VBS Blues?

After a very full two weeks of VBS, I thought we might experience the "post-VBS let-down blues." It has actually been a nice, relaxing day here at home. Naomi is donned in her blue t-shirt ready for more "BBS" (after wearing it every day for two weeks she knows what to put on in the morning!).

Our church hosts a rather unusual VBS in that it encompasses the entire body and provides an opportunity to work together. The "main attraction", if you will, is the elementary program for grades k-6th. There were over 350 elementary-aged children on campus from 8:45am until 12:00pm rotating through music, crafts, recreation and group time where they learned from Dr. Ken Ham's material, The 7 C's, covering Genesis to Revelation. For the teachers and other 110 adults on campus, there is a preschool program provided for some 66 little ones. The truly unique aspect revolves around the youth program. Over 120 Junior High and High School students live, eat, sleep, and work around campus during the two weeks. The students assist with the morning program and then after lunch their day is filled with "service projects". They have devotions early in the morning and chapel time during the evening hours. What I am most thankful for is the high-view of God that our directors and Pastors present from nursery to mature adult workers. If I were better at technology I could link you to the music video "Evolution is Lame" - but just type it in and you'll find it. Perhaps I'll be able to upload videos soon!

Glad to have Dad!

Jonathan managed to sneak in and grab some "cuddle time" with Daddy! Dad is definitely in demand, awake or not. We are so glad to have our Dad!! While I don't have photos of it, Paul swept (well, Ok, drove) me off to our favorite sushi place for a nice lunch. I think they actually call in an extra chef when they see us drive up. . . if you've ever been to sushi with us you'll know what I mean by that (or, if you've ever witnessed Paul eating). Watching Paul eat sushi has to be one of the best entertainments EVER!


Bekah, Joshua, and Sarah enjoy some fun pool time with Daddy. We have all been enjoying catching up on our "daddy time", even if it means napping together!



Baby Jael gets reacquainted with her Daddy! She's realizing that he's a pretty funny guy with really cool ears and funky eyes! By the way, "Baby J" sprouted her first tooth! Her bottom front left tooth just cut through and we'll be sure to get some pictures as it appears . . .

Gifts Galore!

Hannah, age 3 (for one more week!), gets decked out in her latest gifts! The new colorful lambie and pretty apron came all the way from Guatemala brought by her special friend, Miss Julie! The beautiful purse and "aladdin" type shoes came from Daddy's travels in the Middle East. Hannah is a careful dresser and was up and ready this morning in her new attire.

Camel, yum!

Paul loves to try new foods and will eat about anything, he has only found a few foods which he dislikes (one of which is peanut butter - go figure!). Here he is enjoying a treat of camel, which he claimed was delicious. So, Pop, you should have taken the camels when you were made the offer! Ha.

Too Cute

She's just too cute. Two is such a great age. Plus, I haven't figured out how to get some new pictures onto the computer. Hope to put a few shots of our homecoming with Paul/Daddy soon. For now, enjoy little Nay-Nay.

Naomi at the Wheel!

Here's a fun shot of our sweet Naomi (Nay-Nay) enjoying some moments outdoors before the heat hits. She keeps us hopping (understatement)! She is as mischievious and delightful as the sparkle in her eyes. . . Notice the shorter haircut due to bubble gum damage.

The Waiting Game

Waiting. . . .

We continue to wait for the arrival of Daddy and the rest of the short-term Nonamestan Team (arriving over the next several days). At this point, we are in our last few hours! Yippee! It has been a wonderful 3+ weeks at home together, but we are all missing our Hero. The house seems quiet without Daddy's laughter and fun. No one plays like Daddy, although we've been blessed with MANY young people (and a few old :) ) hanging out our home and pool these past several weeks.

After Paul first left people would ask "how is it going alone?" and I would respond, "Alone? That would be easy! I've got seven under eleven, twenty-four/seven!" However, I must admit that I have changed my mind. . .I think being alone would be much more difficult. I love the organized chaos and commotion that makes up our home. Although I do enjoy it better with my love!

My favorite quote of the week goes to Jonathan, age 7. While we were driving to Sarah's piano lessons, he made the profound statement "birthdays don't happen often - I've only had seven". Hmm. I told him that his great-grandpa was going to have his 93rd birthday soon to which he responded "lucky him."

Last, but definitely not least!

I realize most of ya'll have not seen a recent photo of Baby J, as she is affectionately referred to. No doubt she'll be a hit as she is passed around the cousins during the upcoming family reunion! She spends much of her time being carted around by various siblings and enjoys her many playmates. Jael is a very lovable and happy little girl and we are so blessed to have her in our full quiver! (We are also very pleased to have big brother Joshua!)

My favorite quote this week is from Sarah, age 11. When discussing the phrase "many hands make light work" at our mother/daughter bible study, Sarah piped up "at our house, many hands mean a lot of work!!" Ha. Very true!

Bekah's New Smile

Rebekah Ruth Lost Her Tooth!

Well, it has finally happened! Rebekah Ruth has lost her first tooth! Due to the rhyming nature, we've been singing about Rebekah Ruth's tooth for years now. And, it is really lost! With lots of helpful hands her tooth disappeared. But fortunately our international tooth fairy still left some special coins for her to discover. A picture is pending. . . . .stay tuned!

Seven is Heaven!

Getting Started!!

Getting started on something foreign is always a little bit scary. Especially when it involves technology! Yes, this is the same girl who just learned to text message and is still clueless about most (perhaps all) remotes. But, due to familial pressures, here we go! May you enjoy the amusements, escapades, endearments, enlightenments of this Full Quiver Family!


"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." Psalm 127:3-5