Another Week In Review

You would think with summer winding down (Trinity heads to first grade on August 11th), our activities would lighten up a bit too. Oh no. I think they are just jumping in full speed - trying to get as any things in as we can in the final weeks. Here's what we've been doing. Take a breath and jump in!

Last week, Trinity got the wonderful opportunity to be a part of our church's Super Summer Singin' Funner (or SSSF) - a music camp. This year, they decided to open it up to completed kindergartners for the first time. To say this is up Trinity's alley is quite an understatement. She was looking so forward to it. However, there was a bit of a let down when she found out that it was just something she would go to in the morning and come home each afternoon (verses a stay-away camp) but she overcame it. She had such a great, great time. The students had been given CDs to help them learn the songs a few weeks prior to SSSF and Trinity took that instruction very seriously. She knew every word of every song before the week even began. She would come home each day, turn on the CD to the songs that her group was performing to and would practice singing and the choreography. She got to be a butterfly and a lion. I just love seeing her throw herself into something she loves!! The group did a performance Friday night, which Craig and I unfortunately missed. However, we did go to her dress rehearsal and we did assign someone to video it for us. Here are some of the pictures from her dress rehearsal Friday afternoon.

Bullfrogs and butterflies, they've both been born again.

She's the lion in the front with the little bit of hair hanging out!

While Trinity was in music camp, it was nice to have some time with just Kalyn and Xander. Monday morning, we met some of our MOPS moms up at church for a Noah's Ark party. The kids got to pick out an animal and then stuff it. Kalyn picked out a brightly colored bear and I picked a monkey out for Xander. At this point, he's answering "no" for pretty much everything we ask him, so asking if he wanted the monkey or another animal was really a mute point. I just thought the monkey was one of the cutest ones. Trying not to create problems once we got home, I also had Kalyn pick out an animal for Trinity. Knowing Trinity's favorite color is pink, Kalyn chose a pink frog (which is pretty cute as well).

Tuesday, I got the chance to sit down with (insert huge drum roll and explosive cymbal crash here) our new youth minister, Brett. We are so excited that he is here. Craig and our friend Paula have been sharing youth minister roles for the past year. We're familiar with this spot (it's our third time in the past 12 years filling in while Crabapple is in between youth pastors). It has been great working along side Paula. However now, we're ready to go back to just a volunteer role. So Tuesday, Paula and I got to meet with Brett and pass along all the notes of the youth ministry and where it's been over the past year. Right now, Brett is headed to South Africa on a mission trip he has had planned for 9 months, so we're still in the leadership role, but we are in the less than a month countdown until it's fully handed over.

We rounded out our week with a trip to the Roswell Arts Center for their final puppet show of the summer. We have so enjoyed these weekly (or almost weekly) outings. This show was put on by a puppeteer we had seen earlier in the summer and we loved him even more the second time as the first - Lee Bryan. I think we are already looking forward to next year's puppet show series.

Our other big excitement of this week was that we made vacation plans!!! WHOOOO HOOOOO!! I know, you're probably sitting there saying, but it's the end of summer vacation, aren't you a little late on that? Yes, we are. However, our summer has been jam-packed with events and we haven't had a chance. Craig's been gone about a month (collectively) on youth events and when he's not doing that, he needs to be working. So, our vacation has been postponed. So what are we doing? Well, we found out that we are getting a refund from our taxes (our accountant always goes for an extension and it always takes us a while to get our refund back), so we decided to spend it somewhere fun doing a family thing. We're heading to Myrtle Beach, SC for an extended Labor Day weekend. We found a great hotel that looks to have a great kids pool area and is beach front - Long Bay Resort. We are so looking forward to some time away. We also decided to ask one of our friends, the Whitlarks. They have a little boy who just turned one and they are a blast to hang out with! Let the exciting countdown begin!!!

Our weekend was just as busy. I'll be posting that soon! I must say that even amidst the chaos, the parenting frustrations, the running around, I have to acknowledged how blessed our family really is. Not just materially, but in the face that our house is filled with love, and not just the love that we can give on our own, but love that comes from God. My love is based on the moment, His love surpasses everything. My love has an ending point, His love is eternal. It is so wonderful to know that love, that grace, that mercy. I love my family. I love our life. I love my Heavenly Father and I am indebted to Him for His gifts and His blessings. Above all, I am in awe of His love to send His Son, Jesus, to die a horrible death for my sins, to open up the opportunity for me to spend eternity worshipping Him. If that is not an amazing love, I can't think of what is.

