Dad'S CELEBRATION!!! Part 2

I've posted some pictures on Facebook. To save time, I thought I would just post the link. It's a public link and you don't have to join Facebook to view the pictures. If you have any trouble or don't like it this way, let me know.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=106074&id=691789254&l=c45035d8cd

DAD'S CELEBRATION!!! Part 1

Most of you know that my dad is very ill with cancer. He is an amazing man who has pastored the same church for over 35 years. Three years ago around Christmas time, the doctors told us he wouldn't live to make it out of the ICU; however, he has a strong will and the Lord wasn't quite finished with him yet. He has been bed-bound for quite some time and has been unable to preach, but it's amazing the incredible influence he is still having even on his hospice bed.

He had a special wish that he could have all of the people that loved him gather together and fellowship with him all at once. My mom immediately set into action to make it happen. We had a special service for him in the church. There was such a sweet spirit and it was such an HONOR to get to show him our appreciation while he is still alive. Most people wait until a funeral to do this sort of thing, but it was such a privilege to bring in his closest friends and family to honor him and to hear him give the Lord praise, as he always does.

My sisters and I spent the entire week at my parents' house to help them get ready for the big day.

We of course had to take a day to shop together! Fun fun fun!!
Eating Chinese...Yummy!

My dad was raised on a large farm in Harrington, Deleware where they owned several John Deere tractors. He loves John Deere tractors so my sister Kim made aprons with John Deere material for all of the siblings and grandkids to wear while serving the food after the service. They turned out so cute!

Kim hard at work.

All the grandkids posing with my dad with their aprons on.

One way of keeping the kids entertained while we worked!

It was a lot of work and preparation, but well worth it! STAY TUNED FOR PART 2!

Congratulations Graduate!

We had the privilege of attending Emily V.'s graduation party. Emily is one of the sweetest girls you will ever meet. She is going away to college soon and we're going to miss her!

Just about every time you see Emily, you see her holding someone's baby. She is so good with them! Klarissa is checking her out!
Kim working away in the kitchen. This lady is also one of the sweetest ladies you'll ever meet. She has a servant's heart like no one else. Her home is decorated so beautiful (like fresh out of a Southern Living magazine), yet still with a homey touch that makes you feel like kicking back and snoozing on the couch!
Our family posing with the beautiful graduate! Emily's gorgeous room. Callie's room is gorgeous too, but the picture I took was blurry.

Their gorgeous home!

Kara and Joshua enjoying ice lemon water
I couldn't help but take a picture of this handsome pair as we were taking a stroll back to look at their pond. Check out the matching blue eyes! Love it!
Katie checking out the pond.

VBS

Busy, but fun week! We had VBS last week with Bro. & Sis. Barry Mason from Penn View. I love these people! They are such a precious couple and did a fantastic job with the kids. I always thank the Lord for people like this who come along and make an impact on our children in such a positive way.

My kids posing with them after the Sunday morning service. Katie participating in one of the games

Father's Day Pictures

Joshua making a card for Daddy.

My three handsome men

I love this picture! David kissing Katie after reading the card she gave him.

David and his dad in front of my in-laws' home.

David's dad opening his gifts.

SUNDAY PICTURES

Joshua loving his baby sister. He is such an incredible helper with her. I don't even ask for his help, he just steps up to the plate!

All the cousins posing in front of Mammaw's beautiful rose bush.

Katie loves holding Klarissa and does a great job!
Me and my sweetheart! By the way, that black eye you see is not from me! He had an accident with the mower.

My mother-in-law's beautiful roses.

HOMESCHOOL FIELD DAY!

Our local homeschool group had a field day. It was organized very well and the kids had a great time.

We started by having a picnic lunch together at noon and the games started at 1:00.

Joshua was determined to win this tug-of-war! (and they did!)

Joshua playing cornhole
Joshua with his one of several blue ribbons
Katie lining up for the 3-legged race (she won the blue ribbon for this)

My niece Charlie with her blue ribbons
a>Jacob and Katie lined up for the sack race
Klarissa looking comfy!

Gathering back at the shelter house for rewards and participation certificates.
Daddy watching them receive their awards
Katie was one of the final winners
All of the participants

We were tired and worn out by the time it was all done, but it was a lot of fun! We ended the day with 99 cent ice cream cones at UDF - yum!