Bye-Bye

My girl left for school this morning. I'm not sure why, but this time was a little harder than last year. Kinda weird, you'd think it would be easier. Yesterday, Micaela, Keaton and I hung out together and went for some lunch.

We had a great summer together. Micaela was a huge help to me in so many ways. She really helped in the move, unpacking most of the stuff while I was at camp and even hung pictures. She was great at church! Micaela helped set up lights and sound every week and also with tear down. Here's some pics of how full her car was when she left. The house is gonna be too quiet!

Finally

Micaela and I finally got this wall decoration up. I love it...totally changes the

dinning room!

The Werners

I almost forgot I had a couple of pictures from our short visit with the Werner family. Here's our "daughter" Reese and her family. It was a great to see them!

Backpack Safety

Here is a link to one of the blogs I occassionally read. The Washington Post had this info about kids and backpacks that I think is valuable info. I remember by the time Micaela was in high school she complained of back aches from her backpack.

http://childrensministryandculture.wordpress.com/

He's On the Prowl

He - meaning Satan. Something is going on that shouldn't surprise anyone and yet sometimes it takes us a while to recognize what's happening. I have talked to more parents in the last month who have been at their wits end with problems with their kids. Oh, yes, you could attribute it to back-to-school-itus, end of summer boredom, or they have spent too much time with siblings, but here's the naked truth. We are Jordan Creek Family Church; Satan will do anything he can to destroy families. JCFC is on a mission to reach people to tell them about Jesus and help them build lasting, healthy relationships with their families and others. God has blessed us with wonderful people and uncommon growth in our two years as a church. We have Satan's attention and he isn't too happy with us. So, what are we gonna do about it?

First, we need to bind together and pray for our families like never before. Make a list of families in your circle of influence and pray specifically for them and their relationships with their kids. Pray together as a family! Gather your kids and sit down for a few minutes in the morning or evening and pray for your family's needs and for each other.

Then we need to put feet to our prayers. By that I mean we need to take action. You can equip yourself to win with your family. Talk to experienced parents for Godly advise, read Christian parenting books, come to Randy's and my parenting life group that starts in a few weeks, but most importantly, read what the Bible says about parenting. The Bible clearly lays out how God would have us raise our kids.

Parent as a team! Our kids are so smart and if they see moms and dads who are not working completely as a team, they will use that to their advantage. If you are a single parent, you have a tougher position but rely on God to be your partner. Use another family member as a support and if you don't have that benefit, let me or someone at JCFC help you.

I do not claim to be a parenting expert but I think I will start using this blog to give parenting tips once a week. It's not "thus saith Pastor Lori" but stuff from great resources and scripture.

Lastly, when you make a parenting mistake - and we ALL do - don't let Satan beat you up and don't beat yourself up. Realize we are human and we're gonna screw up! Ask for forgiveness and seek the Lord's help to do better. God knows your heart, He knows you want to be the best parent you can be. He's not condemning you, He wants to help. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1-3

Never feel alone. You can always call me to vent, cry, yell or whatever. I may not have an answer but I'm a good listener. He may be on the prowl, but we have great traps!

Perspective

I had an interesting conversation with a neighbor yesterday. We had met several months ago in the apartment business center. We discovered we were both Christ followers and talked about church, missions, my recent knee surgeries, and all kinds of stuff. I hadn't seen him in quite a while and he immediately noticed my knee brace and asked about it. I gave him the update and we got to talking about healing. I told him it was sometimes hard to understand why God hasn't instantly healed my knee, but I was sure He had a plan in all that was happening. He went on to say that he had been very sick to his stomach for a period of time and finally decided to go to the doctor. He said as soon as he walked into the waiting room, his stomach felt better. He had the thought, "Okay, what now, why am I here?" He looked up and saw a women he had met several years prior and went to greet her. He said he really believed that God wanted him there that day to be an encouragement to that woman. He then said something that gave me new perspective, "Maybe God is using your knee to get to someone you need to witness to." It was like that V-8 commercial when the people who turned down their veggies get smacked in the head!! I am now refocusing my trial to an offensive mission to be on the look out for that person I need to come in contact with. Satan would love for me to focus on the pain, discomfort, activity limiting nonsense, but I am so over that! So...on to the new surgeon they want me to see and to that divine appointment that I'm believing for.

Look Alike?

Okay, we are watching the show, "America's Got Talent", and I see this amazing ventriloquist guy, Terry Fator, and I thought, "Dude, that guy looks like a chubby Paul May!" He really does when he smiles. Too funny. He just needs some blond highlights like Paul. HeeHeeHee!

