It has been awhile..................

Life gets busy and we often don't take time to do the things we intend.  This past week, I spent a week at Sardis Lake Christian Camp with 175 people from 8 years old and up.  We stayed extremely busy but also had some great lesson and down time to reflect.

The accommodations were rustic! :) but the bonds were strong.

Ga-ga ball was a big hit! The pit was always full.

Clean up was a daily event and we worked together.

The judge passed out swift and fitting judgement for offenders. 

Cabin challenges often included sports and always had stakes to fulfill.

Devotions, spiritual growth and discussion groups were an important part and the focus of the week.

Many tarzans were found this week!

Each night ended with devotions and were led by the girls in the cabin.

Cabin checking often had surprises.

Like a band of wild animals threatening your life.

A walk to the Pointe was one of the highlights and included devo time and singing.

and God's creation was marvelous!

Some consequences of losing challenges were worse than others.  Have you ever washed a 13yo boy's sweaty feet?

One of my favorite spots was here at 10pm when the singing seemed to fill the whole world.

Super Hero theme night was a lot of fun as

We were not without injuries!  Slip and Slides can be dangerous!

and Superheros were welcome!

The world's greatest super hero, Jesus, was there all week and convicted many in ways that were needed.  This was one of my favorite events.

Friday night's lesson was emotional and touched many to examine the choices they make every day.

and I met and spent time with some of the most AMAZING people!

367 days until we meet here again!

Please take some time to listen to this music if you can:

kitchen kitchen!

This is my original kitchen............exciting, no??????????

Friday a box of this came...............

Second phase kitchen project............

My husband used his super powers to fuse the back splash.............LOL

We had to argue about this quite a bit!  :)

 

Now.............the new pictures........

 Cedar installed and backsplash in.......

Right hand view.........

Pretty accurate photo of the back splash color....

My new kitchen! Exciting, no??????????????

This is copper with brushed bronze.........

a whole new me..........

In January, I joined a group of ladies on a weight loss resolution.  We have challenged, supported, fussed at, and prodded each other to continue our journeys.

As of this month, I have lost 30 pounds (54 pounds now since 2008) and over 37 inches when you total all the areas.

I went yesterday with a good friend and neighbor and started a new wardrobe.  The items I bought were 14's and 16's.

When I came home, I started emptying out my closets and drawers.  I have 31 items that are 2-3 sizes too big.  No wonder I was feeling frumpy!

I am not finished by any stretch of the imagination but I feel like I may be about halfway to my goal.  :)

more and more and more.........

All of the inside walls in the public areas are covered in cedar.  We still need to do the back splash in the kitchen and the laundry room and two closets in cedar.  We also have to finish the porch and cedar siding on the outside.

Kitchen Before:

 

Kitchen After:

Kitchen walls in Cedar:

Bedroom Before:

Bedroom in Cedar:

Living Room Before:

Living Room in Cedar:

Dining Room Before:

Dining Room in Cedar:

I think that is enough pictures for this entry.  Will post outside changes in the next one.  Enjoy!

Art work..............

This was given to me as a gift..................................what are your thoughts???????

Science Center......

Terry and I went on a field trip with the 6th grade class to the science museum.  I wasn't sure how the kiddos would do since they had been there in third grade.  I was surprised at how much more interested they were in how things worked.  Of course we still had to have fun.........like getting eaten by a larg mouth bass:

The fish were beautiful but I did not have much time to photograph them as the boys were off and going again.

This one was funny as could be.....you are riding a virtual bicycle being chased by a dinosaur.  If the dinosaur catches you, it tells you that you are extinct.  If you out run the dinosaur, it tells you that you survived!

Hurricane force winds are no big deal for Mississippi boys!

Sending smoke signals..........

This looked challenging and fun and scary all at once.  Only 2 of the 4 boys would try it.

The guy is the tallest in the class but I didn't realize how tall he was!  LOL

And his partner who was just a little shorter:

This machine is what all parents need!  A bed of nails!

I had a really good time watching them explore.  I am glad I chose to go!