Wednesday Night

Wednesday night Jack took Andrew to an AWANA Hallelujah Night event. Andrew went as a farmer and won a costume award. Jack attended Wednesday service and enjoyed the preaching about Moses.
Cody, Justin, and I had been asked to present information about Venturing to the church that sponsors our crew. So, the guys and I sported new uniforms. Justin's shirt was found on ebay. The shorts were bought at Goody's for around $6 each--$30+ dollars less than the BSA price for similar shorts.

Our presentation went well, answering many of their questions. As a result of the meeting, we'll be helping with a food basket drive the Monday before Thanksgiving. Afterwards, Cody and Justin participated in an impromptu game of basketball with members of their youth group (prospective Venturing Crew members). Then, the boys met up with their friends at church and went to Village Coffee for some fellowship.

Camping

We were back at Ft. Toulouse for a campout with other homeschool families.

I had taken some fireside photos, but the heat and smoke made everyone look as if they had contracted some kind of skin disease. So, I'm posting a picture of one of the weekend's many fires.

These last two photos are of some scout friends who happened to be camping the same weekend with their pack.

Saturday events

Homeschool carwash--Cody is far left and Andrew is far right.

Justin won his soccer game.

These photos are from "The Lady and the Tramp" youth event:

Boys dressed down and ate with their hands out of a dog bowl.

Girls dressed up and ate from "fancy" plates.

Cody loves the meatballs!

Jesse and Justin are about to play "fetch."

Cody's checking his phone again--that's one way to get out of playing those doggie games!

Happy Birthday, Cody!

Cody turned 18 today! After opening his birthday cards this morning, we went to the post office to get information on signing him up for the selective service and to the probate office to register him to vote. We found out that some of this we could have done online. Oh, well, it was a great excuse to get out of the house for awhile!

Cody and the boys still had school work to do today. However, we had time to watch a movie about WWII in the afternoon. Cody and Andrew were quite taken in by the story. In fact, Andrew openly sobbed at the end. He has never shown any emotion for a film, so it must have really touched him.

For lunch, we ate BLTs, and in the evening, we ate chicken and rice, green beans, and, of course, cake and ice cream. Cody seemed to appreciate the day as it was. Nothing fancy and yet, he was thoroughly content.

We're so happy to have Cody as our son. He has the gifts of helps and, I believe, mercy. He is a good, loyal friend to several young men at church. Also, he is a hard worker who seldom complains about menial tasks. Cody isn't perfect, but in his struggles, he is diligent. He is a wonderful example of a spiritually growing, Christian man. We pray that his adult years will be filled with joy and God's love and protection.

1Peter 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

Monday Activities Photos

Another treasure found in the Venturing cabin--a homemade chariot!

JV basketball practice

Youth Group Photos

From Youth Group Service, 10/1/08

Laughing at the gargle-song game

Are you ready to sing--without water?

OK--Time for prayers and the lesson.

September's End

Whew! Is September over? You betcha! Tonight I took in a wonderful concert in Prattville. It was worth the trip there and back. The music was varied but highlighted movie tunes from movies such as Mary Poppins and Chitty, Chitty Bang, Bang.


Earlier today Cody, Andrew, and I, along with Chief, Francis, and Cassie began a Good News Club at our neighborhood elementary school. We had been helping out the last two weeks at a school closer to our church, but now we've branched out. We sang songs and prayed. Cody presented a missionary story, and I presented a Bible story and salvation message. In the end, nine students made a profession for Christ (which is not only "good" news, but also GREAT news :).

Cody, Justin, and Sam have been busy exploring the Scout Hut where they meet for Venturing. Sam discovered an old brass bugle. He was covered with cobwebs by the end. There's lots of camping equipment, old flags, papers, books, benches, dust, and oh, did I mention dust?













The boys are beginning to plan what activities they want to do. A trip to the Florida Keys to go sailing and SCUBA diving seems exciting. Of course, that trip will be many dollars down the road. Until then, riding down the Coosa River should satisfy their craving for adventure. Other ideas? The beach, a mission trip, CPR/First Aide Training, teaching kids sports . . . it's their crew.



Here are a few more pictures from earlier this week.

















Justin trimmed the vines around our columns.