Birthday Lockers

It has become a tradition... Birthday Lockers!  Throughout the year, when I am at WalMart or Meijer, I look for Hot Wheel cars with the numbers for my boys upcoming ages.  The night before their birthdays, I go to school and decorate their lockers.  I also hang a balloon and put some type of small treat inside the locker.  Today was Bryce's birthday...all of the cars have a #9 on them :)

5th Grade Halloween

I have to be honest.... I got a phone call last week that Braydon's class was in need of a room mom because the current room mom had moved away...I really didn't want this job!  With Halloween a week away, I decided to take on the party for the sake of the kid's.  I was a bit overwhelmed last week with all the planning, communicating with parents, purchasing supplies, and making the food.  However, I had SO MUCH FUN!!!  I was back in my teaching mode :)  Braydon called Jeff after school to inform him that the party was "Awesome!"  It was nice to meet other parents and be apart of Braydon's class.  Although it was a long week, it was certainly worth it!

Scary Punch with floating skeleton hand!

Mummy Hot Dogs!  The kids loved these!!!

"Finger" Food - carrots & dip... large carrots created a hand

Witch Fingers - cheese sticks (my mom made these!)

Halloween Parade...Braydon is an 80's Rock Star!

Here comes the kindergartners... Rylan is a soldier!

The third graders are parading... Bryce is a werewolf (against my better judgement!)

Playing "Monster Stomp"  - The kids each had two balloons, one tied to each ankle and they had to stomp each other balloons.  When their balloons were stomped(popped), they were out.  Braydon won in his group :)  The kids loved this!

Enjoying food and friends!

Pumpkin Train

I was driving home from work last week and in awe of the painted landscape out my windows!  The colorful trees took my breath away...truly!  I knew that I had the upcoming Saturday off of work and I wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather and enjoy some bonding with my family.  So, we headed off to North Judson, IN, to the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum.  

After the long drive, we pulled into the station and the kids immediately were filled with enthusiasm!  We spent time walking through a few old train cars that had memorabilia inside...

1970's Train Car!

After walking around the grounds, the train was finally coming!!!

Rylan was the first to board the train...

We chose to sit in the open train car to enjoy the beautiful weather...

The conductor taking our tickets...

We were able to stand and lean on the ledge to view the landscape!  We went on a bridge, over a river...it was GORGEOUS!

Headed to the pumpkin park...

Back at the train station... A beautiful day with my family!  

Medical Updates...

I am truly ready for 2012 to arrive!!!  I'm looking forward to a fresh start with our medical needs.  Until then, many medical updates continue...

Rylan recently had the allergy scratch test done...NO allergies!!!  Of course this was great news. Yet, it left the doctor perplexed. Therefore, a CT scan was ordered. The scan results are in... Chronic Rhinosinusitis. Rylan's sinuses are ALL completely filled with yuck. The doctor doesn't know how Rylan is breathing at night :(  He wants to go aggressive on medication in hopes of no surgery. Rylan started a 30 day, hard-core antibiotic this weekend to attack the bacteria.  Two anti-inflammatory pills daily because his sinuses are also extremely inflamed.  Nasal spray twice a day was also prescribed.  We go back in 6 weeks...if this doesn't work, Rylan will need to have surgery to have his sinuses drained.  Once we get his sinuses under control, he will begin a preventative for future.  The doctor believes that this was caused by acid reflux.  Those meds will begin shortly down the road.

Last week Bryce had an expander put in his mouth.  He was such a trooper!  After the appliance had been put in his mouth, I asked how they would do his adenoid surgery.  Yes, I got that call last week too.  Bryce's adenoids are Monster Huge and we were referred to an ENT.  The dental hygienist tells me that they won't do the surgery with the expander in his mouth, well they don't think so.  Bryce will have this in his mouth until April!  I've been talking with some friends and decided NOT to crank Bryce's expander this weekend.  I'm calling tomorrow to chat with an ENT nurse since our appointment isn't until October 5th.  We may be taking Bryce's expander out of his mouth to do the surgery and then put the appliance back in afterwards.

