Little People

Today I had the privilege of hanging out with the three year old class at the preschool.  They are adorable!  What a very sweet group!  

Our day was spent playing, singing, practical activities such as drawing, and social interaction.  Each class time has a tie in with a Bible story. Which make the preschool a great outreach to the community around the church building.  Over half of the kids in the preschool are from the neighborhoods surrounding the church. 

Train up a child in the way he should go;

    even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Jr. Toastmasters International Speech Contest

This year the PEACH teens have competed in the Humorous, Evaluation, Tall Tales, Table Topics and now an International speech contests.  

Each teen presented a five- to seven-minute speech and were evaluated by Distinguished Toastmasters scattered through the audience. Abigail was awarded 2nd place with her speech titled, ‘Third Chances.’ 

Clearly she is in her element behind home plate calling the shots or on stage performing!

Hear, for I will speak noble things,

    and from my lips will come what is right,

for my mouth will utter truth;

    wickedness is an abomination to my lips. Proverbs 8:6-7

Humpty Dumpty at Preschool

This month the kids at preschool are working on nursery rhymes so today we taught the kids Humpty Dumpty.  The lead teacher set Humpty up on the brick wall and the kids loved watching him fall off!  It was so funny.  I think three Humpty's took a dive off of the brick wall.  

The kids also made take home crafts for them to 'read' their nursery rhymes at home. So cute! 

When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring the guilt of blood upon your house, if anyone should fall from it. Deuteronomy 22:8

A Little Batting Practice

Most softball posts involve Abigail's HSAA games and her Team Smith games.  But somewhere between playing high school and select ball the girl still has a crazy practice schedule. 

She runs three miles at least three days a week.  Abigail has hitting lessons every Wednesday night after church services.  On Sunday afternoons she has a three hour practice  with the select team after Bible Bowl.  And then one day per week she has ball practice with the high school team!  Crazy, right!  

This morning she practiced at 8am and then we headed to the Lewisville Church of Christ for today' T3 Commission classes! She is a busy girl! 

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:10-12

T3 Commission

This weekend it T3 Commission (Telling The Truth) at the Lewisville Church of Christ.   It is a weekend designed to bring glory to God through praise of His name, study of His word, and the equipping of His people for good works in our modern world.

The weekend brought together youth from 30+ congregations including friends from Owasso, Ada, Brown Trail and New Mexico.  

The theme this year was "REAL GOD/REAL PEOPLE." The focus was on understanding who God is in order to better understand our relationship with Him. Classes focused on  very specific cultural issues that many teens face today, and how we can share the good news of Christ with those struggling with such issues.

I attended classes with Abigail and friends, some of our favorite classes included classes on Understanding Islam, Same Sex Attraction, and Gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Because of the subject matter the weekend if for older teens. 

One of the highlights was getting to see Florie's daughters from Owasso.  They came with the youth group from El Paso.  Their grandparents, Richard and Sue Garner were such a big part of our lives in Owasso. And in a strange twist that only God can arrange, Richard was converted by Granddaddy in a door knocking campaign! Frankie and Florie would both later attend Green Country Christian Academy together.  It was so good to see them! 

Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit.

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Proverbs 12:17-19

HSSA Win Over Nazarene Christian Academy

It's always a good day to play ball!  Abigail and the HSAA Angels headed out to Fort Worth to battle it out with Nazarene Christian Academy.  Abigail had several good hits and scored multiple runs.  Her dive into home plate was a great play! Below is the write up by Game Changer: 

HSAA Angels Varsity Holds Off Nazarene Christian Academy For Victory

Despite seeing its six-run lead whittled down by the end, HSAA Angels Varsity still held off Nazarene Christian Academy for a 7-5 victory on Thursday. Nazarene Christian Academy scored five runs in the failed comeback.  

HSAA Angels Varsity got on the board in the first inning. Jones's wild pitch allowed one run to score for HSAA Angels Varsity. 

