Blaze Winter Retreat

This year, as sponsors, Jeremy and I joined the girls for the youth winter retreat at Camp Luz.  The high school girls stayed in one cabin with Suzanne and I.  The middle school girls were in another with Courtney.  The boys were also split by age.  It started on Friday night with some mixer games and worship. The speaker for the weekend was excellent, although his name escapes me. 

We went to get ready for bed or ready for night time activities.  Our cabin was cold.  Like really cold.  So, I went home and got our electric space heater.  I started it and the thermostat read 46F.  We ran that thing all night and it only got up to 47F.  My bunk was near the door and a window, and I just tried to stay warm.  But I wasn’t really sleeping, so then I had to go to the bathroom – twice! – which required walking outside.  I hardly had to bundle up though because I already had on so many layers to sleep. 

Saturday morning actually set record lows (actual temps of –12F with feel like temps at –20F) which helps (kinda) explain our cabin situation… except that Ellie’s cabin was so hot, they were shedding layers at night! 

Saturday was cold, but fun.  Filled with worship, delicious camp food, laughter, a photo scavenger hunt, hanging out, playing games, and more.  Some pictures of the fun.

    

Saturday night was warmer (the air temp as well) in our cabin, plus Jeremy gave me the 30degree mummy bag.  I actually shed my socks and my long sleeves!  The thermostat was in the mid-50s on the space heater.

Sunday finished up with worship before heading home.  It was a good weekend together as a group.

    

Oh, the many things….

It snowed.  I mean it really snowed.  Like it snowed almost a foot of snow.  It was also cold.  Like really cold.  So cold we called off school – multiple days.  The snow was beautiful and deep and I loved it.  Strangely, for the first year in awhile, I did not get out to go sledding.  However, I did shovel lots of snow.  In January, we had school for only 11 days.  11 days!  Crazy. 

The girls put on a fun, just-for-themselves fashion show.  Here are a few fun pics.

    

And the snow….

         

Of course, that much snow would be wasted if you didn’t make snow ice cream… multiple days in a row.

And the cutest scruffy dog in the house  While he enjoys the snow, this was difficult.  He was very frustrated while trying to find a place to go poop – can’t go in the deep snow, doesn’t want to go on the sidewalk or the street – oh, the dilemma!  The driveway/sidewalk was good enough occasionally, and thankfully, some people had shoveled snow in the yard for their dogs and Pepper could go there!

         

For your enjoyment, me on Wacky Wednesday at school.

Keep the Party going!

Jen and Arturo surprised the girls with a birthday gift to choose a sweatshirt out from The Strand Bookstore or a gift card.  They both jumped at a chance to get some souvenir swag from NYC.  They cuddled up on the chair sporting their shirts.

We usually go out as a family to celebrate the girls birthdays.  We finally made it happen by going to BJs Brewhouse.  We enjoyed a tasty meal.  The girls topped it off with a tasty pazookie (hot cookie sundae). 

Until next year…

Power of the Pen

Ellie had a unique opportunity at school this year.  Occasionally, Dalton has had a Power of the Pen team.  We had one when I was in school, and then they have had it for one or two years since I have taught there.  This year, there was some interest in 7th grade, and they opened it up to 7th and 8th graders.  So, Ellie signed up and really enjoyed it. 

She and her teammates went to Ashland Middle School to compete on a Saturday.  They had 3 writing sessions that each lasted 45 minutes.  They were given a prompt and then told to creatively write.  (This is Mrs. Palmer with the 7th and 8th grade teams.)

By the end of the morning, they were exhausted, but Ellie had so much fun! She would have loved to participate for two years, but only got one.  While she didn’t win any awards, the experience was enough.  We are proud of her for trying something new. 

Ellie with her 8th grade team (Colton Nussbaum, Mary Nussbaum, and Ellie.)

Happy Birthday, Ellie!

The big 1-4.  Somehow that seems much older than 13.  I don’t know if it is that or that you will be in high school next year (which is this age year). 

We had Grandma and Grandpa over for white Texas sheet cake, your latest sweet addiction. 

         

You choose to have a friend party.  You started with a big group sharing supper and dessert.  Then, you all went to the boys’ basketball game.  Finally, you came home with 2 of them in tow for a sleepover.

It is so fun to watch you grow up.  You love to laugh, play with make-up and hair, tell stories, share thoughts, and be involved.  If there is ever a spare moment and a friend is free, you want to hang out.  While it makes for some louder moments at our house, I wouldn’t trade that!  It is a joy to be a part of all of it!

An Official Driver!?!?

Well, when you turn 16, there is a big step into adulthood that happens.  And you made it happen.  You did the classes – 24 hours online!  You took the permit test, and you passed!  You drove with Mr. Henley – 8 hours!  You drove us everywhere and nowhere – 50 hours!  You climbed in the car at the driving test station, drove the roads, and maneuvered the car through cones – and you passed!

It is so awesome!  You have your purse to carry your wallet and your keys.  You have a car to tool around in. 

We can send you to practices and school without us.  You can run to Wild Fox and take your sister!  All the fun things. 

I love this for you.  And I love this for us as a family.  Congratulations!!

Happy Sweet 16th, Madison!

It has come upon us so quickly.  You were just given to us, and now look at you! 

Our celebration really took place when we ventured to NYC over Christmas. 

She didn’t want a friend birthday party, but she did decided to take some friends skiing.  So, I loaded her, Jaida, Addie, and Gretta up and we headed to use their ski passes at Snow Trails.

Then, we really scaled back with a low-key New Year’s Eve with just our family.  You chose lasagna for supper and ice cream with chocolate pudding for your dessert that night. 

          

Grandma and Grandpa brought over chocolate coffee cake to celebrate one night.  (Grandma was embarrassed by the way the 16 in chocolate syrup turned out, but it tasted delicious.)  She opened up a beautiful wildflower Lego bouquet.

    

Then, Grandma and Grandpa took you out for your sweet 16 talk of wisdom.  You indulged in Olive Garden and a decadent dessert.

You have grown into such a beautiful young lady.  Finding a space in the musicals and drama performances.  Gritting out and showing growth in volleyball and track.  Working your tail off as you keep up with the academics that is your sophomore year.  Getting your driver’s license!! Starting catechism classes at church to grow in your spiritual walk.  And soon you will be visiting colleges!  We are so proud of you – for all these accomplishments, but also for your heart… your kindness and thoughtfulness, your creativity, your homebody spirit and your willingness to adventure out to try new things!