Survival and Thankfulness

Right now, I'm in survival mode.

I shared a prayer request in church on Sunday.  Prayers for my sickly, tired, first-trimester self.

And...I cried.

That was embarrassing.

Probably more for my husband than myself, but at least he just HEARD about it because he was walking the church halls with our fussy, teething toddler.

But I guess it was good that I made a crying mess of myself because somehow crying lets everyone know that you're serious.

I know that this first trimester isn't going to last super long (even if it feels like it), and I know that we CHOSE to homeschool (even if I think we're crazy at times), and I know that we CHOSE to have our 6th child (holy cow), and I know that we CHOSE to...well...want to eat and sleep and live in a semi-clean house (that seems reasonable in this list of maybe not-so-"reasonable" things), but it sure is nice when people rally around you and say,

"What can I do?"

"Can I take your kids for awhile?"

"Can I bring you a meal?" 

 "Can I take your daughter to and from ballet for awhile?"  

"Just call me!  I can help!"

I am not alone, even when I feel desperate.

Thanks to my husband, who works so hard and then gets home and works so hard some more.

Thanks to my kids, who have been so helpful with cleaning, and making food, and taking care of their younger siblings.

And Thank You to those who are helping me during this time.

 The body of Christ, the Church, is a wonderful blessing.

Such a gift from our LORD!

Camping with Friends July 2014

Crazy Outfit Day

Looking good at KWAC.  :)

Kids' Worship Arts Camp

This week has been busy!  Our church doesn't have a VBS program for the kids, but it does have something called Kids' Worship Arts Camp.

All the kids learn songs for the performance that's on Sunday.  There are also "break out" sessions during the day.  Each student chooses which "break out" they'd like to do based on their desires, abilities, or talents.

Some choose to try out for the lead parts or solos in the performance.  Others choose from set design, crafts, baking, art, and photography.

I was asked to lead the photography session, which made me laugh a little as I am just learning how to use my camera and am in no way a professional photographer.  However, I do enjoy photography and kids, so I told them I would do it.  :)

We have been having SO MUCH FUN!  Well, at least I've been having fun.  I'm pretty sure the ladies and gentlemen that I have in my group are also having fun and learning new things.

We've been talking about angle, perspective, background, detail, keeping the camera steady, etc.  They all bring their own cameras if they have them and if not, we've found some point and shoot cameras to let them borrow.  

Here are some pictures from these budding photographers...

This last one may be my favorite, but I'm a little biased.  He's such a cute boy!  :)

Overall, I have been very impressed with their creativity behind the lens, and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each student!

Way to go Photography Class!!!