Q and M Camp- Quarantine Edition & Whitewater Center Trip

This post will cover 2 weekends...

After many child reminders that Queenie and Mantis Camp had not bee scheduled this summer,

it happened.

Displaying the signage.

The 8 cousins arrived and Q and M's house for Cousin Camp!  

Miss Esme' loves Hunter.  So sweet.

Here are some pictures from this year's camp which did not include the full itinerary of last summer's camp but the kids still had a blast.

Mantis and Queenie with the Great Eight.

The craft was creating kites out of paper and then competing

Bennett demonstrating the kite

And because I was not blogging last year, here are some pictures from Q and M Camp '19.

Q and M Camp Summer 2019

Thanks Mantis and Queenie for loving on these kiddos so well.

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This past weekend, Nolan planned for the family to go to Whitewater Center for a fun day rafting and "adventuring". Queenie stayed behind since they have the new puppy (Oh gosh!  I havent blogged about Oak... soon.)  

The group

Unfortunately, what we refer to as "the littles", couldnt participate as you have to be 8 to do most of the fun stuff.  So, Mantis and I volunteered to sit it out this time and watch Bennett, Esme, and Eva.  We stayed busy and even snuck in a surprise visit to GrandmaDeans.to get out of the heat for a bit :) 

I couldnt get pictures of the group rafting but they all had a great time with Nolan and Tarra both getting tossed from the raft.  They also ziplined and one group did a couple ropes courses.  The last activity of paddle boarding got weathered out.

Killed at least 40  minutes climbing the tree

At the end of the day, we discovered a place the "littles" could at least get wet.

Mantis, the ultimate gamer. FYI- He beat them.

It was such a fun day.  I look forward to going again with me and Bennett getting to "play."  Thanks for planning Nols.  Even though the activity was in a stricter Covid state, we were outside the whole time and it didnt feel Covidy at all.  It was gloriously refreshing.

Good Bye Swimmies and Hello Baptism

It feels slightly irreverent to be excited about getting rid of arm floaties and celebrating that Bennett can be baptized... but, that's where I am!!!

Where to begin?  Sometime last fall/ winter (this is why I should blog so I dont forget), Bennett tells me that he prayed to accept Jesus during Good News Club at school.  I will go ahead and be honest here- you can shame me later... but, I kind of wanted to have that honor as the older three all came to me about salvation.  But, pride be gone as the end result is the same!  I talked to Aunt Joan (Chad's aunt who helps during Good News Club) and she says that she thought Bennett seemed serious. 

As I have said before, I never want to over-complicate salvation but I want all my kids to know that salvation is NOT something they did or said.  Salvation is that Jesus chose them.  The "decision" as much of the church calls it, is really more of an affirmation- recognizing their inability.   You recognize that, but for the grace of God, you would be separated from God. 

I talked to Bennett that evening (again, dont know the season much less the date).  He told me that he prayed for God to forgive his sins and to save him. I gave him a hug and told him that I was proud of him. I also asked if I can pray for him and then he could close that prayer.  I told him the next step would be to tell our church and be baptized.  He said he wanted to wait a little bit on baptism because he didnt want to go under water....   you can see where this is going!

About two weeks ago, I was putting him to bed and he brought up being baptized again.  (He still would not put his head under water.)  I assured him that baptism is not what saved him and when he was ready, he could be baptized.

Well, wonders of wonders, last Thursday, July 2, he could not hold his breath underwater.  We went to the pool the next day and he literally holds his breath and starts swimming.  Six days later, he is full on diving (the only one of my kids that can dive.)  It is just the craziest thing!

I am so proud of Bennett.  He told me that is ready to be baptized.  I am proud that he recognizes that he is a sinner and that he needs a Savior.  I am proud that he conquered his fear of water. I am proud of the young man is becoming!

Thank you Jesus for instilling the Holy Spirit in each of these boys.  Please continue to speak clearly to them in a world that is full of unrest and chaos. Give Bennett clarity to stand up and do what is right, to love others, and follow You.  Amen.

Bennett, I often ask myself, "God, why did You pick me?"  And, I am sure that as you grow, you will ask similar questions.  God chose you for a purpose.  He chose you to do bring glory to Him.  He chose you "to go unto all the world."  We live in a pretty scary place.  But, you have access to God's armor!  You are ready, at the age of 7, to speak up and tell people about Jesus.  Lead by example and by words.  I love you B!  

