VBS 7th grade campout

Madison participated in the VBS campout this year. The campers learn how to do Christian Mime during the camp and then put on a presentation for family the last evening. It has always proved to be a very powerful experience for the campers, and this year was no exception. Madison was very nervous about attending the camp this year. She has struggled a lot with overnights away from home since dad died last year. Myriah and James both agreed to be a part of the teen team of volunteers per Madison's request so she would have family there with her. The prayer time on Wednesday evening was very moving for Madison. She shed lots of tears during the prayer time and I am sure it was a great release and brought healing to her as well. I am so proud of what she accomplished this week. She has really grown! For the presentation each small group acted out a parable. The families were then asked to guess which parable it was. Here is Madison's small group. I will reveal which parable at the end of this post.


After the parables were complete, the entire group of 7th graders performed a mime to the song "Shine Down" by Sandi Patti. This is performed each year and is considered a high light by the campers every year. For some reason that video clip does not want to download, so I'll try again another time to post that video. For now I'll leave you with some photos instead.









Next week is VBS week. Thursday evening will be the pie and ice cream social. Each grade level will get to perform a song. Then 7th graders will get to perform a new mime that they will learn during VBS. This time the performnce will be for a much larger crowd. VBS is always a very fun; but, extremely exhausting week! We are all looking forward to it!

And; the parable in the video... The Feeding of the 5,000

Bowling

Every year while Paul's grandma and grandpa are up from Arizona, the family gets together for an afternoon of bowling. This usually happens in August around grandpa's birthday (and will again this year), however, we had to squeeze in an extra evening of bowling this year during the brief leave one of the brother's had from the army (they are preparing to head to Iraq). If was a fun evening for all of us, for the kids and adults alike!
Of course bowling has to include some yummy food! I think Ava would agree!

Lawrence was just a happy kid!




Tim (on right) was in Iraq a little over a year ago, Jay (left) will soon be headed there. So the evening included looking at a map of Iraq.
By the end of the evening some of us were quite content just to watch all the action.



Grandpa
Grandma (my mother-in-law with her mom)








.
And, well, this last picture is for the brothers-in-law! I just couldn't resist throwing this picture in as well! Thanks, Jay, for planning the evening. It was lots of fun!

The birthday party

was on Sunday.



Myriah is now 16!! This year was her golden birthday. Unfortunately, she was away on missions over her birthday; but, her fellow mission team members celebrated with her on the actual day. Then her friends and family joined us on Sunday. A special thanks to her friend, Andrea, and her family for throwing her a party and to Aunt Jen for making a terrific cake. And,thanks to all who came to help her celebrate!! Myriah enjoyed herself!

Hope you had a great birthday this year, Bug. We love you very much!!

They're home!

I have all 5 of my children under one roof again! Myriah and James are home... with lots of stories to catch us up on and lots of sleep to catch themselves up on!! It's so nice to have 'em home!

2 are gone!

I have had the oldest two gone since Sunday morning after Mass. Both Myriah and James are participating in the local mission at our church. I'm sure they are having a great time, but, I miss them. Madison, Magdalene, Lawrence and I have enjoyed our days together visiting friends, visiting family and doing a few extra fun things without the big kids though. I am surprised how busy things can get with very little forwarning (even with part of the family missing.)

She coming home!

Myriah will be home sometime late tonight! She has been away in North Dakota on a mission trip with our church this past week and I miss her! The down side is: she will only be home for the night. Tomorrow I take her and James to church and they will both be gone for a local mission this next week. These mission opportunities are great experiences for teens to step outside of themselves and give to others. Myriah has been involved in the missions for 4 years now and her faith and maturity have grown immensely because of the experiences she's had. This will be James' first mission experience and I am anxious to see what impact it makes on him!

Cruisin' in style!

I use to drive


Now I drive

Fireworks!

We usually spend the 4th of July with my family. But, this year we stayed a little closer to home; I just didn't have it in me to drive very far. (Myriah is in Mandaree, North Dakota on a mission trip for church, so I was down one.) We chose to enjoy a rather laid back morning and afternoon just hanging around the house. Then we headed off to join Tim(brother-in-law, his wife, Jen, and their daughter Ava for fireworks. After the city display we were invited back to their house for a midnight snack and some backyard (ok..I think we used the frontyard)fireworks. It was a very fun evening and the kids were good and worn out!! Thanks Tim and Jen, for the invite. We enjoyed ourselves.

Happy Independence Day!

The Life of Madison

This is a poem written by Madison. It was an assignment for her home school group class! Sorry for the Second word being pulled, but, I do not wish to put the town we live in directly on the blog.

The Life of Madison ......, by Madison ......

In ....., where I live;
With a giant, black clock
that all day long goes tick, tock.
Historical, nostalgic musuem
with trains, and you can see 'em.
Disappointing and depressing cemetery,
that's where my dad was buried.

My Family with;
Delightful and humorous Father's Day,
which is almost a year away.
Happy and affectionate parents,
to each other so much meant.
Loving and grieving moments,
since last year my dad to Heaven went.

My Hobbies with;
Miniature and favorite horses,
and I really want some moreses.
Collectable and lovable Pet Shops,
I look for them in all the shops.
Adventurous and super biking,
the wind in my face I'm really liking.

My Diet with;
Minty and chocolatly oreo truffles,
we eat them by the mouthfuls.
Juicy and sweet oranges,
and you know, nothing rhymes with oranges.
Salty and crunchy popcorn,
without it I would be forlorn.

My Friends with,
Silly and exciting Andrea Henry,
our time together is always full of energy.
Moody and fun Kate,
we get into debates.
Kind and enjoyable Krysta,
being with her is just like a fiesta.

My Faith with,
Prayerful and powerful Rosary,
which shows my love for Mary.
Wonderful and majestic holy water,
which is a blessing from the Father.
Holy and mighty tabernacle,
the body of Jesus is spectacular.

The life of Madison ......,
enjoyment, excitement, and love!