Braydon is actually doing well!!!  He got his braces on a few weeks ago and he is doing great with his new silver smile :)

My physical therapy will be finished this week...yahoo!!!  I am SO ready to be done with this schedule but am nervous how I will do without the therapy.  I no longer have numbness and tingling in my feet and arms...no longer have swollen hands, feet and knee...no longer have vertigo at night...no longer am I off balance...no longer have extreme cognitive issues, and my migraines have eased up considerably.  My back/neck is much, much more tolerable!  The medications and therapy have done wonders!!!  My fatigue is also WAY better now that I'm on thyroid meds.  All in all, I feel like I've gotten my life back...praise Jesus!!!  I'm praying that I can continue this upward climb...I really don't want to have surgery on my spine.

No major issues with Jeff...he is doing well...yahoo!  He helps me pour out the meds each day.  Just last week our medications cost us over $700...in ONE week!!!  Rylan's alone was $428...yikes!!!

Grace - Oh yes, we can't forget about our pooch!!!  She must have been feeling left out!  We took her in to get spayed last week and the vet's office called to tell us that her routine blood work before surgery came back with an issue.  Of course it did!!!  Her BUN level is extremely high.  This has to do with her kidneys.  So, they went ahead with the surgery but had to do some extra things to keep her comfortable and safe.  We go back in a month to redo the blood work.  If it is still off, they will need to do more exploratory tests on her kidneys.  We are hoping that the test was just a fluke!  She is recovering from her surgery well :)  The kids were very concerned about her this week with a shaved belly and arm.

There you have it, all of our updates for today.  Although I am truly ready to be done with doctors and medical bills, I am truly, TRULY grateful that of all the possibilities that were laid before us earlier this year, these are the issues that we are dealing with!  God has answered our prayers thus far.  We continue to pray for healing before surgeries are needed.  However, we know that if surgery is a must, we have faith in our doctors.

Jesus Is My Forever Friend

I have had so many confirmations in the past 4 weeks that I made the right decision by jumping into the world of ministry.  One of those moments clearly stands out in my heart!  This moment needs documented to remember always....

Many of you know my passion for church camp with elementary kiddos.  The number of hearts that are reached and tapped into during one week of camp is simply amazing!  For two summers I have been praying that Braydon's heart would be touched and that he would make a commitment to Christ.  However, both summers, he didn't.  This is a young man that has many questions about faith...he needs understanding...just like his dad!  I knew that many seeds had been planted at camp and that I would continue to sow those seeds.  Yet, I must admit, my heart was feeling defeated.  I know the statistics on ages of kids accepting Christ and we were entering a crucial age...5th grade.  After 5th grade, it becomes that much harder...

So, we leave camp on a Friday night....we continue to talk about camp....we continue to talk about the lessons learned...and on that Saturday night, Braydon asks if he can go to Sonrise Church the next morning.  My first reaction was no, no, no...we need to be attending Emmanuel as a family...this is the church that I had just accepted a position with that week.  His face melted and he walked away.  My heart was heavy for Braydon...so many changes in his life right now.  My emotions were flooding over with finding a way to comfort him.  He really wanted to spend that Sunday morning with his counselors from camp, his friends that he was with, and of course, he wanted to wear his camp shirt to church.  So, I prayed about it and told Braydon that Jeff was going to take him to Sonrise and I would attend Emmanuel with the brothers.  His face lit up..."thanks mom!"

The next morning happened just like we had planned the night before.  We separated and off we went.  Jeff and Braydon got home before us.  As I pulled into the driveway, Braydon was outside waiting for me.  The brothers hopped out of the van and Braydon hopped in.  He immediately says, "Mom, guess what I did today?"  Uhhhh...no idea...what?  "I asked Jesus to be my forever friend at church!"  My head spun around, what?!?!?!?! Then the questions...Did someone pray with you?  Did you tell anyone?  What made you decide to do this?!?!?!?!  He quietly and calmly responded..."I knew that this would be my last Sunday at Sonrise and it is like my home, mom.  I knew that I needed to do this there at the church.  I just prayed to myself and asked Jesus in my heart.  I told someone but I don't think they heard me...mom, I felt so tingly inside...it was good."  Oh my golly, I wanted to run down the street and shout the news to everyone but I wanted him to have that glory and I didn't want to be the crazy mom :)  I hugged on Braydon...told him how proud I was of him...told him that this is just the beginning...so much more to come!!!  

