Out of My Comfort Zone

After 17 years of marriage, I have finally relented to let my dh buy a motorcycle. I have been against motorcycles for years. In the neighborhood I grew up in, everyone has either been crippled or died from motorcycle accidents. (Over half a dozen people! )

Now with the gas prices at $4.32 a gallon, my dh has brought up the motorcycle option. He is so sweet! He used to have a motorcycle before we were married, but sold it at my wish. He has blessed me by playing along with my wishes for these many years.

Now I need to grow up and trust God to take care of my dh. As he has told me, "If it is my time to go, it won't matter what I'm driving." I know it is true. I need to put aside my fear. I just don't want to lose him kwim?

Someone stole my bike!!

I'm so frustrated! We got home from family camp last Friday, and my husband took all six of our bikes out of the back of his truck and put them in the open carport. We have never had any trouble with anything getting stolen in our neighborhood. I just went outside to ride my bike and it's gone! All the rest of the bikes are there, but mine.

I'm sad because I've had that bike for nearly 17 years. Dh and I took some money my boss gave me and bought matching bikes for our wedding present. It was sentimental among other things. It was in practically new condition, as I hadn't been riding it extensively since I was either pregnant or had little ones!

I'm just now getting to a point in my life that I can ride my bike, and now it's gone. I'm sad. We don't have the funds to buy a new one.

Sometimes I get so tired of this old world...

I believe I can fly!!!

There is this great company called Challenge Air. We heard about them through the Starlight Starbright Foundation. They have a program where seriously ill kids can take a day and go flying! We all got to go up in the planes as a family, since we have two kids that are seriously ill. Each kid can have two guests. Josiah went up with Mike and Joseph and Christalin went up with Joshua and I. The kids had such a great time! I had never been up in a little airplane before. We were able to fly over Everett for half an hour. The pilot let Christalin and Josiah fly the plane too! It was a real rollercoaster ride for us until Christalin got the hang of it!! It was so incredible! Unfortunately, the batteries died on my camera, so I only got pictures of Josiah's crew on the plane. I was bummed. It was an incredible day. I can't wait until next year! Thank you Challenge Air!

Captain Critter & Sergeant Slime

At camp this year, Josiah was asked to be Sergeant Slime. Captain Critter is a Marine biologist and Assistant Scoutmaster who loves to teach kids about nature. This year they went on a hike and explored some of God's creation. The talk came about survival, and Captain Critter had a surprise for us the next day! He brought crickets and wax worms for our tasting pleasure! It was a hoot! The poor worms slithered around on the grill, while the crickets tried to hop away. We all had to taste them. Once you got past the thought of cricket heads and guts oozing between your teeth, they weren't half bad! The crickets tasted like sunflower seeds and the worms tasted, ummm, I'm not sure. Some of the kids thought they tasted like french fries!

Family Camp!

One of my kid's very favorite things to do is Family Camp. No matter what we do in the summer, it wouldn't be summer unless we go to Family camp. The older boys have Boyscout camp that has always ended up on the same week. However, given the choice, they slways choose family camp. What do we do at family Camp? Well, there's archery (taught by dh), swimming, canoeing, paddle boating, skits, tree climbing, excavator running, slip n slide, games, Country store, hiking, crafts, biking, teaching, yummy food three times a day that I didn't have to cook, friends, and freedom. Since the camp is just our church on a private campground on a private lake, I feel comfortable letting the kids explore. This is a growing thing for me, but it probably is one of the most favorite things for the kids. It is a relaxing week for all of us. We even brought my hammock and I was able to take a nap in the shade with no worries. Aaaahhh... can't wait until next year!

Drama camp!

For the past two weeks, Josiah, Joshua and I have been in a drama camp at church. I was listed as one of the instructors, but I learned a lot right along with the kids! The days were long 8:30-3:00, but filled with fun games and challenging parts. The kids had their performance of Aladdin last Thursday night. They really did an amazing job! I can't believe they were able to get all their lines, songs and dance steps down in such a short time! Josiah played the part of Iago. Joshua played a guard. They are pretty tired now, but they had such fun. They definitely want to go to camp next year as well.