Will and Rachel's Visit

Will and Rachel had to come back to the U.S. for a few weeks because of all the political problems in Honduras. They were able to stay with us a few nights. We loved having a chance to visit with them and hear of all the work they are doing there. They are heading back Saturday. Things seem to be calm there now. Please pray it stays that way so they can continue their work there.

First Bubbles

Joel is getting so big. He started blowing bubbles a few nights ago and is quite good at it. I can't believe he will be four in a couple of weeks! He's getting so big.

Latest Diaper Cakes

Something about going on vacation and diaper cakes seem to go hand in hand for me. This is the second year I've had to make a rushed diaper cakes before leaving for vacation. This year I had two to make. I think the pink one is one of my favorites. The turtle cake isn't quite finished I still need to give the turtle a little blanket to hold to complete it, but I won't have a chance to take another picture of it. I sure enjoy making these. I know at some point they will be out of style, or are they already? Oh well, I think they're cute!

Jennah's Musical and Football Update

Last week Jennah had Music Camp at church. She had already auditioned for a solo several weeks before so she knew she had one but didn't find out until Wednesday which one she had. She was also a ribbon dancer. I don't know if I'll ever be able to watch her sing without crying. She just has the sweetest little voice. Her little friend Zoe came with us. She is one of our neighbors that comes down to play with Jennah. Her family had asked a week or so ago about our church and said they would like to visit with us sometime. We invited Zoe to come with us to see the musical and she got to meet our children's minister and told him she wanted to come next year with Jennah. You never know what an influence you have on people. We have never talked to them about church, but they knew we went because they see us leaving for church all the time. This last picture is Jennah signing autographs after the performance. On the back of the programs they have a page for all the kids to sign autographs for everyone. The kids love this and I think it is a really fun idea. Also, thanks to everyone that came to see Jennah. I know she loved having you all there.

Football update: Jack is no longer playing tackle football. We were able to find a used helmet and shoulder pads on craigslist (thanks for the suggestion Annie). So we ended up paying about $100 instead of $225 on equipment. That is on top of the other $350 we've already paid (that we thought included everything) silly us! We thought we were well on our way until the coach called at 10:00 Sunday night and informed us this was NOT a recreational league it was a competitive league. This team had been together for the past five years and Jack was already an outsider. They had practices four days a week and Jack would be missing the first four because of our vacation, and we would miss the parents meeting. The coach was not happy about this and let me know that by reinforcing that this was a competitive league. This has been the biggest nightmare! Jack wants to play so bad, but we were really afraid all it would do is discourage him and be a huge let down. After several hours of panic and stress over what would be the best thing for Jack, I decided at 12:30 a.m. to see if there were any flag football leagues in Tulsa. I came across Upward. It is a faith based league I had heard about their basketball league before, but I didn't know they had football! I think this is the answer we've been looking for. So we went yesterday and signed him up!

Also, my baby Joel will start Park Plaza Pre-K in September. It makes my heart hurt to think about! I'll post on that later.

First Year of Camp!

My goodness I can't believe two of the three of my children are old enough for church camp. Some of my favorite memories growing up is all the time I spent at camp. Not to mention that's where Jonathan and I met. Being the over protective mother I am, I decided they needed me to go with them to camp. I know Jack could have managed by himself, but Jennah I think would have come home with just the clothes on her back. She may like to clean and look just like her Grandma Janet but she has some me in her too.

Jack seemed to have a great time with all his old friends from Ft. Gibson. It made us really miss our church family there. He didn't hang around me at all and really took to the independence. One thing I found funny and reminded me of Jonathan is every day at every meal Jack would sit in the same spot. I guess he likes routine like his dad. Jack had just returned from football camp the day before we left for camp so he was still a little tired from that, but was so proud of the dog tag Uncle Brian had made for him. Apparently he told everyone at camp he was going to be in the army because the award he got at the end of camp was the "Rambo Award".

I was in the cabin with Jennah and we had some good bonding time together. I hope someday when she's a teen she will still want me around to share in these fun camp times with her. I know that's probably not going to happen but I can dream can't I. I love to watch her socialize. She is friends with everyone. Her camp award was "Best All Around Camper" One thing I thought reaffirmed me going with Jennah to camp was when we were eating lunch she got a brownie for dessert and asked me if she could eat it before her hamburger. I asked her if I hadn't come with her to camp what would she do. She got a big grin on her face and said I would eat the brownie first. So funny and just like Jennah!

I was so proud of both Jack and Jennah. It brings tears to my eyes thinking about how much camp can influence their Christian walk, if they let it. For now it's just lots of fun and making new friends!

These two girls are from Ft. Gibson and are Jack's age. Can you believe that? They look so much older than him. I secretly hope Jack marries one of them some day. Is that bad?

All Things Football

Jack has an overnight obsession with football. He has been talking about playing football for the past year. I thought it would just fade away and he wouldn't really want to do it, but I don't know why I would think this from the child who doesn't forget ANYTHING. So the time finally comes around for sign ups and he is still pumped about playing. It's tackle football and they are pretty serious about it here in Jenks. They even have a draft for teams. Adding to his already obsessive behavior he got to go to Adrian Peterson's Football Camp (thanks to Uncle Brian, Aunt Jenny, and the Army) He came back from camp with an even greater love for the game. We will see if it lasts. I have a feeling the first time he gets hit in a game he might change his mind. I am happy for him though. I think it's every little boys dream at some point to play football. He starts practice in mid August so we will see how it goes. If nothing else he is making memories that will last a lifetime.