Church Camp Round II: Cornerstone

Cornerstone was a new experience for the kids this year and I prayed it would be a good one.  After all, it would take a lot to live up to Burnt Cabin.   They were excited to stay on a college campus and I think it lived up to all they thought it would be and more.  The kids have always talked about going to OSU but came home truly excited about a college experience, as well as noting that OC could be good fit for them.  Delaney thinks living in a dorm wouldn't be all that bad and Baylor is excited about intramural sports! 

It proved to be an amazing week where they served at a food bank and also were able to make some new friends from Park Plaza, as well as kids from other churches.  They hope to attend again next year.  I'm going to need to take a second job just to afford their summer camps. 

We are very excited about the kids joining Park Plaza's youth group.  

 As soon as the kids left for church camp, we hit the lake for some adult time!  

Father's Day

The kids always enjoy time with their cousins.  

 This was the kids attempt at recreating a picture from several years ago.

Dallas

Since we were in Dallas for Delaney's cheer camp, we decided to stay a couple more days for a mini-vacation.  We shopped, ate out, took in some sun at Hurricane Harbor, and discovered Top Golf. It was a nice get away.

Jax actually tried a burger at IN and OUT. He ate about half but said he liked it. 

Cheer Camp

Delaney returned home from church camp around 11 on Saturday.  Bag for camp had to be ready to load the bus by 2 on Saturday, so we did quick loads of laundry and threw her suitcase together.  Less than 24 hours, 5:30 a.m to be exact, she had to be at the High School ready to leave for Cheer Camp.

On Tuesday, we received word that Delaney had won All American Cheerleader, which is given to only a few select girls attending camp.  We also left Tuesday evening to head to Dallas so we could watch the girls perform on Wednesday. 

Excited to see her do her thing this fall.  It's going to be so different from competitive cheer but hoping she can find joy and content with creating school spirit.  

Burnt Cabin 2016

I'm pretty sure that a week at Burnt Cabin is more heavily anticipated that even Christmas.  It's all they can talk about as the week approaches and all they talk about in the weeks afterwards.  

Jabin couldn't make it this year, so they made a Jabin puppet.

Monday evening, I received a call from Baylor informing us that he'd made the decision to be baptized. It was difficult being so far away and only having a phone conversation but we decided we go up on Wednesday, as he insisted he wanted it to be done at camp.  

Seeing Rick baptize our son and seeing so many people surround Baylor in love was an amazing moment and one I won't ever forget.  We are so proud of his decision and know he will only continue to grow. 

Grateful that Sherri and Russell were able to make it. 

Not only blood brothers, but brother's in Christ. Love them so much!!!

The friendships and joy they feel at camp are beyond words.  Baylor posted this picture on instagram, stating he was with the best people, at the greatest place on earth.  I think that sort of sums up how they feel.

And, yes... while the kids were away, the adults had to play.  Well, at least for one evening. 

Treasure Hunt

The kids have shared a cell phone since the beginning of 5th grade, when they began to spend some time alone at the house.  Of course throughout their sixth grade year, they reminded us often that they were the only kids in the middle school without cell phones.  I think they were probably expecting something for their birthday but because we knew the kids would be moving in different directions this summer, we decided to go ahead and make it a surprise.

I will say there has been some definite advantages.  I can typically get a hold of them, unlike when they shared a phone.  I can also actually know who is typing a text to me!

Praying that they will use their cell phones responsibly as we head into the school year.

Walking with God

The Sunday after Easter, Jax came into my room late one evening after he had gone to bed.  He asked, "Mom, can I talk to you about something?"

I of course said, yes, but also braced myself for what he was about to share as I could tell it was going to be big.  Jax emotially explained that he felt he was ready to be baptized.  He cited reasons and that he had even taken his bible to school recently to study scriptures.  I was overjoyed but also cautious in making sure he understood his choice. We had visited Park Plaza that day and Jax was insistent that he be baptized at Broken Arrow, which I fully agreed with.  That evening, I prayed that this would be Jax's decision and not influence Delaney or Baylor into making a decision that they might not be ready for.

The next day, I discussed Jax's decision with Delaney and Baylor and they both agreed that this was Jax's moment and didn't show any interest, only expressing joy for their brother.  Rick felt like his Dad would enjoy the honors, as he never got to baptize his own children.  And of course, Russell was thrilled.

So, on Sunday, April 10th, surrounded by family and friends, Jax was baptized.

Video

He has grown up, literally and figuratively so much in the past 6 months.  I'm am so proud of him.  Watching your children grow is definitely bittersweet.