Viva!!!

What are we up to these days? Well, it's VBS week in our parish ~ our theme is Fiesta!

(Too much sun, too much fun, and EB squirmed out of the picture!)

If your parish does VBS (vacation Bible school), you may be celebrating a Fiesta too! If you are, then you know what to say when someone calls out any one of our daily Bible points:

"Jesus is our friend!"

"Jesus is our life!"

"Jesus is our leader!"

"Jesus is our savior!"

"Jesus is our helper!"

You smile, throw your hands in the air and cheer, "Viva!!!"

This is our first year doing VBS. Crackerjack (7 this week!) is a crew member, Bookworm (11) is a crew leader, and yours truly (age N/A) is a station leader (Grande Games). Meanwhile, back at home, Earlybird's getting lots of one-on-one time with his Nana. :)

What an amazing experience to be with so many people - little people, teen people, mommy people, grand people - all of us fired up about our faith, our church, our families, our friends and our love for Jesus!

Our kids spend the day in song and dance, playing games, making crafts, sharing Bible stories, and just plain having lots of fun! As a service project, our group is making warm fleece blankets for needy children in South America.

And each day Crackerjack comes home with a challenge to complete and report on the next day. (Today's challenge - Obey your mom or dad ... the first time he or she asks!)

Here's a craft he made today - a painted donkey suncatcher:

The boys insist I share with our readers today's snack. Our Bible point today - Jesus is our leader - was paired with the story of Matthew 4:18-22. To further illustrate that point and story, there were lots of fish-themed activities. (Even a real fish!) But the snack was really cute (and really yummy):

• blue jello snack cups (the sea)
• whipped cream on top (the waves)
• red gummy fish (the fish)
• an orange jelly slice (the boat)
• a square butter snap pretzel (the net)

I'll tell you what - after that delicious and memorable snack - my boys won't soon forget that Bible story! :) But truly, this whole experience is one we'll treasure ...

"Jesus called out to them, 'Come follow me.'"

Viva!!!