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!!

Wednesday's What-Nots

Just a random question - does anyone else have to stop their children from from arguing about whether they are arguing or not? This was an actual conversation that I had to put a stop to as we were in the car today.

Today was day two of our great playroom clear-out. We are about 80% done. It was a good feeling to sit down with Trinity and have her pick out things to give away. We've tried to encourage the gift of giving in our kids and it's good to see it coming out in her.

We also got to have a fun time in our new pool after dinner. Last year, I bought a 3-foot deep pool at a consignment sale for about $30. Before Craig left, we put it up and it has provided quite a bit of fun. As a reward for all their hard work with the basement, we headed out for some fun.

We are trying to get Trinity and Kalyn more comfortable in the water - mostly holding their breath and putting their heads under water. So, I bought some of diving sticks at Wal-Mart, hoping it would help. It was actually quite amusing watching them try and reach down as far as they could without putting their submerging their faces. We'll get there. Someday.

In Craig's Words

Craig has been posting some updates and thoughts on his Facebook page. I thought I'd let his words do his talking this morning:

From Sunday night (while he was sitting in Houston):

ok so my passport is a little unpretty but that doesn't seem like reason enough to hold me hostage in houston. i am currently checked in to my hotel for the evening and trying to figure out how to get downtown by 9:3o a.m. to glue my passport cover back together so i can get to quito 24 hours later after much frustration,anguish, and money. i have never taken a cab in my life or been downtown anywhere alone where i had no clue. i don't even go downtown atlanta. i hope to look to see what God is teaching me through this soon but for now i'm just a little bit.... scared to be completely honest.


From Monday night (as he landed in Guayaquil - NOT Quito):

now im stuck in south america in a little hotel build 3000 years ago out of styrofoam. i still can´t change clothes because my suitcases are in quito. i´ll have some great stories to share. a lot less nervous. now it´s just funny. at least they have internet access to entertain me. we fly out to quito (closed due to fog) tomorrow at 8:41 am. on a positive note.. it was a blessing that i got stranded in houston because it has one of the few expedited passport agencies in usa. i got my passport in less than 2 hours. plenty of time for me to get to the airport 6.5 hours ahead of my flight. i decided God needed to put me in time out to remind me that this trip is not about me.

i took my first taxi ride (and second) and it was expensive as was the expedited passport. my driver knew exactly where to go and what to do. he was also a Christian, so we had great conversation on our $40 trip. my second cab drivers name was emmanuel (i guess God needed to remind me He was with me).

there is a beautiful picture of a view (from a hotel that is not ours) on the wall behind me. i am almost ready to brave going upstairs to see my room now. nite nite.
**************
He was supposed to be on a plane into Quito at 8:41 this morning, arriving in Quito at 9:35. It looks as though he may make it to join the rest of the mission team yet.

UPDATE:
I just heard from him and he has arrived safe and sound in Quito. He has already enjoyed a trip to the grocery and is now awaiting the arrival of the rest of the team back to "base camp" from their first VBS at the Dump. Praise God for a long, but safe journey!!!!!

Monday Mania

{Heads Up - it's a long one today}

Okay, so yesterday was just half of the trip for Craig as he headed for Ecuador. He and the group flew out to Houston and waited a few hours for their connecting flight. As they were headed onto the plane, Craig was stopped and told that his passport was too damaged to continue on to Quito. (This was the same passport - with the same damage - he took to Quito back in November without a problem. He had been washed at some point in the past and the edges of the cover were starting to come apart.) He and his carry-on bag were whisked away to the passport detention area. He was told that he would have to go to the Passport Office in the morning to obtain a new, undamaged passport. Continental made reservations for him at a hotel and were able to get him a reservation on another flight just about 24 hours later. To say Craig was out of his comfort zone last night would be just a TAD bit of an understatement. Stuck in an unfamiliar city, alone, having to find your way to an office downtown and then back to the airport, praying the whole time that getting a replacement passport would be a simple as everyone was telling him it would be.

Even in all that frustration and concern, we can still say God is so good! Craig was upset that they had even let him get to Houston - he would have felt much better doing all this passport stuff in Atlanta, a town he at least knew a little better. However, God knew that Atlanta did not have a passport office where Craig could get a new passport in an hour - Houston has that. God also brought Craig a great cabbie who knew exactly where Craig needed to go and what he to expect. Craig commented that the whole episode felt like a "time out" - a time for God to remind Craig that this trip is really nothing about him, but about Him. So, at 6PM tonight, I said one more good-bye to Craig as he headed off on his final leg to Quito.

