More Family Camp Pics

Lexie and Leah swimming in the lake. In this pic, Leah is swimming in the bottom-left hand corner and Lexie is the one who made the splash at the dock. Lexie got to where she would run and jump in, jump in backwards, cannonball, etc. Needless to say, they had a blast swimming in the lake!

This is a pic of one of the young girls at our church.

She was attempting to go off the blob.

Mary Ellen and Leah enjoying the pool!

Greg with Lexie, Leah and Mary Ellen out on the paddle boat.

Family Camp @ Pinecrest 2010

Lexie, their friend Haven, and Leah eating watermelon

Leah, Mary Ellen and Lexie eating in the room...

thanks Jeanna for letting us borrow the tv tables.

Last Monday we headed down to "the boothill" of Missouri and went to Family Camp at Pinecrest Campground w/ our District Nazarene Family. What a week! The girls enjoyed attending a 3 hour Bible School every morning while Greg and I enjoyed a Bible study w/ Pastor Mike, our DS, and then a worship service that included singing and preaching. We had the majority of our meals in our room this year. It was fun! It was like we were camping... but not... because we were indoors and had access to electricity. Anyway, after lunch, I took Lexie, Leah and Mary Ellen to the pool for swim time. Greg stayed w/ Molly and they both had some quiet time. Some afternoons we would all go to the lake and Greg would take the girls out on the paddle boat or canoe. Of course, on Thursday afternoon, we enjoyed the annual watermelon feast down by the lake. Then during the evenings, after nap and dinner, we would all go to the evening service. Greg and I thoroughly enjoyed and needed every single service. I can testify that God is so amazing and totally faithful to exactly what we need when we need it! God spoke to our hearts in powerful ways and we are so thankful that we were able to go to Family Camp this year!

Its such a blessings to see the 65 member teen choir and orchestra in all of the services. I pray that as our girls listen to the choir, that they are dreaming of one day being "up there" like those teens. Even now though, I know that God is at work in their little hearts and minds. Leah told me just the other day, "Mommy, it doesn't matter what you do wrong, Jesus will always forgive you. He loves us, doesn't He?" Wow, out of the mouths of babes...

One of my favorite websites for Moms

This is one of my favorite websites and I just had to share it. Its kinda hard for me to know who all takes a look at our blog. I'm sure its mostly moms. And if thats the case, then you'll love this site.

www.econobusters.com

This week...

Just wanted to give a little update about what's been going on here lately. Yea, I know, no pics this time. But it takes much longer and I have kids and things to do around the house. As of now, I have loads of laundry calling my name and a box of tomatoes that need to be worked up. In some weird way, I enjoy these things. Of course, I'd be in a mess if I didn't. Because there is always laundry and food prep around here.

The girls have enjoyed playing in their pool this week. We managed to go over to Waynesville on Thursday w/ some good friends and play at the free water park there.

Today, when the laundry is finished, we will start packing our suitcases for Family Camp next week. The girls are so excited. They have been counting down the days for awhile now. We are so blessed to be a part of the Missouri District Church of the Nazarene. We have an amazing campground and great leadership: to God be the glory!

As for the girls, they are each growing and learning new things everyday:

Lexie is back to summer lessons w/ piano and doing well. She has an imagination that is out of this world. Her and Leah are scheduled to sing at church tomorrow!

Leah just had a birthday and is learning what it means to save birthday money and money earned so that she can buy what she wants. As of now she is saving money to buy a Buzz Lightyear. Yep.

Mary Ellen is all about baby dolls right now. She changes their diapers, nurses them, gives them bottles, puts them to sleep, sings to them, and takes them to the potty.

Molly is just a sweetie. She has just figured out how to roll up on her side. She hasn't managed to roll over yet... but its coming! Thankfully, she sleeps well at night and for this I am sooooo very thankful!

Greg and I are doing great! Well, Greg may say differently. He has poison ivy right now. He is so patient and has the endurance like no other. I'm actually thankful that I experienced the pain of poison ivy a few weeks ago. Now I can understand what he is going through. I pray that the Lord touches him and enables him to enjoy his week at Family Camp.

Well, that's it for now. I will post again when we return from Family Camp. We plan to roll out of Iberia Monday mid-day sometime. We'll return Saturday afternoon.

Take Care Folks! God loves you! Trust Him! He is faithful!

Happy Birthday Leah Grace

Today is Leah's 4th birthday. Its hard to believe its been 4 years since we had this precious little girl. She teaches us so much and we are so thankful for her. There are so many stories I could tell about her. Stories about how she has always been a caring giving little girl. She is always thinking of ways that she can help someone else. Now, she can be a typical 4 year old, I guess. But all in all, she is such a sweet girl.

We are having a party on Saturday. I will post pics of the party and Leah's 4 year old pictures that I hope to soon take!

Lexie's First Piano Recital

Lexie has been taking piano lessons since November of 2009. Mrs. Terri Thompson has been super patient with Lexie. Lexie likes to tell Mrs. Terri stories during the lesson and if anything she learns reminds her of something else, she wants to share that with Mrs. Terri as well.

Last night, Lexie had her first piano recital. She was super excited. She had a new recital dress and a bottle of water. (Lexie thought that she needed a bottle of water... just like singers have when they perform.) Lexie played "Go Tell Aunt Rhodie," "Ode to Joy," and "Lamb at School."

We were very proud of her and Daddy gave her a red carnation after the recital. Lexie was convinced it was a rose. She didn't care. She loved it. But it didn't take long before she took the ribbon off, the leaves, and half of the stem. Oh well! I guess it's the thought that counts!

Happy Birthday Greg!

I guess it is becoming a little family tradition to take Greg to the creek for his birthday. So this last Monday the girls and I fixed a picnic and chocolate cake and took Daddy to the creek for his 31st birthday. We all had a good time. We even took our newest family member Oreo. Yes, we have a pup. I know, like we needed something else to tend to. But this little puppy has actually helped us out in so many ways. I believe that the girls are outside playing with the puppy more and not inside scattering toys everywhere. Plus, they have gotten over alot of their "dog fear." Well, Mary Ellen is still not so sure about Oreo.

Happy Birthday Daddy/Greg

You are loved very much

You are the best husband and daddy in all the world

We are so blessed to have you in our lives