Oh hey...I should blog today before I go off and vanish for a couple
weeks. And this time I will try to hyperlink the pictures for you.
So
two weeks ago (like, not last week but the week before) was our first
family camp. It's where a bunch of families come and basically have
their family vacations at camp. Here's a quick, one-paragraph summary of
that week: Our support staff kept all of their positions, and those of
us who are counselors (hint: that's me) were given assignments every
day. During chapel time twice a day, we were all assigned either to the
nursery, the 2-5 year old chapel, or the youth chapel. That way, the
parents could focus on their adult chapel without worrying about little
kiddos. I spent most of my time in the 2-5 year old chapel. We played
some games, sang some songs (Father Abraham, Jesus Loves Me, those kind
of songs), listened to a Bible lesson, and made a craft. Then, during
the activity times, we were assigned a specific activity that we would
go run. Thatway the parents could split up from their little kids if
they wanted to, and they could go play soccer while small munchkins made
sand castles or drew chalk art on the basketball court. And during
mealtimes, the counselors were interspersed amongst the families to
assist where needed. So that's that.
Last week was the
first youth camp. Let me explain a tad how the youth camps are run. We
have two camps running concurrently, split up by age, and these two
camps are on totally different schedules. The 3-5th graders are called
Discoverers, and the 6-8th graders are the junior highers. So we've got our 4 little kids cabins and like 6 big kids cabins and we keep th elittle kids and big kids separated. I had a cabin
of 5 Discoverer girls. They were all 8 years old except for one nine
year old. Here we all are on Day 1: http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p768631268/h9b083e4#h9b083e4
Here they all are, getting ready for their swim tests: http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p768631268/h3c87a042#h3c87a042 In order from left to right, we have Mackenzie, Haley, Jade, McKayla, and Alicia.
So...our
theme for this summer is Superheroes. Which means that each cabin makes
up its own superhero at the beginning of the week, and then later on in
the week, they have the kids dress up their counselor as the superhero,
and then take pictures of it...and then put them online. Last week, my
cabin's superhero was unfortunately Crazy Penguin. I'll let the picture
say the rest :P http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p556944517/h1f450759#h1f450759
And this is all of us Discoverer counselors, portraying our
superheroes, Jordan as Banana Man, Vanessa a Raunbow Woman, me as Crazy
Penguin, and Luke as Oak Man: http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p556944517/h1f450759#h786b77c
We had a pizza party one of the nights: http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p556944517/h2703f486#h2703f486
Playing gopher ball... http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p556795851/h2997aeee#h2997aeee
This is a water game that somehow turned into "Get the staff!!" I got soaked. Completely. http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p548221800/h32849c20#h32849c20
Obstacle course: http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p548221800/h20cf8dff#h20cf8dff
This
is Mackenzie and me going down the water slide, snapped milliseconds
before I plugged my nose. Those slides terrified me, but Mackenzie and I
went down like 7 times and now I can stand at the top and jump onto the
slide instead of sitting at the edge and just sliding. I am making
progress :) http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p548221800/h21a8bb82#h21a8bb82
Okay, here's a funny story.
So during staff training, Joel warned us that some time during youth
camp weeks, he would usually take the counselors to the little superette
in Sinclairville for ice cream and a chance to relax and hang out
without all the kids. That happened on Wednesday evening (actually, no
clue what day it was, but I think it was Wednesday), when Joel told
Jordan, Luke, Vanessa, and me to get n the van. He was just like, "Get
in the van." And then he hopped in and took off going like 60 miles an
hour roaring off to Sinclairville. We figured out what was going on
halfway there or so, walked in, grabbed some ice cream, and made our way
to the back where they have little tables set up. And because it's
Sinclairville, their decorations consist of stuffed fish and deer heads
mounted on the walls. The one directly above our table was white. Joel
was making conversation, and he pointed out that the deer head was
white. So I, being all logical and stuff wondered out loud how long that
thing had been hanging there to get that white. Those of you who know
more about deer that I do (like...all of you) may now start laughing as
hysterically as Joel did. Apparently, there are albino deer who come
into this world white. And so that one was an albino deer that got shot
and stuffed and hung. So, joke of the week. Haha.
Anyhow,
this week I will be doing the same thing...different girls, same
schedule. Friday morning I will be heading off to encampment, so I'll be
missing like the last 26 hours of camp, but it should all work out
fine. As far as i know, I'll get back from encampment on Saturday, and
then I'll head back to camp Sunday evening (that's two weeks from
today). Hosanna will be leaving Saturday (I think?) for encamoment, and
then coming home with me. So we'd appreciate prayers for all of
this...me for camp and then med staff at encampment, end her, well, it's pretty tough as a basic at encampment...they keep you challenged!
