Josiah and Titus compete at JR Convention 2016

Our school hosted JR Convention this year for the first time. It just so happened that Josiah and Titus were old enough to compete. Titus really wasn't too interested in doing much. He just wanted to do anything in athletics basically. Josiah signed up for about too much and we had to work with him because he couldn't handle all of it or get it completed in time. 

His biggest project he worked on was in wood construction. He made a cabin out of wood scraps. 

It turned out great and he was really proud of it. 

He made this to show the judges his steps in creating the cabin. He ended up placing 4th in this division. 

I didn't get hardly any pictures at the convention because I was working the concession stand and keeping the bathroom stocked all day. I didn't see any of the kids get to compete. It was that busy!!  Everyone was run ragged by the time it was over, but it was oh so fun.  

Finally, it was awards service. It's what the kids had worked so hard for. I did get a few pictures of that, but not many good ones. 

Josiah getting a medal. 

Titus getting his medal. 

Titus was pumped. He wasn't getting many medals at first and was a little sad looking. He finally started getting called and all was well in the world again. You can guarantee that next year he will be ready to compete. He wasn't sure what to expect this year, but he'll be ready next year. Wait and see!!

Here's what all Titus won the medals for. 

Participation in Athletics

1st Bible bowl

4th Basketball

2nd Punt Kick Throw relay

1st large ensemble

3rd small ensemble

Josiah placed in:

1st Large Ensemble

3rd Small Ensemble

5th Duet

5th Solo

2nd Spelling

1st Bible Bowl

2nd Pace Bowl

4th Woodworking 

Participation in Athletics

These awards don't count what their school won as a whole either. 

LCA done amazing. I was so proud of every student that competed and done so well. 

It was great, friendly, Christian competition. 

I'm also proud of the students who were too old to compete and spent their whole day working hard and assisting wherever they were needed. I had the best concession workers ever!!! 

Now that we know more about convention, we will be better prepared next year. Looking forward to it. 

Suprise Housewarming Shower

I am a very suspicious person. (That's a better word for nosey). 

Anyhow.......I just about got the suprise of my life a few weeks ago. It would have been a complete suprise, but someone happened to make a comment that made me wonder if something was going on. 

Then at school, the secretary passed out notes to staff members that invited them to a staff lunch the next day, which was on a Saturday. I immediately, was suspicious. So, I'll admit that I read another teacher's note to see if it said the same thing as mine. Ha ha 

I still wasn't sure. I began texting my sister Melissa that I had a feeling my church was having me a shower the next day. We laughed and talked about how silly I would feel the next day when I showed up and it was in fact a staff dinner. The whole time I talked to her though I kept telling her I was suspicious of her and that she was probably in on it too. She just laughed and told me I was dumb. 

I didn't tell Maynard about the staff dinner to see if he would get antsy about asking me what we were going to do the next day. Just to see if he knew about it. He never said anything, so I figured he was clueless too. His text messages on his phone checked out ok too. Ha ha ha

So Saturday, we pulled up in the church parking lot and my kids began recognizing my family's vehicles. Then, I knew my hunch was right. 

The very sister I couldn't trust was inside grinning from ear to ear at me. 

Everything was beautiful!!

All the decorations on the table were my gifts as well!  Talk about loving the decorations!!!

We had tons of food and presents. 

I think what suprised me most was I had no idea that my mom had planned the shower. She had my friend Heather helping her on this end with the decorations and such. Then I felt jealous that my Mom and sister had been texting and chit chatting back and forth with her. I told them I don't share my friend. Lol

But I was worried why I was getting a shower and yet 2 other families had just moved the weekend before in the church. So when I found out my Mom was the one who planned it, it all made more sense to me. 

I had a blast opening gifts. I got lots of nice things. We've been married 17 1/2 years and most what I use still is stuff from our wedding shower. 

The boys got western decor for their room and Amelia got pink chevron decor for her room. They were as excited as Maynard and I was. 

I got all kinds of kitchen stuff. I had mentioned to someone about wanting Pioneer Woman pots, pans, and dishes. 

We were beyond blessed and so thankful for our family and friends to come together and bless us like they did. 

We will be moving soon. We only lack a few piddly things to finish. 

I am loving the wall colors and the floors make the house look so much more spacious. 

I will update once we get moved or at least get started. 

