Exciting week

We are down to the last 10 days or so of "summer" here.  My boys did a new VBS at a church that is very close to where we are moving.  And they LOVED IT!   

                                      Johnny, Kris and their cousin Jeana

Funny thing is, they were a little apprehensive to go.  I basically found it and signed them up.  Then I told them, you are going!  Ever have a good feeling about something?  This I had a good feeling about.    The boys went everyday (and their 3 1/2 yr old cousin went with them in the preschool group) from 9am-12pm.  What I really liked about how they grouped the kids was, they were different ages.  It really had a different, but oh so positive dynamic!  They were with one child their age and the others were mostly younger.  The Theme of the week was "High Seas".  They formed friendships, learned about God's word and learned some really great songs.   I saw two boys who were a little shy at the beginning of the week, get more and more excited each morning.   And everyday when I would come to pick them up at 12 noon, the most beautiful bells were playing in the steeple of the church.  Always ending with "He's got the whole world in his hands" which made me tear up daily....

It is three churches that put this on.  The Lutheran Church where it was held, The Reformed Church (directly in the lot behind it) and the Catholic Church down the street.  I think it's wonderful they all work together to give these kids a wonderful week.  Isn't that what we are supposed to do, help each other out?  And so nice to see that they are.  There is one person from each church that plans this every year, for 10 years now.  And they do a great job!

Thursday there was an "ice cream social"  after dinner and they were thrilled to go.  Today was their last day of VBS, but made sure to tell their leaders (teens who were the group leaders) they would be at tonight's closing program.   

This little Lutheran church that was built in 1901 (I think, I'm going by Johnny, I thought in the 1890's but I'm taking his word for it!)  came ALIVE tonight with these kids!  They had a slide show of pictures of the kids all week doing their projects, playing games, singing and having a great time.  They sang the songs for us.  It was just heartwarming!  And to see my two boys come out of their shells like they did, just made my heart happy!  They sang and stomped and hugged their friends and asked if they could come back next year.   I love these kids with all of my being and thank God for giving them to me!

   That is my Johnny right behind the first girl in front of the screen, Kris is in here, but can't find him!

I want to consciously live in the moment with them and enjoy every single minute with them.  Because I know, firsthand how quickly it goes by.  These babies of mine are 9, how did that happen?  I'm so not ready for them to grow up.  I need more time! 

XOXO