Although Silas still fits in the kitchen sink, he prefers to stand for his bath, so we’ve switched to baths in Mommy and Daddy’s tub.Baby blew kisses to me for the first time this week. This little guy has a tight hold on my heart.

This year’s theme was a race car theme titled “Rev It Up!”

A team of teens and adults from Northwest Valley Baptist came to run the event. Most of them had helped us last year, so they knew what to do, and the week went smoothly.

Silas and I attended on Thursday and Friday. We sat in on the music practices, Bible lessons, crafts, games, snacks, and visits from the puppets.

Every day the children were visited by a “race car mechanic” named Speed Bump. He helped introduce the Bible lesson the children would learn that day.  We thank God that 14 children put their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation during our VBS.

For the final day, the parents were invited to a mini music program where the kids showcased the Bible songs they learned. Each child was given a pencil box filled with school supplies, a gospel tract, a Hot Wheels car, and a Wordless Book bracelet.

We’ve already been able to have some follow-up with two families whose children attended VBS as they came to our worship services on Sunday. Hopefully several other families will visit our church as a result of our Rev It Up Vacation Bible School.

Silas is crawling around on the family room floor exploring the blinds, the magazines, sometimes crawling over to visit me. He’s such a happy baby today—singing, talking to himself, laughing, smiling, napping well, and eating lots. He and I have been getting up quite early this week. The earliest morning was 5am. Ugh! We’ve since tried to make sure his belly is very full before bedtime, but, alas, the little boy loves early morning hours. At least today he waited until around 6:30 before waking me.

Stephen is in the office studying for his coming sermon tomorrow. It’s always a privilege for him to be able to preach at Crossroad. Tomorrow will be his third sermon. I know Stephen’s heart for God, his commitment to being Biblical, and his thoughtfulness in the words he chooses to convey what God has taught him about a particular passage. All those things I treasure.

I would say that the dishwasher is happily humming in the background, but it’s actually roaring. We usually make it a point to run it after we go to bed. It’s impossible to have the dishwasher going and to watch a movie at the same time. It’s certainly a loud machine, but I’m grateful to have it. In my opinion, the best thing about a dishwasher is having a place to store your dirty dishes until it’s time for washing. Of course, it’s nice to have the dishes washed too!

Yesterday the staff of Grand View Camp canvassed for Crossroad’s upcoming Vacation Bible School. The camp staff is in exile here in Phoenix due to the enormous Wallow Fire that has been threatening their rental property in Alpine, AZ, and their new still-in-the-process-of-being-built property near Eager, AZ. The Wallow Fire is the 2nd largest fire in Arizona’s history! Thankfully, both of the camp’s properties have been spared thus far. You can read more of their story here. In spite of this tremendous hardship, the camp staff has chosen to make this time of uncertainty count for eternity by helping several ministries throughout the state. Tomorrow they will be contributing to the ministry at Crossroad Baptist by helping set up and tear down and providing the music for our services. We are encouraged by their example of selflessness!

For those of you readers who live here in the valley, we’d love to have your kids attend our Vacation Bible School on June 20-24. It’s open to all kids 4 years old through 6th grade. Our church website has all the necessary information, and you can register your kids online. Don’t miss our free VBS held in the Verrado Middle School!

I’ve been getting us ready for our trip to Indiana next week. Flying with Baby for the first time is sure to be an adventure! He’s so busy these days. Not sure what we’re going to do to entertain him on the flight. Thankfully we found a good deal on tickets with Southwest Airlines, so no paying for checked bags! We also scored a direct flight which means only one take off and landing for Baby’s ears to handle. We’re looking forward to being back in Hoosier Land and seeing all the Moodys—yes, all of them! Uncle Tim and Grandma included.

We have plans to visit with my family (who will be in Plymouth, IN next week) and to visit a close friend of mine (who also happens to be in Indiana when we’re home). Lots of fun things coming up, so stay tuned!

Yesterday our church gave out a 31-day devotional booklet entitled Gospel Meditations for Women. Each daily reading focuses on applying the gospel to a specific area of your life—relationships, battles against temptation, marriage, worship, mindset towards trials. The topics addressed are refreshingly relevant to women: marriage, singleness, motherhood, fashion, beauty, mentoring… The devotionals have already been edifying.

After church we stopped in the park for some pictures.

It was the highlight of my day to be sitting on the couch and see Stephen walk out with Silas in his arms, each of them holding their cards for me. Stephen had put a pen in Silas’s hand and had him write “Mommy” on the envelope and then “I love you Mommy! (heart) Silas” on the inside. Stephen even put Silas’s hand print in the card.

I loved both cards! They took me out to dinner, and we had a fabulous time, our little trio.