Josiah's 11th Birthday

Apparently, last year's birthday party was a success. So of course, a repeat party was already in the plans. The Friday before Josiah's actual birthday, I had 8 boys at my house ready for a sleepover. 

For some reason I allowed them to bring their BB guns. I was a bit nervous and thought about enforcing safety glasses, but decided to just let them be boys instead. 

They had such a good time exploring in our woods. I believe they played army and war. I love seeing kids using their imaginations. 

We had pizza for supper. They were so excited about playing that they barely ate anything. 

Towards the evening we built a fire and they roasted marshmallows and made smores. I didn't get many pictures because middle school age boys aren't into that. I feared my life taking the previous picture when they all had their guns. 

The tent was set up, but no one was ready for bed. Maynard played hide and seek with them in the dark. They separated into teams and had a blast. Maynard and I went back in the house and I made popcorn for them to take in the tent with them. I shewed them all out of the house and we went to bed. I heard them laughing and giggling until about 2 a.m.

I forgot to mention that Amelia was having her own sleepover at her bestie's house. We didn't tell her until school was over that she got to go home with her friend. She was super excited because she was not looking forward to having all those boys at her house. 

Around 7 the boys were at it again. Already running through the woods. I fixed a big breakfast and this time they were starved and ready to eat. 

It was so encouraging to hear the boys talk about how much fun they were having. Makes it all worth it to me. 

Throughout the day the boys were getting picked up and we had a suprise guest arrive. My mom stopped by to stay the night. We picked Amelia up and grabbed an early supper. Then we came home and everyone went to sleep. Mom said we were the most boring people to be around. Ha ha. We were worn out for partying too much. 

Josiah was out of it and it reminded me of the picture I took of him last year. 

Sunday morning Mom went to church with us. The kids were so excited to have her there with us. 

We took Josiah to eat Mexican so he could have his birthday desert. 

Everybody matched, but me so we took some pictures. 

Mom and Josiah really matched. 

Tuesday was Josiah's actual Birthday. He decided he wanted to bring fresh honey buns from the bakery to share with his class. 

But first, it was present time. 

He got a Nike outfit, Nike wrist and headband, water bottle and a basket ball. 

One of the highlights of his day was that Maynard picked him up from school and took him out for lunch. Maynard had been off work a little while due to a work injury, so he was able to do that. He signed Josiah out and took him to Frisches. 

He loved getting to eat off the bar instead of getting a kid's meal. Then they brought him a hot fudge cake for his birthday. He was so full he couldn't eat all of it. 

Maynard announced he was released back to work and Amelia immediately went to complaining that Maynard wouldn't be able to take her out to eat on her birthday. Ha ha 

I'm glad Josiah had a great birthday. He was my special gift sent from God 11 years ago!!   

Back to School 2016-2017

Just like it always happens, summer break ends before you know it and you didn't even get to everything on your to do list. 

All too soon it was Aug 15th and the first day of school. 

We did our usual pictures by the front door. 

This year there was a twist on things. 

I went back to school with them. I accepted the position as a teacher's assistant for kindergarten and middle school. 

1st day of 3rd grade. 

5th grade. He made it to middle school. They can't wait to get their own "office" and decorate it. 

1st day of 1st grade. 

Amelia's church bestie came to Amelia's school this year. Talk about one excited girl!!!  Her bestie has her back. Amelia was being picked on and her friend took matters into her own hands. Everyone needs a friend like her!!

Last year Amelia only went to school until 12. This year she had to stay all day. She looked sad to me after lunch. I was worried about her. After school she told me the devil was telling her the night before that she was going to have a bad day and something bad was going to happen to her. That's why she said she was sad. After the first day though, she was fine!!!  I hate it when the devil picks on our kids!!!

She went to find her other little friends in kindergarten to make sure they were ok. 

Everyone had a successful week. Except for Miss Princess. 

She was sleeping better than she ever had in her whole life and I kept on waking her up early. Ha ha

So it's been 6 weeks now and school is still going great. Amelia is doing great in first grade. She's learning her scriptures like a champ. She loves school, but is always ready for her the weekend so she can sleep late. 

Titus is also doing well. He had always struggled with learning his scriptures and this year he hardly even needs me to practice with him. He is always so excited to see me at school and will about knock me down to hug me. 

Josiah is now doing the ACE program which is all different for him. He took to it like a duck to water though. He is thriving and loves the challenge about staying on level. 