{Just another heads up note, over the next week and a half, most of this will be written for Craig. Since I can't give him the scoop on what happens at home, but he can check email, we thought this would be a good way to keep him updated.}

Now some news on the home front. Trinity has had quite a time trying to figure out why Craig is going back to Ecuador. In her mind, he's been once, there's not really any need to go back again. We've told her that he needs to tell more people about Jesus and she just doesn't comprehend why people didn't get it the first time. This morning, I tied on one of the bracelets that Craig brought us from Ecuador. I told her that each time she looked at the bracelet, she could pray for Craig and all the people on the mission trip. A quick glimpse into what she's thinking through the prayer of Trinity - "Dear God and Jesus. Thank you for everything you've made. I pray for Daddy. Help him to tell people about Jesus more than he did last time. Amen." (Apparently she's thinking that he didn't do THAT good a job sharing the Gospel and he needs to do MUCH better this time.)

We had a pretty productive day today. We began the HUGE job of cleaning out our playroom downstairs. This has been a room that the kids have demolished over the past few months, just pulling out toy after toy after toy.

Our only disclaimer on this mess is that most of it have been gifts and hand-me-downs of one kind or another. No, we haven't bought all this!

My goal, while Craig is gone is to get at least half of the chaos, AKA toys, out of there and actually have a place for them to play. Trinity was a huge help in putting things in boxes, taking them in the other room and dividing them out into the various categories (play food, babies, Mr. Potato Head, etc.) Kalyn started off strong but in her first gathering, found a doll, a blanket and we didn't see her again. Xander found a spot and a book and got comfy.

After a few hours, all the toys were out of the playroom and into the front room.

Wednesday, we'll be attempting the role of whittling down - in a massive way. We still have a way to go, but I can begin to see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

Tonight was also our youth's Mission Monday - for those who aren't doing their own Mission Monday in Ecuador. Our original plan was to paint a fence at our church cemetery. However, due to a lack of paint from the man organizing this project, we moved on to project #2 - cleaning the buses. Well, we got one really clean. The other one, we could only clean the outside windows since we didn't have the keys to get inside and there's a huge drought here and watching cars is pretty much prohibited. Then we headed to Brusters for some celebratory ice cream.

Trust me, even if you can't tell, this bus is clean!!!

Just one big massive cleaning day with the Baughns - wheeeeee!!! What fun. You know you're jealous.

Ecuador-Bound

This morning began a new chapter in the book of our summer. Craig, 17 youth and 4 other adults loaded up and started their mission trip down to Ecuador. They are going to be gone for 11 days, returning on July 2nd. This is Craig's second trip to serve with the Hedrick family and the Extreme Response team. He had a great time last November. Below is a little montage of pictures from his trip.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

They'll be doing two VBSes a day this week, getting to experience a ropes course in the Ecuadorian jungle and meeting our Compassion child, Alexander. The youth group has been supporting Alexander for over 10 years. They will be visiting his village on a day of celebration. I cannot wait to hear the stories and see the pictures from that day. Next week, they will be doing a couple of days of light construction and enjoying some site-seeing and fun "touristy" shopping.

The kids and I plan to have a great time while he's gone. We'll miss him greatly, but are going to try and be as productive as we can in cleaning out some over-crowded rooms in the house. Craig's parents are coming up at the end of the week to allow me to go to a short conference with some great friends. I know that will provide the perfect break mid-way through the 11 days without Craig. I've also been invited to a couple of our friends' homes for some adult conversation and yummy dinners. God's going to take care of us while he's gone. He's good like that!

The Last VBS Post of '08

Well, the last ya-wiki, wiki song has been sung (until the girls ask for the CD in the car). The final round of snack-missions-crafts-music-recreation has been made. The volcanoes have spewed their last bit of fog. The room is back to it's original state (for the most part). VBS is officially over.

But, not before yesterday's Family Night. It's a time where we get to give the parents just a taste of what their students have been doing all week. We began with a little hot dog dinner out on the front lawn of the church. Xander and Trinity ate up their watermelon treats with great ease!

Then, everyone headed inside for a chance for all the students to perform for their parents. Trinity and Kalyn were both in the "preschool" section of VBS, so they got to be up on stage together. They did wonderfully!! It was very fun to see them singing together - right next to each other, actually (which was VERY helpful for the picture taking).

