Thank You Luncheon

Yesterday was a fun day. My fellow Awana commanders and I hosted a luncheon to thank our children's ministry staff. Each year we try to get them some sort of thank you present, but this year we decided to do something for them instead of buy something for them.

We asked our children's pastor, Gary, to set up a "meeting" at lunch time yesterday. When they got there, we had this table set up and waiting for them. Surprise!

We Vickey and Anne had lovingly prepared a meal of salad, bread, chicken parmesan, cavatini, cheesecake, and chocolate-covered strawberries--all made from scratch. Vickey had even monogrammed napkins with their initials on them.

I think everyone had a good time. It was nice to serve them for a change. Vickey, Anne, and I all dressed up in black and waited on them, trying to give them a fine dining experience (hoping they'd forget that they were really just in a Sunday School classroom).


Here is a picture of the three of us:



This is Karen threatening Melissa with a fork. Typical Karen. :)



The rest of the shots I got tended to have people with their mouths full or otherwise in silly positions, so I'll save the guests some embarrassment and not post them here. :)

While we were serving the VIPs, Anne's daughter Hannah helped with Isaac. She even brought a little dog stuffed animal for him, which he attached to right away.



Isaac even learned to say "Hannah" yesterday, although he calls her "Manna", which I think it adorable. Very biblical, you know.

Here are Hannah and Isaac in front of the second floor window, overlooking the construction of the new preschool building at our church.



We had a wonderful time yesterday. I feel so blessed to be able to work with such wonderful people. I truly love my church and these fabulous people! Thank you, Gary, Kristi, Karen, Vickie, Melissa, Connie, and all of those who have helped "behind the scenes" at Awana this year!

Yea, Mommy!

On Sunday night, I was running late to Awana. Yes, this happens often! Sundays are just jam-packed for us. We are at church in the morning from 9 until a little after 1, then we come home, eat, try to get Caleb to take a nap, try to get Isaac to take a nap, make sure I have everything ready for Awana, etc. Before we know it, it's time to leave for church again! Don't get me wrong, I love Sundays and I love serving at my church. I just always end up trying to cram too much into one day!

Anway, we were running late. Scott stayed home with Isaac, who was still napping. I finally got Caleb out the door and we arrived at church about 4:50. Awana starts at 5:00, so I didn't have time to take Caleb to his class before Awana started. So I took Caleb upstairs with me, gave him a ball to play with, and told him that Mommy was going to talk to the boys and girls for a few minutes, and to play quietly in the side of the room. I got Awana started as usual--pledges to the American flag and the Awana flag, announcements, and dismissal to their handbook groups. Caleb waited patiently and watched me, holding on to the ball.

When I was finished and the kids were leaving the room, I went over to Caleb. He held my hand as I led him to the back of the room to get his backpack. He looked up at me, wonder in his eyes, and said, "Mommy, you did a good job with the kids!"

Now that is adorable. My son, the encourager. I think I smiled (inwardly, at least!) for the rest of the night.