Family Camp 2011 at the Bill Rice Ranch

There's alot I have to say (write) regarding our upcoming adoptions, but before I get into all of that, I HAVE to share about our week at Family Camp.

Not wanting to send our little ones off (without us) to camp, we were looking for an alternative, a place where we could have fun, build memories, and grow in the Lord TOGETHER.

And The Bill Rice Ranch did NOT disappoint us! :)

The food was fabulous (not to mention I didn't WASH ONE DISH for a whole week!) the activities were family-friendly and enjoyed by all....

But for me, the services were the best part. Uplifting, Godly music and congretational singing coupled with strong, practical preaching. My idea of a good time :)

Really, the Lord convicted my heart in many ways this past week.....one of the "best" messages was on a "Grumbling Spirit". Oh, how I needed this one! My heart is so quick to think of myself, of MY needs or wants, of MY inconveniences, of MY schedule, etc, etc....I repented of this complaining spirit and I am striving to be more sensitive to the needs of others, and less vocal about the needs of myself.

I would appreciate your prayers for me as I'm being stretched this year as never before. We're adding three precious girls to our home in one year, and Momma needs to be Spirit-filled to accomplish all I must accomplish in my husband and children's lives. More than anything, I desire to glorify HIM in every aspect of my life. I want my marriage, my parenting, my words, my actions and my very LIFE to point others to the Saviour.

All of HIM, none of ME is my prayer.

Anyway, take my word for it, the preaching was good, and I needed it.

We were so blessed to be able to attend camp with some dear friends of ours from church, the Lewis clan. Their four children are some of our children's dearest friends, and it was so much fun watching them interact this week. Roy and Angela and Brent and I enjoyed sweet fellowship (especially late at night!) and we're so glad we could go to camp together!

I know this is alot of pictures, but I just couldn't narrow it down to a "few", so I'm posting all of my favorites from the week....

Playing fuseball with Everett, Emily, and Elise

Angela Lewis with Gabbey (who is fascinated by jewelry!)

Mealtime....one of our favorite times of the day! :)

Everett, Nathaniel, Eliana, Emily, and Elise

Who's this cute cowboy? Must be Noah!

Brent's mom sent us some new matching dresses for camp. Such a blessing in these busy days when my time for sewing is very limited.

Love these girls so much!

Where's ETHAN? :)

There he is!

Friendship....

Gorgeous Gabriella Mei! She's walking really well now and thinks she's ALL GROWN UP. :)

Had to throw this one in, so you can see that my toddlers are not always smiling! Sometimes they are downright cranky, especially when they're exhausted from getting up early and going to bed late at camp....

All-in-all, it was a wonderful week.

So wonderful, in fact, that we already paid our deposit on next year's Family Camp! We think Johanna and Alyssia need to experience camp with us next year, don't you?  :)