Desperation

What is it in someone's life that causes them to be so desperate to walk into a church in Neosho, Missouri and kill three people? What can happen to cause a sixteen year old girl to jump off a bridge on the Des Moines interstate? It's hard for most of us to comprehend how someone could behave or react in a crisis situation. But I DO know this...those people are all around us and they are one "bad day" from going over the edge. It makes me wonder if those hurting people would have had just one encouraging word spoken to them, a warm pat on the back, a sincere smile or a lingering hug - could that have given them the strength they needed for that moment in time? I need to be more sensitive to those around me who may need one of those things. I need to take time to make a phone call or drop an e-mail or note to someone that the Lord had brought to mind. I need to look people in the eyes more and ask God to reveal to me any way possible I can encourage them. I need to not focus on my issues and focus more on how God can use me. Desperation - it comes in all shapes and sizes, ages and income brackets. Desperation has but one lasting answer, and a lot of us know it is Jesus. Not all of us are called to be "preachers" but God has called all of us to proclaim His name and His love in any way He has enabled us. So maybe we all aren't profound with words but we can all smile, hug, encourage and lend a listening ear.

This morning, I watched the first video cast of Craig Groeshel's new series called "30 Days to Live" and it was eye opening. You can check it out here: http://www.30daystolive.tv/theirstory.php It helps us to remember what is really important.

Crack Me Up

My kids are the best!! Not only do they listen and obey in service but they make me laugh! Tonight during our kid's service for Alpha, we were having our worship time. We recently learned a new song called "Not Forgotten" from a CD that you HAVE to buy your kids, Hillsong Kids Supernatural. We do this little side step move during the chorus and the some "Egyptian" type movements and the kids are getting into it big time. They had me laughing so hard, especially Jaron and Lisi. Lisi's version is hilarious and if she were to demonstrate for you please note that I don't do the same cute little shimmy that she does! There would be nothing cute about it. Sadness for me, adorable for Lisi. Oh well, my kids really are the best.

Inviting People

I've been watching for opportunities to invite more people to church and have decided that I needed to be more bold in my approach. I mean, come on, when people find out I am a pastor they pretty much expect me to invite them to church....right?!

I was at the church office today to sign for a delivery and a super nice guy was driving the truck. We had to make several trips up the elevator and got to talking. I told him about the church and he was a little confused at first about how it all worked but after I explained it, he seemed intrigued. I invited him to come check it out and he said, "I gotta be honest with you..I'm not really into church. I haven't been since I was like 6 or something." My boldness kicked in and I countered with, "Well, it's a good time for you to try it again. It's only one Sunday for a little more than and hour and what do you have to lose? I tell you what, you come check us out and when you get there ask for Pastor Lori cuz I'm gonna take you to lunch for visiting." He had a pretty stunned look on his face but I told him I meant it! So say a prayer that James will visit JCFC and we have the privilege of buying him some lunch!

Go I-Cubs!

We had a great time at the I-Cubs game tonight with our good buddy Jaden and his Grandpa Tom. Jaden earned the date through our Buddy Barrel missions giving contest. He seemed to enjoy himself and grandpa taught him how the game worked. He sat and watched a lot longer than most 4 year olds! It was nice to catch up with Tom. We used to go to church together and of course we know all four of their kids so we had plenty to chat about. Jaden even liked waving at Cubbie and the other costume folks. I know sometimes costume characters can make kids nervous but Jaden thought they were pretty cool. Thanks for the good time guys!

I talked to the kids on Sunday about our next missions giving contest. On October 7, if we have a ONE DAY offering in Creek Kids of at least $500, I will dye part of my hair bright pink and wear it that way for two weeks! They were pretty excited about that.

Babies, Babies and More Babies

JCFC is in the middle of a baby BOOM! Be careful...maybe it's something in the water! Hee Hee! We couldn't be more excited to have to the awesome opportunity to love on babies and be one of the first people in their lives to tell them about Jesus! Because we believe in teaching babies from birth and because children are the most important people at JCFC (okay, so that's Pastor Lori's opinion :) ) we want to do whatever is best for them. So we are very excited to announce the expansion of Baby Steps as of September 2, 2007. As the adults will be moving to theater 11, Creek Kids will invade the current main theater and Baby Steps will split into two nurseries in the current theaters for kids. One theater will be for birth through 18 months and the other will be for 19 months-3 years old. We will keep the current policy of 3 year olds graduating to Creek Kids as soon as they are fully potty trained.

