So Busy!

Since Jim arrived home we have had a whirlwind of activity- whew! Of course, my addled brain is trying to remember clearly the past two weeks, and I simply can't reconstruct the timeline now. I know that we did a whole lot of extra work in the yard now that he is here to run the weed-whacker and the other tools that I can't seem to master. Our yard is looking so much better now! (There's still that patch of weeds and ivy under the trees, and the entire hillside out back needs major demolition, but we're getting there...)

The week following Jim's arrival our church had it's first VBS in 9 years- no connection, it just happened that way. The girls had all been involved in planning and preparing, and once we knew that we weren't going to Dubai Bekah and Erin signed on to help teach as well. At the last minute I volunteered to take photos during the week for a slideshow at the end. What fun we all had! Seeing so many folks from church turn out to help and support this effort was wonderful. The enthusiasm was evident in the many smiling faces.

Of course, the faces are my favorite part.

The children from our church were of course present, but volunteers had gone out into the surrounding community to invite the local children to come out for the activities. Our church is situated next to "the projects", and if their families go to church it's not ours. Many children from the neighborhood showed up and it was such a blessing to see them getting into the theme of the week with singing, playing games, and answering questions in class. I was fascinated to see how "our" children, so familiar with one another, reached out and welcomed the newcomers who, in turn, joined right in.

I really think that I had the very best job of the week. As photographer I was able to see all of the children enjoying each activity. After the first night they got the hang of seeing me there with the camera and even began mugging for the lens. What fun to capture their laughing faces, precious smiles, and their fun moments. (I'll publish a slide show later.)

Jim and Isaac left yesterday with the Scouts to go beach camping,... somewhere on the coast. I'm so glad that Jim is here in time to participate in one of the activities with Scouts. even before he left for Dubai he was often too tied up with work to go off and do the fun things with Isaac. I know they'll have a blast.

The girls and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the new movie, Julie & Julia, last night. We went with a couple of my foodie friends from church and it was even better than we expected- fun, fun, fun! Crepes afterward at the new little crepe place in West Reading was the perfect way to cap the evening. Inspired by a scene early in the film, we will make Bruschetta today, for which I need to run out and pick up some perfect tomatoes at the little Amish stand that we love so much. Also inspired by the film, I shall endeavor to keep more current with my blogging, if only to help me keep track of what is happening in our whirlwind life!

Bon Appetit!