Going on a treasure hunt...

Our church had its annual Summer Kids Club (aka VBS) last week.  It was loads of fun, and each night went by super fast.  This year Zachary got to be an assistant, small group leader with his buddy Joseph.  We were part of the blue group, so the boys wore blue hats.  That made it easier to find them amongst the other children.

This took me back to my camping days.  Acting crazy and wild and getting to share God with the kids.  Many children were moved to accept Christ as their Savior and baptized on Sunday.  

Chess Camp again

The chess interest is back.  After attending his first chess tournament this Spring, Zack got the itch to play a bit more.  And he decided he wanted to attend camp again.  He hasn't been in three years, so I wondered where they would place him based on his skills.  He was actually put in the highest level class, and won a few and lost a few.  He enjoyed attending, and after another student said, "I'll be back in July," he was ready to return too.  For the fact that it is basically all the way in Houston, we will not be going back.  But since then, he has been caught working chess puzzles and playing chess online.

Shaking hands with the Chess Master - the coveted title by all young boys

And receiving the same trophy as last time.  Participation trophies are ridiculous!

Chess has been good for focus, so I hope some of the things he has learned might carry over academically.  In the meantime, brush up on your chess skills.  We may be making a visit and need all potential players ready for defeat.

Elementary draws to a close

A challenging, but exciting year has finally drawn to a close.  It's been interesting not only watching Zachary change over the years, but many of these other students.  Some were so sweet and have developed independence and attitude.  I guess that is what comes with the age.  Good to know we are not alone in dealing with hormonal changes.

Zachary receiving his awards from Mrs. Helpenstill, Mrs. Burke and Mrs. Neely

 

This year Zack received all A Honor Roll for the entire year, the Principal Award, the Excellent Conduct Award, the Bible Award, the Book Report Award, the I'm a Winner Award, and the Elementary Band Award.  I honestly do not know what the qualifications to receive most of the these awards, but yeah Zachary!!!

The two Fifth Grade classes

Dr. Bearinger retired at the end of this year.  He was the man that was instrumental in letting Zachary attend Clear Lake Christian School.  As we were leaving our last staff meeting for the year, he said he was really proud of all the progress Zachary had made since he started attending CLCS.  I am too! 

On to 6th grade.  Zachary is already concerned about his locker and tardies, and what about time to get to the bathroom before the bell.  A new phase...new territory to conquer with God by our side.

Mary's married

 A couple of weeks ago, we made the jaunt to Louisiana for my cousin Mary's wedding to her high school sweetheart, Drew.  Poor Drew got stuck in traffic on the way to the church for the rehearsal.  Their family church was beautiful.  Here are a few pics from the Rehearsal Dinner.

John and Zachary at the table

The Elfert siblings

 The happy couple and the bride's parents

The entertainment (Drew's dad actually tipped him)

A nice couple and a goofy man leaning in the picture

 

Me and Aunt Ruth

The wedding was at 7 p.m. on Saturday, so we had the day to hang out at Uncle Ed's and Aunt Diane's.  It was low-key, so we were able to visit with Mary & Diane before they left, and then with Uncle Ed and Mark afterwards.  

For the wedding, Zachary cleaned up pretty nicely, I thought.  And then of course, the stunning couple all decked out.  Mary made a beautiful bride.  All of Aunt Diane and Mary's hard work paid off.  The wedding was nice and everyone seemed to have a good time at the the reception.

Thanks Mary and Drew for including us.  It was an honor to read in your wedding.  Next time we come, we will have to stop by and see your new house with all your wedding goodies.

First Chess Tournament

This year, I finally convinced Mr. Hernandez to bring back chess tournaments to our school.  So we kept it small with about 50 players.  It was just the perfect size for our school.  The students played five games a piece.  Zachary won 2 of his games.  I was so proud of him because he showed really good sportsmanship when after the other three games.  

The coveted trophies

Having fun playing an opponent

So no trophy this time, but maybe next time.  He is enjoying playing again, so he will attend chess camp this summer and maybe that will lead to a trophy next time. 

Good Friday, April 6, 2012

Well I'm hugely delayed in this post and am most excited about it.  Some pictures were taken by others, and when I finally received them, they were not what I expected, nor very clear.  And I didn't get any family photos or folks that attended.  I think I was too excited to think straight.

Zachary decided he wanted to be baptized.  He said he has believed Jesus was his savior "since he was about 5 or 6."  And yes, he was baptized as a baby, but I like to think of that as a baby dedication.  As I have studied more, I have come to see the importance of each person coming know Jesus independently.  And not that you have to go through the whole process again, but he wanted too. 

And there you have it.  We are super proud of his decision.  He had a big crowd present, including both sets of grandparents, Patrice and Lauren, and Cindy and Chianti from BSF, as well as Belinda Skoog from my Mom-in-Prayer group.  At our church you holler if you know the person getting baptized.  I had several friends come up afterwards and ask if we heard them.  I just love our church!

Field Day Fun

Field day was a big success this year.  It was a bit different then in the past, but super fun!  They had snow cones, played miniature golf, concession stand, and many other fun things to do.  Here are a few pictures.



We started with the rock wall.  With Zachary being all to fond of heights, I wasn't sure he would go.  But he made it to the top!

We hit face painting and they did spin art. 

His age friends did a blow-up obstacle course, and he won against another boy when they raced.  

 

 This is our principal at the dunking booth.  The pitcher is a senior, and he missed 2 of the 3 times.

 And at the end the day, a little prank on a teacher's car. That's bubble wrap taped on the front window.

Fun was had by all, so I guess that is a good indication it was a success.   Oh, yes, it was super sunny, and no one thought about sun screen, so we got our first red cheeks for the season.  Good bye Spring, hello Summer