Campin'

This weekend was our church's annual Family Camping Weekend at a camping area about 35 minutes from home. T grew up going here with his family, and we've made it a tradition since we're married.

Last year, we didn't get to go because T was deep into a building project at work. In 2007, T camped with Quintin. The little ones and I spent the day with them, but we came home to sleep. In '06, we all went - but Elle was 18 months old and I was pregnant with Colin. So, we knew this year would be very different. And it was, but it was also a lot of fun.

If you've camped, you know how much work it can be - but if you enjoy the outdoors, it is really worth it.

The other 51 weeks of the year, I'm glad we have a tent because it stores so easily. Then that one remaining week - right before we leave - I'm wishing we had a camper!!!

We have a really nice site, except during the afternoons, when the sun just lays on the tent.

Not so nice when little ones are trying to nap. It was so hot inside the tent - but they did get a good nap in. They were up until 11 both nights - they needed this little rest to get them there! There were marshmallows to roast and s'mores to make! YUM!

Below, this plays a key role in helping our kids sleep. It gets cool enough in the nighttime, but we run the fan for the noise.

The kids slept in until 8am each morning - that's better than they do at home!

There's plenty to do...

fishing with cousins.

Boating. Notice who is holding the paddles! ;-D

We colored pictures and played Farkle.

Checking out what another cousin has caught and is now showing to everyone as he carries it around his neck...*shudder*

It was a great weekend filled with lots of memories. At one point, Quintin asked if we could live up there.

As Sunday afternoon rolled around, we tore down and everyone was tired. So thankful it is just a 35 minute drive home!!!

I can't believe he's 7!

Happy 7th Big Guy!

Vacation...

While it was a less than great week, weather-wise, at the beach, we still had a great time. This is our 3rd year to travel down to New Jersey with my best friend from high school (who also played a key role in T asking me on our first date) and her family.

The kids always have a blast and they found plenty to do. While we were covering ourselves with light jackets on the beach, earlier in the week, they ran around playing, splashing with no care to the cool air around them.

When it was too overcast to suit up, we flew kites and went to the Cape May Zoo...which is free! And what a great zoo!

And when it rained poured, we went to the mall and just walked around. Quintin was excited to come away with a new pair of blue and orange sneakers!!

Now we work to get back into our "home groove" while taking care of the laundry (which I put off all weekend) and to mow the meadow that our lawn has become after a week of the same weather here at home.

There is blue sky today.

The sun is shining today.

As the kids play in the sandbox, I think I'll take a break and join them once or twice. I'll stick my toes in the sand, close my eyes and listen for the waves.

I don't know what it is about the beach, but I think it has a power over me!

Wordless Week: Friday

Happy Father's Day!!!

2009

2008...

Wordless Week: Thursday

Wordless Week: Wednesday

Wordless Week: Tuesday

Wordless Week: Monday

Friday's Five

Each of these come from either the book, Grace-Based Parenting, or from the conference, Raising Truly Great Kids, workbook.

5     It's hard bringing out the best in children when they seem committed to bringing out the worst in us.

4     Our attitude shouldn't be that we "have" to do all these things for our children, but that we "get" to.

3     When we recieve our children as they are, we reflect the kind of love that God has for them.  It's the kind of love that will carry them through the good times and the bad times for the rest of their lives.

2     Raising children isn't a march with a distinct left-right-left-right cadence.  It's a flowing dance where the rhythms change all the time.

1    "Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither."  C. S. Lewis 

Thursday's Thoughts

I believe this says it all...

(not so) Wordless Wednesday

Now that I've purchased a sheet for the boxspring, I feel much better being able to post pictures of my sleeping babes...even though they exhibit such strange positions sometimes! 

When I walked in with my camera this morning, Colin touched the new green sheet and said, "I love this sheet, Mom!"  He also loves the clam shack shirt he is holding on to!!

Singled Out

“You have been singled out to do a favor for God…He

needs someone to be His voice, His arms and His heart…You simply need to treat your children the way God treats you. He does it in His grace.”

Grace-Based Parenting p. 228 by Tim Kimmel

We are currently involved with 2 other couples in a small group Bible/book/video study of Family Matters' "Raising Truly Great Kids" conference. I attended the conference in March.

This quote comes from the first of three books that accompany the series. Even if you don't have access to attend a conference or watch the video series, the books are full of a lot of great information.

Needless to say, I'm really enjoying this study and learning a lot. :-)

An evening outdoors

After a few steady days of rain, the weather finally broke and we had a chance to head outside one evening last week, after supper.

Come along and join in our fun!

Here's Quintin on his big bike.  Last year he seemed so small on it, but he's really grown into this year.

Elle has grown too.  Last year she had to slide across her seat to stretch her legs to pedal.

And Colin enjoys his fire truck, not yet riding bike like his big brother and sister.

Oh wait!  What's this?  No, say it ain't so?  Where did my baby go?

No, wait!  Come back!  You're all growing up too fast!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Elle, at 4 and a half years of age, has already decided she will have 4 children when she is a mommy. 2 boys and 2 girls. Levi, Malchei (mal-key-i), Leah and Kelly.

T suggested she wait and talk to her future husband about these names as well as how many children she's having. I thought Elle might protest, but without hesitation, she agreed.

What a lucky man to marry her! ;-)


For more Tiny Talkers, visit Mary.