Now, lets go toss those floaties!!!

A Hike and a Cold Swim

My middle brother and his kids invited us to go hiking/ swimming with them at a State Forest in NC.  We jumped at the chance!  

Awkward selfie group shot!  Look how big Oakley is getting!

Mantis, Queenie, and Oakley met us as well, we ate lunch, and then took a mini-hike to another waterfall.  

The adults!

It was packed!  My brother, ever chivalrous, let us unload and then had to park in "BFE".  The 8 kids (minus Ashton who just couldnt take the cold water) jumped into the water and swam/ climbed through a mini waterfall.  The weather was perfect and the kids had a blast.

Hunter and Aunt Anna having a laugh about something.

Hunt is such a good brother.  He jokingly call him "Daddy Hunter"  He made sure Bennett was safe on the rocks.

Nephews and Shep

Shep, he busted it about 10 times at this swimming hole and where they went to jump rocks.... Mr Clumsy

Ever brave, Bennett ventured where the big boys went.  I did not allow him to slide through the waterfall though!

Ashton did not even get into the water and he was cold!  Eva did get in but was just shivering!

I cant trash talk Ashton though because, as you can tell, I am dry too!  It was chilly water.

 There are many funny stories of us getting lost on the way, leaving the lunch in the car and having to hike to go get it, and mom driving around the parking lot endlessly trying to find a spot to park... but, we will pretend that it was perfect with no complications! :)

All the kiddos and a tired puppy

Thanks for the invite Z and A!  It will be smoother next time!

Testing Testing- 4th of July

I literally just took a deep cleansing breath before starting to type... it has been far too long my precious blog.  It feels easy to be writing again as I know there is absolutely no audience anymore! :)

There is no way to fill in the blanks of the last year and a half.... if I feel the urge, I may go back and hit some high points but for now, suffice it to say, we are in month 4 of Covid-19 with many big question marks still looming. 

I was skimming through some past blog entries and ran across this one from July 2016.  It seems so fitting for today as well, I have linked it here.

So in honor of July 4, this was our day.

Yesterday, we were able to celebrate our nation's birthday with Chad's family.  It looked a little different this year as the entire family did not get together to eat. The boys still got to swim with cousins and then we went to PapaHub and Grandma's to eat dinner and wait on fireworks. 

Cousins!

I snuck this picture... My mother-in-law with her sister and brother.  I love they Nancy and Richard are able to come to the family get togethers.

The golf course across the road had a firework show this year that definitely competed with the city's show and we got to enjoy right in front of the house!  Honestly, the finale left tears in my eyes as it just reminded me how much we have to fight for and we need to "stand firm."

Our pretty amazing seats for the fireworks.

My sweet and funny niece

Bennett and Joey loving the show

In other news, Bennett is swimming like a fish.  It literally clicked overnight.  He went from not wanting to put his head under on Monday to swimming the entire width of the pool on Friday!  Go figure! 

I thought I got a video of Bennett swimming but I apparently didnt hit record---- blame it on the sunlight.

It was a beautiful day reminding us to pray fervently for our nation.

Happy 4th!

Hunter - 13

Say it ain't so?!?!?!

Look how tall!

I think I am kind of being selfish over this one as I dont think I should be old enough to have a teenager!

Growing up so fast!

Besides his first 9 months of life, Hunter has been the a dream to raise.  I mean, the kid is just easy going, helpful, kind, and just quirky enough to be funny..

Swwet boys.  

He has shot up over this past year.  He is 5 ft 8 in!  He is wearing a man's 11 or 11 1/2 shoe. And he still has plenty of growing to do.  It is funny to watch your baby boy start turning into a well, a man.

Opening his presents... he also got  new phone.

He still wants me to tuck him in at night.  He laughs about it but will always wait for me to come with him.

Hunter lacks a ton of confidence which blows my mind because he has so much going for him... I think he is just feeling the result of having Ashton as a younger brother!  Hunter has started conditioning for soccer at the high school.  He has experienced, for the first time, being really sore.  haha!  I dont know if he will be able to make the JV team or not but the training is doing him good.

Some singing at Queenie's... We went to the Spiderman movie after dinner..