Sarah Durham led things off on the hill for HSAA Angels Varsity. She surrendered two runs on three hits over five innings, striking out two and walking one.

Jones was on the mound for Nazarene Christian Academy. She surrendered six runs on six hits over three innings, striking out two and walking zero. Mikaela Leevy threw three innings out of the bullpen.

HSAA Angels Varsity tallied ten hits on the day. Abigail Kirkwood and Durham each had multiple hits for HSAA Angels Varsity. Durham and Kirkwood each collected three hits to lead HSAA Angels Varsity.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap,
 if we do not give up.  Galatians 6:9

HSAA Angels Varsity Defeat Prestonwood Christian

The HSAA Angels are back on the field again tonight at Prestonwood Christian. Abigail caught for most of the game for Sarah.  The girls had a good game with 10-2 win. Below is the write up from Game Changer: 

HSAA Angels Varsity Defeat Prestonwood Christian

Teresa Bless didn't feel much like getting out on Tuesday, tallying four hits and leading HSAA Angels Varsity to a 10-2 win over Prestonwood Christian. Bless doubled in the first, singled in the second, singled in the fourth, and singled in the fifth.

HSAA Angels Varsity got on the board in the first inning. Bless doubled on a 1-2 count, scoring two runs.

HSAA Angels Varsity scored four runs in the fifth inning. HSAA Angels Varsity batters contributing to the big inning included Kaitlyn Callaway, Bless, and Elise Bonenberger, who all drove in runs.

Abigail Ratliff led things off on the rubber for HSAA Angels Varsity. She surrendered one run on one hit over one inning, striking out two and walking zero.  #18 was on the mound for Prestonwood Christian. She lasted four and a third innings, allowing 14 hits and ten runs while striking out three.

HSAA Angels Varsity had 14 hits in the game. Bless, Callaway, and Bonenberger all had multiple hits for HSAA Angels Varsity. Bless led HSAA Angels Varsity with four hits in four at bats. HSAA Angels Varsity was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Ratliff had the most chances in the field with five.

A gentle tongue is a tree of life,

    but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Proverbs 15:4

Gotta Getta Gelato

This afternoon Abigail and the PEACH Juniors & Seniors had their monthly outing.  It was a smaller group but Abigail did send me a few pictures while they were out and about town.  I understand gelato was one of the high lights of day!  

From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;

daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor

Psalm 45:8-9

LCU Master Follies

Saturday is a big day for Homecoming weekend at LCU! Caleb and his club hosted a breakfast for alumni.  It's a great opportunity for the guys to network with the alumni and to get last minute pointers before the final performance of Master Follies. 

After Caleb and the guys cleaned up from the breakfast the girls and I took him to Main Event for some bowling, laser tag and a late lunch. Caleb helped Frankie out with her bowling, it was fun to watch them all step back into their familiar sibling exchanges.  We even found my blond son!  

After Master Follies big finale the men of Kyodai and their sister club headed to celebrate the great weekend.  I think the girls got a kick out of the guys shenanigans after the big night.  It was fun to see Caleb in his element, from his role with the LCU Ambassadors greeting guests as they came in for the show to his role as an officer of Kyodai for the breakfast and after party. Love that kid! 

My son, do not lose sight of these—

    keep sound wisdom and discretion,

and they will be life for your soul

    and adornment for your neck.

Proverbs 3:21-22

LCU Homecoming Weekend

Every year LCU holds Master Follies, a musical variety show featuring students in performances.  The clubs put together great musicals productions and compete for the Best Show.  It is one of the longest standing traditions on campus.

The girls and I headed to Lubbock to watch Caleb and the men of Kyodai perform as ghosts in an abandoned mansion.  They performed yesterday and twice today but we got to spend a little time with him between performances.  We took him over to Twisted Root for a burger and fried pickles.   

The girls enjoyed seeing his room.  He's back in the dorms this semester after traveling abroad last semester and we hadn't see his new set up.  It was a great day having all the kids together, we were just missing Jon. 

