L.A.

May 19, 2009

Earlier this month, we had a free weekend to spend with Daniel and Kendra in Thousand Oaks. Sunday evening found us all enjoying conversation and fellowship with the Chenette family. Mr. Chenette is the pastor of Oak Glen church, a small body located near Daniel and Kendra. It was a great evening . . . complete with popcorn, capture the flag, and some invigorating discussion. :-)

Impersonation
Livvy, keeping up with the big kids on the play set.

Future mommy . . .

Livvy's happy-go-lucky attitude is infectious. I love to watch the way she toddles around trying to keep up with the bigger Littles. Her sweet voice rising in giggles of joy the whole time. We love you Livvy!

A few Chenette children enjoying the play set.



Popcorn goes well with any activity . . . even swinging. ;-)

The next day, we girls piled into the car with all the Littles, driving the California coast towards Santa Barbara zoo. I never realized what an excellent place the zoo is for practicing photography! The texture and unique shapes of the animals fascinated me in a new way. Having the Littles along helped as well, for every animal was amazing (although only for a few moments ;-) and worthy of observation with them. Isn't it wonderful the way children encourage a rebirth of wonder in the hearts of adults?

I couldn't resist snapping a photo of the grins inside the 'Magic School Bus' (as we affectionately call the Parish box-on-wheels). Everyone was ready for a day of fun!

"Look at the turtles, Mom!"

Precious Emerson, blessing us with her smiles.




"Oooo!"


Twas' a beautiful zoo, and one that was a pleasure to visit.





This was a very cool under-the-water observatory. Check out the turtles!

Spring 2009 PSCA Choir Concert

May 10, 2009

The spring concert given by the PSCA Homeschool Choir was the best one yet!
Many people we have met through PSCA have blessed us with their enthusiasm for Christ and their infectious joy. It was wonderful to share in the culmination of talent and hard work that made this concert shine. Bravo to all singers, teachers, and everyone involved!


The Jr. High Choir is directed by Mrs. Teter, my former voice teacher.


She sang a beautiful solo in "It Is Well" with the community concert. Through voice, Mrs. Teter has impacted my life in a wonderful way. It was a blessing to hear her sing!

The Girl's Ensemble sang beautifully also, blending and harmonizing with finesse.

On the screen, notice the choir director, Mrs. Clark. As we have stepped into the PSCA world a little, Mrs. Clark has inspired us all, and me personally with her uninhibited zeal for Christ. Her prayers are real and passionate, she is full of love and care, yet she isn't afraid to push you out of your comfort zone when she is teaching! :-) We have been blessed to know her.

I love Kaylee's face in this one. Her inner joy shines so brightly when she sings, giving her voice an extra-pretty ring.

Have you ever seen a box drum? We hadn't, but enjoyed the way its unique sound gave a perfect rhythm for the Jr. High choir's song.

This is the Children's Choir . . . lots of fun there . . .

And the . . . Uh oh, the name escapes me. How about, the "Little's Choir"? :-)

Many voices made up the Concert Choir, a group of high schoolers. We were impressed with the talent shown among them.

Mr. McCracken directed a Boy's Ensemble this year, which preformed 'Heartland' from the group "Celtic Thunder". We knew they were practicing, but were blown away by the final result! They received a well deserved standing ovation. Great work!



At the end of the concert, we witnessed touching scenes of affection as teachers were thanked, and graduates were recognized. Here, Mr. McCracken receives a gift of thanks for his project with the boys.

Celestial Surgeon

April 28, 2009

The Celestial Surgeon

If I have faltered more or less
In my great task of happiness;
If I have moved among my race
And shown no shining morning face;

If beams from happy human eyes
Have moved me not; if morning skies,
Books, and my food, and summer rain
Knocked on my sullen heart in vain: -
Lord, thy most pointed pleasure take
And stab my spirit broad awake.

~Robert Louis Stevenson

Right to Life Benefit

April 27, 2009

This event took place a few months ago, but I wanted to recognize it anyway. Raylene Werzinski organized a successful benefit concert and silent auction to support two organizations: Right to Life and the Pregnancy Care Center. Included in the concert were prefomances by the PSCA Girl's Ensemble, Max, Jenny, and Simon, (I just realized I don't have a picture of them!) Simon and Conner, and a beautiful rendition of "It is Well" from the Werzinski family singers. Along with the concert, many contributed to the silent auction, filling up the tables with a variety of choices. This was a special evening, and God truly blessed it financially.


Jonathan Keller represented Fresno Right to Life. His informative talk let us know how the ministry is doing, and opportunities to help.

Raylene had also organized a representive from the Pregnancy Care Center to come inform the audience about the mission of FPCC, the wonderful way they have impacted the community, and the great things God has done through their ministry. We were so thankful for this education, and praise God for the work both of these organizations are doing to preserve and protect life. (Please excuse this picture -I know the microphone is covering her mouth, but it was the only one I had.)

The PSCA Girl's Ensemble filled the church with song, their voices blending beautifully.

Here are the Werzinski children harmonizing on "It is Well".

Mr. Werzinski kept us all smiling with his introductions. :-)

We discovered the beauty of violin and guitar in this stunning husband-wife preformance.

The silent auction gave us all an opportunity to get to know each other in a new way. :-) Friendly threats and banter flew across the bidding table as we circled round and round.

Okay . . . these photos are out of order . . . ;-P This is back to the concert, where Simon and Conner preformed together in several duets.

A sisters shot of Shauna, Kayla, and Raylene Werzinski.

Cellos and smiles go together nicely, don't you agree?

This beautiful handmade set of jewelry was just one of the items up for auction.

During the concert, we were also treated to an eight hand piano piece. Wow!