This year the middle school and high school winter camps were the same weekend. Stop and read that again. The Same Weekend. As in, the same weekend.
Note to the church youth leaders -
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! You are the best ever. Thank you for loving my (occasionally? often?) moody, goofy, beloved children. Thank you for playing crazy games with them. Thank you for modeling a Christ-centered life before them. Thank you for listening to them and rebuking them and leading them. Thank you for being serious at times and wild and messy at other times.
Thank you for scheduling things so all three of my children went to camp at the same time.
I wish I could pay you each a million dollars each. Or at least bring you a basket of apples
I should have bought this whole basket of apples and the flowers.
I was gone on Friday when Daniel, David and Sarah were dropped off at church. Normally I follow them around and take pictures of the groups of eager students and all the piles of sleeping bags and suitcases. Thankfully one of the other moms snapped a quick shot in the parking lot and forwarded it to me.
A forwarded picture, however, can only capture so much. My little mama’s heart wanted to be there when the kids came home. Normally I’m more than willing to let Tim run and pick up the children from church events or have Daniel drive everyone. But I missed those rascals. I’m not ready for an empty house. A weekend was long enough (well, almost). I knew they would be coming home, tired and wearing their camp shirts, surrounded by their friends. I wanted to hug them and take pictures of them and stand around with other moms and dads, eager to have their weary (and potentially 3 days unshowered) kids home.
My sweetie – picking out some fresh tomatoes for dinner.
Tim was very kind and took me off on a little date to buy some fruits and veggies on our way to pick up the children at church. I love that man! He is so kind and patient with me, especially when I am sentimental and silly at times.
Shopping for fruits and veggies with my sweetie makes me happy.
And there they were. Just as I expected. Tired and sweet. Thankful to be picked up. Suitcases full of dirty clothes. Ragged plastic bags holding sleeping bags. Vans of leaders and teens. Parents emerging from waiting cars. Lots of hugs.
David and Zachary – too tired to stand up.
Love these two kids!
Daniel and Jordan – glad to be home!
Beautiful middle school girls!
At home Daniel went for a walk – needed some alone time. David and Sarah ate supper, started laundry, took showers. We listened to stories, looked at their camp journals, and listened some more.
My sweet Sarah
Later Rachel called and had a LONG talk with David and Sarah while they unpacked and settled down for the night. I love hearing their voices as they connect with their big sister. Then Daniel got on the computer and Joshua popped online. The boys went on to have a LONG conversation. Oh my word, my heart is full to the brim. To see my older children pour into their younger siblings. To trust that they give godly counsel and encouragement. To know that they want them to love the Lord and serve Him. To know that they want to hear the details and know what questions to ask.
Blessings Abundant.
Welcome home, Camp Kids. Sleep well.
Project 365 – Day 53
Kathy
Such sweet mama thoughts! As they say, “I feel ya!” Those times of the kids’ own caring for each other and building each other up — precious beyond price! Worth every single moment of parenting worry, weariness and frustration , right?
Life is very, very good. Loved this post.
That was a great camp! I had a blast!
Camp was fun, but I was glad to be home and sleep in my own bed
Loved reading this and loved the pics! I could actually feel your excitement and love for your hubby, your kids, your church, and your God!!!