Ecuador Pictures

As you may remember, Craig headed off on his second trip to Ecuador back in June. Well, finally, I have had time to comb through all the pictures of the trip and compiled them into one easy to view montage of a slide show. Enjoy!!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

From the Mouths of (Not So Much) Babes . . .

I love some of the things my girls say. I'm sure very soon, I'll be saying the same thing for Xander, but right now his expressions are more in single words and his mannerisms. Phrases are coming, just aren't quite there yet in the same way his older sisters are.

Here are some of their gem quotes from this past week.

Kalyn - Her comment was made as we were talking about her becoming a big girl.
"Yes Mommy, I'm already up to here!" Said with her hand on top of her head.

Trinity - As we were walking up to the sanctuary this morning, someone said to her, "Trinity, you are the bomb!" To which, she looked at me and replied, "No, I am a BAUGHN." (her emphasis)


It's small moments like these that I want to capture forever.

Time, it is a-flyin!

The last two weeks have been such a whirlwind of activity. So, it's time for a recap. I'll try to make it as short as possible. But, enjoy the pictures!

We had a really great visit with my family in Nashville. We had about a day and a half of sickness, which kept me in bed and everyone else in the house. We aren't a family that gets sick very often, but when we do, it makes up for lost time. The blessing was that the kids didn't get it and my mom, the trooper, kept an eye on the kids while I recuperated (even though the bug had hit her too). However, when we weren't sick, we were having a blast.

We visited the park just around the corner from my parents house.

Kalyn had such a fun time climbing up to the top of this pyramid thing and don't even think about telling Xander he's not as big as his sisters!

We got to visit with my grandmother - we treated her to lunch at McDonald's - hey, we know how to live it up.
The kids had a great time playing on the McDonaldland play-yard and Nannie had fun watching them.

We attempted to blow bubbles off a bridge, but there wasn't too much wind that day.

Trinity made amazing clothing creations with the piles of fabric pieces from my mom's quilting stash.

The kids had tons of fun with all of Mimi's rubber ducks in the tub.

We played with balloons.

Mimi said it took her a few days to find (and pop) them all.

We celebrated Papa's birthday.He got new pictures of the kids for his office and two new Peanuts books to go with the Schultz biography he's reading.

It was a wonderful trip, all in all.

We returned home Friday afternoon, right about the time Craig was arriving home from Centrifuge camp. On the way home, we found out that we needed to be down in Craig's hometown of Bowdon the next day. Craig's parents' house was hit by a tornado on Mother's Day this year and due to the damage, had to be demolished. Saturday morning, the builder was meeting with the Baughns to present his house plans. We're trying to help out his parents as much as we can during this big process, so we needed to be down there for this part of it. It was the first time Craig and I had seen the house, well the spot where the house used to be.

It was quite a bit to take in. But, the plans look great and we can't wait to see what is built in the old home's place.

That afternoon, we travelled to Douglasville to celebrate the marriage of Polly and Chris Grauso. It was such a wonderful reception. We are really enjoying getting to know Chris and Polly much better!

That's about all the update I can muster for now. We've had a great week since our arrival back home and I'll be posting those pictures soon!!

Theological 6-Year-Old

We've had the "opportunity" to talk with Trinity about lying. Over the past few weeks it has become more and more of a problem. Little ones, big ones - whatever. It just seems to be getting more and more difficult to distinguish the truth from a "not-truth" with her. So, as my mom was talking with her about telling the truth today, here was one of her responses:

"Well, I can't not tell the truth because if I always tell the truth, then that means I'm perfect like God and Jesus and no one is perfect like them."

While yes, she does has a point, I guess it's almost time to introduce her to Romans 6:1-2 which reads, "What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer." Sometimes I think she is just a bit beyond her time.

Nashville News

It's 2 in the afternoon (Central time) and all my kids are quietly in their beds. My mom had to run some errands and dad is at work, so the house is peacefully my own right now. So, it's time to update the blog. I am so excited about filling everyone in on the fun we are having up here.

After the seemingly long trip up here, we finally made it. No, we didn't hit traffic or any major issues, it was just one of those trip that SEEMED much longer that it was. Xander couldn't get comfortable or fall asleep - until about 10 minutes before we stopped for lunch. The girls' headphones for the oh-such-a-blessing DVD didn't work. I got to stop and put oil in my car (but now I know what kind to get and how to put it in). Like I said, not any the huge, just a lot of little trip-lengtheners.

