Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Finally home and the winner announced!!

We're back!!





















It feels like we've been gone for months and months and it seems so strange that the kids have one more week of school before they are out for summer vacation. I had to mail out a last minute assignment that got picked up and a few other last minute things that kept me from posting the RAK winner. Then I thought I'd just do it from my phone but as much as I tried, it would not let me sign on to my blog. So strange. So.....I'm very sorry you had to wait so long. Hopefully, it'll have been worth the wait for Em...she is the winner! CONGRATS Em!!! Random generator picked 26 for the number.

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26 Timestamp: 2009-06-03 15:35:38 UTC


Send me your address (julieoverby@peak.org) and I'll get your RAK mailed out to you.

As you can only imagine, I have so much to share about our trip. The first 5 days was our Pastor's conference. It was fabulous! The worship was so inspiring and the messages were so pertenant. I felt so encouraged to be in touch with the changes and the needs of the world around us. It seems as though we are entering a fast paced world of complicated lifestyle and extreme technology but it's interesting to step back and observe that what people seem to long for most is simplicity.

One of the great things about Convention being in Anaheim this year, was that it was so close to where I went to collage in San Dimas. As a result, there were a lot of my old friends and room mates who may not normally come to convention but because it was local, got to come this year. I met up with many great friends lived with over the years whom I haven't seen for 10 or more years. It was a great, great reunion. I can't tell you how encouraging it is to see so many of my friends that I went to school with who are still in the ministry. I saw at least 8 of my closest friends who finished off their schooling on the teaching track but are still also in ministry just as I am. Awesome.

They also had the most outstanding children's program with Greg Johnson. I know the kids loved it and have created life long memories. Their program was full of bounce houses, obstacle courses, games, music concerts, field trips and inspirational teachings. Aahhhh..........to be a kid again.

But wait! We did get to feel like kids again as finished off our time at Disneyland and California Adventure park. And as exhausted as the kids were from all the late nights, they did fantastic at the park. They were patient in the lines and kind to each other.

It was truly a dream come true and the most amazing family time we have ever had. The very last night, Kelsey got a bit braver and she wanted to ride this one roller coaster (a smaller one but FAST none the less...)she had tried the day before and found a bit too scary. So, I can't remember how it quite happened but somehow she ended on the ride (quite by accident) with just A.J. in her "car." Being that he is now TEN, we decided it was okay and we were yelling at him to wait with her at the end of the ride. There were barely any people in line and she was so excited that she watched us as we finished out the ride and then she took off with A.J. and ran back in line to do it again. I think she must have ridden it 5 or 6 times, most of the time with A.J. It became the sweetest, most bonding time between them. The whole entire next morning, she held A.J.'s hand where ever they went and when we are on the bus or at the restaurant, she kept putting her head on his shoulder. Too precious. He just went with it. What a guy. Because I had easy access to video on my new blackberry (which I'm LOVING!!!) I of course got some really cute videos of it that probably on a mother and Grandma would care to see over and over again. Once I get it on Youtube, I'll definitely be posting it.

I have two other great stories to share about Disneyland. Besides what I just shared, they stand out as the best moments. I'll be sharing later in the week because I can see that this post is getting WAY to long already.

Today is a very MONUMENTAL day for Ashley. She is getting her very long, curly, hair cut off and giving it to Locks of Love. This has been her hearts desire for awhile. As you can tell, I'll have a lot to share in the next coming days.

Also, for all you Spellbinders lovers, I have lots of great projects to share with you! Tomorrow I will be doing a spellbinders post with some of April assignments.

Too much to share, too little time. I know you can believe that I took a zillion photos and as much as I'd like to explain each one and share them all, I'll leave you with a few to tell the rest of our story. One thing I want to add is that it was surprisingly quite cold there. There were no pretty blue skies to have for the background in my photos...LOL!! But then again, that was probably for the best. Don't know how well the kiddos would have enjoyed 90 degree weather. So, it was a blessing in disquise I suppose!






















This is a photo of us with our good friends Susie and Robert and their family. They are the ones who graciously gave me a place to stay when I came to CHA-W. It was so great to see them again!

As much as I wish I could take the time to eloquently express all that is in my heart right now, the reality is that I have mounds of laundry and suitcases still calling my name. I will say though, that if there is one thing that has been solidified in my heart it is this: May everything I say, do, scrap, photograph, and share be honoring to Jesus. To Him be the glory; great things He has done.

9 comments:

Leigh Penner said...

Welcome back, Julie!
Wow, it sounds like you had an amazing time!! And what fabulous photos you took, too! Can't wait to see how you scrap them!

Renee Lamb said...

welcome home girl! and great pictures and glad y'all had a good time!

Tona said...

You got some great photos. It sounds like a a wonderful trip.

connie said...

Welcome home! Sounds like a great trip. Congrats to Em.

D's Paper Studio said...

Julie, what a beautiful family you have! I'm so glad you had a wonderful time. Well, deserved after all the school. I can't wait to hear the rest of the stories!

Mardi said...

Greatr photos Julie! Looks like you had a wonderful time!

ellen s. said...

welcome back! sounds like a total blast. great photos and congrats EM!

Anabelle O'Malley said...

It looks like you had a fabulous trip! Your photos are beautiful. I just love that one of the girls with Cinderella. Your daughter has the most precious look on her face!

Leslie Ashe said...

Welcome home Julie!
Your pictures show the amazing time you had with your family!
I love them! You and your fam are just gorgeous! :D

Tell your sweet girl how proud I am of her! That is such a great thing to do!

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