Winter Dance

I remember years ago when I told my family members we were going to home school our children. One of the things that was brought up as an opposition to our decision was...."What about school dances and proms?" Well that really was not a BIG deal to us. As our home schooling journey moved on, our children have had the pleasure of attending over 8 dances through home school, church and speech/debate clubs. So, in all...... My kids have probably been to more dances then your average public schooled kid. We didn't miss out on anything at all. Am I sorry they missed the prom? no way!

Our girl went to her first Home School Winter Dance at

 The Academy she attends. She had the time of her life with all her girlfriends. 

She enjoyed a lovely dinner, and danced the night away...

Oh and she won 2nd place in the dance off competition!

She looked so beautiful...And so happy!!

It was a blast!

Pentecost Sunday Ball....

Once again we celebrated Pentecost Sunday with our church family/friends. Freckles was so excited to attend this year. What is Pentecost you might ask? Pentecost Sunday marks the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles/believers. It occurs 50 days after Easter. The Bible records the Pentecost in Acts 2:1-13. It also comes 10 days after the Ascension of Jesus Christ. It is also known as 

"The birthday of the Church".

Pentecost, with Christmas and Easter, ranks among the great feasts of Christianity. Not only does it commemorate the decent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and disciples, but also the fruits from the effects of the Biblical event: The completion of the work of redemption, the fullness of grace for the church and its children, with the gift of faith for all nations.

Our church celebrates Pentecost Sunday with feasting and dancing. It is one of the biggest events that we look forward to throughout the year. It truly is a magical time spent with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. This year is extra special to us, for it may be one of the last times we spend time with this church...We said our goodbyes to many of our friends. I can finally say for certain we are moving up North to San Jose California for a year long internship/ Then church planting in the Bay area. We are truly blessed by this new church and delightful congregation. We look forward to working with them and serving. Yet, this will be one function we will surely miss. 

It's so good to see Freckles smiling this big after a long, trying time. 

These are moments that will forever be cherished.

P.S. Here is a picture I am squeezing in this post of my son and a gal friend 

he took to her prom this weekend. Just wanted to share it. 

HERE'S TO A WONDERFUL WEEK AHEAD.

Pentecost Ball...

 

This last week has been busy busy...We prepared for Mr. Darling's graduation day and party....which I will share in the next post. It was a lot of work. Our family, friends and church family came down to celebrate the big day. It was wonderful. I am so proud of him, his accomplishment and ready to  move on with whatever God grants. Sunday we celebrated Pentecost which Among Christians, Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Twelve apostles and other followers of Jesus as described in the Acts of the Apostles 2:1–31. For this reason, Pentecost is sometimes described as the

 "Birthday of the Church."

The Pentecostal movement of Christianity derives its name from the New Testament event. To celebrate this occasion our church held a Pentecost Ball. It has been something we have been looking forward to for some time. The day finally came. The girls were busy getting ready two hours before the ball while the guy's were still messing around with music.

   

The girls looked absolutely beautiful.

Thank you to Marilee for braiding all the sweet maidens hair.

  

The gentlemen looked dashing as ever. And of course this proud Mama had to take a bunch of pictures. I just love all these kids. They are each a very special piece to our lives and hearts. And this may just mark one of the last shindigs we get to share with them before our move. ;(

  

We arrived to the ball. It was a lovely setting to have this event. The pom poms and lights the ambiance of the candles and food, friends and fellowship were breathtaking. We enjoyed dancing with our friends into the late evening..We laughed and learned some new moves. It was so enjoyable.

 I wish you all were there.

         

These memories made over the past several weeks will forever be imprinted into our minds and hearts. It was a perfect setting filled with so much love and laughter,

 I cannot express how very blessed we have been while here.

 

Despite the fall down a flight of stairs last week, stubbing my pinkie toe into a cart, which broke my nail half off and breaking my toe while dancing. I will cherish the time we had celebrating with our family and friends as we move into a new chapter of our lives.

Hope you had a memorable time this last weekend as we also celebrate Memorial Day.

 Blessings to you all,

The Barn Dance

After last weekend's Civil War days we went to a good old fashioned barn dance. I was so giddy that my son stepped up as a sweet big brother to dance with his sister all night. It was so fun and yes even I participated in a couple of them. Mr. Darling couldn't come along since he has been writing papers for school. Poor dear....someday he will be able to enjoy things like that with us.
 
They had a table set with lemonade and old fashioned cookies. We felt like we were back in the olden days. I wish towns would have these dances more periodically. It was so much fun.
   
And.....Leave it to my son to find an instrument to play...He got up and started playing the bass with the group for a couple songs. It was awesome to listen to it. So this is how Laura Ingalls felt in her day. Well, tomorrow is the big day for my dear Mr. Darlings 40th birthday party.....See ya later.