We went to lunch together as a family at O'Charley's.  While waiting for our lunch, Braydon says, "mom, tell dad what I did today."  No way!  One of the lessons at camp is that once you make this decision, you are to go and spread the good news!!!  "You tell dad, Braydon!  This is exciting!!!!"  It was cute to listen to Jeff...he asked the same questions as me :)  

As I was seeking direction a few weeks before this event, my daily devotional, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, stated this...

You will never be in control of your life circumstances, but you can relax and trust in My control.  Instead of striving for a predictable, safe lifestyle, seek to know Me in greater depth and breadth.  I long to make your life a glorious adventure, but you must stop clinging to old ways.  I am always doing something new within My beloved ones.  Be on the lookout for all that I have prepared for you.  

That night as I sat in prayer for myself...I was thankful...truly thankful!  I realized at that moment that my decision to enter ministry was truly God's path for me AND my family.  Had we remained in our safe and consistent routines, I don't believe that Braydon would have felt the urgency to make this commitment to Christ.  

Dear Jesus, thank you for entering my heart and filling me with peace about being separated for one Sunday at church...thank you, Jesus, for entering my sons heart, thank you for Camp Lakewood...thank you for the ministry team at Sonrise that has poured into Braydon...thank you for this amazing opportunity to enter Emmanuel and begin touching more hearts...oh dear Jesus, I am honored to call you my best friend, too! Please remain at the center of our lives...speak to us...guide us...equip us...  I praise your Holy name...amen!

The BIG Surprise!!!

Jeff and I planned a surprise for our boys on the evening of their first day of school.  We knew that the transition to a new school, a new church, and not having mom at school every day would be difficult.  We wanted the kids to have something to look forward to on the tough days ahead...sooooooo....are you ready???

When the kids got home from school, there was a wrapped gift in the living room.  They wanted to dive into it!!!  We explained why we were giving them this BIG surprise...1,2,3...GO!!!!

A Mickey Mouse balloon pops up out of the box and Braydon says, "A balloon mom, really?"  He couldn't believe that ALL this hype was for a balloon...LOL!!!  I instructed them to find the note...

Braydon with his "Seriously, Mom?!?!?!?" look!

Bryce didn't believe Braydon...so, he needed to read the letter himself!

My parents took us to Disney three years ago and we weren't sure if we would ever make it back.  The TeacherPalooza sale that I had several weeks ago produced enough money for me to take my children to Disney!  To all of you that came, THANK YOU!!!  I am truly giddy with excitement that we are going back AND that we have the funds to do this so easily!  We are even going to fly but shhhhh...the kids don't know that part yet.  We are giving them that little nugget at Christmas time :)  My boys have never flown before...I can't wait!

To end our evening, Jeff made a kid friendly dinner...chicken nuggets and macaroni & cheese.  To celebrate, I had Mickey plates, cups, and food flags for our dinner.  We had so much fun dreaming about  our trip...Disney, here we come!!!!

Ice Cream Commandos!

As I entered our home this evening, I dropped into the recliner...yep, I was exhausted!  My physical therapy wiped me out today.  We decided it was a pizza night and we didn't finish eating until 7:30pm.  Shortly there after, our doorbell rang...ugh, yes, that was my first thought!  Yet at that moment, my entire, exhausted evening was completely perked up by the goodness of a friend!  What friend, you ask?  I have NO IDEA!!!!  The boys opened the door to find a carton of super fun ice cream, Hershey's double chocolate syrup, and the cutest container of sprinkles with a note attached...Happy Tuesday -the Ice Cream Commandos!

Who are the commandos?!?!?!?!  Did anyone see someone mysterious around our home this evening?!?!?!?!  The kids were so excited with the treat but they were MOST excited by the mystery!!!  It ended up being a Happy Tuesday, indeed!  Which ever friend this was, my family loves you!  Your kindness and thoughtfulness impacted my heart tonight!  Although this was not a moment that I created, I am honored to be the recipient!  I challenge the rest of my friends to be Ice Cream Commandos for your friends!  A simple idea with a great impact!  Not only did my children enjoy a very tasty treat but they learned the value in treating our neighbors with love and kindness!