And now I'm off to pack! See you all later!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Sr High Week
I took all of like one picture this week, and I don't even have it on this computer. BUT...Bethany Camp has a great PAO multimedia team (is that what they're called in the non-CAP world? It's the people who take pictures and post them online.). So I am currently going through five albums to try to find some good pics to share with you.
My week consisted of preparing food, serving food, cleaning up, and eating the food. It was a very food-oriented week, which was cool. Another thing that was cool was I found out on Friday that one of my good friends there is the niece of one of my mom's best friends in high school.
This picture is the guy who was our special speaker all week. His name is Mark Davis. http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p637081454/h2acfe8b#h2acfe8b
These slides go down into the pond. I went down once, and i got water up my nose and it hurt and then my lungs hurt and I coughed and stuff. But right before I went down again, they ended swimming time, so I was saved by the bell :P http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p806560733/h3097d949#h3097d949
This is a picture taken inside the bistro (that's a long e sound...beestro), whoch is like the snack and games shop. We had all our staff classroom training in here. And the guy in the white t shirt on the right was our other special speaker for that week. http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p806560733/h2561f694#h2561f694
You can kinda see the end of the water slides in this picture: http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p806560733/h32b6c12b#h32b6c12b
This is most of the kitchen staff...I think it's just minus three of us: http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p884772576/h1d4554e8#h1d4554e8 Except the guy isn't actually on staff...he just liked to serve meals to the kids.
This week is the first family camp, so we'll have lots of families coming in. I think Joel said we'd have like 115 (or 150...not sure which) total, with 86 of them being kids. I did not dare to ask how many were under the age of 5, but my guess is that 85 will be.
And with that, I'm going to go finish packing, eat some food, relax, and head on back! How are everyone else's lives going?
My week consisted of preparing food, serving food, cleaning up, and eating the food. It was a very food-oriented week, which was cool. Another thing that was cool was I found out on Friday that one of my good friends there is the niece of one of my mom's best friends in high school.
This picture is the guy who was our special speaker all week. His name is Mark Davis. http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p637081454/h2acfe8b#h2acfe8b
These slides go down into the pond. I went down once, and i got water up my nose and it hurt and then my lungs hurt and I coughed and stuff. But right before I went down again, they ended swimming time, so I was saved by the bell :P http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p806560733/h3097d949#h3097d949
This is a picture taken inside the bistro (that's a long e sound...beestro), whoch is like the snack and games shop. We had all our staff classroom training in here. And the guy in the white t shirt on the right was our other special speaker for that week. http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p806560733/h2561f694#h2561f694
You can kinda see the end of the water slides in this picture: http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p806560733/h32b6c12b#h32b6c12b
This is most of the kitchen staff...I think it's just minus three of us: http://photos.bethanycamp.org/p884772576/h1d4554e8#h1d4554e8 Except the guy isn't actually on staff...he just liked to serve meals to the kids.
This week is the first family camp, so we'll have lots of families coming in. I think Joel said we'd have like 115 (or 150...not sure which) total, with 86 of them being kids. I did not dare to ask how many were under the age of 5, but my guess is that 85 will be.
And with that, I'm going to go finish packing, eat some food, relax, and head on back! How are everyone else's lives going?
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Staff Training Week
So! Last week (Sunday evening through this afternoon) was a long, full week of staff training at Bethany Camp. It was a week full of class sessions, games of mafia, trying to win freezy pops, learning how to play tons of different games, and meeting lots of cool people. Sadly, I have no pictures, so you'll just have to use your imagination.
For the most part, Monday through Thursday was split between class sessions and games. We had a staff handbook that we read through and Joel the program director added on and led class discussion and stuff. And then there was a big, long list of activities that they offer, so we had to learn how to play those. Then on Friday and this morning, we did a lot of camp clean up and other projects because we had run out of staff handbook to go over. I drove a cub cadet (no...that's not a little mini cadet person; it's like a 4 wheeler. Actually, it does have 4 wheels. I have no idea what the difference is between a cub cadet, a gator, a rhino, and a 4 wheeler. Perhaps nobody does. Perhaps it doesn't matter in the slightest.) and moved a lot of chairs. Now my arm muscles hurt.
I stayed in a cabin with all the other girls. The guys technically stayed in the same cabin, but it was totally separate sides and I didn't even know they were there till like Thursday or Friday. So no wonder we had hot water issues in the morning...so glad I shower at night :P I have to go back to camp tomorrow by 9 pm, and I'll be working in the kitchen. It's senior high week, and they don't need all the counselors, so I'll be learning the camp ropes from a slightly less stressful position.
Speaking of ropes, I really do need to get a picture of the super tall and long zip line they have, and their scary swing. Some of you know how bad I am with guesstimating (whoa, spellcheck even says that's a word) height and depth and length and stuff, so I'll just say that they were both really tall. And I screamed both times.