On this Mother’s Day weekend, I’ve been thinking about a story my mom tells. I must have been about 3 years old when this happened. One night, my mom was lying in bed with me, asking me what my favorites were, “What’s your favorite color?” etc. In an attempt to get some flattery for herself, she asked me, “Who’s your favorite mother?” After I thought for a moment, I asked, “Was Aunt Debby ever my mother?”

I do love you, Mom!

Crossroad happily welcomed the Sereno family into its membership. This couple, with their 6 children (including a set of triplets), began attending CBC during the summer of last year. It’s been a joy to see their faithfulness, friendship, and thirst for a knowledge of God. Three of their children placed their faith in Christ this past January, and then two more trusted Christ a few weeks ago after Children’s Church. As I look back over our time at Crossroad, the Serenos are the first members we’ve had join since Stephen and I came to Arizona. It’s so encouraging to see concrete steps of growth.

Sunday, we also held a baptismal service in which the Horkavys’ son and the five Sereno children were baptized. I think our church has one of the most beautiful baptismal pools. (Thanks to a family in our church who let us use their outdoor jacuzzi.)

How exciting to see six little ones profess their faith in Christ before a body of believers. I know Pastor Ryan counted it a special privilege to be able to baptize his own son.

With the addition of the Serenos, we now have 8 families in our membership along with 3 other families that are regular attenders. We’ve also enjoyed several first-time visitors and repeat visitors this year. Our typical attendance on Sunday mornings is around 30 people. Thank you to those who regularly pray for the ministry at Crossroad. Please come visit us if you’re ever in Phoenix!

After a busy, beautiful morning last Saturday, our little trio drove all the way out to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport to pick up Charis. Allegiant Airlines offers a flight from South Bend, IN to Mesa, AZ for a more affordable price than flying into Sky Harbor. After a round of hugs, she hopped in the backseat of our Rendezvous and rode next to her nephew all the way to Goodyear. It was fun to show her Silas, give her “The Grand Tour” of our house, and tell her about Phoenix. We hung out for a few hours until it was time to pick up Dad from Sky Harbor. Dad arrived complete with his western gear of cowboy hat and boots. “Cowboy Dan” (as he was nicknamed in his 20s) rides again! Although he had a very long day of travel, he had energy enough to practice some music once we arrived home. Silas loved it! He sat on the couch listening to Grandpa play the autoharp while Mommy, Aunt Charis and Grandpa sang.

Dad taught children’s church on Sunday, and he also provided special music on the dulcimer, autoharp, and violin. I’ve missed singing with my family, so it was great to sing in church with Dad and Charis again. In children’s church after a puppet story, dramatization of a historical story with a biblical application, and a lesson about Zaccheus, Dad invited the kids in the class to raise their hand if they would like to put their trust in Jesus for salvation. Two of the children raised their hands and were able to talk to a teacher about God’s plan for salvation. Both boys accepted God’s free gift of eternal life that morning! It was an answer to prayer.

That afternoon we drove out to see the air show at Luke AFB. We found a great spot to park and watch the jets as they flew overhead twisting, flipping, turning, diving, climbing, and being “plane” awesome! (my Dad’s puns are rubbing off on me!) I’m by no means an expert when it comes to aircraft, but Stephen kept us all informed as to what types of planes we were watching. The best part was the grand finale Thunderbird performance. It was incredible to see six F-16s flying in such close proximity to one another. They moved as one. Sometimes the jets flew directly overhead which was so cool!

Monday was overcast, chilly, and rainy—not your typical Phoenix weather. It seems that guests from back East tend to bring eastern weather with them.  Charis and I did some shopping, while Dad hung out at home.

Tuesday began with a tour of the state capitol. I had never been there before, but the museum inside was interesting. Dad was given permission to play violin in the rotunda. It echoed beautifully.

(See Dad on the 4th floor?)

Did you know Arizona has a “State Neckwear”? Honest, we do! It’s the Bola Tie, of course!

Next, we drove to Superstition Mountain and toured the ghost-town-turned-tourist-trap of Goldfield.

To top the evening off, we headed to the pizza parlor for some supper while we listened to the mighty Wurlitzer organ play.

Wednesday was another gorgeous day—perfect weather for mini golf. I was going to carry Silas in my Moby wrap, but Dad decided to hold his grandson instead of golfing. So, I ended up wearing the Moby around the course. It was quite the fashion statement.

Thursday was another museum day featuring the Arizona Historical Society Museum, one of my favorites. It showcases how profoundly Arizona was affected by WW2. Its engaging exhibits make it fun to learn. That’s my ideal requirement for a great museum.

Dad was given his own private tour of the Hall of Flame, the largest firefighter’s museum in the world. When he told me that some of the fire engines were “Cinderella” fire engines, he wasn’t kidding!

