count on you when I need I help. I guess I'll always be your "baby girl." We love you!

To my father-in-law, Happy Father's Day! You are a great dad and dad-in-law. We always know who to call when something breaks and needs fixed. You love your grandkids to a distraction and they return the favor by adoring you. You taught Kevin how to be a man and his loyalty, work ethic, and rock-solid faith are a direct result of your influence in his life. Thank you and we love you.

To Brent, Paul, and Craig: Happy Father's Day! Hope you have a great day! You are all great Dad's raising great kids. Kevin and I have learned a lot about parenting by watching each of you with your families. We are blessed to have such wonderful men our families training up our nieces and nephews.

Summer Bible Quizzing Tournament

Last weekend the Rock Church hosted the Summer Tournament for Apostolic Bible Quizzing. We had a great time and saw some awesome quizzing. I kept score for Beginners most of the time, so I didn't get to see much of the Juniors or Seniors, but my goodness, those little quizzers can quiz up a storm! They started the morning with a warm-up game similar to Musical Chairs involving all of the quizzers. It was a lot of fun and the quizzers really seemed to enjoy it. While we watched the quizzers march around the table, I looked down and Denae was marching around the judges table all by herself. Monkey see, monkey do hehe!

I was really proud of Darilyn this tournement. She, for the first time in her 2 years of quizzing, was on the All Tournament Team. She was 5th highest scorer and received her "very own" trophy. She has worked so hard at memorizing her verses and has really improved in her quizzing this year. But, since she is one of the youngest quizzers, it can be hard to compete with the older ones. Against other quizzers her age, around 5 and 6, she can hold her own, but when she's put against the 8, almost 9, year olds, she gets a bit intimidated. So, for her to get a trophy is a real accomplishment and we are very proud of how well she is doing. Delaney was 2nd highest scorer, with Karlee beating her out for 1st again. Karlee sure keeps Delaney on her toes! The girls ended up with 1st place, after losing to two of the teams in the Round Robin. They came back in the championship round to win all their quizzes, all though there were some close calls.

I just want to say, I am very proud of how well ALL of the quizzers are doing. What they say is true: Everyone in Bible Quizzing is a winner. When you think about what all it takes for a child to take the time to memorize 184 verses in just a few months, it really is amazing. And for those who maybe get behind and haven't quiet memorized them all, well, even half the number of verses is more than most adults take the time to learn. Way to go, Quizzers! Just one more tournament for our Beginners! You can do it! (Check out the side bar under quizzing to see the girls progress in memorization)

On a side note, Christian and Austin and their team captian Audie took first in Juniors, with Chrirstian geting 4th on the All Tournament Team and Austin tying for 1st. Great Job, guys!

Check back after July 19th to see how Sacramento does at the Regional Finals!

Born Negotiator

Dallas went to work at the greenhouse today with Kevin. He always enjoys working with his Daddy and Kevin can usually find him things to do to keep him occupied. Today he asked Dallas if he wanted to clean out weeds from under the plant benches. Usually Dallas would jump at the chance to be a "working man," but today he said no, he didn't want to do that. Well, Kevin knows that normally the girls and Dallas love the chance to make a little money, and they usually get a little bit for doing extra things like that, so Kevin told Dallas he would pay him if he pulled the weeds. Dallas, immediately, without even thinking about it asked, "A hundred dollars?" Then he began to negotiate down how much he had to do. "I'll just pull the big weeds okay?" Definitely Kevin's son, already learning how to negotiate a job to get paid more for doing less lol!

Some More Pics

Denae brushing her teeth. She really likes to do this herself, but of course, Mommy gets a turn, too!

Pretty little Angel

What a hansome guy!

My little Lady is growing into a "young lady."

The Princess, so pretty in pink.

Kids, kids, and more kids!

Last Tuesday, June 3, Elle and Ashley came over to stay with us for a little while. The kids really had a good time playing together. At the end of the day, they all decided Elle was going to live with us and Dallas was going to go and live with Elle's brothers. He really enjoys playing with Levi and Myles. Here are a few pics of their day with us. Denae is sitting on my lap as I type this, pointing to the pictures and saying, "Ahsee, Iwanna see Ashee."

Snaggle Tooth

Delaney lost another tooth. Now she doesn't have her two front teeth. Of course, she'll get them in way before Christmas, so I guess she won't be singing that song come December.

Darilyn's Kindergarten Graduation

The day after the zoo field trip, we had Darilyn's kindergarten graduation. It was really cute. We had it in the classroom with the other 8 kindergarteners and Ms. Askins even let Delaney stay with us. The kids sang a few songs. Darilyn got to do a special part at the end of one of the songs, and that was the high light of her day, I think. The kids then each got a diploma from the teacher. Then it was time for doughnuts and juice. What could be more fun than that? Funny thing is, we got up extra early that morning and took the kids for doughnuts as a special treat for Darilyn's big day. Of course they were all able to eat one more. We wouldn't want to waste an oppurtunity for eating sugar!

Trip to the Zoo

Darilyn's class went on a trip to the zoo the day before the last day of school. (That last week was a doozy between fieldtrips for both girls and pizza parties and holidays!) I was able to attend as a chaperone and really enjoyed it. Thanks Kim for watching Dallas and Denae so I could go!!We were able to see everything except the repitile house. The kids were disappointed about that, but had a good time anyways.

Our favorite exhibit was the penguins. They were so cute! We went to see them first and had a hard time getting the kids to leave. And then, they wanted to go back at the end, even though we didn't have time to. We always enjoy going to the zoo and hopefully I can take Dallas and Denae soon. (I've heard rumors that Zoo Train's last class might be at the zoo. How fun would that be?!)

It's been a while since I posted, so . . .

First of all, thank you to everyone who has praying for my mom. She went home today after being in the hospital for a week and a half. We are very thankful to God for touching her body and trust that He will keep helping her to heal and adjust. These kisses are for you, Mom!

I promise I will get back on track and try not to neglect my blog anymore. I really enjoy keeping track of my kids accomplishments this way. It gives me a chance to sit down and think about all the wonderful ways in which they are changing and growing up everyday. Normally just being a mommy doesn't give me too much time to sit and ponder, but having this outlet gives me a reason to do just that. So, if I am goint to get any of my updates posted today, I better get started!