But it was a good time...very fun and all that. I hope to be able to write a blog post during my free time (unless I decide to, like, sleep) and then mail it home for a sibling (hello, Annetta!) to type in. And perhaps pictures will appear at some point this summer. Thanks for reading!
For the most part, Monday through Thursday was split between class sessions and games. We had a staff handbook that we read through and Joel the program director added on and led class discussion and stuff. And then there was a big, long list of activities that they offer, so we had to learn how to play those. Then on Friday and this morning, we did a lot of camp clean up and other projects because we had run out of staff handbook to go over. I drove a cub cadet (no...that's not a little mini cadet person; it's like a 4 wheeler. Actually, it does have 4 wheels. I have no idea what the difference is between a cub cadet, a gator, a rhino, and a 4 wheeler. Perhaps nobody does. Perhaps it doesn't matter in the slightest.) and moved a lot of chairs. Now my arm muscles hurt.
I stayed in a cabin with all the other girls. The guys technically stayed in the same cabin, but it was totally separate sides and I didn't even know they were there till like Thursday or Friday. So no wonder we had hot water issues in the morning...so glad I shower at night :P I have to go back to camp tomorrow by 9 pm, and I'll be working in the kitchen. It's senior high week, and they don't need all the counselors, so I'll be learning the camp ropes from a slightly less stressful position.
Speaking of ropes, I really do need to get a picture of the super tall and long zip line they have, and their scary swing. Some of you know how bad I am with guesstimating (whoa, spellcheck even says that's a word) height and depth and length and stuff, so I'll just say that they were both really tall. And I screamed both times.
But it was a good time...very fun and all that. I hope to be able to write a blog post during my free time (unless I decide to, like, sleep) and then mail it home for a sibling (hello, Annetta!) to type in. And perhaps pictures will appear at some point this summer. Thanks for reading!
Friday, June 15, 2012
Summer Schedule
Howdy, folks! This blog post shall contain my estimated schedule for the summer, so that interested parties will be able to keep track of what I'll be hopefully doing. I will be working at Bethany Camp, besides heading off to the NYWG encampment for a week and a half. While at both, I don't anticipate having any computer or cell phone access. I imagine I'll be able to send and receive letters (at least at camp), so I'm sorta hoping that I can write a blog post every now and then and just mail it to Annetta and have her type it in. (Oh yeah...because I won't be needing my phone, I may lend it out to people in need so that I don't have to pay my uncle $22/month for nothing, so if you call or text me, be aware that although I'd love to talk to you, I might not answer or respond.) I'd love your prayers as this will be an interesting summer :) and I will be praying for all you as well, hoping that you have a successful summer!
Ok, the dates.
17 June- 23 June: This Sunday through the next Saturday is staff training week.
24-30 June: first week of camp. I have to be at camp by like 9 or 10 Sunday night, and I'm done around 2 on Saturday. And repeat all summer :)
1-7 July: second camp week (family camp)
8-14 July: third camp week, also the first official youth week. I will be responsible for munchkins...eek! :P
19-28 July: Encampment staff dates. The 19th is a Thursday, and I don't know if I will be trying to work like in the kitchen for Mon, Tues, and Wed of that week, or if I'll just take that off. But if I have time off this summer, that'll be when.
29 July-4 August: family camp again
5-11 Aug: third family camp
12-18 Aug: fourth family camp
If I manage to get myself accepted to SUNY Fredonia, classes will be starting (I think) on the 27th, so I will have a little over a week to crash :)
Ok, so for what it's worth, there it is!
Ok, the dates.
17 June- 23 June: This Sunday through the next Saturday is staff training week.
24-30 June: first week of camp. I have to be at camp by like 9 or 10 Sunday night, and I'm done around 2 on Saturday. And repeat all summer :)
1-7 July: second camp week (family camp)
8-14 July: third camp week, also the first official youth week. I will be responsible for munchkins...eek! :P
19-28 July: Encampment staff dates. The 19th is a Thursday, and I don't know if I will be trying to work like in the kitchen for Mon, Tues, and Wed of that week, or if I'll just take that off. But if I have time off this summer, that'll be when.
29 July-4 August: family camp again
5-11 Aug: third family camp
12-18 Aug: fourth family camp
If I manage to get myself accepted to SUNY Fredonia, classes will be starting (I think) on the 27th, so I will have a little over a week to crash :)
Ok, so for what it's worth, there it is!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Home Life Update
Topic One: Grandpa is now living at our house. So a little timeline is on March first, he went to the hospital. He then moved to another hospital, and then was transferred to a nursing home nearby. Then on Tuesday (May 29th), he came here to our house. We have converted the second downstairs bedroom from a school room back to a bedroom, and that's where he is. So far, he has done about 90 % of the dishes for us, so we're happy, haha. An occupational therapist named Steve came today to evaluate him, and their goal is to get him back to his home, living relatively independently.
