First Grade Presents...The Three Piggy Opera

Last week, the Glen Oaks Elementary first graders put on a wonderful musical called The Three Piggy Opera.

For weeks, Sofie had hoped to get a small part in the play. In fact, she had approached her music teacher, Mrs. Taylor several times to check if there was a small part left for her. To her delight, Sofie's determination paid off. She was given a speaking part and was a narrator in the show.

She worked hard and learned her part. All seemed well...until the night before the show. As I tucked her in bed she looked at me with panic filled eyes and said, "Mommy. Can we pray about the Three Piggy Opera? I am so scared to talk in front of everyone." So that is exactly what we did and the next day, I reminded her, that God commands us to be bold and courageous.


Sofie posing pretty at home just before leaving for the show.


This was Sofie's impression of the Big Bad Wolf...being silly got her giggling and she forgot she was afraid (at least for a moment).


The moment was finally upon her. So, with a deep breath, Sofie took the stage (as I held mine and prayed for her in the back of the room). Ha! She was SENSATIONAL!!


Sofie was all smiles as we left her school after the performance.

The muscial was a big success and Sofie felt so proud that she had conquored her fear. We celebrated with ice cream at Baskin Robbins...instead of "delicious, nutritious garbage stew". (lyics from one of the songs)

The moral of the story is..."Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."-Deuteronomy 31:6

He Is Risen...Easter 2011

Easter is my favorite holiday. Somehow, the world seems new again on Easter morning and my spirit sours as I wrap my heart around my Savior's great love for me, His victory over death and sin, and the hope found in the Resurrection.

We had a busy weekend that began with some family reflection time on Good Friday. The kids and I studied God's Word together and took on a small mission project in our local community. That evening, we all went to church services together so that we could all prepare our hearts for the true significance of Easter morning. While I want my children to have joy filled memories, more than anything, I want them to truly understand what has been done for them so that they may know eternal life.

It was especially moving for Jack this year. At 13, he sees the Cross more honestly than ever before. Several times on Saturday morning, Jack mentioned that this was the first time that he really understood the suffering that Christ endured. Tender-hearted Sofie and sweet Lily also shed many tears as they pondered the events that led to the Cross. I am so grateful for the hearts God is growing in my children.


We took a religious holiday from school on Good Friday and studied what happened on the Cross. At dismissal, Jack, Lily, and Sofie passed out plastic eggs filled with scripture to the kids in the neighborhood as they made their way home from school.

Saturday afternoon, we spent the day with dear friends as we had lunch together and the kids searched for Easter eggs. They even broke a pinata, which Sofie was thrilled to break! I think we have enough candy to last us until next Easter. What a fun day it was! We are so grateful for our friends the Branson's for hosting us all in their home.


The Easter Bunny stopped at the Arbuckle house and filled baskets with chocolate crosses, candy filled eggs, and jelly beans. He even left an one egg empty in each basket so the kids would remember the tomb was empty for Christ is risen.


We sat down and ate a lovely breakfast before attending church on Easter morning.


Lily set a place for Jesus at the table. She placed her new lamb next to the plate for He is the Lamb of God. She told us the plate is white because Jesus takes our sins and makes us white as snow and that the plate is empty just like the tomb. Did this ever make my heart smile...!


Of all my blessings, these are the ones I treasure most.


Marty and I wish you a Happy Easter.

How grateful I am that Jesus took my place on the Cross and made a way for me to be reconciled to my Heavenly Father through His sacrifice. He Is Risen!

Ladybug Soccer Spring Season

My little Bug is the Ladybug with the ball under her feet. ;)


Our little Honeybug is playing her second season of soccer. Three of the six girls on the team are new to soccer, but they have quickly become a team.

Though the Ladybugs lost their first two games, they are now tied up in the season 2-2. So, the way I see it, we have a new season starting now! Sofie scored 5 goals last week and 5 more today. She has really started to show an understanding of positioning on the field as well. Coach Jeff likes to use her mad skills on the left side of the field.


Sofie is setting up the play on a throw in.


Sofie is getting ready for a big kick.



Last week in the van ride home, Sofie said, "Mommy. I just LOVE soccer!" It is so awesome hearing her find so much delight in an activity. And watching these 6 sweet girls giggle and hug each other on the field makes my heart smile along with them. No matter how the season turns out, we are having a great time in this busy season of life. I love being a soccer Mom!!

GOOOOOOOOO LADYBUGS!!