Every year since our oldest was a 3rd grader, we’ve headed to Kansas City each spring for a big event called Leadership Training for Christ (LTC) that our church participates in with other churches in the area. Our kids work super hard ahead of time preparing for Bible bowl, skits, puppet shows, choirs, sculptures, paintings, stories, poetries, speeches…and the list goes on. It is a lot of work for parents and kids alike, but the fun we have at LTC is so worth it!
This year, our family and some friends of ours decided to team up and put together a special choir. Why? Well, let me give you a little background:
Matt and Tim played soccer at York College together for four years. At the time, Tonya and I sat in the stands together during every game – so proud of our boyfriends. :) Those boyfriends became our fiancés, then in 1994, those fiancés became our husbands. Yep, we got married the same summer.
The years went by, and babies were born. They had a girl, we had a boy. They had a girl, we had a boy. We had a boy, they had a girl. And then, last but not least, we had a boy…and they had a girl. Yep, every time one couple had a baby, somehow the other couple had a baby. We began to wonder if we were drinking too much of the same water. However, they seemed to have all the girl-flavored water, while we had all the boy-flavored water.
We’ve loved raising our kids together, going to the same church together, and of course, playing soccer together. This year, we realized that this would be the first and last year that all eight of our kids would be in LTC together. Our youngest kids are finally eligible, as 3rd graders, and their oldest is a senior. This is it. That’s why we signed our kids up for a small choir together.
For several weeks our families have gotten together to practice the songs. Tonight was our final practice. This weekend is the real deal.
Here’s a picture I snapped on my phone tonight while the kids were practicing.
I have got to remember to turn the volume down on my phone as the “snap” was completely distracting. Sheesh.
I’m so grateful for friendship and the joy these kids bring to us. Can’t wait for the fun this weekend!
Now your turn. Share what you’re thankful for! Leave a comment on this post letting us know how God is working in your life. If you’ve written a blog post about what you’re thankful for, leave the link in the comments so we can visit your blog to read about it. We love sharing and reading about God’s blessings!
Marianne says
Adorable! Is there a chance you can please get a video of them singing to share with us?
Laura says
I’ll try!
Stephanie says
I am interested in more info on this convention. What denomination puts It together?
Laura says
The church of Christ puts it together. You can see more info here: http://hoaltc.com/
Char says
Oh, please tell me that you will get video of them singing together?? I got teary eyed just looking at the photo. Can’t wait to hear them sing!!
Laura says
It’s so sweet, isn’t it?! I’ll try to get a video, maybe while they’re warming up Saturday. Miss you!
Jill Roper says
I guess I will also chime in that I would love to hear the song they are singing. My gratituesday is posted on my blog. My small group at church has been a blessing to me.
Sandra @ Sandra's Ark says
I am so glad for you all, will be such a blessed time and a blessed memory.
I’m grateful for God’s protection
http://www.sandrasark.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/4-accidents-and-pt1-dose-of.html
ms.p says
A certain lady at church who was very encouraging to me on saturday. I keep thinking about our conversation we had this week.
Amy says
Good friends are the best!
http://www.anestintherocks.blogspot.com/2014/04/gratituesday-let-little-children-come.html
Lora F. says
Laura: My daughter and I are planning to attend Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes this weekend in Nashville. We, too, have been preparing for a long time. She will be participating in Bible Bowl, Oral Bible Reading, Puppets and Art. I get to ride the church bus with about 30 kids! :)
I am so thankful for such a wonderful church family with Godly leaders. But most importantly, I am thankful for a heavenly Father and the gift of salvation that He gives!
P.S. I work at Harding University … I love to read your blog. :)
Laura says
Oh yes, I’ve heard of Lads to Leader too – it sounds very similar. Have a great time on that bus!! :)
Janine says
My oldest boys had the opportunity to be involved in a youth choir that sang in Church this past Sunday. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard. Wish they could do it every week. The Angels sing with children! I am thankful this week for my Savior and Yours. You can read about it and watch an inspiring video here.
http://mylampisfull.blogspot.com/2014/04/easter-message-because-of-him.html
Phyllis says
What a terrific idea! What are they going to sing? Looking forward to seeing the video!
Jessica Bish says
I have long ago given up on my blog for awhile so no blog post…. but the reason is baby #4 finally made his arrival last Thursday…. 5 days old and already it seems to be going by in the blink of an eye. Mr Micah is perfect and my others (6, 4, and 2) are in love more than they should be…. we love babies in this house :) My thankful heart overflows today.