VBS - Believe It or Not...

I am starting to get behind on my blogging again, but wow has it been a busy couple of weeks!  Last week, we had our VBS and the theme was "Believe It or Not...It's in the Bible."  We decorated the auditorium and our classroom in a Museum type theme to go along with the Ripley's Believe It or Not museums.  Our lessons were focused on God's amazing power and some of the methods he chose to carry out His work.  Melanie, Leann, and I taught the K-2nd grade class.  Leann and I spent most of Saturday afternoon decorating our classroom, and then Sunday afternoon several of us met back up to decorate the auditorium.  It was a lot of hard work, but it was so worth it to see how excited all the kids were.

The puppets are always a hit.  Kelli and Michael were the voices again this year. 

One of the lessons I taught was on Ezekiel and the Dry Bones coming to life.  Our craft for the night was making skeletons with pasta.  The crafts were a hit every night with the kids.

Charles Fendley was the "magician" visitor, and tried to pull a rabbit out of his hat each night - and finally, on the last night, he was able to pull out a little blue stuffed bunny.  He does such a good job with the kids!

Little Miss Katie Sue came all the way from Quanah, TX to attend VBS

I just love this picture of Paul - he is such a sweet boy.

And Paul's sister and cousin- Grace and Caleb

Taking a breather after the second night of VBS

Leann and Melanie both did an excellent job teaching. 

I snuck over to the 3rd-5th grade class and got a picture of Mandy and Sandra teaching.  They had so many kids, they had to take the table out of their room.

The puppeteers - Kelli and Michael

The other reason I was so excited about VBS, is that I knew I would have house guests!!  Molly and the kids came down on Sunday, which was her 31st birthday (and through all the craziness, I accidentally forgot).  We celebrated with cake on Tuesday night.  We were SO HAPPY that they were able to come and stay with us.  We enjoyed every minute of it.  It worked out really good, because during the day while I was at Court's golf tournament or working, they would go and visit friends.  And then at night, we would get to visit.  Perfect!

Katie wanted her "feet" painted.  I did them one night, but it wasn't quite good enough to suit her.  So the professional had to re-do them the next night.

Jackson and Luke had a friend, Brooks, spend the night one night - well at least part of the night.  Brooks decided it was time to go home at 2am - luckily he lives right across the street :)

Katie brought two tutu's - one for her and one for Courtney, so they could play dress up.  Katie is such a sweet thoughtful girl :)

Everyone relaxing watching Megamind

When I left to go to work Thursday morning, there were 7 vehicles at my house - mine, Rod's, Michael's, Courtney's, Caleb's, Molly's and Jaci's (Courtney's friend).  That is the way we like it - the more the merrier!  We had a wonderful time with Molly and the kids, and a wonderful VBS.  Thanks to Lanny, Amy and everyone else that made this year another big success!

Graduation

Friday night we went to graduation to see Makynzi, along with the rest of the Class of 2011 walk across the stage and get their high school diploma - just a little something they have been working on for 13 years :)  I was WAY more relaxed at graduation this year, than I was last year. 

My mom and MawMaw

 A rare photo of both of my children together

Makynzi and my mom during the rose ceremony

One big happy Jones family!!

 

 Jaci, Courtney, and Makynzi

 And of course, I have to REWIND to a year ago, since I didn't have my blog at this time last year...

Me and my 2010 Graduate

 Michael talking to my grandparents before graduation started

  I miss him!  If only I would have known this was the last time I would ever see him....

 My honor graduate getting his diploma

 And look at these little cuties - who will be here TOMORROW for several days!!!

Wow, how time flies!!

Makynzi's graduation party

Today, my brother and sister-in-law gave a graduating party to my neice, Makynzi.  Mankynzi invited several of her friends over for hamburgers, hot dogs and swimming.  And it was a perfect day for swimming!  And what was suppose to be a 3 hour party, turned in to a slumber party! :)

Becky made the cake and it turned out so CUTE!!

 I really don't know all the girls names, so I will not attempt to name them...lol  Too many Ashley and Allison's that I get confused!

