Because this post is all about VBS, I'm sure you are all thinking that I am a total slacker. Especially considering the fact that VBS "season" has been over for quite a while. But actually, that is what makes this post so special! I'll try to avoid being too chaotic while I explain what I mean.
My girls attended bible school at their grandparents' church this year, just as they did last year. But this year was different, because they were both old enough to go to a "real" class. Of course, the baby/toddler class is awesome and AvieLu had a blast last year; but the "real" classes are super special because the children are older and better equipped to listen and retain what they are taught.
I picked them up from preschool yesterday, took them home, fed them lunch, and put them down for nap. After they got up, I got busy painting our kitchen. (And, yes, I know I've left you hanging on how the reno is going, but details are coming. Promise.) The girls had been playing really well by themselves for quite a while before they decided to leave their playhouse (climb out from under the dining room table) and ask me to turn on "SonSurf beach blast, yeah, everybody, let's go".......And, yes, that is exactly how they say it every single time they ask to listen to it, which is many, many times a day.....so I turned on their VBS tunes and we had a singing/dancing party for three right there in the kitchen.
It may sound strange, but this is every day life for us. You know, the dancing and singing in the kitchen, car, store, yard, etc. to VBS tunes. For some reason, though, yesterday, I realized that I never blogged about VBS this year. I still feel the exact same way as last year about how great VBS is, and obviously, my girls do, too, so how dare I not blog about it! I mean, it has been months since they attended VBS and yet they are still talking about it!!! And, that, my friends, is exactly what makes this post so special!!!!
So I decided to re-post my last year's brag session about it! Of course, there was a different theme and different songs this year so I made a couple of changes to make the post specific to this year, so I hope it makes sense :)
Among other amusing conversations heard around our chaotic life lately is, "Mommy, is SonSurf beach blast, yeah, everybody let's go in the car?" "Yes, Addie and AvieLu. SonSurf beach blast, yeah, everybody, let's go is in the car." They are referring to their CD of Vacation Bible School music, which they are completely in love with.
Addie goes to sleep singing those catchy little tunes to Happy every night. AvieLu sings them to her baby dolls all day. They both insist on listening to them over and over and, yes, over again in the car. They do the hand motions and everything. I can't believe they remember them after several months, but they do!
In years past I am sure that I would inform you of how annoying the repetition can be and how I think the people who come up with those catchy little tunes that get stuck in your head forever and ever should be punished to listen to them forever and ever. But that would have been terrible of me. I am thankful that I absolutely do NOT feel that way now.
I love those bible verse songs. I love that my almost 3 and 4 year olds sing proudly that Jesus is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" thanks to those songs. I love that the girls' favorite song says, "When I am afraid I will trust in You. You are all I need, I will run to You." I love that VBS (which is thought of by some as a glorified baby sitting service) has made such an incredible impact on my little girls. Of course, the crafts they make are adorable. I have enough adorable fridge art to last a lifetime! And the friendships they form are incredible. I know that the girls don't completely understand what all they are singing, but I pray that the Word of God they heard during that week will continue to sing so sweetly to them for many years to come. And when God chooses to call them, I pray that they will be ready to invite Him into their hearts!
To anyone who has ever participated in, cooked for, taught at, or helped out in any way at a Vacation Bible School at any church, I thank you so much. Please don't ever think that what you did was too small to count or that you didn't make an impact. My children are proof that even the youngest hearts can be touched!!
If you haven't ever helped out at a VBS, I must tell you that you are missing out on some of the greatest fellowship possible. Unfortunately, I was not able to help out this year as I do every other year because of being so busy with the shop. But I can promise you that when I actually bother interrupt my schedule enough to participate in church events other than Sunday School and Worship Service, I get to know people on a completely different level than possible in the usual Sunday services. VBS is an amazingly wonderful and exhausting experience and I am so thankful for it!! I hope that all of you had a great VBS also and are still singing catchy little tunes, too!