He works hard at school.  He had all A's and 1 B in Science the 1st 9 weeks.  I was proud of him but he was disappointed in the "B" (so unlike me).  He has worked even harder this 9 weeks and has a high "A's" in all his classes this 9 weeks.

Finally mowing!

Hunter is also in Beta Club and in MathCounts.  He says he is a Mathlete and likes to think of himself as an extension of The Big Bang.  He is so much cooler than he thinks... haha.

My boy

Hunter, you are such a great son and a wonderful brother.  I love you (in the high pitch voice we use at night.)

Happy 13th Birthday,
~Mom (I only shed a few tears the day before your birthday.)

Shepherd- 9

November came and went in such a flash!  My Shepadoodle turned 9.  I can barely believe he is just a year from 10.

He was actually trying to be silly in this one... too bad it turned out so good!  :) 

My sweet large- headed child!  The kid is strong as an ox... He can already pick me up and I'm not exactly a small thing.

Oh this kid is still quirky funny.  He is perplexing to some and funny to others.  His teacher said that when she is being funny and all the other kids are laughing, Shepherd is staring straight at her with a blank serious expression on his face.  If you know Shepherd, then you know the look and it is hysterically funny.  If you dont know Shepherd, then it is well... creepy.

And, this is typical Shepherd pic

I am trying to teach Shep when it is ok to be weird funny and when you just need to act normal.  haha!  Trials I didnt think about facing as a mom.

His favorite lemon-ice box pie... no candles so we used sparklers

Backseat riding with this crew

Shep's teacher also talks about how smart he is.  He and Ashton both had all A's the first nine weeks- the 2nd 9 weeks looks like it is going to be even better.  Shep's main issue in school is just being lazy.
Shepherd is still a pretty big whine, constantly saying SSTTOOPP to his brothers.  It drives me mad!  However, he is seriously the sweetest child and he would do anything for me.  He helps when asks and when I had a small fever last week, he took care of me. :)

Enjoying the snow day

Shepherd, you are a happy spot in my day.  You always give me big hugs which you really reserve for only me.  When I read to you at night, you always want me to lay down with you longer.  A few weeks ago, you came up with this song.  (Sing it to the Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood song.). "Close your eyes and think of something happy.  Like going to bed with your favorite son Sheppy."  It makes me laugh every time I sing it.

Enjoying some coffee before a Clemson football game!  My baby boys.

You got a new phone for your birthday which you love.  You have a daily time limit on it but you are enjoying it.

Happy Birthday Sheppy,
I love you more,
Mom

Ashton- 11

Ashton turned 11 in October.  It is funny to me, how for the most part, a baby's personality stays pretty consistent into childhood and so far into the double digit years.

He sits like a bird... perching... all the time.

Ashton with his loot.

Birthday brownies with homemade ice cream

Ashton is opinionated, strong-willed, mouthy, and a leader.  He takes life by the reigns and loves to be in the front to be first player to be the lead.  So far, at school, this has worked in his favor.  His teachers see him as proactive and responsible and a work horse.  His peers see him as a someone they should follow and listen to.

Charlee and Ashton''s Jr Beta Club Induction 

The boys... Bennett is pouting

At home though, oh at home.  He is in the middle of every little argument.  Even arguments he has no business being in!  He can get a reaction out of every single person and being in our house!  Even Moses will occasionally low growl at him when Ashton just keeps pestering him.  It really is a gift.

Example of Ashton bothering Moses.  Ashton kept taking Moses' toy and slinking it around.  Finally,  Moses pinned Ashton down.  He would not allow Ash to get up.  This went on for about 3 minutes.

My prayer for Ashton is two-fold.

1- Be Humble.  Apart from the grace of God, we are nothing.  Ashton has been given much and the Lord will require much.  I pray Ashton will realize his depravity apart from a gracious Savior.  I love seeing Jesus work in Ashton.  Though apologizing his hard for him, I see the Holy Spirit working it out in him.

2- To know when to stand up and when to lay low.  Whether at home or school or work, I pray Ashton will have wisdom and when to fight and when to lay it down.

Ashton, I love you.  You are doing so well in school.  It makes me laugh how much of a dumb blonde you are though.  This is one of those times I wish I had recorded some of the hysterical things you thought that were just not right.  You have had us rolling on numerous occasions this past year.

My skinny blonde baby!

May this next year lead you closer to Jesus.  Focus on Him and His path for you.

Happy Birthday
~Mom