Mommy Date #3 - with Braydon!

It was finally Braydon's turn!  His only request..."Mom, please don't tell people that we are going on a date, just tell them we are hanging out!"  Yep, he's growing up!  This day/evening of "hanging out" was truly fabulous...

We began our date with the purchase of his new shoes.  My 10 year old needed size 10.5...can you believe that?!?!?!!?!  He towers over kids his age...his feet are now bigger than mine!  He is growing up way too fast!  He was thrilled with his choice of shoes and put them on once we got into the car :) 

Then, off to dinner we went!  We ate at the new Quaker Steak and Lube...Braydon was in heaven!  We had eaten at this restaurant chain a few times before so he was truly looking forward to the one in Fort Wayne opening up.  We were seated upstairs...oh so cool!  He took pictures and a video on my phone so that he could go home and show "the brothers and daddy what the inside looked like."  Braydon was trying to be all grown up by trying something new on the menu.  He ordered the mild wings but decided that he wasn't a fan of the wings.  I was proud of him for trying! 

The conversation during our meal was a bit more difficult to digest than my food, to say the least.  As I asked the same questions as my other boys about their upcoming new school, "what are you most nervous about and most excited about?"  Braydon's response...with sad eyes..."Mom, I'm nervous about everything and I'm excited about nothing...I really don't want to go to a new school."  My heart was heavy...he has been really excited about this transition throughout the entire summer...It wasn't until registration that his feelings changed.  He knows three boys that attend Haverhill and they were all placed in the same classroom and he was placed in a class that he new not one person.  Ugh!  So, here we go...the difficult lesson that I struggle with EVERY day..."Honey, I know this isn't going the way that WE would have wanted but God is in control.  There IS a reason for this placement and although we may not understand, we must have faith that there is a reason.  This transition can be positive if we choose.  It is all about our attitude and trust in the Lord."  I know mom, he says...I'm trying. 

We then hurried off to meet the family at Haverhill Elementary for Rylan's Kindergarten Open House.  We all had fun helping Rylan complete a scavenger hunt by finding all of the special places in his new classroom!  The big boys also wanted to show Jeff their new classrooms as well...it was a nice evening for everyone.  Then, Braydon and I continued "hanging out" together! 

We headed to Target to purchase his remaining school supplies.  He also was able to spend his hard earned money from selling water and chips at my TeacherPalooza sale!  With excitement, he purchased a Pokemon DS game.  He was all smiles :)  Our last stop...Kohl's.  Braydon found a pair of Adidas sliders and black socks that he has been wanting since church camp.  He saw many of the counselors wearing these and he pointed them out to me several times throughout the week.  Too funny!  These counselors impacted Braydon in more ways than one this summer!  Yes, Braydon looked up to them in fashion and their "coolness" but these counselors changed my son's life forever...truly forever!  Braydon gave his heart to Jesus this year and accepted Jesus as his forever friend.  Therefore, I am certain that he will be able to conquer this transition of a new school :)

We were the last customers to leave the store at 11pm...we shopped till will dropped...seriously!  Braydon was SO nervous that we were going to be locked inside of Kohl's for the evening...he was cracking me up!  As we were getting into the van, Braydon says, "Well, that was exciting!"  I thought he was being sarcastic about our late encounter with Kohl's and I asked what he meant.  His response..."Everything...Everything was exciting.  I had fun tonight mom.  Thanks!"  Wowsers...you are welcome, Braydon.  I too had fun...I love you...I'm praying for your first day of school...I'm praying for the teachers and the students that you will encounter throughout the day...I am proud of the young man that you are all too quickly becoming...

Mommy Date #2 - with Rylan!

It was 7:30am and a little boy came running into my room and pulled on my arm, "Mommy, get up!  It's are mommy date day!"  My heart was full and my smile was wide but it was STILL 7:30am!!!!  He climbed in my bed and we talked about where we would eat...IHOP was the place!  Rylan was SO excited...he's my snuggle bug...my youngest...still the baby...always will be the baby!