The kids were so excited to see Mimi - she met us out at the garage as we pulled up to the house. Papa arrived home from his motorcycle journey a few hours later and was greeted with the same excitement and thrills.

That evening, my sister Ashley and her husband Jeff joined us for dinner. Then came the really exciting part of the night (for me). I mentioned a few posts ago that I was working on a secret project. Well - it was time for the unveiling! Or, more correctly, the giving. Over the past few months, Ashley and I have been secretly gathering pictures for my parents' 40th wedding anniversary. Through Shutterfly, we put together an album spanning from early childhood, through their courtship and marriage, up until May of this year. We had a blast working on it and we couldn't wait to see them open it up. And yes, they loved it!!! It was also fun going through the album with them and putting names to faces and reliving some of the pictures. Many, many laughs were had that night!!!

Sunday was spent celebrating the openning of a new community center at their church. We had a shortened service in their sanctuary and then all walked outside, around the corner and into the new building. In there, we held a small service of dedication and communion. It was a nice way to open it up! That afternoon, Ashley and I headed out to a nearby outlet mall for some sisterly bonding through shopping. We had a blast just getting a chance to talk and catch up face to face without the "additional conversation" of three small children running around. I love my sister!! Thanks for loaning her out for the afternoon, Jeff.

The kids had lots of fun with Mimi and Papa all to themselves without Mom around! The girls even came up with a "battle cry" for the day. They would both run into a room, one would cry out "PEACE" then the other would cry out, "BE STILL", they would wait for a minute . . . . then run out of the room. Sorry to be the one to post this girls, but if you two are both in the same room, and you're both awake, then there probably is not any peace or stillness. But, most times I wouldn't have it any other way!!!

Ending the Week

It's Saturday evening and it's time for a new posting. Tonight's posting comes from Nashville. The kids and I drove up here this morning for a week while Craig heads to Centrifuge with the youth. We've had a fun day today and I'll blog about that tomorrow. But today is a quick look back.

Thursday we got to celebrate my 34th birthday. It was a great day of relaxation and family time. Craig surprised me by taking most of the morning off and we pretty much hung around the house. Kalyn wasn't feeling too well that morning and some friends were over and playing downstairs with Trinity, so we had some fun one-on-one time with Xander. That afternoon, we piled into the car and headed off to a mystery destination, which Trinity was not keen on. We ended up at an AMC at The Avenue in Cumming to watch Wall-E. This theater was great - it's completely digital (sight and sound). Then, we met our friends, Llew, Lisa and Ben, for dinner at Red Robin. YUMMY. As we were walking in, the wait staff was singing happy birthday to another family. Well, that was enough for Trinity - she HAD to tell our waitress that it was my birthday. Happy Birthday, to me.

We ended our week with another puppet show. Trinity became very sad, though as she realized that it would be the last one she would see this summer. She said, "Next week, we'll be with Mimi and Poppa and the next week I'm at the King of the Jungle camp." So, I made sure that she had as much fun as she could at the last show. The puppeteer was Bob Brown who did a marionette show with penguins. All three kids had a blast watching the penguins tap dance, walk across a tightrope and ice skate (just to name a few tricks).

We ended Friday with a fun family movie. Craig grilled out some yummy pork chops and we grabbed some tv trays and started to watch Shek the Third. After we all finished dinner, everyone climbed up on the couch as we snuggled together to watch the remainder of the movie.

The end of the movie brought quite some interesting dance move from the kids.

A great way to end the week. I wish I could say that it ended there, but unfortunately, it was a rough getting the kids to bed. They were so wound up from the movie and dancing and I got more angry than I should have. I think my biggest frustration is when we try to do something fun, a reward for the whole family and it just doesn't stay fun due to fighting, whining or complaining. Urg. But, eventually everything calmed down and later ended the week on a good note.

What A Week!

My posts seem to be getting further and further apart. Over the past week, it also seems that each time I have "post to blog" on my to-do list, it becomes the last thing to be crossed off - if it is crossed off at all. However, I guess that really is a good thing. It means that life is busy, filled with things going on in our life. The summer has flown by so quickly. It has been jammed packed with youth events, working up at church, playing with the kids, visiting with friends, relaxing and gearing up for the next day. Some days are harder than others. I love my kids, but sometimes they are just a just a tad too much to handle. But, then, just as I'm about to ring their precious little necks, the girls come up from the basement like this -

two beautiful and colorful princesses, dressed for the ball.