I am having a blast helping at school. I'll admit it's been hard keeping up at home with my responsibilities and working too. 

I have always loved kids and they make each day interesting. It didn't take me long to love them. 

It's also made me realize how rusty I am on everything. I'm thankful to have score keys to answer some of their questions. Then again, I suprise myself sometimes too. Ha ha. Being at school has made the nerd come out of me again. Sometimes I just want to grab their work and do it for them just because it looks fun. I'm sure they would let me. Ha ha. I'm having to work on the balance of being their friend and also being in position of authority. I want everyone to like me, but I also need to be a rule enforcer which is sometimes hard for me to do. Then again sometimes it isn't so hard. I guess it depends on the situation. 

It took me awhile to figure out the whole PACE process. I'm sure I have asked some dumb questions I'll probably never live down. I was lost for about 2 weeks and then finally everything started clicking !!  I'm not saying I have it all figured out, but I'm getting there. Something they do in the classroom is they have a flag system. If the student needs permission to score their work or leave the classroom they raise an American flag. Then I or their teacher will go to them to see what they need. So with 24 students you tend to see a lot of flags throughout the day. My boys found a flag at home and think it's funny to chase me around hollering "Sis Parker!!  Sis Parker!!"

I am truly thankful for the opportunity I was given to be part of the staff at LCA. It was an answer to prayer.  While being in the classrooms this year, I have been even more thankful that my kids are blessed to attend a Christian school. They get so much biblical teachings every single day. They have the best teachers who encourage and strengthen their faith. I feel like I have drawn closer to God just what time I am there. We are truly blessed with a great school. 

We are looking forward to a great school year!!

First Youth Camp and First Sleepover

My boys had the opportunity to attend a youth camp this year. Camp Dove. What is so great about this camp is that it is for ages 7-12. I feel like that age group tends to get left out a lot and this camp was perfect.  No bigger kids hogging all the sports. All the preaching and services tended for their ages. So when I heard about it I was tickled to death that my boys had the opportunity to get to go. Amelia wasn't old enough and she wasn't too happy about it so I made lots of promises to keep her entertained. 

We spent several weeks getting them prepared to go. Which basically means I sat at a sewing machine for hours on end. 

Finally departure day had arrived. It was time for my babies to leave. Now I had told Maynard that I wouldn't cry. I was sure it wouldn't bother me. However, I was wrong. The night before as I was finishing packing it hit me. Especially when I was packing their medicine. I almost panicked. Titus sometimes has weird allergic reactions and asthma attacks. What if he needed me??  What if Josiah started running a fever??  I was wiping tears as I was writing directions about their medicines. 

Sunday morning they were planning on leaving by 9. I made sure to wear my sunglasses because I was losing it and I didn't want the kids to see me cry. Titus was already moping around and I could tell he was having second thoughts. 

It was go time. They all loaded up in the vans. 

Maynard giving last minute rules. 

There they go!!!!

I was going to miss them, but they were going with a great group and I knew I didn't need to worry. 

Amelia wanted to have a sleepover Sunday night with her besties. I agreed. I mean what was having 2 little girls over gonna hurt?  Except, the sleepover kinda grew. Amelia had another friend come to church that night and of course Amelia and her friends bragged about the sleepover. So she wanted to come. I agreed and then looked over to see her older sister sitting there whishfully so I had to invite her as well. Ha ha I ended up with 4 extra girls instead of 2, but it was a lot of fun. We stopped to get pizza to eat because that's what you eat at a sleepover apparently. 

I asked them after this picture why they were telling me they were 2. 

So that's why later they showed me they were 6. 

They sure liked the electronic gadgets. 

They insisted on having a pillow fight too but it didn't last very long. They realized it hurt. Especially the pillow pets that have eyeballs. 

This was the best picture I could get. 

They also asked popcorn because you eat popcorn at a sleepover. I'm telling ya. These girls must have been planning a sleepover for the longest time. 

I sent them to bed around 1:30. With them still being so little I knew they needed to rest or the next day wouldn't be any fun. 

Around 2 I heard the most awful crying you have ever heard. I went to check on them and they were all scared silly. They had been telling ghost stories and scared themselves silly.  Let me add that telling ghost stories is also what you do at sleepovers. They were crying and boo hooing. I asked them what stories they were telling. So as they began to repeat them I acted scared and jumped in bed with them. That made them laugh and they finally calmed down. 