The kids went to their grandma's for a few hours while I went to some intense physical therapy later in the  morning.  Wowsers...I do mean, intense!  Rylan was telling his cousins about his upcoming "mommy date"...telling his grandma, telling his uncle...he was SO excited!  At this point, I realized just how important this alone time was!  These mommy dates before school are going to be added to our family list of back to school traditions!  Not only are the kids enjoying themselves but I'm enjoying the time together just as much!  It has been hard to carve out three nights of our week but well worth the investment!!!

It was finally time for our date!  Our first stop...IHOP!!!  Good for me, kids eat for free, yahoo!!! 

Again, I loved our dinner conversation.  Rylan is most nervous about not having any friends at school and the possibility of "mean kids, like bullies."  He's worried that he won't be able to remember his teacher's name (Mrs. Menze).  However, he can't wait to ride the school bus with all the kids from our cul-de-sac and he's excited that our neighbor boy, Conner, is in his class!  I told Rylan about the upcoming Kindergarten Open House this Thursday night.  He will get to meet his classmates, find his seat, and play in his classroom.  He got really excited about that...I can't believe that my baby will be in kindergarten!  Yes, oh yes, I will be bringing the tissues!

After dinner, we purchased his new gym shoes at Shoe Carnival.  He picked them out all by himself!  He was so happy with his new neon Nike's that he had to put them on once we got to the van to complete our shopping...what a hoot!  Then, off to Target to find the perfect bookbag.  Of course, Rylan chose one that matched his new shoes...LOL! 

He too, spent his garage sale money in the toy section on a Hot Wheels Stealth Ride toy (just like his brothers)...the highlight of the evening!  One last stop...Gordman's!  Mommy got a few things for her new office at the church!  It was another great evening indeed!  On the way home, Rylan says, "Thanks mommy, I had fun with you!"  His words were spoken with true meaning...oh how I love you, Ry!

Thank you Lord for allowing me the opportunity to raise these three beautiful boys.  I know that I stumble, but I am honored and humbled beyond measure that you chose me for this job...truly, thankful!

Mommy Date #1 - with Bryce!

The past two weeks have truly been exhausting on my part!  Resigning my kindergarten teaching position, signing a children's ministry contract at Emmanuel Community Church, packing up ALL my teaching materials of 15 years, pricing all of those materials, having a TeacherPalooza Sale, and then cleaning up my garage to close this educational door.  During all of this, my children and husband saw very little of me.  The clock continues to tick and school is just around the corner...how can that be????  I'm not ready!!!  I need some quality time with my children!  So, I decided to have mommy dates with my three boys this week.  It is going to take three evenings to get through all of them but it will be treasured  time together, I'm certain!  Tonight was spent with Bryce!

When I woke up this morning, I went into Bryce's room and snuggled with him on his bed and excitedly said, "tonight is date night!!!"  His response..."Aren't I too young for a date?"  He rolled his eyes and gave me that goofy boy look but I could tell that he was excited for the alone time as well.  He looked forward to our time together all day.  Before we left he looked at Jeff and said, "How does it feel to know that your wife is going on a date with another guy?"  Can I just say, this kid is truly a crack up!!!!  He always makes our family giggle...ALWAYS!!!

Our afternoon started at Target to purchase his school supplies.  Bryce had fun choosing colors of notebooks and folders...I enjoyed being able to focus on just HIM!  It was truly joyous!!!  He picked out a huge, colorful umbrella  for those rainy days walking to and from the bus stop.  My kids are looking forward to the big yellow bus!  They never got to ride the bus before because they attended school with me vs. their home school...this is an exciting part of this new school journey!!! 

I also helped him choose a toy that he wanted to purchase with some hard earned garage sale money from selling popsicles for three days at my TeacherPalooza!  Then, off to purchase new gym shoes for school...oh yes, he got some very cool Nike's...he has been wearing them with pride!!!  (They were buy one, get one 1/2 off...I then, had to get a pair of shoes for me too...LOL)!