My weekend was filled with such blessings. My wonderful husband worked some amazing magic and scheduled a great day of pampering and make-over for my birthday. With the help of a couple of friends, he sent me out for a pedicure, a new haircut and shopping for a couple of new outfits. Then, if that wasn't enough, he brought together a few friends for a Japanese dinner. It was a small group but at this time, it was just perfect.

Tuesday brought a blessing, which allowed me to get together with my friend, Jennifer. Jennifer is heading out to India tomorrow on a mission trip with a small group from our church. This is Jennifer's third trip to India, so she knows what she's in for (for the most part). She is such an encouragement to me in so many ways and I treasure her friendship. I always love to lift up others in prayer and Tuesday was a great opportunity to find out her specific prayer needs and concerns. Feel free to lift up the India team over the next 2 weeks - I know they will all love the additional prayer support. I just can't wait to hear the God stories when she returns!


During the remainder of the week, I'll be preparing to travel to Nashville, TN - my birthplace and the home of my parents, sister and brother-in-law, and grandmother. Usually the kids and I head up there during one of the youth events that Craig goes on during the summer. So, as he and the youth head off to Centrifuge, I'm off to Tennessee. I enjoy the chance to relax a bit and spend time with family. My mom was a school teacher for 20+ years and she always finds fun and educational things for us to do while we're up there. I'm looking forward to visiting everyone and celebrating birthdays (for myself and my dad) and my parents' 40th wedding anniversary. (Actually, their anniversary was June 1, but we all decided to hold on until we could celebrate together.) I'm also looking forward to some time to post about Craig's trip to Ecuador and any other events that have escaped the blog, as of yet. However, it's still a while between now and then. Earlier this week, I told the Trinity and Kalyn that we would go see another puppet show this week and it looks like that's on the schedule for Friday - and that's one thing that Trinity won't forget (now, remembering to keep her fingers out of her mouth is a completely different story).

One quick update - I was just told that I needed to change my settings to allow everyone (even anonymous people) to comment on the blog. Forgive me - I didn't know that setting was set. So, the setting has been changed - let the commenting - from everyone - commence!!!

Fourth Festivities

I love celebrating the Fourth of July. Actually, I love any reason to get together with good friends and play with fire-ignited explosions! Today was no different. Since Craig had to work (being self-employed means you get the holiday only if all the work is done), the kids and I headed back out to the Roswell Cultural Arts Center for our second puppet show.
I am still amazed by the array of puppets that are available and that people create. This week's show was done by Lee Bryan, That Puppet Guy. One unique puppet was made from a suitcase - he had cut a hole out of the top and covered the entire suitcase with a sheet. When he shined a light from the back, you could see a complete face - which included a mouth that he maneuvered for the speaking parts. Just amazing!! The kids had a blast - even Xander enjoyed it and sat completely still the entire time (except when he jumped up when one of the puppets would suddenly jump out from behind the stage).

That night, we headed over the Grauso's home. For the past few years, we have celebrated with them and it is always a blast!! They have a great view of the professional show at Wills Park, without the Wills Park traffic and crowds. We had so much fun lighting our own fireworks, watching the kids with the sparklers (or sprinklers as Trinity called them),
eating watermelon,

and watching the big fireworks.

Trinity, Jordan and Kalyn would let out a huge cheer with each display of color and sound! By the end, they had everyone cheering for them. It was a late night, but a great night.

Happy Birthday, USA!!!

Happy Fourth of July

Wow (yet again)!! How fast the week has flown. We've been busy this week, getting ready for Craig's return and welcoming him home. He had an amazing trip and I've truly enjoyed hearing his stories and viewing the pictures. I'll take some time soon to post some pictures and just a couple of stories. I've also been working on a super-secret project, which has taken up most of my spare time, which I would have usually used for blogging. But, that will be done this weekend and I'll be back to my some-what routine life. I look forward to sharing our life with you again.

I did want to take a moment and wish everyone a very blessed Fourth of July. I know that there are so many who have made sacrifices for this great nation of ours. Whether you are one who has personally served in the service or whether you have sacrificed by sending a member of your family, I say, "THANK YOU!" While words are often not enough, I am in debt to your service and dedication.

We are truly blessed to be in a wonderful country where we are free, to do pretty much anything. Unfortunately, that freedom is too often ruled by our own selfishness and pride. Just because we have been given the freedom do to it, doesn't mean we should. Corinthians 10:23-24 reads, "'Everything is permissible'—but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible'—but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others." When we think about whether we should or should not do something, do we think past the legal limitations or do we dive deeper, asking is this really is something beneficial and constructive?