While waiting on them to go to sleep I got sent this picture from camp. 

My boys were in a nice cool room and ready to go to sleep. This picture made me happy. 

It finally got quiet around 2:30 and they were finally asleep. 

The next morning around 9 this little beauty woke up and insisted on helping me make breakfast. 

We had French toast, bacon, and eggs. I soon realized that girls don't eat like boys do. That was new for me. 

After breakfast we went for an early morning swim. The girls had a blast. They didn't want to leave, but they were starving and we also had plans to go to the Party Palace. 

 

Lunch at McDobalds. 

This time the girls did eat good. Swimming always make you hungry. 

I also got sent this picture. 

The kiddos were up and at 'em for breakfast. I mentioned I didn't see Josiah in the picture. I assumed he was already at the head of the line, but was told he actually hadn't made it to the kitchen yet. Lol

First full day of Camp Dove was a blast. 

Ok back to the party palace. I hope this isn't confusing the way I'm writing this. Maybe I should have written 2 different posts. 

This was the only picture I took at the party palace. By then my friend Heather showed up with Dalton and we gabbed for hours while the kids played. 

That evening it was time to depart. All the kiddos went their separate ways and it was just Amelia and Maynard and I now. 

Then I got a call that my sister and her family was passing through. So we met up with them for supper. 2 of my nieces stayed all night with us. My house was a wreck from the slumber party. I was a bit embarrassed, but oh well. We stayed up a little late and talked about youth camps. I had got this text and couldn't help, but wipe the tears from my eyes. 

This literally made my heart so proud. That was why I had sent my boys to camp. I wanted them to get an experience from God they would never forget. 

Tuesday morning my sister got her girls and they left. Amelia and I decided to go have a donut date. 

We went back home and I got busy cleaning. My house needed lots of attention. Amelia happily played in her room most the day. 

Here are some more pictures I was sent from camp. 

Ummm...Do you all see that ginormous cinnamon roll?  Yum. My kids were eating better than I was that week. 

Josiah along with all girls, won a kickball game against an all boy team. 

They were loving Little Mary and all the skits. 

Titus was into all the sports. You can guarantee that. 

Wednesday was my last day with just Amelia and my boys were coming home that night. So we went swimming at a pool at a motel. 

We had so much playing together. 

Her last request was to get ice cream at Daddy O's after we finished swimming. So this was it. I had spoiled her rotten. She wasn't excited that her brothers were coming home. She asked me to text and ask if they could just stay one more night. Ha ha 

  

We went to church Wednesday night and waited for our babies to get home. They were scheduled to be there around 10 that night. 

Here are some more pictures I had gotten. 

My kids just loved this water slide they got to play on. 

They attended every choir practice and loved singing in the choir. 

Titus won first place in the soccer kick competition. 

Finally!  We seen the church vans pull in. The boys were so excited they were telling me stories all at once. They were just so bubbly. Bro Keith and Sis Tammy told us how well behaved they were and how proud they were of them for the way the prayed in the altars. One of my first questions was about Titus. I never really had seen him have an experience as far as worshipping and crying in the altars. They assured me that he did pray and worship. I was ecstatic. That's what I had hoped. He says he got saved back in April. I just never knew if he really did. He says he knows he's saved and wanted the Holyghost. I'm glad he experienced something at camp. I know just having all those kids there his age and him seeing them worship made him want to worship. 

I just wish I had seen it for myself. Ha ha 

We loaded all their stuff up and came home. It felt so good. Well to me and Maynard. Someone had an attitude. 

They told so many stories and Amelia had to brag about all she got to do. She ended up having to be sent to bed. Ha ha 

Josiah said he didn't have enough money, but he wanted to buy me a camp cookbook because their food was so good. So needless to say my cooking has been compared to Camp Dove more than once. 

Sunday night at church the group got to share testimonies and sing songs they had learned from camp. It was really sweet. I was proud of my boys. 

Josiah even read a bible verse. 

Titus melted my heart. The first thing he said was he was thankful his parents allowed him to go to camp. Seriously, the sweetest!!

I want to say a big Thank You to the Schooley's for taking such a big group to camp and taking such good care of them. I pray they'll get an extra jewel in their crown for all their labor. It's not easy work.