Jessica is currently waiting for some important people someplace to decide to have her as an intern for someone important someplace. Apparently, someone important needs an intern (a paid intern) someplace nearby, and so Jessica was recommended and she applied for the job and now they just have to say yes. In a nutshell.
I'm working a few hours per week at the local library, waiting for camp to start. On June 17th, I'll be going to staff training, and then I'll be gone pretty much completely until August 18th. I was informed not too long ago that management at the Comfort Inn had decided to let me go (cause that sounds better than fired), so I basically don't have a life. I'm excited about this upcoming week, though: on Tuesday, I'll be job shadowing an occupational therapist, on Wednesday I'll be driving Annetta to a job interview at Bethany Camp (which we're so hoping she'll get!), and then on Saturday, a good friend of ours is having a highschool graduation party which we are all looking forward to! As far as college goes for me, Patrick Henry College did accept me, but due to changes in their financial aid policies, I'm looking to attend SUNY Fredonia this fall.
Okay...moving on to the pictures! Last Sunday, Jessica, Annetta, Rachel, and I went on a beachside picnic. Except...it sorta rained for a while, so we picnicked in the car, and then strolled leisurely along the scenic beach, enjoying the beautiful view, that is the part of the view that we could see past the large clothespins clamped firmly on our noses because Lake Erie stinks. Anyhow, on the picnic, we had brownie cheesecake, and it was very delicious. I'm sure that Annetta and Rachel won't mind me sharing these pictures with you of them eating said cheesecake.
Moving on to Monday, which we all remember was Memorial Day... We watched a parade with our relatives, and then we had a picnic with those relatives. The next 4 pictures are from the cousins beanbag toss game. Victoria and I were on one team, and Annetta and Jess were on the other.
So did Hosanna. Like mother like daughter. Also, Hosanna is presiding over her Memorial Day Parade loot...the kids always go prepared with large plastic bags to carry all their candy.
We now move on to Monday evening, which was Katrina's 6th birthday celebration time.
We invited our neighbors over, especially because Reuben happens to have the same birthdate too...just 13 years apart.
And I think that catches us all up!Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
My Weekend
Edited to add: Aaaaannnnddd.....I was assigned to medical staff! So for encampment, I'll be checking cadets for blisters and making sure they all stay healthy.
******************
I had a relatively interesting Saturday. It started at 3 am and ended around 11:30 when I crashed on a cot of dubious quality.
I applied for a cadet staff position at the NY Wing encampment, which is this July. Last weekend was an encampment staff workshop. Essentially, it's where the cadet and senior staff members get together, have some classes, and the cadets get evaluated and possibly interviewed for the positions they applied for.
So Saturday morning, my alarm started going off at 3 am. And I was disciplined and actually got myself out of bed right away and didn't fall back asleep like I typically do. Plus, it would have been embarrassing to show up late for my ride (or miss my ride!) just cause I didn't get up. So I got up. And I hopped into my BDUs, grabbed my backpack and sleeping bag, and gathered up some breakfast. My mom drove me up to Buffalo, and Hosanna came along to give us company. We found the rendezvous point without difficulty, and the other cadet who was riding there too showed up as well. Maj A, our driver, overslept by five minutes (ha! so glad it wasn't me!), but he got there right around 5 am. I got to ride shotgun the whole way out to Scotia. It was roughly a 4 hour drive...one 5 minute break, and the rest was straight cruising. All I can say about the driving is I sure hope Maj A didn't pay too much for his music CDs. I hope someone gives him new music CDs for Father's Day. Hey...a person can hope, right?
We arrived around 9 am. We signed in with the registrar and plunged into a full day of activities and people. There were classes (held in the dining hall) and group leadership projects. For the classes, I propped myself up at a random table and looked awake and cognizant. I also took notes to help appear more functional. Some of the classes were on time management, what leadership is not, and goal setting.
The group leadership projects were more hands on. I was assigned to bravo flight, and we had 10 people in our group. We would go to the assigned location where we were given an assignment. We would go about completing this assignment (example: a treasure hunt, minus a treasure at the end, but complete with the difficult to understand, rhyming clues) while being followed by senior members with clipboards. And we did rather quite well, I thought. We came together as a team, we listened to each other, and we had some people who were able to stand out as good group leaders. And there's nothing like listening to and participating in a 45 minute long guided discussion on fairness, justice, and leadership with a group of young teens. It made me feel better about the future of America.
