Kids Krusade 2009

I am a week behind in getting this posted, but oh well.....Last week was an awesome week, we had a 4 night kids krusade at our church last week and it was a blast. Brent Pickens has a childrens ministry of puppets, paintings, shares stories from the Bible, and many other things to reach children for Jesus. Between the krusade, back to school, and 3 days a week of therapies for Mariah, it was a busy week, but even if this kids krusade was all week, I would have mustered the strength to get there because it was so much fun!!! I felt so privileged to have gotten a photo of my kids with "Andy" the puppet, and I was actually a bit surprised at how compliant Anthony was when I told him to get in the picture, I thought for sure he would say, "Mom, why.........", he really surprises me sometimes!

Gardening

I enjoy the summer and along with summer there is ofcourse, yard work. This year we decided to give it a go and plant a few things in the front and back yard, it is has been about 7 years since we planted a garden. It is nice to observe the plants and watch them grow, although I must admit it has become more of Chris's project than mine, we all chipped in to prepare the grounds, the mulching and cleaning. That is enough for me, I've got enough things to keep me busy. Last November, we started a compost pile in which we put all seeds, peels, egg shells in a pile outback and we really enjoy doing that, plus it is beneficial to the ground and your trash won't stink as bad. Try cantaloupe peels in your trash, it will really make your house smell sour, Ewww. Anyway to our surprise, we have a huge butternut squash plant that is producing alot of squash for us. That was actually on our Thanksgiving Menu last year. My plans for the squash is to cut it up and freeze it, also I am going to experiment with it and try a butternut squash soup. The other day, I was making a salad to go with our dinner, it was nice to say, "Honey, can you bring me some tomatoes off the vine please", there is a satisfaction of eating and enjoying the fruit of your labor. I am looking forward to cutting open the cantaloupe and the watermelons!

grape tomatoes

squash

peppers

watermelon

canteloupe

WaterPark Fun

We went to Branson, We went to Branson!!

The kids and I headed to Branson, MO for a weekend of fun in the water. Mommies loaded up their kids, packed snacks and headed out for some fun in the sun, while the men went camping. The kids really enjoyed themselves, especially Mariah, she loved the waterslide. While we were there we checked out "Hard Luck Diner", a really neat place to eat and kid friendly too. The waitress or waiter actually sings to you too! The waterpark was really fun and has everything you need, no need to leave the park for anything. We didn't get a picture but Amy and I went down the large waterslide and it was awesome. Branson has alot to offer for family entertainment, in my opinion, it is like a mini Nashville, TN, and is a quick drive too. Hope to go back soon, I want to check out "Dixie Stampede" on the next trip.

"Taterbug"

Chloe & Tate

Mariah

Kaitlyn, Mariah & Chloe

Nic & Ahna

THE KING OF POP

Yesterday I had no intention of blogging about Michael Jackson, the news about his passing away yesterday swiftly spread around the country. Of course, my heart went out to his family, and knew that it was a tragedy. But today was a different day, I dug around for some Michael Jackson cd's that I knew we had somewhere, and found 'em. I don't ordinarily listen to mainstream much anymore, my taste is music has changed since my earlier years, but today, I thought I'd play back some songs, but what I did not expect was to break down. I listened to music from "Off the Wall", era 1978-1981 and of course, from "Thriller", era 1982-1984. His voice is unique, and at that time he was like none other. It brought back memories of my early childhood, I kept up with him from age 7 to age 11. I was the girl that cried at his appearances on MTV, Grammy Award Shows, etc, I would clip articles about him, tape pictures and posters of him on my wall, watch his videos and learned his dance moves, sing to his songs. It was also a time when my parents divorced and playing the songs back reminded me of those times, but, it also brought back to my memory the times me and my cousins would dance to his music in front of aunts and uncles, some fun times I guess, using a hairbrush as a microphone. The picture I have posted of him is the way I want to remember him, I put some of my favorite songs of his on my playlist as a tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.