Of course, that means more staffing and the opportunity for more people to join the kid's team! I would love the chance to personally talk with anyone who may be interested in loving kids. We also have openings in Creek Kids to help me and Mister Randy. We are excited to now have three couples who have committed to being in Creek Kids once a month. Marcus and Kim Kimmer have been working with us for a few months now and Paul and Sandy may joined the team last month. Next week, we will welcome Jason and Sonya Brown to the Creek Kids team!

We have a Baby Steps dinner and meeting scheduled for Monday, August 27 which would be a great time to come and hear our passion for caring for all the JCFC children. Let me know if you'd like to be included in the yummy dinner and great discussion. Call my cell at 515-419-3347 for more info!

Backyard Adventures

Tonight finished off our first summer Backyard Adventures. It was our version of backyard Bible clubs over a three day period. Many, many thanks to our hostesses and teachers: Jenn Adair and Allison Prohaska, Angela Sustala and Megan Wetzel, and Sandy May and Chrysti Weeks. Nicely done ladies!!

The kids enjoyed some fun games and crafts and of course great teaching. It was fun for me, also. I got to visit each backyard and meet a few new kids and hang out with a few moms. I love building relationships.

Bring a Friend

I want to encourage you to allow your child to invite a friend to church this Sunday. I realize it means more work for you but I have a very special sermon planned for this Sunday and it will be a great opportunity to get a family to JCFC if you have been thinking of a good time to bring them. I planned this day with Backyard Adventure attendees in mind and we have some special things lined up. It is also our BGMC contest day, so that adds even more excitement to find out who will win the I-Cubs game date with Pastor Lori and Mister Randy.

My sermon this weekend is entitled "How do Traffic Lights Help us Trust God?" I will be sharing a very personal story about one of my lessons in trust and it leads into a challenge to receive Jesus into their lives.

Please be praying for this weekend. I know Pastor Josh wouldn't mind an extra prayer, either! I am expecting great things from the Lord and already rejoicing in the new souls that will be added to the Kingdom this weekend. Wouldn't it be awesome to bring a family and they all got saved on the same day? Yowza...that'll get ya pumped to invite folks.

School's A Comin'

I have a challenge for all you parent type people. As you make your Back-to-School to do list, I think you should add something. In all the excitement of buying new clothes, shoes, school supplies, registration, doctor check-ups, organizing car pools and the thought of a more peaceful schedule, PLEASE begin to pray for specific school needs. I believe it will make or break your child's school year. Here are some logical but experienced mom thoughts:

If your child is starting kindergarten, pray they adjust to being away from you and siblings all day.

Pray for God's protection - physically, spiritually and mentally.

Pray for their teachers and administrators.

Pray for them to make wise choices in making friends, taking school seriously and being a light in their classroom.

Talk to your child about the difference in tattling and telling what needs to be told. Empower them to know the difference.

Pray that their school will be a safe, fun place that gives them wonderful memories and great accomplishments.

Now, if you are a home school family, you have your own special prayer needs:

Pray for organization and carefully pray for patience. :)

Pray that you will be inspired by the Lord with creativity and authority as you teach.

Pray for a support system and resources.

Pray for God's wisdom in all areas.

For everyone - start your day by praying together. It doesn't need to be a half an hour prayer, just agree together for a great day for the Lord and your family. When our kids could read, I would write out a scripture verse on an index card and tape it to the bathroom mirror as our family verse of the week.

As you send your kids off or teach them at home, remember you can always share pray needs, concerns and victories with me. I can't wait to make "Lunch With Pastor Lori" dates! We can do that with home schoolers, too! It's gonna be a great school year bathed in prayer.

Happy Birthday Dara

What can I say about Dara that really does this woman justice? I mean, come on, this gal just oozes sweetness and love. I'll give it a shot, but this blog ain't big enough to say it all!

1. Dara is a gorgeous girl but is 100% prettier on the inside!

2. She is a wonderful pastor's wife, which by the way, is not always an easy "job."

3. She has the gift of hospitality. You feel at home the moment you walk through her door.

4. She's somewhat famous for her sweet tea and I LOVE her fried green beans!

5. The girl can flat out sing! Makes me just a little jealous...okay... a lot jealous! :)

6. Dara is very creative and artistic.

7. She is very compassionate and will come to your rescue whenever she can.

8. She is a terrific mom and is always striving to be more of what Jesus wants her to be with her kids.

9. Go figure...she's nuts about Pastor Josh. I guess someone has to love that crazy man. :)

10. Family is super important to her.

11. Dara is a dedicated American Idol fan. Don't even talk when it's on TV! You'll get the David Branham SHHHH!

Well, Dara, I just barely skimmed the surface of your many wonderful traits. I pray you have the best birthday ever! We love you lots!

