• 21Jul

    Seven Bridges…?

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    Bright and early this morning 10:00, am or so ;-) , we got ready and drove up to hike up Seven Bridges. The kids were very excited for a family adventure. It must have only been 90 degrees out with a nice, humid breeze slamming into our faces. Actually I am being a bit sarcastic. . .

    Most of that is true, we started out on our hike and finally got to the trail head where we were near the creek and shaded by the big , beautiful trees. We decided to be sure that the experience was a fun one for the kids to make them wanting more…so we only made it to three of the seven bridges but, we had a blast. Taking many pictures along the way. We saw a lot of doggies and had to pet each one, we hunted for animal tracks and luckily only saw canine ones. We saw a cave, went through tunnels, climbed rocks and even went near the water. It was such a joy to see our kids enjoy the outdoors as we do. It was as close to perfect as you could ask for. No whining, just lots of fun, stories, questions, conversation and quality time. What a blessing.

  • 21Jul

    Vacation Bible School

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    Another fun year at VBS! This year Gillian got to be part of the action as well. I cannot believe that both of my kids are old enough to participate. Each of them were blessed with wonderful, nurturing teachers that made this an experience to remember. This year’s theme was Summer Seaquest. Which included the story of Jonah and trusting and obeying God. They both memorized their verses and completed each of the 5 missions. Kip and I took this summer off from teaching, it was so nice to have some free time, but I must admit I did miss being part of the fun. There is so much energy packed into this week. Our church does such an amazing job with this entire event. It is no small undertaking and requires many man hours of preparation.

    One of the verses that the kids memorized is Psalm 48:14 it is a very comforting Psalm that really brought about some amazing questions.
    The last day we were treated to a picnic on the grass with hotdogs, chips, watermelon and Otterpops. I am a little sad it is over….Summer is flying by way too fast!!!











  • 21Jul

    The Excursion

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    HAYDEN’S BIRTHDAY CAMPOUT
    Saturday, July 14 2007 4:00 PM
    Schedule
    4:00 – 5:00pm Rules-Invisible Ink-Setup Camp
    5:00 – 5:30pm Mission One
    5:30 – 6:30pm Start Grill/Eat
    6:30 – 7:00pm Mission Two
    7:00 – 7:30pm Cake (Cookie)
    7:30 – 8:00pm Mission Three
    8:00 – 9:00pm Talk/Story/Smores
    9:00pm+ Bed

    What a fun night this was, Kip really had some neat activities for the kids. Each of them anticipated the next one while I anxiously waited to see the fun unfold!

    The campout was pretty much a success. Our kids finally zonked out as they are used to camping. I figured it would be warmer in the backyard than it was in the mountains but it cooled down pretty quick here as well.

    As you view the slide show here is what you might be seeing; Each of these tasks were clues to find the graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate for our smores!

    1) Drive your trucks around the path 2 times and bring me something that rhymes with brass.
    2) Each of you name one of the ten commandments.
    3) Grab the gun and shoot a few varmints (at least one in the head… make sure the critter is dead).
    4) Get a little shovel from the deck.
    5) Look for something leafy, with polka dots that rhymes with knee
    6) Dig a hole 4 feet away by a watering thing that’s the color of pee

    1) Drive your trucks around the path and stop where you dug before.
    2) Take a bucket and fill it up with the rocks and dump them on the other side of the path. Come back.
    3) Each of you name two states.
    4) Go to a place where you would go if it started raining (other than the house or tent).
    5) When you get there, climb in…
    6) Even though you may be kneeling… take a look up at the ceiling.

    1) It will be getting dark so let’s put away the grilling tools, each person help.
    2) And maybe by helping you find something that will help the night be a little brighter.
    3) Tell the person on your right your favorite thing about them.
    4) Tell the person on your left your favorite thing about them.
    5) Tell me why the sky is blue!
    6) When the wind blows, one our of trees ‘sings’ louder than the others. Why?
    7) Go to that tree and make it ring… Look up.
    svgallery=backyardcamp

  • 15Jul

    The Big Tent

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    No, I am not talking about the circus…but, there is a three domed tent on our back lawn.

    Hayden also chose to have a sleep over for his birthday this year and asked his two best buds to come over to ‘camp’. The really sweet thing is that they also included little sister.

    What a really fun day! Dad really added the awesome touches to the event. I have to post his ’schedule of events, along with some pretty awesome pictures of all of the activities. This party was really catered to the young boys they are now. They seem to have suddenly become burly boys, or no longer tots. I am sure you all know what I mean. Grown up, but not so much?! Brave on the outside but still our lil boys. It is really a fun time for them. Makes me think of ‘Stand By Me’ . All that is on their minds is having fun.

