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Joining Barbara in commemorating the year in once a week posts … just whatever is going on in your life: the mundane, the crazy, the normal, the everyday.

While Zeke and Angelina were at Young Disciples VBS this week, Graham participated in the Holy Heroes Summer Faith Adventure.  He and Dash made these stained glass cookies for their cooking session one day.  They were huge, but I told Dash he was in charge and NOT to ask questions of me!  That may be a little dreadful, but I wanted Dash to be in charge and to ‘take charge’ of the sessions (and I wanted just a wee bit of free time during the day).  He did a great job and Graham enjoyed his special time with big brother.

Louis enjoyed bubble wrap.  I’m usually a saver, but I have enough styro-foam peanuts and bubble wrap to last through at least two Christmas’.  It’s time to let go and let them enjoy!

The bread machine preps the dough and it’s baked in my stoneware.  I just don’t like the paddle hole in the bottom on my loaves, and the bread shape from the pan fits the toaster sooo much better.  Below are the Baker Boy buns I purchase frozen from the meat locker.  They are fantastic and less expensive than buying in store.

I was paying attention during the Baptism, so the pics are all from afterwards.  Sarah’s brother, Fr. Anderl officiated.  He’s holding Juliette with Curt and Sarah on either side.

Eric and I are Godparents to Juliette Rose.  She’s the sweetest little one and was a joy to hold.  Proud mama, Sarah, myself and Juliette.

Afterwards, we headed over to the Grant home to celebrate.  Curt was an awesome chef – beer-poached & pulled chicken (I’m definitely going to try this recipe … he found it on Rachel Ray), patio potatoes, oreo cookie salad, fresh fruit salad.  Then they topped it off with a wonderful cake from a bakery in Fargo.  Were talking the cake was baked and frosted THAT morning.  We all enjoyed the evening.  Thank you for asking us to be Godparents!!! We are honored.
 

Young Disciples

The Young Disciples are a traveling group of college students who organize and 'put-on' vacation bible school in our diocese and in parishes of surrounding dioceses. The leaders are trained for their summer vocation and are a source of energy and fun for our kids. Each Young Disciples team consists of four leaders and they are from all over the US. The VBS runs from 9a-3p, includes daily Mass, and is for kids who have graduated from grades K-6th.

My kids have attended a Young Disciple VBS four times in the past five years (we missed last year because it was just too much, too quick, with our move to the farm). Each year is different because the leaders are new and the theme changes.

The difference with this VBS is that I don't need to worry about it being Catholic! It's not a protestant themed VBS made Catholic by inserting Catholic customs and terminology.

I really like that they help the kids memorize prayers and other facts about our faith. My kids know most of the prayers that were assigned for this year, but for the youngest it's a great confidence booster. The memorized prayers are converted into points (points are also rewarded for behavior during VBS/Mass) for each child's team ... Dash's team won the right to choose which leader to shower with a bucket of water during the closing day water 'fight'.

This year's team really focused on manners ... they practiced genuflecting and making the sign of the cross correctly, paying attendtion during Mass, and on Thursday, all children who hadn't been enrolled in the Brown Scapular were enrolled shortly before Mass. During the week, each child keeps a journal. They are encouraged to draw or write about their day and what they've learned; it's a great keepsake from the week.

Today, after the final Mass, everyone was invited over to the parish hall for ice cream and the closing program, which was all the kids singing fun songs they'd learned throughout the week.