Bible Sunday

At our church, it's tradition that in second grade all children are presented with their own bibles.  It's a big deal and we were so excited to experience this milestone with Carter.  The second grade class is very large, so it was extra special to be sharing in this meaningful day with many dear friends.

During the 9:00 service, the children were presented with their bibles and were blessed by one of the pastors.  Pastor Matt performed Carter's blessing.

Such a special group of boys

Four out of the five families in our small group have boys in second grade (we're missing Samuel in this picture) so it's been a lot of fun getting to share in these milestones together.

I feel so very blessed by our church family and look forward to watching these boys grow!

So very proud of our boy

Carter loved getting his own bible and has been eager to read it, both on his own and together with us.

Carter, I pray that you will find guidance, comfort, peace, love and many answers to your questions in your new bible.  I pray that you will turn to God's word in times of happiness and struggle.  May it be the compass that guides your every choice in life.  We love you very much, Carter man!

After our church service, we gathered for a celebration with the second graders and their families.  One of the activities of the hour was a fun game looking for biblical pairs in the group.  Once we found our partner, we were lead to a passage in the bible to read together.  It was a great way to meet and connect with other members of our church family.

Kyle and Ella were paired up ~ Mary and Joseph, I believe

Kyle really is so wonderful with kids...he just has a natural way of connecting and making them feel comfortable.  Just another quality that I admire in my sweet husband.

I was able to work with Avery, such a sweet girl

I absolutely loved this special day and feel so grateful for this environment that we are able to be a part of.  I feel so very blessed that our children get to be a part of this amazing faith family.

A Reason to Run

Our church put on an amazing event this year, the inaugural A Reason to Run 5K.  I know it was a lot of work for the folks who organized it, but their hard work really paid off, as it was a fabulous race.  The wonderful sense of community and the multi-generational participants is exactly what our church is hoping to move towards with family ministry.  There were kids playing, volunteers helping, folks seriously running and lots of people just out to have a good time and get a little exercise.  I was somewhere in between...it's no secret that I'm not one who loves to exercise and I certainly don't like to run.  I've tried it a few times and I always feel like my lungs are going to explode, so I stop.  I don't usually get very far.  But I'm happy to say that I did run a bit during the race, while pushing Kennedy in the stroller and trying to prod Carter to keep up.  Between bathroom breaks (Carter), stroller changes (both Kennedy and Carter) we completed the race in ~42 minutes.  And it was really fun.  I loved it!  So much so that I am committed to actually training for it next year and running the entire thing.

And not to forget my super athletic hubby, he ran the whole thing and came in 5th or 6th place in his age division.  And he said he could have ran faster but having never run a 5K didn't know what to expect.

Our friends, the Grices, were incredible ~ both runners, they were making there way to the finish as I was passing the one mile marker.  Zack won the whole thing and I think Rachel finished forth or fifth overall.  I was impressed!

Kyle complimented me and said at least I looked the part.

We were ready to run!

Kennedy was a happy participant, too.

There was a kids fun run after the race, but we had to rush off and get Carter to his baseball game.  Hopefully we can do that next year, I'm sure the kids would have really enjoyed it.

A family photo before the race

Kennedy and I finishing strong!

I was super impressed that Carter kept up most of the way, of course there was a bit of complaining and whining but he ran and walked and completed the race with me.  It was so fun to do it with the kids.

It was a beautiful day and such a great way to spend time as a family and enjoy our church family, too.

This event supported our church's many missions, which was an added bonus.  I am so proud of the team that worked so hard to get this race off the ground.  It really was wonderfully done!  Looking forward to next year!

Christmas Eve Service ~ {Nativity Play} ~ 2012

Carter and Kennedy both participated in the Nativity play during the Christmas Eve service at church this year.  It's a simple production - no spoken lines, but great costumes and so much fun for the kids.  I have to say that it was probably the highlight of my Christmas celebration.  As we sat in the front pews, surrounded by our dear friends, watching the pure sweetness unfold on the sanctuary steps, I just felt joy.  An overwhelming sense of joy and peace.  This is what Christmas is all about.  I am so thankful that we are a part of this wonderful church family...I feel so blessed that my kids get to be a part of these memorable events and love being at church.  They were so excited to take part in the play and really enjoyed the experience.  The whole event just seemed to embody the love and joy of the Christmas season.

Preparing for the performance...

Carter was a shepard who was guiding the sheep (his sweet sister!)

I thought he looked fantastic!

I will quickly admit that this time in the chapel was complete chaos ~ there were kids everywhere.  Excited kids.  Kids with staffs that were all too easily turned into weapons.  And it was loud.  Very, very loud.  It was kind of my idea of a nightmare...but it was worth every second to see these kids up at the front of the church, helping to tell the story of our dear Savior's birth. 

Andrew and Carter

My little lamb

that face was just too much

Kennedy's costume was a bit too big, and the ears were a little bothersome but she really wanted to be a sheep, so we made it work.

She looked as cute as could be, I couldn't get enough.