Thursday night we invited the Horkavys over for a music night. A violin, 2 lap dulcimers, a flute, and an autoharp make for some pretty good mountain music! My favorite song we played was Boil Them Cabbage Down.

Friday was a lazy day. Charis fed and bathed Silas. Then Grandpa graciously babysat while I “taught” Charis how to play tennis. It had been so long since I played that I couldn’t remember the scoring! We played tennis with Elizabethan scoring.

Stephen and I introduced Dad and Charis to In-N-Out Burger that night.

Aunt Wanda made a John Deere fleece blanket for Silas, and it happened to arrive at the perfect time. Charis and Silas were able to use the blanket for the backdrop of their “John Deere photo shoot.”

One morning, as Charis and I were changing Silas in the nursery, she said to her nephew, “You’re like a little present we open every morning.” She summed up what it feels like to wake up with Silas in the house! How can you not smile when you see that little cherub of a face beaming at you? Stephen is not, nor will he ever be, a morning person. But he always has a smile and tender embrace for his baby, even in the dark hours of the morning.

As we were saying goodbye to Dad on the curb outside the airport, Dad told me, “Silas is cute, but even if he wasn’t cute, he’s still a precious boy.” Pitter-pat, pitter-pat went my heart. Not because it was about my baby, but because it was my Dad talking about my baby.

We had a grand time!

As soon as they walked in the house, they swarmed Silas with love, adoration, kisses, & hugs. Silas loved the attention. I’d never seen him smile and laugh so much as he did with Grammy, Grampy, and all the aunts and uncles. Aunt Stephanie was a pro right from the start since  she worked in the maternity ward last semester. She even got Silas to copy her in making “o-o-h” sounds. It was fun to see everyone pitch in and help with baths, diaper changings, feedings, rockings to sleep, dressings, play times, and cuddling fests. We didn’t realize how much Silas looks like his Uncle Tim until Tim held him. They have the same mouth! I’m convinced Silas’s IQ went up several points due to all the interaction. Grammy read him books and even started teaching him phonics! How special to see my baby loved and handled so tenderly by the Moody men.

Aunt Amy was Silas’s personal photographer, and she captured some precious moments and expressions.

Monday was our Moody family Christmas. Stephen had been wanting to try a deep-fried turkey for a while, and this seemed to be a good opportunity for him to attempt it. He borrowed a deep-fryer from some friends, and we managed to make a pretty decent bird! First, we brined the 18 lb. turkey in salt water for several hours. Then the three gallons of oil (yes, 3 gallons) had to be heated for about an hour. Next, the turkey went in to fry for another hour. It came out beautifully. Stephen did a great job carving a turkey for the first time ever. I think the best part was seeing everybody chowing down on the turkey bone of their choice—we were a hungry bunch! All in all, I think it was nice to try a deep-fried turkey, but I’m not sure it was worth the extra effort.

After a big family dinner, we sang some carols and opened presents. The harmonies of singing together as a family are something I’ve missed. Those boys have really developed a good set of pipes.

Tuesday, we walked around the beautiful lake in the Estrella Mountain Ranch community. The sky was so blue and the air was still. It was good to stretch our legs for some exercise.

Stephen met us for lunch at In-N-Out Burger. You just can’t visit Phoenix without trying a mouth-watering In-N-Out cheeseburger. For those of you who may not know, In-N-Out is burger joint located only in CA, AZ, NV, & UT. They pride themselves on fresh ingredients, and you can sure taste it!

Tuesday night, the family watched Silas while Stephen and I had a date to a friend’s wedding. You might remember reading about the Jack & Jill bridal shower we hosted in August. It was a joy to see Rob, Crossroad Baptist Church’s former intern, and Jenel, Stephen’s boss’s daughter, tie the knot. They were married in the courtyard of a beautiful castle just before sunset.

I was most impressed with the mutual love and respect Rob and Jenel’s families had for one another. That’s rare. I’m sure many in-laws get along fine, and maybe even like each other, but to see two families who held one another in such high regard was special.

In contrast to Tuesday’s clear and sunny skies, Wednesday was surprisingly rainy, cloudy, and cold. I’m not used to such conditions! We managed to see a lot, though, on such an inclement weather day. Apache Trail was our destination. It is a scenic drive through the mountainous east valley desert that leads to Tortilla Flat (a town of 6 people), Canyon Lake, and Roosevelt Lake. We drove until the paved road turned to dirt. It was a cool drive that I’d like to repeat in better weather. Back at the start of Apache Trail, the family checked out Goldfield, an old mining town turned tourist attraction.

