Note To Self

The word is out...Alana LOVED camp, and she did pretty well, all things considered. She had a blast and even showered everyday. ;) When we got to The Wilds to pick her and Nathanael up, they were having breakfast. I had to sneak a peak. I spotted her cramming french toast into her mouth, giggling, and generally causing an uproar at her table. She was wearing a hot pink stripped shirt with one of her dressy skirts. Oh, dear! She said that this outfit was all she had that was dry. Oh, my! Later, upon entering the little cabin full of Mommies, sisters, and little girls, I could not believe the huge mess! It had rained all week, so every one's wet, muddy clothes were in big plastic bags. Suitcases were lying open, clothes strewn willy nilly. I thought to myself that it would be a miracle if we got all Alana's clothes back to Lincoln, and was pretty sure that we would end up with some other little girl's undies or towel or something. Mikayla helped Lanie pack up, since there wasn't room in that tiny cabin for one more Mom. Back at home, as I unpacked, most everything went straight into the washer, and I noticed that a bunch of stuff in the suitcase was damp. When I asked her why things inside the suitcase were damp she said, "Oh, yeah, note to self...Never put your wet swimsuit into your suitcase with your dry clothes. It causes problems later."

The Wilds Again

Well, we took our other two kiddos to Bible camp this week. They lucked out a both got to stay in a cabin, not a tent, although how is beyond me. We just got the paperwork faxed last week. This is Alana's first time, and Nathanael's last time as a Jr. camper. Next year he gets to go to teen week. How is this possible?!! I was a bit worried about leaving Alana, since she is still quite young acting, but by the time we were leaving, she had a whole following of little girls. As we were walking down to the car, she was high fiving Bob Roberts. haha. I guess those are good signs that she was ready. We are excited that the kids get to hear Bob Roberts speak this week. He is the creator of Kids4Truth, our Bible club material. It is doctrine based and loads of fun. We are praying that they have a blast and learn a lot! Mikayla is enjoying being an only child this week, too. Ter and I will go to pick them up on Friday.

Alana is in the same cabin as one of my old roomie's kids.

As soon as Nathanael met his counselor, he was off, and we couldn't find him. When we did, he was already enjoying a game with a new friend.

Meeting Bob Roberts and her counselor.

Father's Day in Heaven

While I miss Dad this Father's Day, he is in Heaven visiting with other family and friends that are there with him, and enjoying things that I cannot even comprehend. While I cry, because for a split second, a gift came to mind for him... then I remembered that he is gone, he is enjoying the gift that is above all gifts. While we worship in the best way that we know how, and we think that Dad would have enjoyed hearing us sing that hymn, Dad is worshipping at the very feet of Jesus, and hearing music more beautiful than we can fathom. How could any Father's Day here on earth ever compare?

These thoughts bring some comfort, and yet the tears keep falling. I realized a long time ago that Dad was my biggest fan, and I sure could have used some of his encouragement today!

On Saturday, I drove down to New Hampshire to get Mikayla from Bible Camp. When I first arrived, she was nowhere to be seen, so I ended up wandering around for a bit. A man stopped and asked if he could help me. I told him that I was looking for my daughter, Mikayla Upcott. The man said, "Oh, Pastor Campbell's granddaughter, right?" I have ceased being surprised when I am miles away from home and someone knows Dad, but all I could do was nod. He told me what church he went to and how he knew Dad, but I was so busy swallowing the lump in my throat and hoping he didn't ask how he was, that I don't remember what he said. I still don't know why it was suddenly such an emotional thing this time because I have talked to many people who knew Dad since he went Home without any difficulty, but this time it was. On the way home, Mikayla shared with me that she had met people that knew Grandpa. One of the girl's mothers had worked with Uncle Chris at Camp Northfield. During the sermon on Sunday, my eyes wandered to a nearby passage.Proverbs 20: 7 "The just man walketh in his integrity; his children are blessed after him." How fitting for my experience and thoughts on Father's Day! Although, I realize that my thoughts typed out here are a bit rambling...oh, well, it's my blog, so I can ramble all I want!

I miss you, Dad, more than I ever thought possible! Happy Father's Day in Heaven!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day, Papa! We love you very much! Your kids think the world of you, and your wife thinks you are the best Dad in the world! You work very hard to take care of us, and we want everyone to know that we love you for that.

Love,

Alana, Nathanael, and Mikayla

and Jen, of course!