Quizzing, Masquerades, Footie and Some Covert Ops

What a full weekend we had.  Everyone of the Things had some activity scheduled.  Schedules were arranged, details nailed down and carpool in place.  You know, that kind of a weekend.  Oh, and it was cold.  I just can't seem to leave the weather out of it. 

Friday night Thing 2 had Covert Ops.  A team of youth, junior and senior high students, from our church, along with their zany and courageous pastor head into the city to share a meal with the homeless community.  She has participated once before and was changed forever.  An eye opening experience.  What makes my Mama heart swell with pride is her empathy.  The genuine connection she effortlessly makes with the people.  They have an impact on her that will last.  What an upside down, marvelous way He works. 


Saturday morning was the usual football training, carpool and then preparing for Thing 3's big Bible quizzing event. She had been having study sessions for the last three weeks and was ready to take on questions from her Awana book.  Impressed with her bravery and willingness to step out, we all watched from the audience.  Thing 3 aced the paddle portion of the quizzing.  Wow!  The speed round was next and while nerves overtook her for a bit, she took a deep breath and tried again.  So very proud of this girl.  She received a "High Honors" award personally and then her team placed second overall. 

The family waiting for the action to start

Thing 3 and her ribbons!

I had to check out a bit early from the Awana event to ensure that Thing 1 arrived in a timely fashion to her friend's house for hair and make up.  Her friend's sweet sister and compadre offered to glam up Thing 1 and her girlfriends for the Masquerade.  They were thrilled.  And frankly, so was I, make-up and frill is not in my comfort zone.  The make up room was stocked with snacks, fancy juice drinks more make up, false eye lashes and hair tools that I could not have even dreamed of.  And with that I made a quick exit and waited for the text that it was time for the photo shoot.  Really. 

Because they weren't quite ready for her yet the talented make up artist

staged this photo for me, what a doll!

We celebrated Thing 3's awards, took some group photos of her and ran home to get Things 2, 3 and 4 situated with dinner and their movie set up before Husband Jared and I met Thing 1 and her friends at the Galleria for their photo shoot.  We had the privelege of driving the girls to dinner and the dance.  Here are a few shots from the Galleria.  My oh my.  It is a blessing beyond words to be privy to this friendship.  The girls, all teenagers, are so unique.  Each of their masks and dresses were completely their own.  No pretending, no homoegenous hairstyles, etc.  Take a look for yourself.

 They each decorated their own masks for the ball

 Beauty

Silliness

And with that we piled in the car, ok maybe they were a bit more classy, and Husband Jared and I proceeded to rock out to some old school Michael Jackson.  You know, to prepare them for the dancing that was about to ensue.  Then after a few eye rolls we changed it to country and they sang for us.  Not really.  We rolled up to the dinner locale only to see the look of dissappointment on their faces.  A classmate had made the reservations and let's just say that the establishment was not up to par with their expectations.  Despite that the girlies managed to enjoy themselves and then we whisked them away to the dance.  Nervous sighs and thank you's were muttered and we watched them enter the art center full of confidence and anticipation for what the night held.  A few short hours later Husband Jared picked up Thing 1 and was met with yawns and all the talking that a fifteen year old could manage after three hours of socializing.  Needless to say it was definitely a night to remember, pardon the pun, for us all.  A milestone of sorts. 

 

 

That my friends was our weekend.  Jam packed full of good stuff.  Sunday was church, coffee with friends, football match for Thing 4 and our first small group.  More joy!  We proceeded to watch a snippets of the Grammys together.  The highlight was definitely Jennifer Hudson, mama mia!  That girls voice is just powerful.  Things were tucked in and sweet dreams were had by all, I hope.