We're All in This Together, Houghton College!

My girls are big fans of the HS Musical movies. This was something that we found on youtube and the girls enjoyed it.

First Day of Preschool

Obie is attending preschool at our local school this year. Thus far it has been a positive experience for all. Grandma Tate bought him a backpack with his name on it, which he is quite proud of.

Alliteration is for lame losers

Yesterday I attended a seminar on being more successful. It was business world, time management type stuff and I'm sure it will have value as I make the effort to apply it to my life and ministry, but man it makes me cringe.
I have to overcome a ton of scorn to submit myself to the (often obvious) wisdom of ideas couched in such cliched salesman type jargon. And one of my biggest pet peeves is a desperate commitment to an alliterative scheme. It was all I could do to stay in my seat when the leader explained to us that having perceived a need and possessed a gift we needed to "parade a passion."
I don't know about you, but I'm not parading anything.
But, having said that, it's time for me to stop posting and get back to work. According to my notes it's time for me to start pursuing my purpose.
Peace.

Joel's Birthday Party at The Cottage

Happy Birthday, Joel Tom Tate!

ENY/NE Kid's Camp, Life is a Highway 2009

Elisabeth's group and counselors. The two girls (Kerrigan & Sophie) on either side of Elisabeth are both from our church.

This past week we have been at our district's Kid's Camp. Christine was the director this year, Joel a counselor, the girls were campers, and Obie was the camp mascot. Here are a few pictures of our family at camp. If you would like to look at more pics of our camp go to http://www.enynekidscamp.blogspot.com/ Altogether, we had 66 campers and 40 volunteers. There were several folks from our church who attended and volunteered. We had an amazing week and God was glorified!

Elisabeth and Obie. The girls in the background are part of Elisabeth's group. She was in one of the groups for the older girls. It was a bit weird having an "older camper."

Joel and Luke. Luke attends our church. We love him!

Christine cooling off on the water slide.

Joel and his campers.

Lucy, when she was princess for the day. She was in the youngest group (which consistent mainly of staff kids) and had a great time

Grace, playing handgames while waiting for snack.

Pirate Joel! He wore this gettup when he had dishwasher duty.

Elisabeth, clowning around on carnival day.

Joel & Obie waiting in line for snowcones.

The campers dressed their counselors up like clowns for carnival day.

To say Joel was a good sport is an understatement.

Pics from the photographer at the ordination.

Obie is asleep in the nursery.