For supper, we decided to hit Organ Stop Pizza since we’d heard so much about it. It was jaw-droppingly awesome! Basically, the entire pizza parlor was part of the Wurlitzer pipe organ. We ordered our pizza and settled in for an amazing concert by one talented organist. There were trumpet pipes on the second story, lights, bubbles, flags, bells, washtubs, drums, an accordion, piano, farm animal noises, and much, much more that were all incorporated into the music. We put in some requests for songs, but the place was so packed, that the organist never got to our suggestions. He must have known every possible song by heart. He played the Canadian national anthem (by request), the Star-Spangled Banner, a medley of songs from Phantom of the Opera, and theme from Mission Impossible. Silas’s eyes were filled with wonder at all the flashing lights!

Then it was off to the Scottsdale Fashion Square mall. Believe me, it’s not easy to coordinate with a large group of people in a huge mall. I was surprised to discover the Anthropologie store. I’ve browsed their website a few times, but didn’t realize they had a storefront. Stephen & Silas loved the Microsoft store (Stephen, the gadgets & Silas, the lights).

Thursday morning we girls hit some stores for our New Year’s Eve party supplies. Stephanie fell in love with a mini disco ball while Amy picked up some party hats for everyone. When we returned, Stephen was home from work early, so we bundled up (it was so cold!) and drove to White Tank Mountain Regional Park for a short hike. We arrived at the park near sunset, so I was able to snap a few pretty pics of the saguaro cacti. The family went on ahead of us as we were getting Silas ready for the trail. He wore his adorable baby winter pea coat! We saw some mule deer cross the road before we headed up the trail to the White Tank waterfall. (Don’t worry, I didn’t take Silas on these rocks. The boys decided to get in a little rock climbing.)Along the way were some Native American petroglyphs. Mom and Dad have been fascinated by Arizona plants and animals & had lots of questions, so I definitely need to brush up on my flora and fauna before any more inquisitive minds visit us.

We had hoped to show the guys some F-16s practicing maneuvers around Luke AFB, but with it being the holidays, no jets were taking off. For supper, we introduced the family to Garcia’s, an old family run Mexican restaurant with plenty of chips and salsa.

After dinner, a quick trip to Cabela’s, a huge outdoor sporting goods store with lots of animal exhibits, finished our tour.

Friday was a monumental day since our family portraits were scheduled for the morning, party prep for the afternoon, and New Year’s Eve party for the evening. We managed to make it to the JC Penney photo studio in time. It was a challenge for the photographer to fit us all in her frame. Although we wished David and Tammy could have been in the pictures too, I honestly don’t know how they would have fit since there were so many people already! I’m so thankful we got some good pictures of little Silas Clark with his extended family.

That afternoon, Mom, Amy, and Stephanie kicked it into high gear preparing food, cleaning, and decorating for the party. The guys helped quite a bit too with Wal-mart runs, decorating, and such.

I literally could not have done it without all of them since I wasn’t feeling well and had to go to bed during most of the preparations. I’ve never hosted a New Year’s Eve party before, but it was a blast! Our main course was Hoosier chili and cornbread with lots of snacks and desserts on the side.

We played a hilarious round of Catch Phrase and some Mafia.

One advantage of living on the west coast is that you can pick your New Year’s celebration time. We opted to watch the ball drop at 10pm for our party. That way all the kiddos and non-night owls could hit the hay early. Everyone loved the party hats and noisemakers.

During their visit, the Moodys did quite a bit around our house. Jon, Tim, & Ben  pulled the weeds in our back yard. Amy and Dad switched the handles on our freezer and fridge to give us more convenient access. Mom did a ton of laundry, dishes, cleaning, & cooking. I was spoiled!

Sunday, the family got to see what our weekly services are like in a church plant. Sadly, I was not able to make it to church because I was sick, but the family jumped in and sang an ensemble with Stephen in place of our planned duet. That afternoon Silas got to watch the Colt’s game with the fam. We celebrated an early birthday for Mom with Chocolate Eclair, lots of ice cream, and a video call with David & Tammy.

Monday the guys had some brother bonding time at the shooting range. Jon had brought some of his guns, and they rented some at the range to shoot for a while. The girls, Dad, Silas & I did a little shopping. That evening all of us except the girls drove up to Wickenburg, northeast of Phoenix. The scenery along the way was handsome, and the old-fashioned cowboy town of Wickenburg is definitely a place I’ll be revisiting. (In fact, Jon and I did just that on Tuesday so he could buy a cowboy hat and boots. Yeehaw!) The streets were lined with saddlery shops and western wear stores. The sidewalks were covered with tin roofs held up by wooden beams like you might see in an old western movie. Statues were strategically placed throughout the town with accompanying audio history recordings to tell the tourist the story of the town. Most everything was closed, but we did see the steam engine and ate in the Cowboy Cafe before heading back home.

We’ve missed living near family, and I’m so thankful the Moodys were able to meet Silas as a baby. We’re already looking forward to the next time we can be together!