We switched between classes and GLPs until about 6:30 or 7 (with breaks for lunch and supper), and then we watched a movie (Remember the Titans, if anyone's interested). Then it was time to clean up the dining hall (in which I managed not to fall asleep while sweeping), shower, and go to bed. I was assigned to Cabin 2, and I found an empty cot to stash myself and my stuff, and I slept quite well. Except for the crows. You know...some people have annoying roosters that wake you up before dawn with their noise. The Stratton Air National Guard Base doesn't have roosters-- it has crows, parked conveniently in the trees surrounding the cabins we slept in. And I detest every single one of them. Who needs alarm clocks when you have crows?
Anyhow, Sunday morning was getting up, packing, eating breakfast, and going home. I got back around 2 or 3.
Obviously, the end result of the workshop was to be selected for staff. However, until the staff positions have all been officially announced on the NYWG website, I can't say what position (if any) I got. So I'm gonna just publish this as is right now, and when it's formally announced, I'll just to an "edited to add" thingy at the top.
******************
I had a relatively interesting Saturday. It started at 3 am and ended around 11:30 when I crashed on a cot of dubious quality.
I applied for a cadet staff position at the NY Wing encampment, which is this July. Last weekend was an encampment staff workshop. Essentially, it's where the cadet and senior staff members get together, have some classes, and the cadets get evaluated and possibly interviewed for the positions they applied for.
So Saturday morning, my alarm started going off at 3 am. And I was disciplined and actually got myself out of bed right away and didn't fall back asleep like I typically do. Plus, it would have been embarrassing to show up late for my ride (or miss my ride!) just cause I didn't get up. So I got up. And I hopped into my BDUs, grabbed my backpack and sleeping bag, and gathered up some breakfast. My mom drove me up to Buffalo, and Hosanna came along to give us company. We found the rendezvous point without difficulty, and the other cadet who was riding there too showed up as well. Maj A, our driver, overslept by five minutes (ha! so glad it wasn't me!), but he got there right around 5 am. I got to ride shotgun the whole way out to Scotia. It was roughly a 4 hour drive...one 5 minute break, and the rest was straight cruising. All I can say about the driving is I sure hope Maj A didn't pay too much for his music CDs. I hope someone gives him new music CDs for Father's Day. Hey...a person can hope, right?
We arrived around 9 am. We signed in with the registrar and plunged into a full day of activities and people. There were classes (held in the dining hall) and group leadership projects. For the classes, I propped myself up at a random table and looked awake and cognizant. I also took notes to help appear more functional. Some of the classes were on time management, what leadership is not, and goal setting.
The group leadership projects were more hands on. I was assigned to bravo flight, and we had 10 people in our group. We would go to the assigned location where we were given an assignment. We would go about completing this assignment (example: a treasure hunt, minus a treasure at the end, but complete with the difficult to understand, rhyming clues) while being followed by senior members with clipboards. And we did rather quite well, I thought. We came together as a team, we listened to each other, and we had some people who were able to stand out as good group leaders. And there's nothing like listening to and participating in a 45 minute long guided discussion on fairness, justice, and leadership with a group of young teens. It made me feel better about the future of America.
We switched between classes and GLPs until about 6:30 or 7 (with breaks for lunch and supper), and then we watched a movie (Remember the Titans, if anyone's interested). Then it was time to clean up the dining hall (in which I managed not to fall asleep while sweeping), shower, and go to bed. I was assigned to Cabin 2, and I found an empty cot to stash myself and my stuff, and I slept quite well. Except for the crows. You know...some people have annoying roosters that wake you up before dawn with their noise. The Stratton Air National Guard Base doesn't have roosters-- it has crows, parked conveniently in the trees surrounding the cabins we slept in. And I detest every single one of them. Who needs alarm clocks when you have crows?
Anyhow, Sunday morning was getting up, packing, eating breakfast, and going home. I got back around 2 or 3.
Obviously, the end result of the workshop was to be selected for staff. However, until the staff positions have all been officially announced on the NYWG website, I can't say what position (if any) I got. So I'm gonna just publish this as is right now, and when it's formally announced, I'll just to an "edited to add" thingy at the top.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Maystuff
Yo...sup? It's May, and it's warm and green here. I'm listening to the Cocoanut's playlist and blogging.So anyhow...last blog post I alluded to the upcoming and eminent visit of the D family (Kevin's family). Now I shall proceed to blog the pictures that I found on my camera. I love when I plug my camera into my computer, copy them over, look through the pics, and discover lots of cool shots that I didn't take.
Jess and Kevin had a safe trip up. They got here a little after 7 Wednesday evening, a full half hour before googlemaps said they'd be here O_O Speaking of whom...here's Mr. Green Shirt himself:
He and Josh had a very manly arm wrestling competition after the oldest kids got back from visiting Elizabeth and Reuben that evening.
