VBS recap

What a good looking group of kids. We had so much fun last week.

There were about 1,200 kids registered for the week. I love seeing kids singing for Jesus. Reminds me of Children's Choir.

I considered myself blessed that I was not in any way in charge of REC. Those rec people surely received extra jewels in heaven after a week in the TX heat.

While some people may question my "job" at VBS I know it's not as easy as it looks. Even if I just seem to walk around at will and do my own thing. For the past couple of years I have been in charge of the 4th and 5th grade newsletter that goes home every day. I take all the pictures and then make them into a two-sided newsletter.

For the first two days the kids act like, "why are you taking my picture?" Then once they start seeing themselves on the paper I start getting, "Hey take my picture, and lots of poses as I walk around" It's really cute.

It was a great week of VBS and the Walling Bus made it safely to and from church every day.

Haircut

Recently we were in LA so Dad and I took the boys to get a haircut at Mr. Randy's. Trent loves Mr. Randy, and typically Paw Paw can take the boys without me tagging along. But I wasn't sure how Ty was going to do with his haircut. He's hit or miss...

I was totally oblivious to the fact that during the 3 haircut sessions the boys were having fun photographing everything they could find in the shop.

This to me is a priceless photo. It's Zane SMILING while getting a haircut.

Trent takes in some of the reading material... A Gun catalog....Uncle Curtis would be proud

I have a feeling this is Paw Paw's "usual" spot at Mr. Randy's. It's close to the action.

Apparently someone has done something extremely funny. I'm not sure I want to know what that was.

Perhaps it's the collection of unusual artifacts on the wall. This framed declaration of independence flanked by the tribal mask.The outcome was good this day. No tears from anyone and three handsome boys with less hair to shampoo chlorine from.

What to do with a frog in the pool

What to do with a frog in the pool....

1. Get it out...

2. If it jumps away then secure the dog because he's likely to jump in after it

3. If you can't catch it.......watch it, maybe you can learn technique for your breaststroke.

4. If he insists on swimming then chase him....

5. Until it turns to chase you...

6. Then quickly exit the pool

Look Who's FIVE

Mia has been talking about her Birthday since June 18, 2008. She counts the months, the days, and the hours. This year she really wanted a party at Glitz & Glam or Libby Lu... Wouldn't you know it they both shut down this year. So there's no "Glittery Girly" places left.

Literally on a whim last night, (8:30) I decided that we could have Mia's party at Build-a-Bear, Today. So I called 3 of her little friends, plus our crew and it was an instant party.

We had lunch from Chik-fil-A and cupcakes. Mia opened a few presents and we headed downstairs for Build-a-Bear.

Everyone had a great time and Mia was super excited to celebrate her birthday, FINALLY, after a whole year of waiting.

It's Vacation Bible school week. We all like VBS because it's something we can ALL do together. Our cousin Gabe is here visiting so we're trying to maximize our fun this week. Zane has aged out of VBS but this year he is a helper in pre-school. I'm very proud that he chose to help and not stay home and veg on the couch.

After a long hot morning we all need a dip in the pool. Even Rocket

I asked all the kids to pick up 10 things before they went inside. I think they had pulled every single pool toy out. Gabe decided he would be on big equipment.

One year ago today

One year ago Today we were in Guizhou, China. We had no idea what was in store for us....neither did Ty. What a rollercoaster of a year it has been. He's been through 2 surgeries, had a cast, gotten stitches twice and other things in places we won't discuss. But no matter what he continues to amaze us. His attitude is always cheerful and he always has a little spring in his step.

He is a true joy to have in our family. It seems as if he has blended in seamlessley. Wow! What a difference just a year can make.

Proof that kids will argue about ANYTHING

My Gap is bigger than your gap....No my gap is bigger than yours.....No mine is defintley bigger...NO MINE IS

Until big brother steps in with a ruler. The results Kaylee 5/8"..........Trent 1/2"

Kaylee WINS

Mia's Pre-K Graduation

All I can say is I can't belive she's going to Kindergarten in 2 months

It's been a long time since I have been to the dentist. I guess as a mom you get sidetracked with everyone and everything else and sometimes your own dental health takes a back seat. Next time I need someone to push me back up to the front seat when I go this long with good dental care. Is 6 years really a long time to go without seeing a dentist? Anyway.

A few weeks ago I finally went in and was informed of the numerous cavities that would need the Dr.'s full attention. 2 of which were already beginning to bother me and I felt sure something was wrong in that location. Sure enough the Dr. let me know that the cavity was quite large and almost required a root canal. But he would try to let it ride with a filling "IF" when he got in there it wasn't to close to the nerve.

So today was the day.... I"m usually pretty good about handling these situations. But the fear began to build around noon. I went in and I must say that this Dr. did an excellent job, I did not feel a THING... Not a thing, He has a very gentle touch and I appreciate that greatly in a dentist.

However, something weird happened during the numbing process. I got a little too numb. My face and gums were numb but so was the rest of me. The room began spinning and I felt like I weighed 1000 pounds. I asked if this was normal but I got the You'll be OK speech. He said sometimes this does happen but usually leaves quickly. So, he began to work on my teeth and I got really relaxed. Flashbacks of a Seinfeld episode began to play in my head.

Then the theme song for Grease began to play and I wanted to jump up and dance. Thankfully, my legs were heavy like bricks and I couldn't move if I wanted to. About this time the drilling began. It's funny how the smell of filed teeth can transport you back to when you were 8 years old and sitting in the dentist chair.....During the drilling there was lots of praying. Not for me but for anyone I could think of. I was trying to focus my attention away from myself.... I prayed and prayed until at some point I was pleading with God that if he had any plans to rapture us in the next 7 days or so that NOW would be as good a time as any, Come Now! But I heard good job and the theme music to Footloose and knew that it was over and I had survived.

Apparently my reaction to the medicine was atypical. The receptionist said, "Dear, you look plum wore out" I felt plum wore out... so much so that I sat in the waiting room another 20 minutes before driving home. I still maybe shouldn't have driven at that point but I was ready to get home and it's only about a mile to my house. (David was shuttling kiddos around to birthday parties)

All I can say is it's over and I don't have to go back until....... about a month for a little more work.

Let the music play

Zane has done such a great job this year in band. He began playing Trombone in August of last year. I am amazed at the progress he's made. He seems to really have an ear for music. This is one trait he defintley gets from his father and not me. For example, he was taking a shower and when he came out he got his horn and said, "hey come see, I think I can play the wedding march." Sure enough he played it on his own without any music.

Last week was the end of the year recital. It started at 7:00 and ended at 7:14. (Got to love people that are organized and concise.) But we all sat there "shocked" at the quality of the 6th grade band with kids that have only been playing instruments for 9 months. AND the classes are divided by instruments so the entire band only practiced together once before performing. If I can figure out how to upload video from the camera I will put it up later. Until then look at the difference in music, the first piece is Zane's Christmas music and the 2nd is from something he played last week.

****bonus points**** to anyone who noticed the music is shown here upside down. I flipped it twice but apparently my computer has a beef with me and it won't upload correctly. I figure you can get the general idea.

Let the "Pecking" begin

Monday during a playdate with friends, Gayla reminded me that with the end of school begins the season of Pecking orders. I hung my head and remembered that she is right, so right. I hope I can not merely survive but maybe thrive also this year.

Every summer when the kids get out of school, everyone has to vie for the chance to be "leader of the pack" and each of the older kids has to remind the younger person, who is in charge.

It looks as if it may be a rough battle this year....