Depending on God During Life's Changes

We are looking at moving from Camp Potawotami and are looking at some different camps. We have looked at both YMCA and Church camps. So far it looks like it will be one coast or the other. There is no middle ground. One of the camps we are looking at is in Washington State. Natalie has had two friends move there and is now praying that we will move there. I have tried to make her understand that Washington is big and that we more than likely wouldn't be near them, but that doesn't matter. We are still waiting to hear from most of the camps and it is a little nerve wracking. We keep reminding ourselves that God will supply everything that we need, but it is so hard. Our families, I know, are not looking forward to us moving further away than we already are. It will mean a lot of changed for our girls as well. It could mean that they don't get to go to a private school. They will be moving away from their friends, and a very loving church family. I hate this for them, but I really have to trust that God knows better than we do and He will give them what they need in order for them to grow up and the the Women of God they are called to be. One of the hardest things in parenting I think is handing my children over to God and trusting Him to do what is best in this messed up world.

While it has been stressful getting everything packed and trying to explain everything to the girls, they have really enjoyed having time with Randle. They haven't had a lot of that lately. The have had him reading countless books, playing barbies, and lots of snuggle time. The blessing that God gives us in the middle of stressful times is amazing to me. It has also really shown me and Randle, both what amazing friends we have in Kendallville. They have been so great helping us and encouraging us. God is sooooooo Good!!!!

Last night we went out to eat with Richard and then took the girls to First Assembly of God in Fort Wayne to their Harvest Party. The girls had a lot of fun eating with their Uncle Richard and really liked that he was there to watch them play games. It was amazing. We expected a gym with some games and instead found the whole basement filled with games. There was a game in almost every room. The kids won points at the games then took their point cards to a prize room and got to cash in the points. The girls had a great time.

What to do if you catch on fire

Harley is in two day preschool. She loves her teacher, Mrs Hunter. Last week they were learning about fire safety. This included how to get out of a house if it is burning, what to do if you catch on fire, and even some ideas on where your family could meet. We have always told our girls to go to the Dining Hall because it is a building far enough away that they would be safe, and they could go inside. It also puts them in the middle of camp where anyone could find them. I had not told Harley what to do if she caught on fire, because I was afraid it would scare her. Mrs. Hunter told her class exactly what to do and they even practiced it. So last week we were all sitting on the couch talking about what they had learned that day. Natalie told us some facts about Moses and mammals, and Harley started talking about fire. I asked her "What do you do if you catch on fire?" She looked at me as if I had spoken Chinese. I asked again and received the same look. So I prompted "stop..........................drop....................... and" then she shouts "BURN" Randle and I started laughing, and Natalie shouts "NO Roll!" Harley didn't find the humor and just sat their with the same confused look on her face and then buried her face in Randle's chest. Oh, the stories my children give me to remember. I have been told that these stories are the only way to make it through the teen and young adult years. This is the reason I started blogging!

Mc Donalds Salvation

For the past few months we have been participating in a ban on McDonald's because one of their executives was on the board for the Chamber of Commerce of Gay and Lesbians as well as McDonald's them selves joining the Chamber. We told the girls that we would not be going to McDonald's anymore because they were giving their money to people that did things that made God sad. Harley interpretation of this was "they gave money to bad people." So just recently that executive resigned and McDonald's has said they are going to stay neutral to all such controversial things. Certainly I wish they would take a stance against it, but this is a step in the right direction. So we told the girls that they could once again go to McDonald's. (Which was great for me as well, because they sell these awesome coupon books for a dollar that give you 10 free items such as ice cream cones, drinks, hamburgers, and apple dippers.) So Natalie was with my friend Peggy and she was stopping to use some of the coupons for an after school snack. Natalie told her that we could go to McDonald's now, because "they stopped giving their money to bad people and turned toward Jesus." I think this is hilarious!!! I never would have expected her to take it that way. Their (my kids) understanding and interpretation of things makes me laugh so hard some times.

Was that a cat?

So, yesterday I sat at a red light waiting to turn onto Hwy. 6 and I saw something fall out from under a truck. I was on the phone with Randle and I said,"Was that a cat?" Of course he couldn't see it through the phone, but as I sat there I realized it was a little kitten. I guess it had crawled underneath on something to hide or get warm. When the light turned green I went up the street a little and turned around. I parked as close to the road as I could get and told the girls to stay in the car, and stay buckled. I got out and waited for at least 10 cars and two 18-wheelers to pass by so I could go rescue the cat. When I got to her she was in a tight ball. I went to pick her up and she went ballistic. She bit my index finger and scratched up my other hand. I finally got her teeth out of my finger, and then realized, I should probably get out of the street. So I went back to my van, and got her calmed down. Natalie and Harley were very upset, because they thought the cat was bleeding. I was trying not to cry because my hand hurt. We took the cat to the Humane Society. I hate to take animals there, but no one we knew wanted a cat, and we can't take any more animals. They had me fill out a bite report. I have been told cat bites are very dangerous and I'm really hoping I don't get an infection. I have been bit by dogs several times, even on my cheek, and it has never hurt like that little kitten. Anyway, the cat is safe, and I have two very sore fingers. I guess it would make sense for me to no do this again, but that is not me. I'm sure I will go after the next animal stranded in the road, with hopes of keeping my hand positioned where I won't be bit.

Can We Have Family Time Please?

This week was a very busy week. Randle was shorthanded at work so I taught two classes on Tuesday and Wednesday, and taught classes all day on Thursday. That meant the kids had to stay with friends. Not to mention all of the normal stuff like dance on Tuesday, and AWANAS on Wednesday. Then Randle couldn't find anyone to come in and work Saturday, so I helped out on Saturday afternoon as well. We were setting up for the last two activities of the night (campfires) and one of the groups asked Randle to help out with songs. So I took Natalie up to shower her, and then I was going to go down stairs to help make smores and Hot Chocolate for the next group. Natale says, "I feel like I'm not getting as much attention from you and Daddy anymore." Talk about having your heart break. I knew that their behavior was showing that they were not getting what they expected, but to hear it come from her mouth about killed me. So we are going to go walk around the Apple Festival this afternoon. Tomorrow Randle is going to eat lunch with Natalie at school. Then hopefully tomorrow night we will get to play some board games. The season has ended for camp except for two days. Then we will be back to the slower paced life we enjoy as a family.

We went to the Apple Festival and the girls had a lot of fun. Afterward we went to Pizza Hut for dinner, which of course they loved. We have had a good week so far with a slower schedule and more family time, so I think the girls are happier. However, both of them have asked if Miss Peggy can pick them up again, or if they can go to after school care again. There is no winning with children I have decided. We are going to spend tonight riding bikes and baking our pumpkin seeds. I think they will love the gooey insides of the pumpkin.