SUMMER-WHERE HAVE YOU GONE?

Oh, where has the summer gone? At first, it seemed to go slowly, but now it's time for school to start again next Friday!
Let's see....
We FINALLY got to go away for a WHOLE week, which we haven't been able to do for a couple of years because it's so very hard to coordinate between my work schedule and happenings at the church (deaths, births, weddings, etc). We went to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN. Awsome, awsome times!
Then, we had our VBS last Saturday. This year, I decided to go "Script-less". We built a replica of the Tabernacle in the wildnerness. We also learned about how the Israelites were divided into 4 camps, within which were 3 tribes each. As I studied for this VBS, I realized how much God wants everything done decently and in order. He is NOT the author of confusion! The children visited the camp of DAN specifically. Here, they visited each tribe, where they learned about food in the Bible, clothing and leather.
Of course, we have had lots of summer fun along the way-swimming, playing, etc.
I hope you all have enjoyed your summer as well. Now it's time to start thinking about, yes! Christmas!
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
The Boyds

WASHING, WASHING, WASHING

Washing, washing, washing! As we are getting ready for our vacation, I am trying VERY hard to keep up with, and on top of, the laundry. Sometimes that's hard to do, especially when you have two very active boys, it's summer, and dirt calls their name! No complaints from me, though.
The bedding also proves to be challenging, especially since my youngest still sometimes has night time accidents (please don't tell him I told you!). Like, for instance, this morning at 4:30 a.m., I was washing his sheets and stuffed friends. The drier is running right now as we speak, and I am really hoping that his favorite cat will survive! :-)
On that note, one little trick that I have learned is that if you have to wash and dry stuffed animals (and that time does come!), put them in a pillow case and tie it off. That way, if it does happen to explode whilst it is in the cleaning process, the mess will be contained and not all over your washer or drier. Believe me, that is a mess you DON'T want.
I also found that vinegar is wonderful in the washer when it comes to fighting odors on bedding and clothing. It is also good when washing new material for the first time as it helps it hold it's new colors longer. I learned this trick from a lady that I had bought sewing material from.
Well, time to get everyone up for the day.
Have a wonderful and blessed day. Pray for us as we travel. We'll see you when we get back!
The Boyds :-)

KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION

Well, tonight is Samuel's Kindergarten graduation. He has had a great year and has learned SO much. I am so very thankful for the Christian School that the Lord led us to. I will be posting pictures tomorrow.
Nathan has one more week of school. Then, it's off to the mountains for a quick trip, if all is quiet and calm at the church! Yay. We can hardly wait! We are going to see Thomas the Train.
We had to cancel our vacation to the mountains last year due to a death of one of our dear church members. Although we had to stay close to home, we made it an exciting week for the boys. It's amazing what you find to do close to home that's fun. I guess we just take it all for granted since we're around it all the time. But, God blessed, and it was a special week.
Have a wonderful and blessed day!
The Boyds :-)