Kalyn & Trinity with their good friends, Ivey and Owen.

After the musical demonstrations, we were all treated to a video that was compiled with tons of shots from the week. It was great to see what had been going on throughout the various classes. The night ended with a yummy ice cream dessert.

I have to give a huge thank you to our amazing friend Ginger who organized a great VBS week. Trinity, Kalyn and Xander all had great teachers!! I can tell that they both soaked in a lot. Trinity has come home a number of days asking if we can talk about how to become a Christian and what that means. Today during dinner, Trinity was asking what something meant and Kalyn interjected with, "Well, what does the Bible say?" As they were heading to bed, I was warning them that they needed to be quiet and go to sleep. Kalyn responded with, "I want to do the good thing. It's good to do the good thing." It's always encouraging to see a small glimpse of God's Word taking root in their hearts.

VBS Week

Wow! What a week this has been. It has been great!! We've had our moments of slight frustration and exhaustion, but overall I love VBS week. I'm one of those crazy people that get into each day as much as I can. I'm loud during the mingling time outside first thing in the morning. I direct the arms of my students who aren't doing the motions during the songs. I look for ways to make this week different than any other camp that they will go to this summer. I love to get into the spirit of each day and encourage my kids and my students to do the same. This week, we've had hat day, crazy day and tomorrow is Hawaiian day. I must admit that crazy day is my favorite, just 'cause we get to be . . . well, crazy. (However, some might say that crazy day is every day for me during VBS week.)

My co-teacher & friend, Lisa, and me on hat day!

The whole family on crazy/silly day!!

I also love the chance to pour God's truth over these precious children that God has put in my hands each day. I love telling them about how much God loves them. It's awesome to hear them repeat verses that they learned early in the week. It's fun to watch them "fight" each other to see who can tell me the Truth of the Day. It's encouraging when they answer the questions I ask, but a little tough when I just get blank stares in response. It's hard to hold the laughter in when a child answers that the shepherds praised "a big, metal, golden cow" when Jesus was born. It's tear-jerking when I see that light go off in their minds as they hear how Jesus took their punishment to allow them to spend forever with God. Some people have been looking forward to 12:15 on Friday afternoon since 8:45 Monday morning. However, this year, I have to say that I'm a bit sad that it's over. I just pray that what they have heard will be remembered, that those little seeds will find a chance to be watered and nourished.

It's family night tonight and I'm off to pop the kids in the bath - hopefully I can still get out all the hair color before it's too late!!

VBS Kick-Off

Know the Truth! Speak the Truth! Live the Truth!

Welcome to Outrigger Island!!

Whatever you want the catch phrase of the week to be, it's here. We've blitzed, we've prepared, we've decorated and now VBS '08 is well underway. I am so excited about this year. I think once I get through the first day, I'm always excited about the students I have and the wonderful ways they are hearing the Truth about God, His Son and the salvation He offers.

I'm one of those parents who loves getting pictures of my kids with the decorated set each year, but this year I did it the first day! Ya!! One less thing to think about later this week. Craig and I went up and decorated my room on Friday night and had a blast (once we actually got all our stuff together and got to work). I think Craig was actually more excited about decorating that I was. I love the way my room turned out - Craig made me a volcano with actual flames (okay, so a torch light with paper flames) and real smoke (okay, maybe a fog machine pointed upward). It is just awesome!!

I have 9 just completed first grade students this year and I am having a blast with them. They are really keeping Lisa and I on our toes. They are all about getting into the games and seem to actually be remembering parts of the Bible stories and Bible verses that we are teaching them - which is most exciting.

It's also interesting to come home and hear about what went on in the classes (or the minds) of Kalyn and Trinity each day. Monday as we asked each girl what they learned. Here are their responses -

Kalyn: I didn't learn anything.

Trinity: I learned that Jesus loves me. (While yes, this is true, I knew that wasn't the story focus of the day. So, upon further questioning, she actually answered with a more truthful answer of "I learned about Moses. And I saw that movie last night. Little Mo took his staff and the sea opened up.")

I know that this week will be crazy busy and very exhausting, but it will all be worth in as we all plant spiritual seeds in these precious kids. Let the excitement continue!!!!