The next day, all of us kids (minus Josh and Katrina) went shopping for groceries for the weekend. Who knew that Aldis and Walmart were so...umm...interesting? We had time to stop at The Green Tearoom for smoothies and hot drinks before heading home. Then we took a walk, went to the Civil Air Patrol open house, and came home. The rest of the family had *just* gotten there like 10 minutes before us, so we walked in and met the family. They're such sweet people, and we enjoyed getting to know them.
Here we have Mr. and Mrs. D, Catherine (the youngest), and a camera-shy Josh.
This is Lisa, Michael, Andrew, and Stephen. We were sad that Christina (their oldest) had a prior commitment and couldn't come.
And wow...apparently one of my siblings was creeping on Mrs. D??
This is Josh's Nerf gun. And yes, the only reason I knew what it was was because it is written on the side of the gun. Josh had such a blast playing with boys and guns...the boys brought some guns with them. I'd tell you what sort of gun they are, but I haven't the foggiest.
Ah, Mr. and Mrs. D, in a candid moment.
Delicious cookies being reserved for Friday night supper.
A Nerf...bullet?
Saturday morning, we all went to the Luensman (sp?) Overview Park. We admired the view and took a nature hike. This is me taking a picture and telling everyone to look casual.
Some of us ran down to the bottom of the hill, and some of us remained on top and took pictures of those of us who ran.
Then we started out on our hike. It was like a mile long, and it was perfect.
In which I take a picture of someone taking a picture of someone taking a picture.
Me: "Michael! Look epic!"
Michael: *smiles*
Stephen leads Catherine, Hosanna, and Kevin on a daring venture.
Hosanna and Joanna strike stunning poses.
Lydia tears a small tree apart and goes on a violent rampage.
The party poses for a group picture, taken by a friendly hiker.
Kevin bounces Katrina up and down on a branch.
Lisa explores across a downed log.
And we found an adorable salamander!
That evening, we had a few friends over for a picnic and kickball...sadly, I have no pictures of this. The next day, we went to church, came home, had lunch, played some games, and then bid our guests goodbye. They made it safely home around midnight. Andrew has a lot of super awesome pictures on his camera, so if he puts them online, I'll try to at least post a link.
Thanks for reading!
Jess and Kevin had a safe trip up. They got here a little after 7 Wednesday evening, a full half hour before googlemaps said they'd be here O_O Speaking of whom...here's Mr. Green Shirt himself:
He and Josh had a very manly arm wrestling competition after the oldest kids got back from visiting Elizabeth and Reuben that evening.
Here we have Mr. and Mrs. D, Catherine (the youngest), and a camera-shy Josh.
This is Josh's Nerf gun. And yes, the only reason I knew what it was was because it is written on the side of the gun. Josh had such a blast playing with boys and guns...the boys brought some guns with them. I'd tell you what sort of gun they are, but I haven't the foggiest.
Me: "Michael! Look epic!"
Michael: *smiles*
Stephen leads Catherine, Hosanna, and Kevin on a daring venture.
Hosanna and Joanna strike stunning poses.
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
[snapshot]
I love doing these little snapshot-of-our-day posts. Anyhow, right now, I am baking these cookies, and I just finished baking these cookies. My mom's making supper, my dad's at work, and the rest of the kids are cleaning/doing schoolwork. Except Jessica. She finished her junior year at college yesterday (and I have to add this caveat--technically, I'm not sure if she has all the credits by PHC's standards, but whatever!) and is even now as I type driving home. Actually riding. She and Kevin will be here later on this evening, and then Kevin's family will be coming in later tomorrow night. We're looking forward to hanging out with them over the weekend!
So quite naturally, the last fewdays weeks have been spent cleaning, cleaning, and...more cleaning! We started with Grandpa's house. That needed a maaaajor cleaning up. Picture an arthritic, elderly man living in a home alone for about 20 years, and just picture the dust...the cobwebs...the grime...the mold in the fridge...the clutter...the dirty clothing... If I were Roman Catholic, I think we'd all deserve sainthood right now. Anyhow, his house looks roughly 14,000 times better. Our house needed some decluttering, some finishing up of painting projects, and mowing of lawns. Plus about a million other things. But now we are down to slightly under a million things left to do!
Historically speaking, we've kept somewhat busy over the past couple weeks, or whenever it was I posted last. Grandpa continues to do better at the nursing home. We hope to bring him home to his house this weekend after his doctor's appointment on Friday.
I'm sure I have a lot of pictures and stuff all begging to be blogged, but they're all upstairs, and I'm not. Okay...I'm taking the last batch of cookies out of the oven, eating a tad (we're waiting on supper proper till Jess and Kevin, aka Sparky, get here) and then making sure that everything's cleaned that needs to be. Adios!
