Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Hanna's Sweet Sixteen

Driver's of the world: Beware! Hanna has a license and a car!
We were so lucky to have part of Hanna's day long birthday celebration at our house. As you can see from the picture above, it was a day fit for a "princess."
Linda had a beautiful birthday cake made for Hanna. I love the picture on her cake! It's always been one of my favorites. I can't believe she's not our "little girl" anymore!!!!!!
Jessica and Samantha had a blast helping me decorate the dining room with the decorations Hanna brought over the week before. Samantha had the idea to hang the beads from the light fixture, then she tied them together in the middle. I was very impressed.
I am not looking forward to this day in just a few short years! I will lock them in their rooms, and they will NOT get a car!
Jessica and Samantha gave Hanna special gifts they picked out and wrapped themselves. They love Hanna so much! She's a "rock star" to them.
Linda had to show Samantha the pictures on her camera. Samantha is crazy about cameras and taking pictures. She just might become a photographer one day, or a hairstylist, or an interior designer....
Hanna's friends did not want me to take their picture because it was a pool party and they weren't wearing make up... teenagers! Just wait till you actually need the make up!
I was trying to get a nice mother-daughter picture...but Jessica could not be left out.
Jessica is a "Hanna hog." She always wants her all to herself!
And now a blast from the past...
Hanna and Jessica at Hanna's 8th birthday in Webb.
Mom watching Hanna open her gifts with a little help from Jessica.
Hanna posing for a picture while Jes tries to run away. There's Mrs. Lucille sitting on the fireplace.
I am not sure what Linda is showing Jes but Linda really likes it. I have always loved this picture.
But I love this one more.
By the way where is my brother during these parties!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Saddle Ridge Ranch~Bethel VBS

The theme of this year's VBS was Saddle Ridge Ranch and the motto was:
 Need Answers? Ask God!


James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.

The best part of the day was Worship Valley Ralley where we sang the songs. They had to be the best songs in years. I loved them all. Of course every year they sing, Yes to VBS, but this year there were some really good dance steps to the song.  
"Gonna say yeh-yeh-yeh-yeh-yes to vuh-vuh-vuh VBS
yes to the blessing of studying God's Word
Yes to the best thing - Jesus is Lord!"
The most popular song so the week was Don't Be a Tumbleweed.
"Don’t be a tumbleweed,
Blowing anywhere the wind may lead.
Plant yourself deep,
In the B-I-B-L-E.
God’s Word can set you free,
From being like that tumbleweed."

Saddle Ridge Ranch excerpt
"On Saddle Ridge Ranch,
Rounding up questions driving home answers.
Saddle Ridge Ranch,
Discovering whenever I need wisdom God is the one to ask.
On Saddle Ridge Ranch."
Who He Says excerpt
"I am who the Great I Am says I am,
I am one of His greatest creations.
He says that I am remarkably, wonderfully made,
and I am who He says I am."
God Cares excerpt
"So I will cast my care on the Lord,
Because He cares for me.
I will trust in God no matter what.
I will cast my care on the Lord,
Because He cares for me.
I will trust in God no matter what.
‘Cause I know He will never stop, Caring for me."
Like Jesus excerpt
"No one ever lived, like Jesus
No one ever cared, like Jesus
No one ever loved, like Jesus
No one touched the world, like Jesus...
Like Jesus cont...
...And I will give my life
I will give my all
I just want to be like Jesus
Whatever I must face
I'll bow my head and pray
For grace to be like Jesus
Like Jesus cont...
"I will choose to live, like Jesus
I will choose to care, like Jesus
I will choose to love, like Jesus
I want to touch the world, like Jesus."


Next is my classroom. We called it Bible Study Bunkhouse. I was so lucky to help Kristi with the 1st and 2nd grade class. They were so good. Really! They could've taught themselves!
Here's my masterpiece. I made this out of cardboard and spray paint, of course. Then I added a small red fan and taped red, organge and yellow streamers to it to make it look like we had a real fire in the fireplace.
Below is a picture of Sam at the Big Sky Grill.The ladies working at "the Grill" really out did themselves. It was so cute and delicious everyday. They made the food into all kinds of shapes to go with the theme. Below Samantha is eating a dragonfly sandwich. The favorite of all the kids was the horse food they made for them. My students at it with no hands like horses.
Jessica's class. Jes did not want her picture taken! I have to overstep the "no parents allowed" zone to take a picture! So embarrassing!
 Samantha and Sue working on crafts at the Blazing Star Stables.  Not only were the songs and food the best in years, so were the crafts. Mrs. Nikki, Mrs. Brandi  and Subie worked tirelessly on crafts and their hard work paid off. The kids did a fantastic job.
Jacob and Sam in line to get their "tatoos."
Jessica and Maddie coloring their project for the week.
Samantha working on her handprint cow.
And now, here they are on the "wall of fame" in the playroom.

The last stop of our day was Rec at Mustang Mountain. Mrs. Wendy and her helpers did such great job with the activities. The kids asked all day if it was time for "PE" yet. (Mrs. Wendy is a PE teacher : )
Emmaline and Samantha are out!
Callie and Samantha waiting their turn.
I wish you could see the boots she's wearing for this relay! Hilarious.
Oh wait, here they are. I had to ask permission to post this picture. She was not a happy camper in the boots.
But the most exciting part of the week for all of the children was the lizard eggs they found outside. I remember picking up boards and rocks outside looking for bugs and worms when I was their age too.
 (Good times : )
Jolie, Emmaline and Samantha inspecting the eggs.
Samantha couldn't resist. She had to hold one.
Can't wait for next year! But it will be hard to top this year!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Swimming, Sunshine and Samantha's Birthday!

Samantha turns 6!
The theme of the party was Swimming, Sunshine and Happy Birthday!
Well...two out of three ain't bad. We did have swimming and Samantha's birthday but definetely no sunshine!
Clint didn't think the rain was enough so he shot them with a water gun while they swam in the rain.
Aunt Margie really out did herself and made the most beautiful and delicious Barbie cake EVER!
Aunt Margie showing the kids how she decorated the cake. Samantha LOVED it!
Say Cheese Blake! I think he and Hayden are up to something.
Sam opening her gifts.
Dixie had the most fun of all at the party. She got a lot of attention.
...And a lot of babying from Hanna.
Nana and Jessica were attached...by Nana's necklace.
Okay, back to the pool. Luckily it stopped raining!
Samantha and Sela served lemonade to the party guest.
Sam and Sela...BFF's.
And last but certainly NOT least...the pinata.
Birthday girl's first at bat...
Jessica
Blake
Sela
...and finally, the FINALE : )
We love you Samantha!