Happy Birthday Reese

Today is our "adopted" daughter's birthday. Teresa, aka Reese, has been a part of our lives for the last 16 or 17 years! We got to know her when she was still in college and needed a place to stay during breaks. Reese lost both of her parents when she was a teenager so we have tried to be fill-in parents as much as we can. We quickly became attached and have been through a lot together over the years including family deaths, Reese graduating from college and marrying the man of her dreams, them living in England for a year, and David and Reese having their two beautiful kids, Rebekah and Nathan. (We get the honorary titles of Grandma Lori and Grandpa Randy! :) ) They all live in Duluth, now, so we don't get to see each other very often. David and Reese pastor a Methodist church in Duluth and are world travelers whenever they can. We are so proud of Teresa and her family and are SO blessed to have them as a part of our lives. Happy birthday my girl! Can't wait to see you all on August 7!!

Happy Birthday Cale

We had the honor of joining the Adair's for Cale's family birthday party. We are so proud of him...he graduated to Creek Kids today! He and Colin are diaper free and livin' large in three-ville! Way to go, Idaho!

Opportunity

Game time!

On Friday night and Saturday morning, I had the opportunity to do a couple of kid's services for some PKs with Pastor Heath Adamson's Seven Project team. What a great group of kids. It was fun to have an intimate group to speak to and talk about how our families minister as a team! I know when our kids were young, I tried to make sure they never felt left out of what I was doing in ministry AND balance it with not having them feel like they were living at the church. PKs have some challenges in those areas and I was so honored to have an opportunity to pour into their lives for a short time.

Keaton's VBS

Angela's boys hiding so they didn't have to do cheerleading!
Go team!

Pastor Keaton getting ready to teach a cheer.

I took some time Thursday morning and drove to Montezuma to crash Keaton's VBS. I hadn't been out to his church, Community Hope, for quite a while and wanted to give our boy some encouragement. I picked up the Albers clan from Runnels and off we went on our adventure. Keaton did an awesome job organizing (as usual) and had a great turnout of about 60 kids. They did a sports camp theme, which works so well for them since their church building is right next door to the elementary school and it's fields! It was fun to see Keaton's pastor, Todd Jones, and family who happen to be old friends of ours. Angela's kids were so great and they always crack me up. Isaiah was so excited to get to go and see his fav Pastor Keaton that Angela said he was up and ready to leave the house at 6:30 AM! He was sorely disappointed to hear Pastor Lori wasn't arriving until 7:45. Loved seeing my boy in action! Makes his momma very proud! Even when he taught the cheerleading section of the sports camp. :)

Blessed My Socks Off!

I'm on my way out the door to speak at a retreat but had to share a wonderful blessing that came my way this morning! I stopped at Starbucks for my fav beverage and I felt someone staring at me. I turned around to find an adorable little girl with big brown eyes and a huge smile on her face. She looked to be barely three and as if she knew me. I greeted her with a "hi there sweetie," which got me an even bigger smile. My mind was racing to recognize this cutie-patootie and looked for an adult type person that may belong to her. Here comes this woman that looked familiar and she said, "Hi, you're Pastor Lori, right?" I said yes and she continued by prompting her daughter with a "say it...tell her." The sweetest little voice said, "I am a person of character." Her mom continued to tell me that everyday since Super Saturday her daughter carries her "Hermie" umbrella that she won and says our Big Idea for the day..."I am a person of character." That little girl remembered that from the beginning of July and also recognized me as the source for her lesson. Wow, it totally made my WEEK! As a children's pastor, you sometimes need those little reminders that what you do does in fact "take" and God's Word never returns void. Thanks Lord for the blessing!

Happy Birthday Amy

Today is a special day...my friend Amy Main's birthday!! Amy has been a HUGE blessing in my life and the lives of everyone who knows her. How does one person sport such a gi-normous heart in such a small body? Amy is one of those people who knows what to say and do to make your day 100% better. Here's a few reasons why I ain't lyin'...

1. She was one of my biggest helpers when I had knee surgery. Early morning trips to physical therapy with a smile on her face and a bounce in her step!