Deeper Still & Still Going

Wow! The weekend has flown by so quickly and I can't believe that it's already Tuesday night. The Deeper Still Conference was amazing. I had wanted to take some time to really reflect on what God had taught me during those brief 24 hours. While I took a ton of notes and wrote a lot of things down, I wanted to see what I really, truly remembered. Out of all the things that Priscilla Shirer, Kay Arthur and Beth Moore said, what stuck with me? Now that I'm out of the excitement of the event, what am I holding on to? Well, here are some of my thoughts. I'll probably space this out over a few days, but I'll start here.

The first is the way God works. Over the course of 48 hours (Friday night to Sunday night), I heard two lessons on the depravity of America - how much we need to pray and really strive to make an impact for Christ in during this time. I also heard two lessons about the wilderness and dealing with adversity. My ears always perk up when God says the same thing over and over - especially in a very short period of time. So, I'll be interested to see what's coming my way in the future. One of my favorite verses is John 16:33 - [Jesus says,] "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Scripture promises that things will not be perfect, we will have struggles. It's good to know that God prepares us, even when we don't recognize it until it's over.

Priscilla Shirer spoke on the wilderness - focusing on Exodus 19, when the Israelites were at Mt Sinai and when Moses went on the mountain to talk with God. One thing she talked about was the location of Mt. Sinai verses the location of the Promise Land. Looking at a map, Mt. Sinai was the furthest point from the Promise Land. God shows up in amazing way when we are often furthest away from what others would view as a spot full of blessings. It's in the wilderness when we should really expect God to reveal Himself. Now I know that my life has been fairly smooth, not perfect, but not rocked by huge problems or difficulties. Part of my saying that "out loud" is to remind myself of this plan when the wilderness does strike.

I'll close with this one last thing. She also did an amazing "rundown" of God in Scripture. It's a bit long, but very much worth the time. Check it out:

In Genesis, He's the breath of life

In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb

In Leviticus, He's our high priest

In Numbers, the fire by night

In Deuteronomy, He's Israel's Guide

In Joshua, He's salvation's choice

In Judges, He's Israel's Guard

In Ruth, the kinsmen's Redeemer

In 1st and 2nd Samuel, our trusted Prophet

In Kings and Chronicles He is Sovereign

In Ezra, He's the true and faithful scribe

In Nehemiah, the Re-builder of broken walls and lives

In Esther, He's Mordecai's courage

In Job, the timeless Redeemer

In Psalms He is our morning song

In Proverbs, He is our wisdom

In Ecclesiastes, He's the time and season

In Song of Solomon, He is the lover's dream

In Isaiah He is Prince of Peace

In Jeremiah, the weeping prophet

In Lamentations, the cry for Israel Ezekiel, the call from sin

In Daniel, the stranger in the fire

In Hosea, the forever faithful

In Joel, the spirit's power

In Amos, the strong-arms that carry

In Obadiah, the Lord our Savior

In Jonah, the great missionary

In Micah, the promise of peace

In Nahum, our strength and shield

In Habakkuk and Zephaniah, He's brings revival

In Haggai He restores that which was lost

In Zachariah, He's our fountain

In Malachi, He's the Son of righteousness rising with healing in His wings

AND THAT'S JUST THE OLD TESTAMENT

In Matthew Mark Luke and John, He is God and Messiah

In the spirit filled book of Acts, He is the reigning fire from Heaven

In Romans, He is the grace of God

In Corinthians, the power of love

In Galatians, freedom from the curse of sin

In Ephesians, our glorious treasure

In Philippians, the servant's heart

In Colossians, He's God and the Trinity

In Thessalonians, our calling King

In Timothy, Titus and Philemon, He's our Mediator and our faithful Pastor

In Hebrews, the everlasting courage

In James, the One who heals the sick

In 1st and 2nd Peter, our faithful Shepherd

In John and Jude, He's the lover coming for His bride
AND in the Revelation, in the very end, when it's all over, said and done, when time is NO MORE. He is and will always be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, son of Man, Lamb of God, The Great I am, Alpha and Omega, God and Savior He is Jesus Christ the Lord HE IS EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED

Painting Fun

Before Craig left, I told Trinity that we would get some special arts and crafts activities to do while he was gone. Well, believe it or not, today was the first chance we had to actually get to one of them. This morning, I put Xander in his crib partly as a time out for screaming and partly because I was taking a shower and didn't want him roaming the house. Well, during that time, he fell asleep which opened up some time with just the girls. So I pulled out some paints and some little plastercraft bugs and we started painting.

