Simple Sunday

There are so many things in life that happen and we never capture with camera. These everyday things are the events we will look back on with fond memories. Last week I decided to take my camera to church to record some of these everyday happenings. Mrs. Janet looked like the Pied Piper of babies when I left to get the camera. When I came back only two remained but this is a frequent happening between Sunday School and preaching. The little ones rush over to see Mrs. Janet.

This particular Sunday had a potluck meal following service. I only took pictures of the kids because for some reason the adults don't seem to like it if I take their picture when they are eating. ;-)

These big ole boys always sit at this table left over from Sunday School class days. {Children stay with their parents in one class now.} I guess they like the privacy, I know that I overheard at least one Scooby Doo conversation.

The other end of  the fellowship hall was Baby Grand Central Station. Mrs. Lisa always has kids with her! There is no telling how many children have received Christ due to Mrs. Lisa's involvement in their lives. Related or not, if you know Mrs. Lisa you will be coming to church with her one Sunday ...soon!

While the adults cleaned up, the party moved back to the auditorium. We aren't a very big congregation but we have a lot of kids. In fact, the under 18s outnumber the adults quite often. Right now, most of our littles are girls. I love boys but these little girls are so sweet. For the most part they play nicely and act like little ladies. The boys were probably outside climbing a tree!

Hay-ving a good time

This year was a tough year to plan a hayride but I'm so glad we did. Most of our family and tons of our friends joined us for a good time.

We started the evening off with weenie cookin' and marshmallow roasting. The weather was perfect. Just warm enough you didn't need to bundle up but cool enough for no bugs and a fire was welcome.

The kids were super excited that Uncle Scott and Mrs. Hannah were going to make it. I think getting to be part of Clara Beth's first hayride might have had something to do with that. ;-)

We planned to have potato sack races but the tater sacks didn't make it. Griffin had a mini break down over the idea of no games. Thankfully, Daddy came to the rescue and suggested garbage bags. I don't think this will be a permanent change.

Garbage bags aren't made for the roughness of jumping people even though they are made to hold a falling piano. ;-)

Egg toss is another game we tend to play.

I think Uncle Scott and Uncle Kirk are training for the extreme egg toss games. ;-)

Since I was very pregnant and barely walking, I opted out of the hayride portion of the activities.

I have to say, it's a little more comfortable to stay behind. ;-)

But I do believe I missed out on a great time!

Last year, the picture I shared of Scott and Hannah was a newlywed shot. Now they are 3! What a difference a year makes. {Clara Beth is all bundled up under there.}

Hay Ride pt 2

After the games, we moved on the the second part of the hayride - Riding in the Hay! LOL

Mr. Mark has been so wonderful to bring his guitar since our first hayride. We sing most any song, but seem to settle on more hymns than anything. We travel down the roads singing songs to the Lord, what could be better.

Our kiddos felt really grown-up this year. They didn't have to sit right next to an adult. Yep, I've been trying to keep them little but it's not working. Anyone have any suggestions? ;)

I loved this shot. Griffin is really belting it out. (and if you sit anywhere near him in church you know he does the same there. ) He doesn't care that he doesn't know all the words. He has the "make a joyful noise" part down.

Uncle Scott and Miss Hannah - I think this was their first hayride as Mr and Mrs. It wasn't exactly romantic but I think they had a good time.

I think grand total we had over 40 people join us at the house and over half went on the hayride. Papaw pulled the trailer and the weather was perfect. Just cool enough to need a jacket and blanket but not so warm you sweat. Hay and sweat do not go well together. :)

The sky was beautiful. All the stars were so clear. Some of the parents were pointing out constellations to the kids and we cruised along.

My little wild man. I don't think he stopped moving the whole time. Next year he sits with Daddy. ;)

Ben probably wouldn't sit still so he wouldn't end up like Griff. Yes, that little boy that was belting out songs fell fast asleep before we got back to the house. When he woke up he was raring to go again.

I think the only complaint this year was not enough chairs. I don't know if we had more people bring their own in years past, we've lost some or what. Nobody but me worried about it yet I think it's something we'll try to improve upon.

Last year I made a big pot of chili, purchased 80 hot dogs and 2 bags of marshmallows. We had tons leftover. I know I put 50 hot dogs up in the freezer and we ate them over the course of the year. This year I fixed a slightly smaller pot (maybe 1/4 smaller), purchased 40 hot dogs (and found 10 more in the freezer) and had 4 bags of marshmallows and the only thing left over was 1 bag of marshmallows. I don't think anyone went hungry and I prefer the no leftover plan.

We had a great time with all our friends and family and I can't wait for next year. (Now someone remind me of that when I'm stressing about getting stuff ready. ;) )