IncrediWorld Amazement Park

Sorry so long since my last post...I have been at IncrediWorld (VBS) at Village Hope Church.  My house has been taken over with Play-Doh, coloring pages, dinosaur masks, and cotton candy :-), but I pray all the kids have hidden some more of God's Word in their hearts.  Savannah was too old for VBS this year, but she was able to be my helper...she had so much fun, sometimes it was hard to remember if she was one of the leaders or one of my Kindergarten/1st grade "park riders".  One night I was upset with her because I couldn't find her when it was time to clean up and I knew she was somewhere in the church with her friends, but another worker put things into perspective for me when he said how nice it was to see her really enjoying herself...that he wondered how many times she had really laughed like that throughout her childhood.  This is one of the hardest parts for me...managing my expectations/structure for all the girls, but seasoning it with enough flexibility for them to be kids for as long as they can be....parenting can be tremendously difficulty sometimes.  I realize I am more of a strict parent than many people, but I also believe children flourish best with consistency and structure, as well as an appropriate respect for authority and given a healthy amount of responsibilites.  These days, I am sure I would be considered "Old School".

We had a good week...a "marker" week of sorts.  Both Savannah and Danielle had their regular counseling sessions this week and both their therapists told me they are doing so well....they do not see the need for more counseling at this time.  That is a huge praise...I am so happy they are adjusting to all the changes and they are able to verbalize their feelings and process them.  It still amazes me that they are able to stay afloat through all the transitions.  Yesterday, on the way to VBS, the song, Stronger, by Mandisa came on the radio and Savannah said, "I think this is my song"..."I think everything I've been through has been to make me a stronger person"...."I can definitely testify to this." Those are the moments to cherish...the times when something makes sense to them.

Danielle, Kassi and Karly are learning to get along as a team...although we have days where their make-believe worlds collide :-)  Brad, donning a very devilish grin for a pastor, made a joke about their imaginary friends not even getting along he was leaving for work one day this past week...fun times!  Sometimes I feel like I have the triplets from the movie, Brave.  Yesterday, after I told them to clean their room I went up to find even more clothes, toys...and even the curtains pulled down because someone thought it would be funny to wrap them around her to play princess....needless to say, toys were removed from their room and now have to be earned back little by little.

I think I mentioned that Savannah may have to testify in court....this has been delayed.  Apparently, new evidence has been submitted that may change this case or the charges.  I am still hopeful that she will not have to testify, but from the appointments we have had so far to prepare her for this possibility, I have been encouraged by her boldness.  If you have been praying for her regarding this situation, thank you!  She could still use prayer, but we do not have a revised date for this to happen. 

Today, with VBS behind us and school right in front of us, we are headed out to do some "Back to School" shopping.