    The night wasn’t just all free play which was a great plan. Good thinking Daddy! He structured activities, games, trivia quizzes, skills activities, helper duty, sharing, sportsman activities and most of all good clean FUN!!! This topped off with a healthy menu of course!

    *Burgers, melon, chips, rootbeer, birthday cookie and later a s’more!* Yes, smores!!! Grilled to perfection on the….grill??? Okay, we aren’t in the mountains but…we can pretend! After all what is camping without smores!? Right?

  • 14Jul

    We’re not in Kansas anymore!

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    As most of you know I have a special group of ladies that I mostly know ‘on-line’. We have been ‘friends’ since before our 2001 babies were born. We met on BabyCenter and have all been in touch since. It is really a special group of women, we are all there for support, advice and friendship. I have had the privilege of meeting five of them. Most recently, my friend Sandy and her two beautiful daughters came to visit us.

    I am so glad that it worked out for us to meet and spend some time face to face with each other. The best part, at least I think so, is that it seemed like we had done things together before, we talked the entire time and I would have loved more time! We had lunch outside and watched the kids. Our kids got along and played so nicely. It was really too short and I hope that our families will cross paths again soon. I really enjoyed our visit, Sandy. You are a very dear friend and a blessing to me. As are all my JulyMommy friends!

    Oh, I have finally downloaded the pictures, but need to lighten them up a bit before I post them. Hayden was so happy to set up a ‘photo shoot’ for us. He got the tripod out and set us up out in the grass. It was quite funny after awhile. I will always look at those pictures and remember a fun day!!!

  • 14Jul

    Hang-nail

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    “Does anyone have a first-aide kit?” we hear frantically from the backseat of the car as we head into the mountains for our camping trip. Not exactly sure if Hayden was just checking to see if we remembered it or if he could have actually gotten hurt sitting in the backseat. ;-) “I have a hang-nail!” he blurts out! “Dad, can we stop the card to get a band-aid out?”. “No, son, not now!” Love it, just love it!

  • 05Jul

    Time for God

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    When a married couple figures out the formula of a good marriage, life is good! Those little gifts you give each other that speak so much with so little said. I love that! This evening, my sweet husband offered to give me the night off of bedtime routine. He even suggested I go to one of my favorite craft stores and look about. What a gift of love.

    As tempting as it was to go shop for more toys, I took the opportunity to satisfy the craving I have had to be in God’s word. My days seem so short and I have missed ‘our time’. It was a breath of fresh air to me and I decided that I need to carve out this time for myself daily.

  • 04Jul

    Campsite Surprise!

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    The morning of Gigi’s birthday, the lady who owned the campground came up to our camp with a birthday bag for the birthday girl. Our first thought was, ‘how’d they know it was Gigi’s birthday?’





    Turns out Nana & Papa B called them and asked them to deliver a package of goodies for their Granddaughter’s birthday!!! What a sweet surprise!!

    Thanks Nana and Papa! ~ Gigi

  • 02Jul

    Little conversations

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    Can you tell that I have just enjoyed this crazy day?

    I just had to share a few of the funny moments that I have experienced with the girls.

    While at McDonalds, the girls were sitting all in a row, sorta eating but gabbing. They turned around and saw a younger girl playing alone. They all included her and started chatting with her too. When G says to this girl, “we are big girls now!” and M adds “Yes, and you are almost a big girl like us” then A says to me, “Yes! We are like TOTALLY big girls now!” They had me rolling with laughter.

    Later M says to the young girl, “Hey! I really like that shirt!” Ha!!! So stinkin’ cute!!!!!

    The best were their silly knock knock jokes that are so not jokes but they all crack themselves up!!!! Of course the punch lines started to include ‘poop’ and we had to nix the knock knock jokes.

  • 02Jul

    First Slumber Party

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    As a kid, I loved having my friends spend the night at my house. Mom would always make great treats and we would stay up all night playing dress-up, dollies, games and lots and lots of screaming?! I don’t remember that part and bless my parents hearts, if we were crazy, excitable girls. My daughter truly does not ask for much, an occasional doll but nothing huge (I am sure this will change) but I knew the one thing that would make her most happy is time with her buds. So, my gift to her is her first sleepover! The girls have had a blast, we started out with a date at Build-a-Bear, dinner at McDonalds (after the girls protested as I drove up to Chick-fil-et) ;-) came home and the girls wanted to get into their PJ’s immediately. I held them off until about 7:00 PM after we had cake, gifts and some playtime. I guess at slumber parties all the rules are void, right? I sure hope so, because shortly after PJ’s, the girls then decided it would be fun to go outside and twirl and play in their PJ’s.

    The best part is at this age, they allow me to be part of the fun. I have laughed with them even got in the sand with them!!!! ;-) Oh to be a kid again!

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