Carter and Bryce

small group girls

Kaitlin, Audrey and K

Waiting for the service to start ~ so wonderful to be surrounded by our dear friends!

This was Sharon's last Christmas Eve service...it made me so sad to know that she wouldn't be telling the Christmas story next year.

Hoping she enjoys every minute of her retirement!

Our shepard and his sheep

(yes, she crawled down the aisle...it was slllllooooow going but they made it!)

Our little troop of performers

The look on Kennedy's face at this point was priceless.  She looked so miserable, but I truly believed she loved it.  Keela (the cow next to Kennedy) was hilarious, too.  We kept wondering if her waving feet would accidentally kick over the manger.  And to the right were the angels and wisemen...a few times I was afraid they were going to set themselves ablaze on the the Advent candle.  It was this mix of sweetness and comedy that made it so much fun!

The singing was beautiful and at the end of the service, all of the children were invited to the front and given glow sticks.  The lights were turned down and we sang.  It was a beautiful sound!

First Sunday of Advent

One of my favorite Christmas traditions in making our Advent wreath at church on the first Sunday of Advent.  It's fun to make something together as a family and then display it in our home for the month.  It's also a great opportunity to talk about the real meaning of Christmas.  It's so very easy to get consumed with the "to-do" lists, shopping, gifts and numerous activities...but during this hour at church we are able to make something that will encourage us to keep our focus on Jesus during the busy month.

And I must admit, this year's wreath was much nicer than years past. 

Kennedy helped prune the greenery and then place it around the wreath.

She loves to craft

Carter was more interested in playing in the branches with his friends, building forts and causing trouble, than helping us construct our wreath.

the end result ~ a beautiful reminder of Jesus's gifts to the world

My hope is to focus on His LIGHT during the Christmas season

Our friend Jeff was having too much fun with the nativity costumes~

He is most certainly a shining star!

our annual nativity photo

this year we have two handsome wise men, a sweet angel and Mary

turkey bowl

First Annual Turkey Bowl

Our youth pastor, Matt, organized a flag football game the weekend after Thanksgiving.  He encouraged "kids" of all ages to come and play, a time for fun and a connection with our church family.  Well, to say Carter was excited would be a huge understatement - he was pumped!  He wanted to play quarterback and score lots of touch downs.  He wanted to run pass patterns that he constantly practices with Daddy.  He wanted to be a real football player.

Thankfully the weather was decent and a large group showed up to participate.  I stayed home to prepare for our celebration later in the day, so sadly I missed my boy's excitement and determination on the field. 

What a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Our little football player

Kyle was sporting his Shrine Bowl jersey from high school and said he was a bit sore after the game.

Carter said he felt great

sons

and dads

Carter got in on the action.  I think he played one play at quarterback (he was sad not to do more) but was intense during the game.

Fun times!

a little of what kept me busy ~ {CAMP SHARON Retirement Party}

After 32 years of serving our church as the Children's Ministry director, my boss and my friend, Sharon is set to retire at the end of the year.  Her announcement didn't totally shock me but the thought of not having her in this role is deeply saddening to me.  I've been working with Sharon for nearly three years and really do consider her a friend.  She loves kids, loves God and has served in such a huge capacity for so long that her absence will most certainly be felt.

I had been approached to coordinate her retirement party and sort of declined, offering to help but not thinking that I had the time to commit to planning a party for 300 people...a week or so after this first request, our head pastor, Fitz, called me at home and personally asked me to coordinate Sharon's celebration.  I said yes (really, how do you say no to that?) and thus planning and coordinating became my primary focus for the month.  I had never done anything like this, on this large of a scale before, and I won't lie and say that I wasn't terribly daunted at first.  I felt tremendous pressure to make this party something that was worthy of a woman who had selflessly served God and our church for over three decades.  However, it was truly humbling to see so many amazing people step forward and offer to help in various ways.  My sweet friends helped in every way possible and I will be forever grateful! 

The party turned out really well...better than I could have hoped, in fact.  The gym (how is it possible to make a gym look nice, I wondered?) turned out lovely and the celebration time in the sanctuary, before the reception, was so thoughtful and special.  My hope is that Sharon truly felt the love and appreciation that she deserves.

Sharon had requested a "camp" theme, because summer camps had always been a meaningful part of her ministry.

I reused the backdrop from Kennedy's party and found great printables on line that allowed for editing.  Our friend, Dan, graciously brought me five large, round pieces of cut trees (guess they are called lilly pads) and we used those to help bring a natural feel to the dessert table.

We had 12+ dozen cupcakes, baked by thoughtful ladies and lovingly frosted by Shannon and Kathy.  Dozens of cookies, brownies and other sweets were also brought in for the celebration.

Cute little wrappers on Hershey bars - the back of the labels had sweet, personal information written about Sharon.

I didn't get great shots of the tables, but they were kind of a nightmare.  They ended up being an improvised success, but there was a bit of stress in getting them that way. 

When we arrived on Saturday, all (18!) of the tables and (180!) chairs were to be set up for us.  Unfortunately that wasn't the case...enter my amazing husband.  Thankfully Kyle and another kind man, Bo were there and willing to help.  Carter and Samuel were even put to work!  At that point we were not above a little child labor.