My son, if you receive my words

    and treasure up my commandments with you,

making your ear attentive to wisdom

    and inclining your heart to understanding

Proverbs 2:1-2

HSAA Angels vs. Liberty Christian

Tonight the HSAA Angels played Liberty Christian, a college preparatory, private school located in Argyle, Texas.  

The HSAA Angels put up three runs in the fourth inning. Abigail and Sarah each drove in runs during the inning.  

The Angels lost tonight, better luck next time. 

Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes.  Ecclesiastes 11:9

The Ring of Polykrates

Tonight we joined a few friends for the Dress Rehearsal of the Dallas Opera's The Ring of Polykrates.  

It is the story of Court Music Director Wilhelm Arndt. He has just been promoted at work, the recent death of his aunt has left him with a large inheritance, and he has a wonderful wife, Laura. He is a lucky man.  All he is missing is the company of his old friend, Peter Vogel, who suddenly shows up out of the blue.

Jealous of the life Wilhelm has built, and infatuated by Laura, Peter tries to split them up. Peter convinces Wilhelm that he must sacrifice something so that fate is not tempted by all his good fortune. In an effort to sacrifice his relationship with his wife, Wilhelm tries to start a fight with Laura about her questionable past. However, Laura’s love for her husband will not be shaken. Wilhelm realizes that the true sacrifice must be his friendship with Peter, who is sent on his way.  

This Viennese Operetta is by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. The opera was preceded by Korngold’s magnificent Violin Concerto in D major.  The Concerto was magnificent with 25+ violins, 10 cellos, 10 violas and 6 basses!  Incredible! 

The Lord has done great things for us;

    we are glad.  Restore our fortunes, O Lord,

    like streams in the Negeb!  Psalm 126:3-4

Snacks, Crafts and Naptime

In case I didn't get enough time with the little guys yesterday, I got another opportunity to hang out with the toddlers at the McDermott preschool today!  Between crafts, story time, play time and music it was a very full morning! It's a good thing we get a nap after lunch time! 

A little sleep, a little slumber,

    a little folding of the hands to rest

Proverbs 6:10

Preschool Playtime

With the flu running rampant in Texas I'm being called in to sub fairly frequently at the preschools.  Today I was blessed to hang out with these sweet one year olds at the Waterview preschool.  This is such a darling group of kids, I've been in with this class three times subbing for various teachers and every class time is an adventure.  Today they were really getting into singing our Valentine songs and it was adorable! There is a little bit of an adjustment to go from hanging out with these little guys to coming home and finishing up Chemistry with Abigail!  

From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  2 Timothy 3:15

Slooooow Motion Action

Because her commitments for the day weren't over, we ran from her game over to Junior Toastmasters! Fortunately she didn't have to deliver a speech tonight but she did participate in Table Topics.  Her topic was the Superbowl, yes or no. 

She took the stance that she didn't watch the Superbowl because the average professional football game lasts 3 & 1/2 hours, but if you tally up the time when the ball is actually in play, the action amounts to a mere 11 minutes.

There are more commercials, interviews and instant replays than actual game time. She acted out a replay of a catch over and over complete with the slow motion action and reverse angle. Funny stuff!  I love how Toastmasters teaches the kids to think quick on their feet and quickly organize their thoughts, even humor! 

in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect 1 Peter 3:15

HSAA Angels Varsity Victory Over Parish Episcopal

Tonight Abigail's varsity team, HSAA Angels took on Parish Episcopal.  This was our first time to face them. 

Abigail had three plate appearances. She walked once and had 2 hits and 3 runs.  HSAA won 19 to 1.  Below is the GameChanger write up on the game. 

HSAA Angels Varsity  Victory Over Parish Episcopal

Simone Bergeron came the ballpark and meant business on Monday, driving in four on two hits to lead HSAA Angels Varsity past Parish Episcopal 19-1 on Monday. 