 Rodney, Makynzi and Becky

 Becky's mom, Deborah (or Dodie to my nephews) and my mom

 And since I didn't have my blog up last year, I am going to include some pictures of the party that Rodney and Becky gave Michael last year for his friends.  WOW - has it really been a year?

 

 

Hope every enjoys the holiday weekend!

BLAKE AND REBA!!

We made a road trip to Durant, OK on Wednesday to see Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton at the Choctaw Event Arena (NOT the casino).  Originally, the concert was set for Thursday night.  I was at a clients office when the tickets went on sale, and was not able to get online to purchase them until about 4 hours after they went on sale.  And then they were all sold out!!  But lucky for me, the husband of one of my friends from work, works at a radio station.  She knew how bummed I was about not being able to get tickets.  Her husband called her and said since the tickets sold out so fast, and since it was a benefit concert for the tornado victims, that Reba and Blake decided to come a day early and do TWO shows.  And the added show had not been advertised yet, however the tickets were on sale.  We were able to get tickets on the 3rd row!! My kids absolutely LOVE her!  Michael is probably the only 18 year old with a Reba McEntire CD in his truck.  But the kids mostly love her from her TV series - we watched the reruns so many times when we lived in Arkansas.  It's like that was all that was ever on TV.  Anyway, I hated that the concert was on a Wednesday night, but the great part about being a Christian, is that not matter where you go, you can always find a church to worship at.  And I knew that our preacher had preached a gospel meeting in Durant not too long ago.  So we found out what church it was and attended there before heading to the concert.  The concert started at 7:30, so we knew we would miss the first part.  But to our surprise, it had not started when we got there.  And right when we walked up to our seats, Reba and Blake came out on the stage.  I guess they waited on us...lol 

The red head can SING

Brittany went with Michael

This is not a good quality picture, but you can see Reba up on stage in the background.

I never really have been a Blake Shelton fan, but I have changed my mind!  He was pretty good :)

Jaci went with Courtney

And my mom was my date

I like this picture because it looks like she is looking directly at the camera...ha

Reba and Blake took turns singing songs for a couple of hours, and then we headed home.  It was really a fun time! And for a great cause!!  I heard, from a my friend Lenita, that the concerts raised a total of $500,000 for the tornado relief fund.  That is awesome!!

Awards, Awards and more Awards

 It is that time of year for award banquets and recognition.  This past Sunday, our LTC (Leadership Training for Christ) kids were recognized for their hard work over the last several months.  Each kid that participated received a plaque, along with a medal for each event they participated in. 

Courtney received gold medals in Service Challenge, Teaching, Bible Reading, Scrapbook, Bulletin Board and Puppets and received a bronze medal in Bible Quiz.  Very proud of her and all the other kids who participated  :)

 We decorated the tables with bright table clothes and candy.  And each of the kids that participated in LTC received a goody bag filled with treats. 

 It was odd not having Michael and Kelli participate this year - but it is only for 3rd - 12th grades

This past Monday night was the Prairiland Sports Banquet.  It was nice that the lights stayed on this year.  Last year, the power was off for the entire banquet.

The girls golf team (minus Shelby McCoin):

Sharon Maxfield, Kastley Greer, Sidney Raegan, Bailey Gillie, Courtney and Hailey

 Courtney received the MVP award for the girls golf team!! Go Courtney!! So proud of you!

 All the MVP's from all the different sports.  Courtney looks so tiny compared to all the rest of them! 

 This past Saturday was the last Buddy baseball game - and Autumn received her trophy!!  Go Autumn!!

 And since I didn't have my blog up this time last year, I thought I would include a picture of my other MVP - Michael received the award for the Boys golf team last year.  I really wish I would have started my blog sooner, so I could have recorded his VERY busy senior year.

I can't believe only one more full week of school!!  Courtney will only have to go 2 days the last week since she will be exempt from her semester exams.  Michael finished up his classes last week.  He is still trying to decide if he will take any summer classes at PJC.