Happy Father's Day

To my Heavenly Father:

Without You, all this is meaningless. Thank You for the gift of your only Son to allow me to spend eternity in Your perfect, holy presence. Thank You for the love that You give me, for the guidance and direction You provide and for the peace and strength You pour on me each moment. You are holy in every aspect and I praise You not for what You have given me, but for the simple fact that You are God. I praise You not only on this one day set aside to honor fathers, but each day. I love You!

To Daddy:

I will always be your little girl. Thank you for all that you have taught me over the years. Thanks for taking time out to do Indian Princesses with me. Thanks for showing me how important hard work and planning ahead is. Thank you for taking me to Daytona races, even though they were VERY early in the morning. Thank you for walking me down the isle on that very special day. Thanks for the words of encouragement and support throughout the years. Thanks for always being my Daddy, even though I can't see you as much as we'd like. I miss celebrating with you today, but I look forward to celebrating with you very soon. I love you!

To Craig, the father of our children:

You are such a great daddy! I love to watch you play with, talk with and teach our children. Throughout all the struggles and hardships of parenting, I know that you will always be standing beside me. In those wonderful, pleasant, amazing parenting moments, it's good to know that you are just as proud about our kids as I am. Thank you for the spiritual leadership and guidance you give our kids. Thank you for loving their mother through everything. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect spouse and mate than the one God placed with me. I love you!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THE PRECIOUS DADDIES OUT THERE!!!

More Pool Time

Friday we got the invitation to join another friend at another neighborhood pool. So, we loaded up all our pool accessories, towels and a picnic lunch and headed over to meet our friend Cacee and her son Asher. Asher and Xander are only a few months apart, so they've been together since they were born. We began with some time in the baby pool for the boys. The pool has a mushroom fountain, but it was off - which I think was actually a plus since that fool was quite cold and the girls would have been avoiding the spray which would have limited their playing area.
After a while, we headed over to the main pool. We grabbed Xander's float and popped him in - which he's now getting quite used to doing. Then Trinity and Kalyn got all suited up in their floats. Until they are both proficient swimmers, I think these devices will be lifesavers for me at the pool alone with them.
While Cacee watched (and played with) Xander and Asher, I got the chance to really work with Trinity (and a bit with Kalyn) on her swimming. She's getting better each time we're in the pool, but she's getting very dependant on her life-jacket type float. We'll get there eventually, though.

After a good swim time, we stopped for a picnic lunch. It was so nice to sit and relax with Cacee for awhile - well, relax as much as you can with 4 kids running around and trying to contribute to the conversation. Asher was so sweet to share his watermelon with Xander and they devoured it!! YUMMY!!


















Soon after lunch, we headed home to get in naps (and they did all crash!)


Friday night, Craig's parents came in to spend Father's Day weekend with us. We are looking forward to having some family pictures taken and enjoying some time with them. With their arrival, it also allowed Craig and I to head up to church last night to decorate my room for next week's VBS. We weren't able to get it all done last night (since we didn't want to cover up some of the supplies for Sunday school), but it is looking quite good! I can't wait until Sunday night when it's all done and Monday when we kick off the big and busy week!!

Father's Day Gifts

This morning, I asked Trinity if she had any ideas for Craig for Father's Day. She had some ideas, but I knew we'd need to keep looking. We ended the conversation and she headed off to breakfast. About an hour later, she came running in from the TV room (the news was on and she had been watching it so she could "find out what's going on and be smart" - her words, of course). From the tone in her voice, I could tell that this was something of great importance in her mind. I was afraid I was going to have talk to her again about tattling on her younger siblings, but I was mistaken. The great news that I needed to know?

"Mom, Mom, Mom!!! They have great Father's Day gifts at Joseph A Banks!"

Ah, the power of commercials.

VBS Blitz

Last night we had the opportunity to go out inviting a neighborhood full of people to next week's Vacation Bible School at Crabapple. We met up with some of the youth at church, received our "assignment" from Micheal (our Evangelism Pastor) and headed out. We started out with all three kids in the wagon, but Trinity soon wanted to get out and get involved. We hung invitations at every address and even got to personally invite a people who were out and about. Trinity was so excited about the whole process. As soon as we saw someone on the street, she would ask, "Can we give them an invitation?"

We had a blast.

On the way home, the sky was a beautiful color of pink as the sun was going down and clouds covered the horizon. Trinity was looking out the window and says, "I can see just a little bit of heaven." Amen, sweetie! What a great ending to the day!