2. She is always rescuing some of our JCFC moms who need an extra hand with kids for a variety of reasons.

3. We all know paper is her spiritual gift! :) And she shares!

4. She is an encourager. I have never heard her speak a negative word about anyone!

5. Amy is a positive person and I've never seen her grumpy. (I need to follow her example on the grumpy thing!)

6. She is a terrific mom and has learned to embrace this time in her life.

7. You can see how much she loves her man just by watching her look at him.

8. Family is WAY important to her. I love it when she talks about Favorite Cousin Heather and the grands. She adores her baby brother and is so proud of him.

9. She is faithful in her walk with Jesus and is always looking to invite people to church.

10. She has the gift of hospitality. She will open her home to all and makes you feel so very welcome. (She makes the best chicken and rice!)

11. We are kindred spirits when it comes to jewelry!

I could go on and on but just hit some of the highlights! Hope your day is as special as you are Amy! Love ya bunches!!!

10 Random Things About Me

Okay...who really wants to know? Not anyone, but I'll play along with my friend, Jenn, who tagged me. I hope you all still trust me with your children after you know more about me! :) These are in no particular order!

1. I would love to drive a BIG machine that can destroy things. Like on Extreme Makeover - Home Edition on demo day!
2. I always say I'd like to live in a warmer climate but can't seriously think about moving from Iowa.
3. I have six brothers (five living) and two sisters. I'm the oldest...no age jokes, please!
4. I will claim, without hesitation, to have the BEST husband and kids in the world no matter what you say!
5. One of my favorite sounds in the world is the laughter of children.
6. I would LOVE to learn how to play the violin, piano and the drums. Seriously...I do have rhythm...just no musical ear!
7. The places I'd like to travel to are Italy, Hawaii and Australia and back to Michigan to see my family.
8. I have an addictive personality! I can't miss Survivor when it's on and read way too many blogs. I stay away from video games for this very reason!
9. I may be a pastor now, but was in a church maybe three times in my life before I gave my life to Jesus at age 19. I knew NOTHING about the Bible when I got saved.
10. I passionately want kids to know Jesus loves them no matter what! (I know, that one isn't so random!)

All right..now let me hear from Angela Albers and Trudy Umphress. They are two of my past partners in ministry and awesome women of God!

Back to "Normal"

I am back after another awesome week of camp. The only bad thing was I brought home a WICKED virus. I'll spare you the gruesome details but let's just say I haven't been this sick in a long time.

The second week of camp had a different feel as far as campers and counselors, but not bad different. Just a new dynamic. It's interesting to see mixes of kids from rural and urban areas - the similarities and differences. GREAT counselors at both camps and super fun people to boot.

Dawson from JCFC went, too, and all the way home he talked about going next year! I take that as he had a good week. :) He made some buddies from one of my best friends' churches who he bunked with. We got to pray together every night at the altar, which was so great to have the opportunity to focus on one of my kids.

Keaton came back for the second week to be the camp's co-sports director. The pics are him helping the camp speaker tell the story of David and Goliath. Guess which part he played? Ha Ha! He was a "big" hit as always. Gee, I wish he would come out of his shell.

One of the best things that came from camp was a new friendship. Our speaker, Pastor Jason Noble, was so fun to get to know. He is the from the National Children's Ministry Agency and the director of Kid's Quest and Character Connex. What a great guy! He and I really hit it off and had some great brain-storming sessions about kid's ministry. He has a beautiful family in Springfield, MO, a wife Paula and four kids including twin four year old girls. He was a blessing to me and a great encouragement.

Both Thursday evening services, Pastor Jason had the kids share testimonies of what God had done for them at camp. Many came forward to say they were healed of sicknesses or felt God speak to them about following a call into ministry. It was incredible.

We had a live band for worship that rocked the house! They are from the Jefferson AG with Pastor Jeremiah. The band was Pastor Jeremiah on drums, a teenager on lead guitar and three kid vocalists that all could sing lead, another kid guitar player, and a 10 year old bass player that made you drop your jaw he was sooo good. Jason Huffey would have been proud! So cool to see kids using their talents for the Kingdom! I would LOVE to have live worship in Creek Kids some day.

I have a ton of e-mail and blogs to catch up on! It was great to see all my kids yesterday and hope to see the rest at Alpha this Wednesday. Thanks to those who have been praying for me and camp!

Still Kickin' and a New Place

Just a quick post to let you all I'm still alive! I was at Kid's Camp this last week and am going back Monday morning until Friday. Last week's camp was great. I love altar times...watching kids enter into the presence of God is incredible. We had 250 kids last week and should have close to that this week. Lots of kids accepted Jesus into their lives and testified how God really blessed them. I have been a part of the camp for about 13 years and it's something I always look forward to. I come home pretty wore out but it's one of those good worn out feelings! Hard to describe.