Bergeron drove in runs on a walk in the first, a single in the second, a fielder's choice in the third, and a single in the fourth.

HSAA Angels Varsity fired up the offense in the first inning, when Elise Bonenberger was hit by a pitch, driving in a run.

HSAA Angels Varsity tallied five runs in the third inning. Emma Durham, Teresa Bless, Evelyn Ratliff, Bergeron, and Sarah Durham all contributed in the big inning with RBIs.

Durham toed the rubber for HSAA Angels Varsity. She allowed zero hits and zero runs over one inning, striking out one and walking zero.

HSAA Angels Varsity totaled 13 hits in the game. Abigail Kirkwood, Abigail Ratliff, Bergeron, and Durham all managed multiple hits for HSAA Angels Varsity. Durham, Bergeron, Ratliff, and Kirkwood each collected two hits to lead HSAA Angels Varsity. HSAA Angels Varsity was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Kirkwood had the most chances in the field with three.

Slack habits and sloppy work

    are as bad as vandalism.

God’s name is a place of protection—

    good people can run there and be safe.

Proverbs 18:9-10

Murder, Movies, and a Mocha

After a long weekend of being responsible, we took part of the day off to hang out with friends today.  We met up with the Bailey's for the latest adaption of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express.  

It was time for a little fun with friends. We love getting to hang out with the Bailey family! After the movie we headed over to Dunkin Donuts for a hot cocoa and to catch up.  Then it was time to go back to being responsible, softball and Toastmasters were still on today's schedule! 

The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.  Ecclesiastes 12:13

More of My Story

The weekend weather was beautiful and the group was able to enjoy many of the  outdoor amenities of the camp including miniature golf, Frisbee golf, ga-ga ball pits and life size Foosball.  Abigail enjoyed helping the younger kids with the obstacle course.  For many of the kids it was their first time to participate in a ropes course or to jump off a telephone poll for the zip line.  All of these are right up Abigail's alley.  It was a great experience for the younger kids to trust each other and learn to work together as members of the Lord's body.  

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:4-5

My Story Retreat

This weekend Abigail and a few of the high schoolers served as counselors for the 3rd-5th graders retreat. The group spent the weekend at Camp Copass in Denton.  The theme for the weekend was My Story and focused on the parables of Jesus. 

There were plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for the weekend to re-enforce the message of the parables. Abigail really enjoyed being with the kids and getting to know many of the elementary aged kids.  

You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Luke 12:40

Canning Tomatoes, Lots of Tomatoes

Whether you say tomato or  tomahto we have both!  As an avid canner, I keep a tally of what I need to can next.  We seem to go through tomato products the most.  I love to can everything from salsa, BBQ sauce, Rotel, bruschetta, Tomato-Basil soup, chili, you name it!

Sprouts Farmers Market has Roma tomatoes for $0.50 per pound! Fifty cents per pound! 

For around $35 I purchased 75 lbs of Romas.  Romas are ideal for canning because they have a lot of meat and not too much water in them.

I have onions, jalapenos, bell peppers, basil and oregano from our garden so there was really no other cost except the tomatoes for today!

I got busy washing, coring and peeling the tomatoes.  Jon ran batches through the Food Strainer and Sauce Maker.  Frankie helped dicing onions and bell peppers.  

By the end of the day 75 lbs of tomatoes yielded 19 quarts of spaghetti sauce, 11 pints of diced tomatoes, and 12 half pints of roasted tomato sauce for less than the cost of dinner for 2 at Olive Garden! 

On a side note, I usually close the blog with a scripture that I hope the kids take away or keep in mind as they go through their day.  It may be a lesson we learned, or a lesson I hoped we would learn but sometimes it is just to point out that there is really nothing new under the sun.  But today it's more tongue and cheek, I laughed that this begins with 'she brings her food from afar' well, in my case, she brings her food from Sprouts! 

She brings her food from afar.

15 

She rises while it is yet night

    and provides food for her household

    and portions for her maidens.

Proverbs 31:14-15