HAPPY MAIL
I received the latest Sweet To The Soul Bible Study & Bible Journaling Kit from my friend Jana Kennedy- Spicer and a happy card from Tonya Hamilton of Messy Bible during the month of July.
And one day a large flat box arrived! It contained the new table I ordered for my craft room. Robbie put it together that evening & now I have double the work space!!
TWIN VISITS
Our 12-year-old twin nieces each spent a week with us this summer, and we had so much FUN! As is the tradition before a visit, they each made a list of the things of things to do.
I taught each of them to ice skate (and even scrapped about it already!). There was a morning of swimming with each one, too. During Laurie's visit, we also enjoyed a minor league baseball game, checked out and read several library books, watched movies, played a couple of games of Life, and worked many crossword puzzles. She even participated in a couple of local karate classes to see how they were different from her regular classes. During Paige's visit, we spent lots of time doing illustrated Bible journaling, painted mini-canvases, read several library books, played games, and worked a couple of jigsaw puzzles. She also attended my Christmas in July Card Class. (Yes, we checked everything off their lists!)
WORKSHOPS & EVENTS
I've been very ACTIVE teaching these past several weeks. I taught a small class for residents at a local assisted living facility, sharing how to use gelatos to decorate a hymnal page.
On July 1, I had a huge surprise when my sister and two of my nieces showed up to take my Intro to Bible Journaling Workshop at Scrappin' Goodtime! (I thought they would be arriving around noon to pick up Laurie, but they drove in the day before so they could attend my class!) It was a great class, followed by lunch with Robbie, my sister, brother-in-law, and three nieces (plus one boyfriend!). That afternoon I taught the scripture frame class and the ladies did a fabulous job on these happy frames!
Then there was the Christmas in July Card Class at Personal Scrapbook.
The last Saturday in July, I taught a Bible journaling mini-retreat for a church in Durant, Oklahoma. There were 25 ladies there, and we had a FUN day diving into the Word and trying lots of illustrated journaling techniques.
This past weekend, I co-taught two Creative Lettering Bible Journaling workshops with Jana Kennedy-Spicer at Scrappin' Goodtime. I love seeing everyone giving creative lettering a try!
In other teaching news, there was the launch of the Alive in Christ ~ A Weekend Renewal event. I created a website for the event, and Kelley Raetzsch and I recorded a video to announce the opening of registration. The weekend is already half-full! I also began a free four-part Bible journaling devotional series on the Proverbs 31 Woman for my email list this week. (Click HERE to sign up to receive illustrated Bible journaling INSPIRATION and information on my upcoming workshops & events.)
FUN OUTINGS
One weekend, Robbie and I headed to a trading card show here in the Dallas area. Former Dallas Cowboys Defensive End Ed "Too Tall" Jones was there signing autographs, and I couldn't resist asking to have a FUN photo taken with him!
We also enjoyed a stroll around the Lufkin zoo with my sister and her family during one of our meet-ups for the twins' visits. It was an overcast day, which was perfect because it kept the temperatures bearable!
48th BIRTHDAY
I celebrated my birthday a couple of weeks ago. It was a beautiful sunshiny day, and (as always) Robbie spoiled me with breakfast in bed, lots of gifts, a gorgeous cake, and a made-to-order home-cooked supper!
Well, I think that catches me up to this week, which I'll be spending doing household chores and taking care of car maintenance and catching up on some blog reading! What have you been up to lately?
Goodness, you have been busy! And how lovely that you were able to have the twins to stay separately.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday wishes Melissa.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun several weeks you have had, especially with the nieces - their lists are interesting to read - I like Uncle Robbie's oatmeal on Laurie's list. You & Robbie are creating such special memories for them each as individuals - you rock at being an Auntie.
I wanna' come to your house and do all of those FUN activities!! Your craft room looks amazing! What a beautiful place to be inspired.
ReplyDeletewhew what a busy summer! I love your new table & your big double work space! perfect. The twins are so grown up! wow. So glad Robbie spoiled you on your birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated Birthday! Not only have you had a wonderful summer, but you have wonderful photos to help you remember it!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! (Better late than never, right?) I just got back from a much-needed week at the shore where I read 3 novels, did a lot of walking, and a lot of sitting on the beach under an umbrella, covered in sunscreen, watching the people and the waves. I already miss the ocean. Other than that ... CZ's DYL class (still have to get to Week 4) and a LOT LOT LOT of work! Looking forward to Austin!
ReplyDeleteGolly gosh, you have been busy! What a LOT you have fitted in. Your relationship with your two nieces just shines out - you are definitely in the category of SuperAunt :).
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