Then we couldn't find table clothes that fit.  Numerous calls were made to try to track them down, but no luck.  So we improvised.  Kathy and I had bought this lovely, neutral table wrap (kind of like wrapping paper) that coordinated nicely.  We used brown butcher paper as a runner and then square pieces of the floral paper on a diagonal.  I found the flowers at Michael's on clearance and thought they looked very nice (for fake flowers).  After it was all said and done, the tables looked lovely.  I could never have done this alone, and I am so grateful for Kathy and her creative mind.  We worked well together and just having her there with me helped relieve much of the stress that I was feeling!

The dessert table

I thought we'd have left over treats coming out of our ears, but once dinner was over the table was cleared...It looked like locusts had invaded.  There were a handful of cookies left and that was it!

little details

The amazing team of Linda and Amy transformed the sanctuary for the celebration.  It was so fun to see what they came up with - they had some help, as well, but were definitely the creative force behind the whole look.

The ever talented, Andria, created this great sign that was displayed in the sanctuary during the celebration.  Sharon loved it!

Miss Sharon, basking in the love!

Bibleman kicked things off - he was hilarious!!!

Sharon's daughter, Amy, sang beautifully.  It was such a personal and touching tribute to her mama.

Miss Sharon loves her kids, so I knew I wanted to include them in her celebration.  Anna lead the littler ones in a few songs and then wrote a song for Sharon that the older kids sang.  It all ended with a good, ol' fashioned camp sing-a-long.  It was so fun to hear everyone getting into it. 

I think it was my favorite part of the night...those sweet voices, singing with love and vibrancy. 

My little ones singing their hearts out.

Kitchen crew

I was a bit overwhelmed with the food and the idea of planning and prepping a meal for over 300 people.  Thankfully there are women who God has graced with magnificent cooking skills.  Leontina was the head chef and prepared two delicious, homemade soups, a fall salad, apple cranberry crisp and even kid friendly macaroni and cheese.  It was all delicious.  My sweet friend, Rachel, did all of the shopping and took the lead on coordinating with Leontina.  It was such a huge help.  We had lots of helping hands during the party, as well.  Several high schoolers helped serve and lots of ladies were busy in the background ensuring everything went off smoothly.

I can barely type as I look at these pictures, because I am laughing so hard!!! 

As everyone came downstairs for the dinner reception, I entered the gym and noticed a little old, white haired lady sitting in Sharon's seat.  I kind of panicked - "how could she not realize that she was in a special chair?"  It was the only black, padded chair in the entire gym, it was in the center of the room, had a sign on the back of the seat, a special cupcake on the plate and fresh flowers in the center of the table.  Really?!?!  I had no idea what to do, as I certainly didn't feel comfortable asking her to move...enter our fearless Associate Pastor, Matt.  I grabbed his sweet wife, Anne, pointed out the gaffe and said, "this certainly looks like a pastoral issue, could we get Matt to do something?"  As Kathy and I stood by, watching and giggling (and taking pictures), poor Matt had to explain to this woman that she was sitting in the seat of honor and she had to move...

"Look, there's even a sign."

Matt, you are the best!  Thanks for helping to save the day!!! 

a little love tree

Kids and their families wrote notes and verses to Sharon that we used in the decorations.

Such a great way to show a wonderful lady how much she is truly appreciated.  It was a lot of work but I am so thankful that I could help honor Sharon and her many years of service.

Good luck, Chief!

Sonrise National Park - VBS

We spent our first week of summer vacation learning songs, doing fun crafts, playing games and learning more about Jesus.  It was a wonderful week praising God and I am always very proud to be a part of it.  This year I organized and ran the preschool program which I (sort of) did last year, as well.  I had a great time and knew a lot of the kids, which made it even more fun.

I tell you, nothing can give me goose bumps like 220+ kids singing their hearts out for God.

It is a site to behold - the sanctuary full of young kids, all focused and participating, soaking in the message of God's love.  It'll never get old for me.

Carter was in fun group, the Scampering Squirrels, with his good friends Ryan and Samuel.  His leader was Mrs. Hartman, who I've known forever and is married to my junior high English teacher.  I was always happy to hear a good report from her each day.  Carter really seemed to have fun this year.

Just some of the amazing decorations that our talented decorating team put together to transform the church into a national park.  I have heard so many compliments (from non church members) about how wonderful our VBS was, and it makes me so proud.  There were over 90 volunteers during the week of VBS and many others who worked behind the scenes preparing for the week.  I love to see how it all comes together each year.

The Barczaks and the Phelans

Emory, Ryan, Carter, Kennedy and Weston

I love these kids, they are sweet, funny and so well behaved.

Crazy hair day

Carter's hair kind of stole the show - it was in desperate need of a cut, but I kept it long and put lots of little ponies (we called them spikes for his benefit) and then sprayed the whole thing.  He chose green and Kennedy chose pink, of course.

Just one of the sweet crafts decorating the house after a fun day at camp!