It looks like so much fun, I couldn't let them them have all the joy. So, a while later, we all had our own colorful bugs. Trinity suggested that we put them out in the yard. However, about 30 minutes later, Kalyn got a hold of the paints and added her own touches to all the bugs.

Only two more days until our family is complete and together again. We have all missed Craig greatly. I've been able to talk to him a through the week and I've heard a few of the stories, but I am really looking forward to hearing about them in person. And having him back home.

Quiet Time Reflections

Everyone has a different "technique" in doing their prayer times - their time alone with God. Some in the morning, some at night, some at a lunch break. Some journal. Some talk out loud. Some can do it while they are doing other things. However you do it, if you're spending time with God and diving into His Word, then that is the main point. I am one of those people who has to do it first thing in the morning. (If not it doesn't get done then, then it doesn't get done, regardless of my intentions.) I journal my prayers (mostly to help keep me focused). I like to have some type of plan at what I'm reading in the Bible. (I can't just open it up and wing it each day.) I say all that to say that I finished one of my prayer journals today - I filled it up.

Now usually, that's just a sign that I need to go find the next journal (which is really just an inexpensive notebook) that I bought recently when I noticed that I was getting near the end. However, God had a different plan for me today. He lead me to go back and read through my prayers (something I don't do too often - unfortunately). He reminded me all the things that I had lifted up over the past few months and showed me how He had answered them. He showed me how things I have been praying for have changed, and how they have stayed the same.

It was very exciting to see how God had responded to my requests. It was also interesting to see how some parts of my prayers have fallen into a rut - close to the same thing each day. I try to pray each day with true sincerity and it is not just a rote thing, but I enjoy my routine. I have certain people I pray for each day (immediate family on Mondays, extended family on Tuesdays, etc. etc.). I have a general flow that I usually pray through. However, He reminded me that it's not to be the same ole, same ole each day. Psalm 149:1 reads, "Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints." Our words of praise are not to be stale things that are recited each day just because it's the thing to do.

So, I am now on a quest to change and excite and add a bang of newness to my prayer time. I'd love to hear your suggestions. I need to remember to take time to look back and see where and how He has worked, not just pray and move on. Off I go . . . .

Puppets, Parents & A Performance

Trinity always wants to know what's coming up next - Are we going somewhere today? Am I taking a nap? Is someone coming over? So, when she asked if we were doing anything fun on her way to the breakfast table, I decided to tell her that we were, but it was going to be a surprise. Well, of course, that just threw her questions into high gear. Is it Chuck-E-Cheese? What kind of building is it in? When are we going? What will it we be doing? I'm sure she hated the mystery, but it was a bit of fun for me.

We all loaded up in the car and took the short drive to the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. After a few more rounds of questions, we took our seats in the auditorium. It was then that I announced that we were going to see a puppet show. The center is having a different puppeteer in each week for almost two months this summer. I wasn't sure what to expect - actually, I just expected some story between a few stuffed characters. However, it wasn't like that at all. The puppeteer, Wayne Martin, described his show as a musical variety show. (Check out his website at http://www.waynemartinpuppets.com/.) It was a great combination of hand puppets and marionettes. A fun twist was a couple of the marionettes that split into multiple marionettes. I'm sure that sounds crazy, but he was great. I'd really like to try and make the remaining 4 shows.



Tonight, Craig's parents came up for a weekend visit. I'm heading to the Deeper Still conference with my friends, Jennifer, Beth and Teri and they are going to watch the kids. I am really looking forward to hearing God's Word from some amazing women and sharing in some awesome worship. Plus, it comes at just the perfect time during Craig's trip to Ecuador - in the very middle. I've really been thinking of the 11 days without him as two 4-5 day bits. Five days isn't hard, is it?

Speaking of Craig, I did get the chance to talk to him today. He said that things are going very well. A few people have gotten sick, which is never good on a youth trip, and even worse in another country. He said that their VBSes have been going well. He also said they were heading to a local mall for some shopping for a bit this evening. For those of you praying for the team, let me say thank you! They all appreciate it more than words can express!!


I'd like to pass along a video of a very creative church choir. I love this song in itself, but what this choir did with it speaks volumes. If you have any questions about this video, I'd love to explain to you that God's gift of salvation and forgiveness is just that - a gift. It is not because we have done anything to deserve it. It is simply a gift. Sit back, turn up the volume and enjoy!!