To finish the evening... dinner at Applebee's.  This was my favorite part!  We had great one-on-one conversation.  He's nervous about making friends at his new school and meeting the special area teachers.  However, he's excited about his new teacher, Mrs. Hopper.  He has heard so many fun stories about her from so many different people!  He also likes that she is into frogs...hop, hop :)  Bryce wanted to attend the church service this morning to see Pastor Stan rather than go to his Sunday School classroom.  So, we talked about the service.  He thought Past Stan looked happy :)  We talked about partaking in communion today...what that was all about. We talked about the songs...we just kept talking...I was in my happy place!!!  Of course we couldn't leave without the mouse/oreo dessert!

Bryce, you have a kind and caring spirit.  You are a gentle boy with a giving attitude.  You easily befriend others.  I pray that others embrace you in this new school.  I am proud to by your mom and I loved being on a date with you!  Dear Jesus, help calm Bryce's fears as the big day approaches.  Give him peace...place friends and teachers in his path that will provide him a smooth transition.  Amen

Career Change!!!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

It was two years ago this summer, that a dear friend of mine approached me with the words, "you may want to consider where God is calling you..."  I remember giggling and saying, "Ha...I have, He has called me to teaching."  I've wanted to be a teacher ever since I was in first grade!  I've ALWAYS known what my life would look like.  The good Lord must have gotten a good laugh with that one!!! He's been knocking on my door ever since!

In January 2010, the seed that had been planted the summer before, was beginning to take root.  A part time children's ministry position at my church had opened.  I accepted this position and began working on Sunday mornings.  By March I had been offered the possibility of more hours at the church, beginning that summer.  Therefore, I decided to take a half time sabbatical from my teaching position to seek the ministry field.  This past fall, I went part-time, teaching morning kindergarten AND part-time in Children's Ministry at Sonrise.  I was so excited about the opportunities that layahead.  However, last August, my hours at the church were increased from 10 to 25 hours per week.  Although I was technically part-time in two places, I was really doing two full time jobs at one time.  By November, it was obvious to my family that I just simply couldn't keep up with both positions AND maintain being a healthy mom and wife. 

My faith muscles were stretched greatly during this season.  I was in deep prayer for several weeks and truly  felt God calling me to ministry.  Although I felt the calling, the peace wasn't evident...the timing just didn't seem right for several reasons.  I began to really struggle though...why would God open this door to close it so quickly?!?!?!?!  My heart was broken when I resigned my position in Children's Ministry at Sonrise in December of 2010.  Many people people had told me that if God was truly calling me to ministry, He would open another door.  So, I began to dive back into teaching and focusing on my health issues.  My God was in control the entire time...why did I doubt Him?????  Sheesh!!!  My great God knew that I needed these past several months to focus on my health concerns and get things under control.  My great God knew that I was going to be taking care of my son whom would be quite sick.  My great God also knew that my husband would be leaving for six weeks and that I just simply would not have been able to hold things together if I would have been working full time then.  Wow...I am the child of a Great God!!!

So, here we are...present day.  A few weeks ago, I receive a surprise email from a friend that his church was in need of a full time Children's Pastor.  My first reaction was nope...I can't open my heart up that way again but as the days went on, the Holy Spirit began working on me again.  There were so many things that were falling in place this time.  I felt that the Lord was just hitting me over the head with a big 2X4 board!!!  The sermon yesterday, "When God calls you to ministry, Just Do It!"  So, I HAVE!!!!  I resigned my teaching position of 15 years this morning.  I feel complete peace with this decision.  I then signed my new employee agreement with Emmanuel Community Church this afternoon in Children's Ministry.  My heart is happy... I'm honored and blessed to be invited to work alongside this team of pastors. 

As Jesus was going down the road, he saw Matthew sitting at his tax-collection booth.  "Come, be my disciple." Jesus said to him.  So Matthew got up and followed him.
Matthew 9:9

Just think! Though I did nothing to deserve it, and though I am the least deserving Christian there is, I was chosen for this special joy of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.
Ephesians 3:8

Dear Lord, I'm drawing on Your power and faithfully accepting this special role that You have placed in my path...amen

Top 10 Reasons Why Camp Lakewood ROCKS!!!

10. Camp Food...Oh my golly...SOOOO tasty!!!

9. Cabins...the bunk beds were a huge hit!  Taking ownership in their cabin title...Braydon was a Silly Squirrel and Bryce was a Turbo Turtle.

