Lucky 13

For our anniversary, my amazing husband of 13 years and I decided to have the our children treat us to dinner. A good family starts with a good marriage, so we wanted them to honor our commitment to each other.

When I told them our plan, Zeke warned me that they didn't know how to cook and they would burn the food. I ignored that and made them forge on.

Both Zeke and Daisy made a 'menu' for us(there was no choice involved, but we still got to chose our meal). We chose grilled sausage, steamed vegetables, baked mashed potatoes, and cookies for dessert. Elijah prepped and cleaned the table for us.

Francesca peeled, cut and prepped the veg. Zekers was in charge of the grill.

Things were going quite splendidly. Until they weren't.

With a fair amount of urgency the chef yelled, "Mom, the grill's on fire!" I would have taken a picture, but since the whole thing was nearly engulfed, I was more concerned with getting the fire out. My amazing husband of 13 years saved the day.

The sausages were salvageable and we had a lovely meal with our three lovely children who prepared it.

After Zeke nearly caught the back patio on fire, Daisy nearly caught the house of fire as she prepared our dessert. But my amazing husband of 13 years saved the day again and grabbed the pan of cookies from the toaster oven. 

I am thankful for my amazing husband of 13 years and the wonderful family we have created together.

The Star Factor

MusiCamp was different this year as Daisy and I entered 3rd-6th camp with our Zekers. I spent all of my day with 5th and 6th graders, half of which was spent with Zeke as he rotated through percussion,  hand bells, and rhythm.

Worship included 3rd-6th grades, so I got to sing with Daisy. 

 I randomly bumped into her around campus all week. She chose the art option so she worked on art projects this week. Here she is working in her sketch journal on the sky bridge.

Daisy auditioned for the dance team and made it. I'm so proud of her! My tiny dancer is down there working with the team.

As a bonus I sometimes got to peek in on Lijee, too. Here they were playing in the gym.

We had theme days throughout the week. This was jammie day.

 Here we have pop star day. Daisy was all smiles as Selena Gomez; Zeke and I are more troubled as a typical boy band singer with his hoodie and cool glasses and I am the late great Prince.

 Ninety-eight percent of the kids did not know who Prince was, but the adults knew who I was supposed to be. 'We are gathered here today for this thing called life.'

 Friday was red carpet day. Here Daisy and I are dressed fancy and walking on the 'red carpet.'

 Zekers' group called themselves the narwhals. They even had a song. 'Narwhals, narwhals, swimming in the ocean. Causing a commotion. Cuz we are so awesome.'

Friday night was time to perform The Star Factor.

Fifth and sixth grades performed the song they learned during the week in hand bells.

 They also performed their song from percussion class.

 The musical was about students at Camp Heart and Soul. Here Daisy and the dance crew are entering with their sleeping bags and gear for the week.

 Someone from The Star Factor came to camp to chose the best person to perform on the hit tv show. Throughout the play the children were convincing the 'lost' Hollywood man that they wanted to work together for Christ instead of separately for themselves.

 Daisy wasn't happy about it, but she danced with a boy.

 Another musical in the books!

 Thanks to our neighbor Harper for coming to the show.

 Thanks to both Grannie and our voice teacher Carla for coming, too.

 Daisy created a gorgeous plaster cross throughout the week that was displayed on show night.

We love our church and the opportunity to do MusiCamp!

Cute As A Button

The two bigs are taking voice lessons this summer with Grannie's friend Carla. They're practicing for a recital featuring songs from The Music Man. They have practices at Carla's house/studio individually as well the whole group. 

They also got to perform for open mic night at Buttons. Twice.

 After singing they earned a hot fudge brownie ala mode. Their favorite part.

The count down to the big performance is on!

 This is what these two do while we were away.