Also...long story, but we found out Wednesday that we had to move to our new apartment Saturday! Eeeek! We got the keys Saturday morning about 11 and moved it all in one day and are almost totally unpacked. Randy and Micaela are left to clean the other place while I'm at camp. A big thanks to Michael and Ed for the muscle. The new place is on the other end of the building and on the third floor. It's the same set up but a few upgrades - better light fixtures, faucets, nicer carpet, laminate floor in the kitchen and entry way and a fireplace in the living room. God really blessed us with a better place for the same price as the other one! Gotta love that. We'll be sending out the new address wen I get back from camp.

Super Day for Super Saturday

We had a lot of fun at our second annual Super Saturday! I am so thankful for many things that the Lord did yesterday. He gave us good weather (a little hot but I like it like that!), an AWESOME team to help me, a pretty good crowd and lots of great donations. We got tons of pictures, too many to post here but I have to share a few. It was nice that our crowd included many people outside the JCFC regular attenders, I'd say about half. I already have some new ideas for next time. Thanks to all who were able to come and a HUGE thanks to all who helped. Super Saturday takes a village. :)

What's a Mom to Do?

I can't help it...my son makes me laugh! He found this magazine stuffed in the arm of a chair someone gave us and of course it became his newest site gag! That's my boy!

It's Gonna Be Great...SUPER SATURDAY

One more reminder...Super Saturday in this weekend! Be at Willow Springs Park at 5547 Wistful Vista Dr. in West Des Moines for our second annual character building program! The program officially starts at 11 AM on July 7, but you'll want to arrive early and register for some incredible prizes for the whole family. We will have free hot dogs thanks to Texas Roadhouse and 99.5 KZZQ's famous Q-Cruiser will be there at the start playing some tunes. Bring your camera to take a picture of your kids with the Grape Ape and don't forget the lawn chairs! Most importantly, invite some friends along. We want to be a blessing to our community, church family and the people you care about. Oh, by the way, the GRAND PRIZE FAMILY GIFT BASKET FOR ONE BOY AND ONE GIRL, is worth over $400!!! It includes lots of gift cards, golf passes, a beautiful Bible and a salon package for mom! Sweeeet.

JCFC Good Times

Keaton, Jacob, Michael and Micaela...four of my most fav people in the world!

JCFC's fearless youth leader and my "adopted" son, Michael "Obie" Oberbeck

Awwww...baby Claire

Summer fun in the kiddie pool

The cutie Patterson crew

We gathered at the Sustala's house for a 4th of July cookout. Ed was incredible on the grill and everyone brought some yumm-o eats! It was fun to relax and just hang out with some of the funnest people ever! It's such a blessing to not only have such awesome families in our church but have such wonderful friendships with them.

Thanks Ed and Angela for your hospitality and for Keaton and Jacob embarrassing me as always! Note to self....hide Keaton's bull horn!

Happy Freedom

Happy 4th of July everyone! I am so thankful to live in a free country where I don't have to worry about being arrested for worshipping God or speaking my mind. I can be whatever God has called me to be, live where I want to live and enjoy many luxuries that most countries can't imagine. Enjoy your day and throw up a prayer of thanksgiving! Don't go crazy on the hot dogs...save some room for dogs on Super Saturday!

Busy Weekend

We had a fun, busy weekend. Saturday morning, we went to our buddy Jaron's baseball game. Wow, he got a couple of great hits! Sister Kaitlynn and brother Landon got it on the fun, too.

We then met Keaton and his friend Michelle at Jordan Creek Mall to catch a movie. We went and saw Evan Almighty and really liked it. Kinda cheesy, but pretty family friendly and a great story line. Keaton and Michelle came over for a quick dinner that ended up being a gab fest until 11 PM!! Good times with my kids! I'm so blessed that our kids don't mind hanging out with old mom and dad!

Today at church was different for Randy and me. We had the day off! It was good to sit in "big church" but felt kinda weird. Pastor Josh preached a great message from his "Deeper is Doing" series from James Chapter 3, Taming the Tongue. I caught myself looking at my watch a couple of times thinking..."the kids are probably having their message right now", "the kids are having worship now"! I know...I'm odd. :) It's good for us to take a day off and it's good for the kids to listen to someone else, too.

After church, we had a great Chinese lunch and got this cute pic of Colin. Love that little bugger! No pun intended. :)