• Do You Have a Quiet, Easy-Going Child? Making Them Feel Special

    Congratulations to the sweetest of daughters, my Serenity. I feel a little bit amazed today. Our sweet daughter Serenity has graduated from the 8th grade and will now be embarking on her high school education. This weekend at our homeschool convention, Serenity went through the commencement program that they plan for 7th-9th graders.  And you know what?  She loved it!! She enjoyed it so much that she wishes she could do it again. Now that’s a big surprise coming from her because she’s quiet and doesn’t like attention focused on herself.   After seeing Serenity’s reaction to her graduation, I was reminded me of a story Florence Littauer tells about her mother. Florence’s mother was…

  • Yes, This is My Last Post About the Subject – Youth Camp in Ohio – Part IV

    Saying goodbye to everyone after a great week, and leaving camp for the last time (it’ll be a new location next year), we were all in a state of contentment as we headed for Michigan to a friend’s high school graduation party when about 30 minutes later, we were stranded on the side of the road…  I’m still not sure what part went out – the idler arm pulley??  (I have been informed by my husband that there is no such thing as an idler arm pulley. However, he never did tell me what was the problem!) That ended up being a 2 1/2 hour stop.   Because of the storm…

  • Youth Camp in Ohio – Part III

    There are so many facets to camp that it can be hard to express what it means to me. I love seeing old friends (people I’ve known since I was a teenager) meeting new ones and seeing my little ones excited to go because they so enjoy all the activities geared just for them. They even have their own church services (it’s geared to ages 10-14 but Justus at age 9 understands, too). Camps are a wonderful opportunity to set aside the cares of life and put your focus on the Lord.  And when you turn your heart towards God, He never disappoints.  This year was such a blessing to me but even more important, the…

  • Youth Camp in Ohio 2012 – Part II

    At the youth camp there was always a lot going on. Volleyball, Basketball, Choir Practice, Sewing, Girls Only Talks on Modesty, Boys Only Talks, Campfire with Testimonies on 2 nights (one night it was just TOO HOT for a fire, so we stood around a fire pit that had wood minus the fire.  That worked, too. 🙂 ) I didn’t get pictures of all these things but here are some of the other activities that went on. Plenty to do for all ages, that’s for sure! I love seeing Justus and Audrey’s enthusiasm when they are planning to go to an activity. They are very aware of the time and they make sure…

  • Youth Camp in Ohio 2012 – Part I

    After our trip to British Columbia, you would think it was time to stay at home. But no, after 10 days we were back on the road again heading for a youth camp in Ohio. I was so looking forward to it. I love to stay at home but I also like to travel and this is one place I really enjoy going to each year. After 40 hours of driving (not counting the 1 night in a hotel), we arrived at camp. It’s was a happy reunion – seeing old friends and meeting up with family members. The picture just above this of the 3 little girls is a favorite of mine. I volunteer in the Snack Shack and have…