A place where lives change!

Our family had an AMAZING time at Miracle Camp! I can't even share with you all of the activities that we participated in or what we learned, but I can give you a small glimpse :)

There is something about this place...it's hard to explain. The staff is so hospitable and they have the gift of serving, no doubt. The counselors this summer are so sweet and most definitely enjoy kids! All 3 of our Houdinis came back from each session with something to share...a scripture they read, a fun game they played, or something funny that was said. Adrianna informed me several times that 'her Shannon (one of her student leaders),' was her favorite teacher. Gabe told me that one of his teachers told him that he thought he was so special, he could be given as a present (he's still talking about that one).

Not only did we have tons of family time, without any distractions (no laundry, cleaning, cooking meals, etc.), but we were also lead in several sessions by an outstanding speaker. The topic...controlling the tongue. I always do it...assume, when I hear the topic at an event like this, that I can 'sit this one out.' I don't need to control my tongue...I have a 'clean' mouth. Uhhhhh...not really! Not the case! After hearing, through biblical examples, what harm our mouths can cause, I came to the realization that my words most frequently cause harm to many people...and mostly the people that I love. I've never thought about it before...the tone of my voice when I ask the kids to do something (repeatedly), the sarcasm that I often think is so necessary, or my frequent exaggerations...most often when something upsets me and I'm retelling the story (gotta make it sound more intense). Of course, gossipping is something that I struggle with, too. And I felt very convicted about something this week...IT'S STILL GOSSIPPING, EVEN IF I'M ONLY TELLING MATT!

There's good news and bad news in all of this. The bad news: I left Miracle Camp with a huge list of things that I want to change about myself, which means that I have a lot of work ahead of me. The good news: I left Miracle Camp with a huge list of things that I want to change about myself AND I plan on changing!

Thanks again, to the Boylands, for introducing us to this place! Can't wait to go back!

We're here!

Walking into this lobby was such a relief! Not only was it cool, but it was also filled with the smells of what we'd be eating for the next meal. Gabe told me on the way home that this room was his favorite room because he knew when we were in there, we'd soon be eating a meal! He's always thinking about his belly :)

Playing this game with the kids made me feel like a kid again, too!

That's my Nater...the dare devil!

This is my big boy, Gabe! Hardly hesitated before hopping off that 50 foot tower!

Go, Matt!!!

For Nate, this was a different story...he was a little frightened, looking down. It took him a few times before he had the nerve to jump off. Once he did it, though, he was hooked and jumped 3 more times!

Yes, I jumped, too, and this is my rather smooshy hootie strapped in that harness (It looks more smooshy than usual in that belt). The picture won't win any prizes, but I needed record that this Mama can keep up with her boys!!!

Wanna know what we did almost every second that we were at camp? Sweat, sweat, SWEAT!!! But it was all worth it! And I beg to differ with this forcast...I think it felt WAYYYY hotter than 115!

Sweetheart!

Another sweetheart...and his lucky wife!

I guess this is what Matt did while I was trying to get Adri to take a nap. He came back to the room all sweaty and completely exhausted. I assumed it was because the boys kept him busy...now...I'm not buying that!

This is Adri's mean face. We saw it most of the way home tonight. She kept telling us that she didn't want to go back to the Indiana house and that she'd rather go back to the camping city :) We had such a great time!