Vacation Bible School

We have had the privilege to participate in Vacation Bible School this week. Thankfully it only last a week since today the children and teachers are all worn out. The children dressed up on Wednesday. This was the result for our two!! I am not sure how long the outfits will last, but they are sure having fun dressing up!

Here are just a few pics from the July 2010 Cottrell campout. The water was really enjoyed by these young ones. This was Brett and Bri's first introduction to the slip-n-slide! Thanks for a great weekend Laura, Julie, Katie, and Koby!

Thanks for helping with the games, Reuben. I know it is tough getting old. Those relays and obstacle courses really wear you out!

Family Gathering

We were privileged to gather as a family in June. It was a hot day, but that did not keep the enthusiasm down. It was a blessing to be able to celebrate Mom's 80th Birthday with her family from here in Ohio and to be joined by Martin and Rachel's family from Thailand and Jason and Jenny's family in from California. Mom and Dad's sixty two years of married life have resulted in over 70 progeny and there were over 60 of us gathered together. We are truly blessed!

Even though it was HOT, we enjoyed a game of kickball.

Anika is ready to run!!

Julie giving Briana instructions. She is a little too much like her Mom and would rather sit on the sidelines especially if it is hot.

Drew is ready to kick!

Elsa ready to kick while Brett looks on to learn the best way to go at it. I am not sure what Claire is up to.

Mom, 80 years and counting!

Priority Check

I came across this video this morning. It touched my heart and made me think about my priorities. I just thought I would share.

at Grandma & Grandpa's

Brett, Bri, and I went to my Mom and Dad's the last week of May. We had the privilege to take my first cousin, Brent Boone, with us. He just happened to be in Ohio and had a little free time. I had planned to help Mom in her flower beds while we were there so poor Brent enjoyed our fellowship time of pulling weeds and edging the beds. He did a great job of joyfully helping when he was supposed to be on vacation. It seems like the last few years when I take the kids to Mom's we really accomplish very little except for taking care of kids. I think we are finally over the hump atleast with my little family. I felt like we accomplished quite a bit while we were there and the kids had a great time playing. Brent was so kind to oblige them many golf cart trips around the yard. They were so pleased with their "big" cousin that played with them. I didn't post a picture of Amy working in the flower beds, but she did come to help work. We were thankful for the help. Mel came down on Tuesday so we got to see her and her boys a little, too. Thanks Mom for hosting. We are so thankful you love to have us even though we are a lot of work!

Brent and Mom are working on getting that next to last bed cleaned out. We were all running out of energy. I believe Brent was daydreaming about our upcoming trip to Chick-fil-a!

Watch out, Sami! I am not so sure Cameron is that great of a driver! You were sure having fun, though.

Yes, even though I didn't post about the end of school, Brett can read. It is so rewarding to watch him read to his younger cousins and enjoy it! I think Brett knows it was worth the hard work, now!

Brent also gave rides in the steel wheel - wheel barrow! Poor guy!

Bri loves to help care for Sami! Sami sort of likes her and does put up with her if it means getting a ride on the swing.

Gratitude

I am beginning to see how gratitude/thankfulness can so profoundly effect my life. You would think it would be a given in my life, but I am finding it to be a discipline that needs to be cultivated every day.

After the Holy Spirit prompting me many times the last few months, today, I begin the process of giving thanks in all things by writing down gifts God gives me. They don't have to be big things, but I need the discipline and practice of giving thanks in all things. May God be glorified!

1 -- His Word

2 -- a husband who loves in spite of...

3 -- children who give me so much grace

4 -- the smell of fresh, warm, chocolate cakes

5 -- yellow finches at the feeder

6 -- watermelon, pink impatients shining through the rain

7 -- days at home

8 -- children walking around with their heads in a book

9 -- the opportunity to school our children

10 -- curling up on the couch for a few minutes on rainy days

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21

Bowman Family Homecoming

Andre' waiting semi-patiently for his family to arrive.

We are rejoicing that Camille and Pierre have joined their family here in Ohio. We met them at the airport last night. They are all doing amazingly well! We are praising God that they are all home safe and sound. He alone receives the glory!