Run, Heather, Run

This is me leaving Outrigger Island.

We arrived in the big city of Atlanta on Friday afternoon and quickly made our way to the Phillips Arena along with 18,487 other women. Well, it turns out we weren't quick enough because we were stuck in the nosebleeds. This was my fourth Beth Moore event and the first time I've sat in the nosebleeds. I persevered through it. The view allowed me to look stalk my fake BFF's, Big and Boo. It didn't take long for me to find them. They were sitting right behind Beth, Priscilla and Kay. Even though we were in the rafters, it was still good. We heard from Priscilla first and she gave us a word from Exodus about campin' in the wilderness. It was at this time that I told God that I wasn't a big fan of campin'. Priscilla assured us that the wilderness sets us up to experience God in a brand new way.

We had a great time of praise and worship with Travis and the praise team. Or what some might like to call the TSC family singers. Angela, Julie, and Wes were all there. Sometimes it just gets old and it would be nice to go somewhere and hear someone different sing. I mean, really, how many times can I hear Julie sing...

Wonderful, Glorious, Holy, and Righteous, Victorious, Conqueror, Triumphant and Mighty, Healer, Deliverer, Shield and Defense, Strong Tower and My Best Friend, Omnipotent, Omnipresent Soon Coming King, Alpha, Omega, Lord of everything Holy, holy, holy is Your Name

Just kiddin' Moving right along...

Later on that night, Heather and I came up with a plan. We would get up at 5 a.m. eastern time and get ready, leave the room at 6 and walk the eight blocks to the Phillips Arena. We would be the official seat savers for our group. So, we were off and walkin' down the dark streets of downtown Atlanta at 6 a.m.

So, we're walkin'. Did I mention that the streets weren't really crowded at 6 a.m. It was at this time that we were becoming more and more uncomfortable with our decision. It all started when I spotted two homeless men out of the corner of my eye. They were sitting on a stoop on a street that we were crossing over. And I would just like to mention one more time that there were no other people on this section of street.

And then I saw the homeless man start to get up off of the stoop...

Walk faster, Heather. We both increased our step. And we both made the mistake of looking back. Everyone knows that you never look back. Isn't that when life altering mistakes are made in horror movies. When people look back. Homeless man was now on our street and what seemed like only a few steps behind us.

Run, Heather, Run.

I'm quite sure the homeless man is laughing and telling all his friends about the two crazy women who had no business in downtown Atlanta at 6 a.m.

Oh, can Heather and Big Nanny run. And you thought the Olympics were in China this year. I can assure you that the Olympics were back in Atlanta this past weekend.

We finally made it to a more populated street with a McDonald's. McDonald's didn't open until 6:30 so we decided to go the Chinese restaurant that was serving sausage biscuits, eggs and coffee. We had our food and coffee and we were on our way. We arrived inside the arena, we were right in front of the door and got settled in for our one hour and 10 minute wait. The doors were finally opened and I said these three words yet again...

Run, Heather, Run

This was us after we scored awesome seats on the floor.

Look who is a sittin' 6 rows in front of us.

And there you have it. Big Nanny, Big Mama and BooMama.

It appears that I'm rubbing my hair all over Melanie's face but really I'm not. Thanks Heather for taking the picture. They were very nice and I don't think they were too frightened. And you know what I was thinking...

Wow, Big Mama has that really cool shirt on that she posted on her blog a few months ago.

There's more but I must sleep now...

VBS 2008, aka: Baby Boot Camp

I always like to think of VBS childcare as a little baby boot camp of sorts. Most of these babies and toddlers are used to being at home with their mommies and it's good for them to get out and experience life. It's good for them to be around other kids, other caregivers, get a taste for new things and to build up their immune systems.

One of our favorite times at VBS is snack time. On this day, Reese experienced Dr. Pepper and Doritos.

Now you will notice that Reese is looking at the door saying, "What if Organic Mommy finds out about this?" And that's when I told Reese, "Don't worry, the Doritos are baked."

We also like to take part in nap time. (Notice I said "we")

And it's also important that they learn to be flexible and be able to grab some zzz's wherever you can get'em.

Lil'Nanny likes to take pictures of herself. Notice the middle left of this picture. I don't just talk the talk, I walk the walk. Someone once accused me of running a military school for preschoolers because I firmly believe that all children under the age of 5 need a nap time. Everyday. No, it didn't hurt my feelings, but I did almost name the blog, Big Nanny's Boot Camp. Oh, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that young children take a nap. Everyday.

And now, I would like to give a shout of thanks to all the mommies and teens who made this week possible. Thanks you to all that packed your little ones up every morning and drug them to VBS even though they weren't old enough to go to "real Bible school" yet. I'm a big believer in VBS and I think everyone should help in VBS. Yes, you heard me. Everyone. It's one week out of the year and it won't kill you. Remember that verse...go ye, into all the world. Well, the world was right in our back yard and many children heard the gospel for the first time and now know where they will spend eternity.

Anyhoo, back to the thanking. A big thank you to Chris and Ashley for all of your help. You both did all the work and planning. You both know that it it took a little bit more than a bag of Doritos and Dr. Pepper to keep the youngins' happy all week. It was fun and we'll do it all again next year, right? Right? Ashley, Chris, I'm not hearing anything? Next year, right?

And a big thank you to AC & and the people at McDonald's for providing me with the fuel to get through the week. I can do almost anything if I start off the day with a Diet Dr. Pepper.

Diving Away

By the time this post is up, I'm going to be: running out of Outrigger Island, sitting in a car, sipping a Diet Dr. Pepper, having some leftover VBS snacks, talking Alicia's ear off and driving away to Hotlanta. Yesterday, I was given a ticket to see Beth, Priscilla and Kaye at the Deeper Still Conference. I'm quite sure that we're going to be diving into God's Word. (That sounded so cheesy.) And I think BigMama and BooMama are gonna be there.

Don't try this at home. It took years to develop this technique.

P.S. That VBS post will have to wait.

Just for the record...

I would love to write a post about VBS. I really would. I've heard your complaints about that picture of Handiman being up there for too many days and how you are waiting for some VBS highlights. And I would love to give it to you, I really would. If someone will come to night time VBS and do my job tonight, I will gladly take my little laptop into a quiet corner and get to bloggin' about all the fun we're having this week. Stay tuned. VBS Recap 08 coming soon!

I'm Worried...

I'm a little worried. Teresa is at the She Speaks Conference this weekend. I passed by her house today and this is what I saw...Handiman working with a large table saw and electric sanders. He is home alone and I'm not sure this is a good idea. Please go before the Lord with boldness and ask Him to place a hedge of protection around Handiman and this garage.