Chubby Cheeks

When I was 14 or 15 my mom decided that she would begin VBS type of event for our neighborhood kids. She opened up her yard every summer for 3 or 4 years to all the neighborhood rascals. My sister and I were the "volunteers" and we put on games and activities including a bible story told lovingly by my mom under the gazebo.

My mom has always had a heart for ministry. She loves the Lord and wants everyone else to fall in love with Jesus too. She is a shining example of making disciples of "ALL" nations...including whatever neighborhood she currently resides.

With this heart, began my mom's plan for a bible club adventure to take place in her lake community. She has been substitute teaching at the local school and knows of several children who live there. With her hope set upon the Lord's plan and not her own, she began putting things together for the event.

"Laughter, singing, the slap of flip-flops on the pavement and shouts of joy were the sounds heard from the Pavilion  3 weeks ago. On June 26, 27 and 28, eighteen children came excitedly in the 108 degree heat to play games, sing and dance and hear the truths about the Bible.  The children delighted in the science experiments conducted by “Professor Loco”. They shrieked as they tossed water balloons at each other. As the music played, they jumped and danced in joy. Each child delighted in the bible verses learned. At the end of each day, the children won new bibles and other prizes. “This is my first, ever, bible!” exclaimed one first grade boy. This proved one of the most moving moments of the week.  God’s name shall be praised! "

This is the short article I wrote for the local newspaper. We truly did have a good time. I am so thankful that I got to be part of the fun events of the week. 

A huge thanks to my mom for calling me to lead worship and fun. Not to mention the role model and example she is to me and Evie and all the children there in her community.

I am proud of my mom. Moreover, I am thankful for the role model that Evelynn has in her.

This is "Professor Loco" -- the CRAZY scientist that did experiments with the kids every day. We made goo and swirled colors together on a milky surface and lit a candle under a jar which made all the water suck up off of a plate. Lots of "oohs and aahs". The teacher in me LOVED every second of this part of the experience!

Evelynn and Samson were so excited to celebrate their love for their daddy!

Evie colored daddy a picture and gave him some free breakfast chicken biscuits so they could go to breakfast together on Friday's when he is off work. This was the best gift among other treats he received.

After gift giving, we went to our friend Aaron and Becky's for lunch. The dads grilled in the rain (that's pretty manly) for their families and we enjoyed delicious chicken wings with a spread of yummy veggies. Dessert had to be cut short because Jonathan had to go to the Emergency Room...don't panic...

....he got into some poison ivy during a work project the week before and it began to spread. He toughed it out until after lunch but then we checked into the local Urgent Care so that he could get a nice little shot to cure it all.

Evie made friends with the nurses (of course) and was a real trooper, considering she hadn't had a nap yet that day.

Later, after shots and naps, we met up with Aaron, Becky, Landon and Lily again for a little bluegrass singin'. My Granny would've been proud. I have a love for bluegrass because of her and I was proud to pass it on to my baby.

The girls enjoyed reading with the music in the background. Landon was sweet enough to share his goldfish and his chair with Evs. Thank you for your graciousness Lan! You're such a sweet guy!

All-in-all it was a great day with good friends and family! 

Last weekend marked a first at the Odom Household....our very own Garage Sale. I spent 3-4 weeks cleaning out the house. I de-cluttered every closet, cabinet, box, basket, bin and drawer, under beds, the shed, the garage. Everything got picked through and cleaned out.

The garage quickly filled up with all of our unwanted things.

I sorted and priced. My little sweet cheeks did an excellent job hanging out with me in the garage. We enjoyed the fresh air and our time together.

Along with all the help my sweet Evie gave me...A huge THANK YOU to Louise for partnering with me!

The title of this post is "one time only" and that would be because although the entire process was probably the best therapy I've never paid for, it was way too much work for the little bit of foot traffic and a few dimes that were made.

But all-in-all we had a good time and enjoyed the friends that stopped by to say hello.

Evie loves her some Landon and I too enjoy time spent with the Hortons. Good times playing in the pool in the front yard!