I have had these pictures loaded on the blog just waiting to be blogged about for almost a month. Oh my am I behind! I think it has something to do with how tired I am of posting the back of the kids' heads. But, in less than a month that will be no more!
We recently started a new Sunday School class with 11 other couples at our church. The class is called the Rising and we have already found such community with the other couples and membership is growing! It is rare to find this level of authenticity and a true desire to spur one another on in our walks with the Lord! We have a different mission project each month planned by a different couple each time and geared toward the kids being able to be involved as well. Our first month we served here...
Our kids scoped and bagged beans with all the other kiddos and "A" sweetly helped a gentleman sweep up after! He is really into cleaning, much more like his daddy than his mommy in this way!
Here "J" is sporting one of our class t-shirts with our class scripture.
We also recently went camping with several of the other families from the class. I was a little nervous about how the boys would do with that much room to roam, but the other couples (even those without kids) were so good about helping corral all the kids! I told you there was true community! Kristina was smart and brought those light up necklaces for the kids to wear so we could see them in the dark! She saved me from having a heart attack, I am sure of it! We made smores around a camp fire together too! So fun!
Here's my hubby after he put up our tent! I think this is the first time I have ever slept in a tent, but I'm sure not the last because our boys LOVED it!
We woke up to beautiful scenery and more sweet fellowship!
We had a great camping site right by the lake!
All the kids get along so well! They played together digging in the dirt and running around. Who needs toys when you have fun and creative play mates like these!?!
I think this game is called bauche ball, but whatever it is the boys enjoyed it!
This is "J" and his lil' friend Cole! They have played together several times because Cole's momma Summer is a sweet friend of mine!
Jeff and I "competed" in a couple's competition.
Some how we "missed" all the other games (AKA my hubby was hiding) but horseshoes...
and this game whatever it is called where you hook this ring to the tree. Jeff was really good at it!
The boys enjoyed pounding the guts out of this pinata! "A" has some serious swing! Maybe we should try baseball!
Since the camping trip, the Rising has had another family service day at a nursing home. Our family made visits to several rooms praying for the residents, handing out gift bags and crafts the kids made. The kids also sang for the residents and helped them play bingo. The son of one of the residents told us he could truly tell how it brought joy to the residents who he says are often sad when he comes to visit! I love that our class is so dedicated to teaching our kids how to love God and serve Him through serving others!
This fresh perspective on what truly matters is really at the heart of how God is moving in our little family! He is calling us to simplicity. We are simplifying our schedule and prioritizing God and one another over more activities and things. I am pretty sure God is just beginning this work in us, but I am so grateful that He is teaching us this so early in our kids' lives. I would hate to look back in 10 years and wish we had modeled for them how to truly cherish family and be self sacrificing with their time and belongings!
