Fourth of July

We had a great 4th of July weekend. We didn't have many plans, and it was really nice to have a slower paced weekend. We went swimming several times and had a fun evening out at the Southlake Town Center to watch the fireworks. The kids all loved the fireworks and had fun seeing some of their friends out there. We sat with our old neighbors, the Amlongs, and it is always fun to be with them. We went out to eat before, and Will got a little silly with his corn on the cob. I promise that we don't encourage playing with our food, but he did something, and Ray and I started laughing, and then he couldn't stop and we couldn't stop. One of the highlights of 4th of July is always the patriotic service at church. The music is always beautiful and is such a great reminder to appreciate the freedom we have in America and the incredible freedom we have as Christians.

New Jersey in Texas

Our good friends, the Feighners, moved to New Jersey a couple of years ago, and they are here in Texas this week for a visit. We were so excited to meet them and some other friends for lunch on Wednesday. It's always so good to see them, and Allison had the best time visiting with Kate. Kate and Allison met in the 3 year old class at preschool and have been friends ever since. They also have another bond, unfortunately, because Kate has Type 1 Diabetes just like Allison. She wasn't diagnosed until after they moved to New Jersey, but it has been so nice to have a friend who understands what the other goes through. I know they will always be close!

Goodbye to Braces

Wednesday was a big day in our house. Allison got her braces off. She has done so well with having the braces on, and we are very proud of her. However, she was a little unsure of the process each time we went. I prepped her ahead of time that they were going to have to pull a little bit to get the braces and the glue off. She said she was ready. Well, she didn't like it one bit. Getting the braces off wasn't that big of a deal, but the glue was another story. They told us we would be there 30 - 40 minutes, and an hour and 10 minutes later we left. She kept having to stop the process and really did not want any part of it. I have to admit my patience was running a little thin, but that could have been due to the fact that the other 2 kids were with me and getting a little restless. There are too many "prizes" in that place! My mom did not have any sympathy for me at all. I have no idea why unless it was because of the multiple trips to the dentist when I was a child where she had to chase me though the lime green pinto station wagon just to catch me to get me inside. I can't imagine she would remember that after all these years! This experience was definitely not that bad, and Allison really did great. She looks great, too, and is so proud of her new look.

A Trip For 2

Last weekend, Ray and Caroline left on a plane to fly to Kentucky to visit his mom. They had lots of fun, and the first thing they did when they got there was go to Skyline for some chili. I have to admit I don't understand the infatuation with that place, but I do enjoy a coney and Dr. Pepper every now and then. They made two trips (that I know about) while they were gone. They also had some fun dinners out and a great day at a lake in Indiana. Caroline played with cousins Emily, Julia, and Andrew, and she really enjoyed spending time with Grandma one-on-one. Grandma loved the time with her and with Ray, too. We missed them and were glad when they came home Monday night. Will is already asking when he gets his turn!

qnpksh43gf

Thunder

Allison finished her second season of basketball today with team Thunder. Her team played in the Colleyville league this summer, and they sort of ended up in the wrong division. Every team they played towered over them, and had all played Select. One of the teams was ranked 3rd in the state. So, it wasn't the most successful season in terms of wins, but we were so proud of the girls and how they continued to play so hard through the tough games. Today was the single elimination tournament, and we played the team ranked 3rd in state. There was no score during the first quarter, which was a huge accomplishment. It was hard to get motivated to go out and play each game, but we talked with Allison about the power of positive thinking. It may not have made them win a game, but it changed the attitude they had during the game. We were so proud of Allison and all the girls on the team because of the way they continued to practice and play hard during all the games. The team celebrated by going to get ice cream after the game. It's always exciting to get a new trophy!

Son Rock

One of our favorite weeks of the year is always Vacation Bible School. The theme for VBS this year was Son Rock Camp. It was a camping theme and the decorations were awesome. This was Will's first year to do the "real" VBS. In the past he has done the preschool program they have for the volunteer's kids. It was great to be able to have all three kids participating in the program. I was a counselor this year, which is my favorite job, for a group of 3rd graders. I have always had Kindergarten or 1st Grade, and I did find that the 3rd grader's were easier overall. My friend, Jenny Wilson, and I were co-leaders, and we had a great group of kids. My kids always love the stories, the missions, the crafts, the games, the skits, and the songs. This year was no different in that the songs we sang are stuck in my head and will be for several weeks. The week ended with a family picnic on the church grounds by the pond. After dinner, everyone gathered in the new amphitheater seating, and all the kids from VBS sang their songs from the week. This year, in addition to the VBS songs, they added two campfire songs that were familiar to everyone - Pass It On and Kumbaya. It was a fantastic week, and I know my kids are building memories there that will last a lifetime.

Pass It On

It only takes a spark to get a fire going.

And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing.

That's how it is with God's Love.

Once you've experienced it.

You spread his love to everyone

You want to pass it on.

I wish for you my friend

This happiness that I've found.

You can depend on Him

It mattters not where you're bound.

I'll shout it from the mountain top - PRAISE GOD!

I want the world to know.

The Lord of love has come to me

I want to pass it on.