A snake under my clothes line...Yikes!!

Just a little while ago, as we were having some quiet time together something was lurking in our back yard...eeewwww. Well, as we looked out the back window we saw the mocking birds flying around and trying to get at something in the grass. We took a closer look and it was this black thing crawling along in the grass.

We grabbed a long-handled squeegee, the shovel and made sure everyone had their boots on!! I immediately thrust that squeegee over its neck and then Garrett took hold of the handle and then I put the shovel through its neck...eeewwww...it was terrible. My poor little chickens were just having a fit! Clucking around and making such a fuss. The kitties were wondering what was going on and we put the puppies into the crate for safety. Ha! Garrett holding the snake... Here's Austin holding the 4'1" long Southern Water Snake

While at Kid's Junior Camp

While they were at Jr. Camp '09, some of the fantastic things the kids were involved in was choir and learning new songs. Along with those new songs, they learned some really cool hand and body motions!! Of course, we had spectacular music and must say how proud we are that our very own Justin (Jud) Koehoorn was on the guitar! And Heidi Blaylock played the keyboard! Way to go! From what I hear, all the musicians were fabuloso!! We are so blessed. I wish I knew all their names and I'd put them here... Here's most of the children's choir...led by Sis Pinton

Bro Joyce told the kids, "No matter how small you are, you can do BIG things for God!" Then we got ready to play some games!! Everyone was running everywhere and racing to find a person who matched the description to what Bro Joyce was naming...eg: find someone who has the same color toothbrush as you!! READY-SET-GO! Off they went... Christopher finding the right partner Tiffany and Micaylah as they get ready for the next game Samantha and Makenzie in the middle of playing the big group game We ended with a special time in the altar as the children were praying one last time together and leaving to go home with all they had learned. Several hundred praying together..I didn't get a wide shot like I thought. I was just trying to snap a few quik-pics then get over to pray with the kids. Counselor/Leader Bro JL Parker and Bro Grant Wisener praying with the boys in the altar after Friday evenings' service. It's so amazing to think...these young ladies will be praying together for many years to come. Angel praying in the altar Bro Joyce and kids Bro Joyce took a special moment with Austin Parker, who was just a few months too young to stay at camp this year. Micaylah with Ariel, Megan, ??, Natalie, ??...sorry I missed their names Papa JL and Daddy are getting the remnant of the boys' stuff Here's Garrett leaving...wonder what that look was for???In the midst of all my little 'fears' and 'apprehensions' about sending them off ...on a FOUR, did you hear .... FOUR day trip to another place...with out me...their Mother...to watch over their every little move and make sure their hair is done, faces are washed, that nobody is picking on them, (you know how we moms tend to be), teeth brushed and that they are just where they are supposed to be...this was no little thing for me... they really, really, REALLY had a great time and want to go again next year.

Headin' for camp!!

I am not sure how many years, I just know it has been a lot. Bro JL Parker has taken many children down to our state camp grounds for the annual children's camp every summer. He drives the van down, helps them all get checked in and registered, and sends them on their way to one of the funnest times of their lives....JUNIOR CAMP!! It is for children aged 8-11. They will stay for 4 days and have a super time. Our three oldest have gone many times over the years and loved it! Now, Bro JL does stay down at camp with the kids...in the boys dorm room as a counselor/chaperon along with several others from the church. There are several ladies who stay with the girls also. Our family, along with some others I'm sure, will be heading down on Friday for the final night. There's going to be a kid's choir, activities, ball games, classes in the morning as well as evening services geared toward their age. Here's a quick-pic summary of their departure this morning at 6:00AM.

Bro JL checking all the campers onto the van.

10 kids+1 driver=LOTS OF FUN!!! Samantha, Brookelyn, Makenzie, Micaylah, Bro JL, James, Garrett, Braxton, Tyler, Jacob, Matt Loading up some stuff... These guys look so sad to be leaving home...HA!Girls are ready! No tears here...

Last check before pulling out to head down to camp!There they go!I am looking forward to hearing how it all goes. Have a great time kids and make some awesome summer memories together. THANKS! BRO. JL FOR TAKING TIME OUT OF YOUR SCHEDULE TO ACCOMMODATE THESE LITTLE ONES!! But then, that's the way you've always been. We know your reward will be great in heaven! We love you!

My chickens are growing

Here we are several months down the road and we still have our little chickens. We got them when they were just 4 days old along with 2 ducks. By the way, the ducks think they are part of the chicken brood I guess, because they all stick together. Here is their coop with a fence around it and then here are the chickens that have decided they like it out of their yard. If one goes into the coop, they all will follow. If one decides to eat or drink, they all want to do it too. It is so cute. There is a 'PECKING' order you know. I mean among fowl. They all know who's 'BOSS'.

Do you see my little 4lb long-haired Chihuahua? She is just sitting there watching them. Especially Broody, who is getting a bit too close. Now, the chickens are about 3 1/2 months old and today I opened their fencing door and let them out for a while. They are big enough to walk around the YARD, (our big yard), and enjoy getting all the worms they want. We had the kittens, puppies, dogs, cats, the goat, the pony and the ducks and chickens out in the yard. Thank goodness the chickens like to stay right around where my garden is growing. Here are most of my little brood-8 chickens & 2 ducks This is Broody(my chicken), Jemima & Willamina(Camille's ducks)

They decided to take little walk. They went right into the horses pasture and found something good to munch on. But in a moment they were back at the coop and ready to get into their own little yard. I just got Broody going in the right direction and the rest followed along. Love It!!

Family time on the coast

Sometimes you just need to get away from the everyday routine you're used to! That's just what we did. After spending some time doing some things we wanted to do we decided to go and do some more things we wanted to do...like visit the coast!! There's nothing quite like digging your toes into the soft white sand and feeling the cool water rush over your feet. I like to just sit and watch the waves while listening to the flow of the ocean. I love watching the children run up and down the long stretch of sand and seeing their faces light up when the find a new "treasure". We found so many little 'treasures', I'm not sure what we're going to do with all of them... At the end of every day came one of the most wonderful treasures of all....this gorgeous sunset. God gave us such a lovely time away...together.

Bike riding & family

This past week we took a little trip all together!! Yay! Finally, we were able to get away for a nice little trip. Our first day we just sat around and relaxed with family, ate a yummie home-cooked meal and played games. The next day, we enjoyed sitting around and watching the kids play in the pool. After that we decided we would take a bike ride into downtown and get a little treat. Oooo..it was so much fun.

The next morning we woke early and went to a local park. We walked all around...all day long. It was terribly hot, but not too crowded so we were able to go on lots of rides. We even went on roller coasters that the kids couldn't go on before. Now they're older and can ride them.

More coming soon...

A special time

We are so glad to get to spend some time with family this week. Tracy and Maddy spent a few days here with us and we had such a nice time. They all played ball and stayed out doors til dark. Catch that ball Aunt Tracy!!! Way to go!!! Then we had a nice dinner together. The girls got to swim, play dolls and barbies, ride bicycles, play with the pony, goat, ducks & chicken...no, not really. But they did play outside and pretended they were horses and pulled a cart. Garrett, Austin, Micaylah and Maddy We finished off the time with a hot breakfast with cheesy scrambled eggs, fresh hash brown potatoes, sausage and bagels with cream cheese.

And one of Micaylah's very special friends came over too. Her name is Madi also. Just spelled differently. All the kids had a great day together until it was time to go home. Thanks for sharing a few days with us. We sure look forward to doing it again soon. We love you guys!!