Medieval Times

We got a very last minute invitation to Medieval Times last night.  It was pretty cool, and I'm glad we went.   It was a once in a lifetime adventure.  It made me think of King Arthur and Merlin.  hehe....

Weird Animals

Me and Sienna

Melissa and Dr. Paws

Professor Kyle

Josh and Pastor Karl

FUN PICTURES OF VBS.   

Everyone got tired.  I even had one little melt down.  But it was a good week.  All the girls in my group raised their hands to accept Jesus as their Savior.  And really, that's what it's all about.  If people don't have Jesus, they have no hope.   We are all unique individuals... all kinda weird animals.  We are all lost without Jesus, but with Him we know we have eternal life.  We have the promise of living with Him forever.  Hallelujah!!

Asbury Park Beach trip

 

Yesterday after VBS we took a quick drive down the shore for some fun in the surf and sand...
It was a perfect beach day; sunny, hot, breezy, not crowded...  just perfect.  We didn't get to spend a whole lot of time, but it was so nice that we at least made it there before the boys go back.   We've never been to Asbury Park Beach, but it was very nice.  Really glad we went.

Tomorrow is the last day of VBS.

flowers on a wall

Just thought I'd share some of my lovely flowers on our wall. They seem to be happy where they are.  None have died... and they look great.  Colors are fabulous.

VBS started today.  The first day went great.  So far the kids in my group have been good, and pleasant.  I like the age child where there can be some reasoning capabilities, and intelligent conversation.  I'm not a fan of temper tantrums.

Kyle did an awesome job of teaching the kids the Bible lesson today... and Ryan was super doing the skit!  This is their last full week here in NJ.  We leave for Michigan next week for Michael's wedding and to take the boys back to GBC.

I'm going to start writing songs I think.  And maybe I will go visit the elderly folks, and sing for them.  That was an idea I had, just not sure how it would work out yet.  I also want to start playing more songs for CBC, if possible.  Last year that whole thing kind of bombed.

I think I might also go back and do some open mics.  I might even take a trip to West Virginia by myself.  I'll probably start sewing again, and doing some new vocal work.  I think might also take some skype guitar lessons.  And hopefully get a little worship course to do at home.  Oh yeah, maybe I'll start painting again too.  Probably try to eat better, and exercise while I'm at it too.  Everything has sort of fallen by the way side lately.   I guess sometimes I just stop caring...

Looking forward to our church camping trip too!  I'm already starting to think about what (and how) I will cook...while I'm there living all alone in my tent.  The lady I talked to today told me not to leave a cooler of food in my tent because the bears will come in.  That would not be fun.

You know, I do this to myself on purpose.  I plan all these things so I don't miss my boys too much.  Life is definitely going to be weird again when they leave.

the end of the Vegh tour (at least for this summer)

our last open mic at Caffe A La Mode

 Here are some videos from tonight's open mic:

Dance With Me


Ever So Gently


Speak Your Word


Temptation Song


We had such an awesome and fun time tonight.  We received so many wonderful compliments on our voices, harmonies, and song choices it was absolutely overwhelming.  I can't even remember all the great words.  It was the best way to end our open mic season with the boys.  This was definitely a positive and joyful experience for all of us.

Last night we sang at The Canal House.  Our adopted son, Joshie was with us.  It is so much different singing at a place where nobody is paying much attention, than playing at a place where you are being cheered on by experienced musicians.   I tend to like the latter.  Regardless, we had a fun time both nights.

After our last open mic at the Canal House

our last night with Joshie

This is the video of our night at The Canal House.  Instead of separate videos for each song, it's just one big long one.
(see below for list of songs)


first- 10,000 Reasons
4:40 Love Came Down
8:43 People Are People
12:43 Here Goes Nothing
16:40 Ever So Gently
21:52 I'll Fly Away

We've really enjoyed these couple of weeks of singing publicly.  I know it has encouraged Ryan to get out there more and do stuff like this.  He is looking forward to doing more of it in Michigan.  I'm certainly happy and thrilled for this experience for myself as well.  I finally felt more relaxed and comfortable tonight.  Of course part of that comes from being around people who are welcoming, supportive, and encouraging.  It is a brilliant atmosphere for growth and confidence.

Psalm 104:33New King James Version (NKJV)

 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

some finished work projects

the wall

tomato plants

perennials

front walk

Some of the pictures for me to remember the work we all did this summer; planting, mulching, building a wall, redoing steps, sidewalk, and badminton court.  And to remember sunshine, pool days, and laughter.  My next post will be to remember our last open mic at the Canal House, and our last night with Josh.

not so lazy summer days

The boys took a break from mulching and other yard work.   Ryan is doing some ear training here.  He also finished a song that I haven't heard yet.  Kyle was just plumb worn out.  Next time I will post a couple of pictures of some of our finished yard projects.

pretty summer sky

This might be my new car.  It's a Buick Encore.  It's pretty cool.  We'll be bringing it home tomorrow if we definitely decide it's the right car for me.  Sadly, we could not trade in my blue Mazda because we found out that the drunk driver who hit it at CBC messed up the frame, so no car dealer can sell it now.  If that hadn't happened, they said it would've easily been worth $13,000.  Now we would only get $5,000 for it.  :(    It was a little depressing to find this out today, since our insurance company never informed us.  Not sure what we will do with it yet.