Happy Monday!

We had a wonderful weekend, and I hope you did, too. We spent most of it around the house getting some much-needed things done and making the last-minute preparations for our Awana Awards Ceremony. Luke did the videos for each club ,with the help of his faithful Production Assistant (moi) who chose all of the music! He really has a gift for putting together videos. After watching the awesome videos of each club's year, I wondered how I too could get involved in such a great program!

While he was doing that, I sat and went through the lists, files, and orders I had placed, making sure we would have the more than 400 awards we would be giving out. I tell ya, our club is huge and our kids have flat out learned some verses this year! The ceremony was last night and it was a great success. Our Cubbies (preschoolers) had theirs first and then the K-12th graders had theirs. It all went off without a hitch, thanks to our awesome volunteers, our top-notch media team, and (of course) the dedicated parents. I didn't get many pictures because I was too busy running around with my clipboard or sitting on the front row counting trophies. I had to remind myself when it was my kids' turn, to see them as my child and clap and be "in the moment" rather than see myself as a coordinator of the event.

But I did.

I cheered and applauded. I remembered when they used to wear the little Cubbie and Sparky vests. I thought about all the work it has taken for them to finish their books. I praised God for how He has hidden His Word in their hearts this year, and thanked Him that it will not come back to Him void, but that it is an accomplishing Word. Praise You, Lord.

But, I didn't get enough pictures. I really wanted pictures of them with their leaders and directors. I didn't get those. Here's what I was able to snap:



Kyle receiving his award from Mr. Tracy, his faithful leader for two years.






I didn't get Bethany getting her award, but here she is coming down the steps off of the stage. This was her first year in "Trek," the jr. high program. She loved it!





Of course, some parents got those really great shots, but perhaps in all the hubbub, they didn't get a chance to get a picture with the Commander. Luckily, we bring him home with us each week, so we snagged those pictures when we got home:

We stayed late, with the help of some faithful friends and volunteers, and got the stage cleared and the receptions cleaned up. The records are locked in the office, ready for me to update for next year. Another successful Awana year has come to a close!

And I am tired. There is no "Menu Plan Monday" today. I have a plan, but no post. Besides, the guys may take a camping trip this week with some friends from Wednesday through the weekend (the opportunity has come up, so Luke's deciding today) so that would change my cooking plans anyway. With the guys away, the girls may eat at La Madeleine and order in Chinese food!

We're working on finishing our school year. We'll even finish some things this week, just in time for me to sell some of our used curriculum on Friday at our homeschool association's used book sale. Fun!

I hope your weekend was all that you needed it to be, and that your week is off to a great start!