So quite naturally, the last few
Historically speaking, we've kept somewhat busy over the past couple weeks, or whenever it was I posted last. Grandpa continues to do better at the nursing home. We hope to bring him home to his house this weekend after his doctor's appointment on Friday.
I'm sure I have a lot of pictures and stuff all begging to be blogged, but they're all upstairs, and I'm not. Okay...I'm taking the last batch of cookies out of the oven, eating a tad (we're waiting on supper proper till Jess and Kevin, aka Sparky, get here) and then making sure that everything's cleaned that needs to be. Adios!
Monday, April 30, 2012
CAP Open House
CIVIL AIR PATROL
U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
Cadet programs, Aerospace, Emergency
services
Jamestown Composite Squadron open house
Thursday, May 10th from 7-9 pm
Who’s Invited? Everyone! Civil Air Patrol has something for everyone, and
even if you’re not interested in joining, come learn how CAP impacts your
community!
What’s Going On? We’re recruiting, having fun, exploring CAP, and enjoying
refreshments! You’ll speak with cadets, watch demonstrations, and learn all
about the Civil Air Patrol.
When is it? It’s from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday,
May 10th, 2012
Where is it
held? It’s at the Chautauqua County Airport,
Jamestown New York, in the main terminal.
For Further
Information… call Major Ellen Maternowski
at (716)-397-3864, or email her at matrnwsk@windstream.net.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
:D
"Erika,
Thanks again for taking the time to come out
to camp and interview. We wanted to let you know that we'd love to have
you join us as a counselor this summer, and be a part of the Bethany
Camp team! We'll be sending out contracts and other paperwork in the
next couple of weeks, but we wanted to let you know that we'd like to
offer you a spot."
YAY! I am very surprised and very happy...just waiting for PHC now :) Ahh...gonna be an awesome and crazy and insane summer.
YAY! I am very surprised and very happy...just waiting for PHC now :) Ahh...gonna be an awesome and crazy and insane summer.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
My dramatic day
Wow. Today has been kinda dramatic. In a good way, but also in kind of a wearing down sort of a way. It started off on a great note, however. Our neighbors invited us down for brunch, so at 9:30, we headed down and very tasty bacon and sausage, scrambled eggs, fruit salad, cinnamon rolls, and hot cocoa. Then we played some cool games (Midnight Madness, Slap, and Killer) before we had to leave.
Then my nerves kicked in. And the reason for that was: at 1pm, Brooke from PHC's admissions office called me for an interview. We had a good conversation, actually, for about 40 minutes. She asked me a ton of questions, I asked her questions, and she said that I'll know within about a week or a little more if I've been accepted there or not.
Then my nerves kicked in again. And the reason for that was: at 3:30, I had an interview at Bethany Camp. I had applied there to work as a counselor over the summer, and they wanted to do an interview. Aand...I think I totally failed it. I sort of think I failed the PHC interview too, but I think I failed the camp one worse. Nothing like being put on the spot to explain salvation/baptism/music preferences/Bible versions/works of the Spirit/homosexuality to two guys in a random office... And unlike Brooke, their vocal inflections/facial expressions didn't give me the remotest clue with how I was doing.
But either way...we'll see. I'm trusting that God's will will be done in spite of this.
[Ahem...please note that that was written on Tuesday. And I'm posting it on Thursday. And not fixing anything date-wise just because I can :P :) )
Then my nerves kicked in. And the reason for that was: at 1pm, Brooke from PHC's admissions office called me for an interview. We had a good conversation, actually, for about 40 minutes. She asked me a ton of questions, I asked her questions, and she said that I'll know within about a week or a little more if I've been accepted there or not.
Then my nerves kicked in again. And the reason for that was: at 3:30, I had an interview at Bethany Camp. I had applied there to work as a counselor over the summer, and they wanted to do an interview. Aand...I think I totally failed it. I sort of think I failed the PHC interview too, but I think I failed the camp one worse. Nothing like being put on the spot to explain salvation/baptism/music preferences/Bible versions/works of the Spirit/homosexuality to two guys in a random office... And unlike Brooke, their vocal inflections/facial expressions didn't give me the remotest clue with how I was doing.
But either way...we'll see. I'm trusting that God's will will be done in spite of this.
[Ahem...please note that that was written on Tuesday. And I'm posting it on Thursday. And not fixing anything date-wise just because I can :P :) )
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Cinnamon Rolls
A few months ago, I discovered an awesome recipe for cinnamon rolls. I made them and loved them. Then I made them again and again. The last time I made them, I decided to photograph the process, because I've been slacking on pictures and blogging. So it was a perfect opportunity. Here's the link to the actual recipe: http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/breads/cinnamon-rolls-6/?print=1/#size3x5
The first step is not shown here, but is very important: find a music play list to accompany you as you work in the kitchen. I found that the Lord of the Rings soundtrack was excellent.
