Hanging Out

In the ministry we are in, our children build some good friendships with our students' children that are their ages. Titus and Jake have really clicked and they enjoy spending time with each other. Jake's parents and older brother are away at a mission conference. Titus was so excited that Jake was going to be able to stay here and spend the weekend with us. They have taken over the basement and are having a great time together. I know Titus is going to feel like the weekend went by way to quickly.

Happy First Day of School 2008-2009

Today was the first day of school for Ruth and Titus. When we were in Venezuela I home schooled our children. I always wanted to make the first day of school a little special so I would always decorate our school room, make a nice breakfast, and try to make the first day as fun as possible. So the tradition of decorating for the first day of school and having a special breakfast started many years ago. I did find it a little sad as I was decorating late last night that this will be the last time we have "children" going off for their first day of school. Next year it will be "one child" going off for the first day of school. Ruth and Zachary both hope to be starting college next fall but I will not be there to send them off for another "first day of school". So it was a bitter sweet celebration this morning as Ruth started her last year of high school and Titus started 8th grade.

Where in the World is Titus?

Titus' class is off on their end of the year field trip. There are four boys in his class and they have gone camping for a couple of days. It just so happens that we are having REALLY cold weather for sleeping in tents. However, Titus bought two sleeping bags, lots of sweat shirts, and his winter jacket so he should do alright. We are missing his youthful, fun loving spirit here at home.

Hidden Treasures

Like they say, "One man's junk is another man's treasure." Titus can attest to that statement. The last two weekends the mission had a huge indoor garage sale. I think Titus lives for this each year and he feels like he finds some real "treasures". But if you would see his room you would be able to see he has enough "treasures". Since Titus knows how we feel about all of his "treasures" he likes to slowly work them in the house when the coast is clear. The other day I went in to give him a hug goodnight and I almost killed myself falling over his new treasure; a "must have" bowling ball. How he got that in the front door without me seeing I don't know!

Check Mate

Yesterday afternoon Titus was in a chess tournament. We had actually just gotten home so it worked out so nice that we could be there for Titus. We are very proud of Titus, he got second place. There were a few tables set up with boards so anyone who wanted to could play a game for fun. So Vern and Titus, and Ruth and I played against each other. We weren't able to finish our games which was good, since no one really wanted to beat the other person.

Go Blue Team!

For the past three weeks the 3rd-8th graders have been playing a soccer tournament. Titus was on the blue team. Today was the last games of the tournament. All the players went away with a can or bottle of pop depending on whether their team got first, second, or third place. Titus' team came in first place so he came won a big bottle of pop. Each team did an awesome job. It was good to see how the kids worked together as a team and showed good sportsmanlike conduct. Way to go kids!

Titus' Baptism

Titus' Testimony

Titus' Baptism

Yesterday a group of us from our church gathered at the river to witness the baptism of five people. It was a rainy afternoon but that did not hinder the event from moving forward. It was so awesome to hear the testimonies of those being baptized. It was especially meaningful for our family as Vern had the privilege of baptizing Titus. (I have been trying to get the video put on here but it isn't working. For now I will post some pictures and hopefully I can get the video on here yet.)

Timothy for Titus

Tonight was our last official night of Awana clubs for the year. Next week we will end club with a family picnic. Titus is in the club called T & T (Truth and Training). A big part of Awana is memorizing the Word of God. Titus received a Timothy Award tonight in recognition for him completing four Awana books. We are proud of him and all of his hard work. We just pray that Titus will continue to walk with the Lord and grow in the knowledge of him. This is the last year for Titus to be in the Awana program but I already have a spot for him next year helping me out in the Cubbies program. (smile)

Party Time

Yesterday afternoon we had a little party for Titus. We started off the party by sending the kids on a scavenger hunt around the camp. The girls ended up winning. Both teams were tied until the girls came up with the longest toe nail. (Thanks to the help of someone on camp here who donated to their cause.) Once the teams were back from the hunt we played several other games. I had a ping pong ball toss into canning jars, a penny toss, a word search of things about Titus, and a cross word puzzle again with things about Titus' life. We watched "Flushed Away" and then played a couple more group games. Next year Titus will be a teenager. We will have to think of something special to do to celebrate that milestone. (When we were in the tribe and our older boys turned 13 that would mark the day they were allowed to drive solo on the motorcycle. I am quite sure we will not be doing that with Titus next year.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TITUS!

Today is Titus' 12th Birthday. We just got home last night from our spring break so we are still a bit unsettled. There are suitcases to unpack and I have to run out and get some groceries. For the past several years Titus has always had his birthday on spring break and so we usually aren't at home. He is really looking forward to his birthday at home this year. Ruth helped me hang up a bunch of streamers and balloons last night so that the house would be decorated when Titus wakes up. I have invited a couple of Titus' friends over so we will have a fun time celebrating together. Titus you have a special day today. Don't grow up too fast as next year you will be a teenager already. We are glad you are a part of our family!

Check Mate

Although the academy that Ruth and Titus goes to is small the teachers try to do a lot of activities for the children. One of the teachers, Marshall Siddall headed up the chess club once again this year. Titus enjoys chess so was involved in the chess club. Over the past couple of days there was a chess tournament going on. Yesterday were the final games. All the participants did SOOO well. There was a sign put up about no help or hints from the crowd watching. Well, believe me no one would have wanted help from me as I know NO strategy in playing the game. I can say with full confidence that each one of the participants would have beaten me. Tbere was a great turn out of parents and friends to watch the games. (There was no cheering though, as the room was supposed to be as quiet as possible.) Titus finished in third place. WAY TO GO TITUS! There are a group of students who are going to be going to a tournament in which a group of Christian schools will all be competing. So I am sure there will be a few more chess games yet in the next weeks as the students prepare for that competition. GO CHESS CLUB!