Family Camp 2011

Two years ago, when we joined FBC Windsor, we heard about members of the congregation going to Family Camp. I didn't grow up with a family camp tradition but I was curious. I did grow up camping with my family every Memorial Day Weekend and I love all of the memories. I wanted to give my kids an annual tradition that they could look back on with fond memories.
Jason and I talked that first summer and agreed that we would go to Family Camp the next year. Then last year I was 8 months pregnant with Henry. We weren't able to attend. This year we decided there was nothing that could stop us.
Last Friday we packed up two vehicles and headed up 101 to Redwoods River Resort.

After a short 2.5 hour drive we were setting up our campsite.


I had been very worried about how much work it would be to camp with a baby. It turns out it was just as much work as I feared. But thankfully I have a wonderful husband who does more than his share, and great kids who help out as much as they can.

In no time Jason had everything set up and we had our new home sweet home.
Then I took the kids to the pool.
Later that night we had a group dinner, devotional and campfire.


After getting a little sleep, Saturday morning we kicked back in front of a campfire.

One of my biggest questions about camping as an adult was "how are we going to make our morning coffee?" We decided to get a French Press and I'm happy to say that the coffee wasn't too bad, in fact it was pretty good.

Cooper loved camping! He played with his scooter, hung out in either jammies or a swimsuit all weekend, and generally just enjoyed hanging out with daddy and getting dirty.


I was amazed with God glorious creation all around us. We slept under "Big Jack". The redwood trees are amazing and it is cool to think that they are one of the oldest living things on earth and they are only found on the Pacific Coast.



The church had activities for the kids every day. Gracie was in heaven since she loves to do crafts.


The only way to keep Henry from eating rocks, sticks and dirt was to hold him or strap him into his highchair.



Saturday afternoon we went to the pool and then took a short hike to the river.


There were fish in the river.


Henry tried to eat river rocks by the handful.

We're leaving on a Jet Plane!

Well, actually we are driving in a truck and Yukon up the coast, but we are going on vacation! We haven't been on a family vacation in 2 years! All vacation plans went out the window last year when we found out Henry was on the way. This year we have two family vacations planned. The first one starts today.
In a few hours we will load up the vehicles and head up to Leggett and the Eel River. We will be going to "family camp" with our church. This is an annual adventure but the first time we have participated. I'm looking forward to the camping trip with a little bit of dread. While I loved camping as a kid I'm a little bit nervous about being the adult in the situation. We've never gone camping with the kids. I think they will love it but I'm wondering how much work Henry will be. Eating dirt won't hurt him, right?
I'll post pictures when we return, but in the mean time you can pray for our safety and my sanity.

Happy Birthday Emma Jo!

I know you don't like to be called Emma Jo anymore, but that is how I will always think of you.
I can't hardly believe that you are 12! Next year you will be a teenager!

Look how much Emma has changed over the years...

Age 3

Age 5

Age 6

Age 8

Age 9

Age 10

Age 11

I love you Emma Jo! You are an amazing young lady. You inspire me with your love for your little brothers and sister. I know that we joke about the "good old days when you were an only child" but you are a fantastic big sister! You are become a wonderful young woman. Although we butt heads on many occasions, I am very proud to have you as my daughter. You are smart and pretty. You have a great head on your shoulders and tremendous love in your heart. You are growing up too quickly. I dread the day that you will be grown and leave the house, but I look forward to it as well because I know that you will do fine. Although you don't have a very good sense of direction, you are capable and will be able to handle any situation thrown at you. I am so happy to be your mom and I thank God that he gave me that opportunity.
I love you, Mommy

Garden Planting - 2011

One of the hobbies that Jason really enjoys is gardening. Thankfully the children share his passion. Each year they look forward to spring when they can get their hands dirty. On Saturday we made the first of many treks (I'm sure) out to Sebastopol to Jason's favorite nursery. He picked out a few starters and some seeds.

Last night the kids got to help him plant.

The garden is going in our re-located raised planter beds.

Henry was excited to help this year.

He has a smile that lights up his whole face.

Grace kept telling Henry not to eat the dirt.

Grace likes planting the seeds the best.

Students of the Year!

I am one super proud mommy. At the end of the year awards ceremony on Thursday, Grace and Emma were both named "Student of the Year". This award is based on the Fruits of the Spirit named in Galatians 5:22-23.

Each year on one of the last days of school, Windsor Christian Academy holds an awards ceremony. During this assembly the teachers list the accomplishments of each of their students. They talk about Principals List, Honor Roll, Reading Clubs, Fruits of the Spirit Awards and Students of the Month. They also choose Christian character traits that best represent the student. At the conclusion of the assembly a "Student of the Year" is named for each class.

Emma Jo has always aspired to be Student of the Year. She is a great student and works very hard at school. All week she had been telling us that classmates were commenting that this was her year. She told me that right before her name was called JT leaned over and said "it is going to be you".


But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ~ Galatians 5:22-23

Getting a little hug from her teacher, Mrs. Codding. When I asked Grace if she was looking forward to summer. She hesitantly said yes. When I asked why she hesitated, she replied that she is going to miss seeing Mrs. Codding everyday.

Happy Grace on the last day of school. She always has a exuberance for life and a smile on her face.