Saying Goodbye . . . .

One of the hardest things about camp is saying goodbye . . .

to friends you have made . . . 

to people who have made your life better . . . 

This was one of those years.  We knew it was going to be hard, but we remember how blessed our lives have been because of the people who have been a part of it the last year, two years and even 4 years.

Many call MSYC "Heaven on Earth," and the more I see of it - the more I agree with that.

The people you meet at MSYC make you want to live a life on earth (and help you live a life on earth) that will prepare you for eternity in heaven.

You just have to love it.

LB, Sofia, Rileigh and Madlyn

Emily and LB

COUSIN picture!!!!

Dear, Sweet Audrey

Hayley and LB

 We have only ever known camp with Steven . . . how different next year will be without him.

Precious McKenzie who has LOVED these girls all 3 weeks they have been at camp.

Lanie and LB

 How we will miss Scott as well . . . 

There's nowhere else they would rather be!

LB, Rachel and Madlyn

So glad my children have a "Heaven on Earth," and that they take advantage of it

as often as they do!

MSYC Week 8 - The Final Week

For the last 3 years LB and Madlyn have just had "Camp L&M" time while the "big"

kids went off to camp for the last week.  Last year, they decided that they could handle 

Week 8 of MSYC with the big kids and have really spent the whole year 

psyching themselves up for it!!

Now that it is here - they are PUMPED and ready for a great week with wonderful friends!

Wrapping Up Week 7 MSYC

On Friday, we went to pick up Carter from camp.

All I found was this . . . .

Really?  Tacky Day was over on Thursday MORNING!!!!

My. Stars.

Despite my asking begging, he kept it on through the silly songs and

awards ceremony.

and even his picture with his counselor Steven.

Then I convinced him to take it off, and well

I just took it off of him so the rest of the pictures could be decent - 

as any picture with him is going to be!

with Scott

with his new BFF, Baylor

with cousin Tom

and Ben

and Matt

and his JC, Robbie

I am thrilled with the fact that Carter LOVES camp!!!

He is already making plans for next year.

Heaven on earth . . . right here in Henderson!

Throughout Week 7 of MSYC

I really love technology and the fact that I can see pictures of my kids when I am not with them.

I got these pictures from different people during Carter's week at camp.

NO. DOUBT. he had a great time!

Got the nickname KD for the rest of the week after the basketball game.

His cabin

Shaving cream fight

 And what brings us so much pride and joy . . . 

His tacky day outfit . . . 

There are NO. WORDS.

MSYC Week 7 - Going Solo

Carter LOVED MYSC so much week 3 that we wanted to go back for another week.

He had his hopes set on being in Steven's cabin since it was his last year,

but before we took him, he said he would love to be in any of the guys' cabins because 

he loved them all.

However, this picture speaks for itself when we realizes that he IS in Steven's cabin for the week!

So, we took the boy IN THE POURING RAIN to cabin 4

and got him unloaded and set up . . . 

right. by. Tucker.

They are so excited to be at camp and I know they are going to have a wonderful time!

Toad Hunting . . . Duck Dynasty Style

Damon and I were cleaning out the flower beds the other day and noticed this sweet

toad had made his home among the bushes.  Carter proceeded to catch it "just like Jase."

He named in Jase in honor of the Duck Dynasty star and then let him go - 

after much convincing from us!!!

Raindrops on Roses . . . Whiskers on Kittens . . .

Bright cooper kettles . . . 

and warm woolen mittens . . . 

Brown paper packages tied up with string . . .

These are a few of my favorite things.

Last night I had a few of my favorite people over for a "Favorite Things" party.

I had seen a picture from one and had seen the idea floating around on pinterest, so I decided to give it 

a try.  

Some people have been asking how things went, so here is the low down. . .

I invited my friends and asked them to bring

1.  their favorite dish

2.  5 of their favorite item (1 item that is your favorite - bring 5).

When they arrived, they were greeted with my favorite pattern right now - chevron - in some 

of my favorite colors!!!!

They placed their favorite foods on the table and then filled out 5 of these cards that would

be used to determine who would get what later on in the night.

I made each guest one of these bags to hold their goodies from the night. 

We all enjoyed such wonderful food and fellowship.

Then, we unveiled our favorite things and who would get them.

I got caught up in the action, so some of the pictures aren't the best.

LB came to the party.  She was so excited about it!
She brought $5 Sonic cards!

Bridget brought Rosebud Salve for 5 lucky guests.

Ashley stressed the most about her gift but did a great job!
She incorporated her favorite things into the gift wrap as well!
She brought coupon holders, coupons, car air freshener, etc.

Cherri brought Bath & Body Works Hand Soap!!! 

Janet shared her favorite thing - shopping for accessories - at her new
favorite store - Rue 21.  She brought the cutest bracelet's!!!!

Melissa brought Wickles pickle relish and pepper rings!!!
She did not think everyone would appreciate it, but we did!!!

Melanie shared her favorite thing - plants!!!
She brought the prettiest flowers - Lantana.

Sasha brought Ulta nail polish and chapstick!  They were such cute colors!
Everyone who got them LOVED them!!

After someone would unveil their favorite thing, they would draw 5 slips of paper (making sure it wasn't their own name or someone's name twice).  Those 5 people would get that person's favorite thing.  So, everyone left with 5 different items. 

Everyone had such a great time that we are already planning to have another one - this time with a theme!! The possibilities are just endless with what you could do with this party and your closest friends!!!

A Beautiful Night for a Ballgame

We are always up for a baseball game, and Dollar Night at the Jackson Generals is always

a hit.  We get our tickets from Stephen, but dollar hot dogs, drinks and popcorn?  Sign me up!!!!

We went with my aunt, uncle, Tonya and Keegan this night, and had a blast!!

Carter got to meet some of the Tennessee Smokies (Cubs AA team).

The kids just enjoyed being together and loved talking ball during the whole game!

Isn't this just beautiful!!!!

This was my protection for the night from foul balls. I did not feel too safe!

The Generals were losing and were NOT putting in Stephen much to my chagrin.

Our family is a huge believer of the rally cap and Carter tried to help out a bit

but it didn't help . . . 

We were super pumped when we bought a pack of Generals baseball cards and whose card happened

to be in there - STEPHEN'S!!!!!!!!

Despite the Generals' loss . . . 

Despite the fact that Stephen did not pitch . . . 

It was a great night for baseball.

but when isn't it a great night for baseball?