Next, ensure that you have all the ingredients. Oil, yeast, milk, baking soda, flour (you can use all the same kind...I used two kinds because we were running out of flour :P ), baking powder, cinnamon (duh), salt, and butter. Oh, and sugar. You'll need sugar. There's probably a good reason why I didn't put the sugar in the picture, and that reason is this: I forgot.
You'll start by heating the oil, milk, and sugar on the stove. While pouring in the sugar, make sure that you get distracted by photographing it and spill it all over the stove. I'm sure that's essential.
Once the milk has heated up, pour it into a bowl (or you could just make sure the pot you heat it up in is big enough :P ) and make sure it's not too hot and not too cold. Then pour in the yeast and let that sit.
Add in almost all of the flour, cover it with a towel, and let it sit and rise for an hour.
After it has risen sufficiently, add in the salt, baking powder, baking soda, and the last cup of flour. Stir it all up (for those of you who like to use your hands to mix stuff up, this step is for you :) ). Then you can stick it in the fridge to chill for easier handling.
When you're ready to commence roll making, gather your pans, the butter, cinnamon, and sugar, and find a rolling pin and knife. I used two small pie plates, 2 9x13 pans, and an 8x8 pan. Yep, the recipe makes a lot, but that's all the better for sharing! Butter your pans, and set them aside. Melt some butter (I think I used a little over two sticks), and get some extra flour to dust over your counter for rolling out. Split the roll dough in half and roll out one of the halves.
Once it's rolled out, spread butter on it, and then sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on it. Doesn't it look beautiful?
Then, you roll it up, starting at the edge that's farthest from you and rolling it to yourself. Get a large knife (the one I use is mostly non-serrated) and start slicing.
Then they go in your pans. Now, as you slice them, some of the cinnamon/sugar/butter will ooze out. You can either take a plastic spoon (because plastic spoons are somewhat flexible) and scoop it up and put it on the cinnamon rolls in the pan, or just put it back in your pot with melted butter. (Then you reuse it on the next batch, and any leftover from that gets used to make cinnamon toast). Repeat that with the second half of dough, and let the rolls rise for a half hour.
Then, it's in the oven they go! While they're baking, you can make the frosting/glaze. I didn't take picture of it because I didn't exactly follow the recipe.
And then you have beautiful, yummy cinnamon rolls.
The first step is not shown here, but is very important: find a music play list to accompany you as you work in the kitchen. I found that the Lord of the Rings soundtrack was excellent.
Next, ensure that you have all the ingredients. Oil, yeast, milk, baking soda, flour (you can use all the same kind...I used two kinds because we were running out of flour :P ), baking powder, cinnamon (duh), salt, and butter. Oh, and sugar. You'll need sugar. There's probably a good reason why I didn't put the sugar in the picture, and that reason is this: I forgot.
You'll start by heating the oil, milk, and sugar on the stove. While pouring in the sugar, make sure that you get distracted by photographing it and spill it all over the stove. I'm sure that's essential.
Once the milk has heated up, pour it into a bowl (or you could just make sure the pot you heat it up in is big enough :P ) and make sure it's not too hot and not too cold. Then pour in the yeast and let that sit.
Add in almost all of the flour, cover it with a towel, and let it sit and rise for an hour.
After it has risen sufficiently, add in the salt, baking powder, baking soda, and the last cup of flour. Stir it all up (for those of you who like to use your hands to mix stuff up, this step is for you :) ). Then you can stick it in the fridge to chill for easier handling.
When you're ready to commence roll making, gather your pans, the butter, cinnamon, and sugar, and find a rolling pin and knife. I used two small pie plates, 2 9x13 pans, and an 8x8 pan. Yep, the recipe makes a lot, but that's all the better for sharing! Butter your pans, and set them aside. Melt some butter (I think I used a little over two sticks), and get some extra flour to dust over your counter for rolling out. Split the roll dough in half and roll out one of the halves.
Once it's rolled out, spread butter on it, and then sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on it. Doesn't it look beautiful?
Then, you roll it up, starting at the edge that's farthest from you and rolling it to yourself. Get a large knife (the one I use is mostly non-serrated) and start slicing.
Then they go in your pans. Now, as you slice them, some of the cinnamon/sugar/butter will ooze out. You can either take a plastic spoon (because plastic spoons are somewhat flexible) and scoop it up and put it on the cinnamon rolls in the pan, or just put it back in your pot with melted butter. (Then you reuse it on the next batch, and any leftover from that gets used to make cinnamon toast). Repeat that with the second half of dough, and let the rolls rise for a half hour.
Then, it's in the oven they go! While they're baking, you can make the frosting/glaze. I didn't take picture of it because I didn't exactly follow the recipe.
And then you have beautiful, yummy cinnamon rolls.
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