8. Horizontal Hour...Ahhhhh!  The counselors favorite hour...hee-hee!  Mail is passed out to the campers and time is given to relax or sleep QUIETLY!


7. Friendships...bonds are made that will impact these kids for life.

Turbo Turtles!

Whisper Chime during crafts

6. Discovery Time...I had SO much fun teaching the Bible story each day .  I was filled with passion and joy every morning to tap into the hearts of the campers.

Gideon's Army...

5. Godly Environment...the wilderness and lake are beautiful!

One morning I saw a family of deer...Gorgeous!

4. AMAZING Activities...opportunities that put the campers out of their comfort zone...adding an element of fear that had them leaning on the Lord for strength!!!  The Blob, Mammoth Swing, Zipline, and Tubing were the most scary, yet the most exhilarating!!!

Mammoth Swing!

The Blob!

Archery!

3.  The Counselors...I was honored to work along side this team!  The unity that was evident put me to tears...these counselors were truly the hands and feet of Jesus this week...God is smiling on each of them!

2. Worship at Vesper Hill...campfire...soft guitar...large wooden cross watching over us...campers hands in the air worshiping...hands folded and eyes tight, in complete prayer...BEAUTIFUL! 

1. Witnessing Campers accept Jesus Christ as their Forever Friend...quite possibly the most beautiful experience!!!

Reflections of Camp!!!

It is the morning after church camp and my heart is full!  As I am relaxing, yes relaxing on the couch, I am reflecting on my week of camp with 99, 3rd-5th grade campers.  We conquered SO much in the hearts of these children this week.  We had kiddos asking Jesus to be their forever friend by Wednesday!!!  On Friday, I had campers continually coming up to me and sharing the good news that they accepted Jesus in their hearts!  The joy that came from witnessing these testimonies was glorious!!!!

I am on such a spiritual high...the Holy Spirit was truly evident this week!  I am now more passionate than ever to jump into the ministry field...the Lord has placed a calling in my life...I am ready, truly ready...yes, my heart is happy and rejoicing...yes, I declare this morning that I too, recommitted my heart to Jesus this week...not only does He have my heart but I've asked Him to pave the path for me...equip me in the days to come...I LOVE YOU, JESUS!  YOU are MY forever friend!!! 

Off To Camp!

The big week is here!!!  My two big boys are experiencing church camp this week.  Last year was the first time that I had a child go away for several days for any type of camp.  I wasn't worried about Braydon because I knew that I would be attending camp as well.  I was intentional to not stand over his shoulder all the time...I wanted him to truly experience church camp without his mom hanging around.  However, their was one thing that truly unnerved me...his clothes!!!  LOL!  I spent so much time organizing his clothes while packing for him.  I had each outfit folded together and undergarments were placed within the clothes for each day.  Although I spent all this time organizing his bag, he not once wore an outfit that I had put together...geez!!!  The camp does a night of Messy Games and the kids are to wear older clothes because of the stains that will take place from this night of fun.  Braydon walked into the area of Messy Games with one of his nicest outfits...ugh!!!

I tried something different this year while packing and it has been a huge success!!!  I put each days clothes in a Ziploc bag and labeled each bag.  I even wrote the boys a note and slid it into each baggie.  A little lovin' from mom to get them going in the morning!  I also made a bag for the shower so that all they would have to do is grab their towel and the shower baggie.  Last year my campers would try to carry everything to the bath house and inevitably someone would loose something EVERY night!  I also made a swim bag for each of them that had sunscreen, bathing suit, and beach towel in one of those pull string satchel bags that we have.  So far, every day that I've seen my kids this week, they've had the right clothes on, been carrying their shower baggie, and have had the swim bag with them!!!  I'm pumped...so far this system is working!   I even think my boys were pleased with this organization.  It was so much easier to pull out a baggie every morning than rummage through their bag. 

My boys are having a blast at camp right now!!!  They are connecting with God and becoming stronger in their own faith walk.  I am truly grateful to all the counselors and directors that are investing in my children this week.  I plan to write each of the counselors that are investing in my boys, a letter of thanks and gratitude, before the end of the week.  I LOVE CAMP LAKEWOOD!!!