Girls Camp 09'

Here it is.... time for Girls Camp again. This year was eventful in our home because it's the first year both girls went to camp with the Young Women's program. They both went to Girl Scout camp several years ago, but this was the first time for this camp. So Brie was pretty excited and ready to go at least 3 days early. Em on the other hand wasn't ready until the morning she left..... and then she still forgot her buddy burner. Oh well, such is life.

Once at camp, Brie's experience wasn't what she hoped it would be. She seemed out of place and ended up getting a blessing on Tuesday evening. With this type of camp, there are always men who hold the Priesthood in attendance so Bro Bushey and Bro Tibbs gave her (and several other first year girls) a blessing. She seemed much better after that. We were wondering if Brie was missing Emile since Em was on her fourth year hike. Maybe.... or maybe she just wasn't feeling well. Whatever the reason, she did better after the blessing. Dig the mirror! It says "You look great!" Too funny.

Since this was Em's fourth year hike, I decided to post all the pics she had. She did very well in spite of an injured knee and torrential rain for half of the hike. This is the first year Emile's had to deal with this much rain during camp. Usually they had some storms which lasted an hour or so, but this was 2 full days of heavy rain. Her clothes were disgusting when she got home. I washed some things twice. It really was amazing. All in all she had a good experience.

So next year Brie will be a second year and Emile will be a YCL. I remember when I was going to camp. Now both of my girls are there. Dang.... where is the time going?!

Not To Me

I'm the type of person who could easily be described as a realist. I have a very open and candid relationship with my children... as well as the majority of people I have contact with. When it comes to raising my children, they will tell you I'm not into sugar coating issues to make them feel better. I've always taught using correct terms, guided them through "real life" scenarios, and allowed for some "questionable" choices to be made by the girls. Having said that, even I was somewhat caught off guard with what we're dealing with at the moment.

Long story short.... parents, take the time to educate and RE-EDUCATE your children about the dangers lurking out there in "technology land." Emile was sent a text message from a man posing as a 17 year old. It turned out he was at least 23 (that's the age he's telling her... I think he may be older than that). After nearly 6 weeks of trying to explain my concern for her safety... as well as the probability that this man is a sexual predator and she's in danger, the situation escalated to the point of us having the police here 3 times yesterday (including the Chief of Police), beefed up patrols past our house, as well as welfare phone calls to Emile today from the Chief.Even though we've discussed the dangers involved in internet predators, child abductions, no means no, staying in public places, etc., Emile let her guard down. She opened the door to someone who has the potential to cause her serious and permanent harm. I know she's upset and feels stupid about being taken advantage of, however, I'm pretty sure she still doesn't realize how much danger she is in.... until the police catch this guy. No matter how much I have taught her, it hasn't been enough.

The point.... talk, talk, talk, and talk some more. Don't ever stop talking to your children. Keep the lines open. Fortunately for me, Emile felt that she could tell me what was going on.... even though she knew I wasn't happy with the situation. She may have saved her own life. The police are taking this extremely serious. I hope by posting this, someone else out there will read it and sit down to talk to their children. It's NEVER too early, nor is it EVER too late. Do it today!

45 And Counting

This is one of the first pictures I have from my childhood. It was taken sometime in 1966 when I was 2 years old. Since I was adopted, I have no pictures before 66. Sorry it has the line attached. I couldn't figure out how to resize the pic to lose the line.And here I am today. WOO HOO! I'm thinking I look a little too weirded out about the cake.

My sister, Cindy, had invited me and the girls over for dinner. She always remembers me. She made this beautiful and delicious cake. One question though. What's with the witches? I'm not so sure I'm good with witch candles. There were craters left when we removed the candles so Cindy re-smoothed the top. We played Conga (Cranium) and visited for awhile before we had to come home.

In addition to spending the evening with Cindy, we had already had dinner at CiCi's Pizza Buffet and went to see The Soloist at the theater. My sister, Teresa, sent me a $25.00 gift card to Michael's. I'll have a blast with that. I also received several cards and well wishes. It was a fun birthday. Thanks to all for making it a special day!!

Much Better

After spending yesterday in bed, I must say I feel much MUCH better today. I'm sooooo glad to say this. I really despise being sick. Thanks for all the well wishes. They were appreciated.

UGH! Please Leave Me Alone

Me in bed (yes, home from work)

+

Some moron calling my house at 9:40AM

=

Now see what I've become! I'm a mess. Not pretty is it?? What more can I say? I'm going back to bed. If the phone rings again I'm going to hammer it to pieces. Please, just leave me alone.

Oink....

Ok so I woke up yesterday feeling a little under the weather. I wasn't sure if it was allergies or a cold. Today I'm fairly certain it's a cold. I'm feeling run down, my head hurts and is really congested. I've doped myself up sufficiently to sleep the entire night through (unlike last night which was a nightmare). I spent the evening in Gettysburg watching Emile's first away softball game. It was so chilly I had to wrap up in a blanket. Very weird for June. Any way, I'm just glad I only have a cold and nothing more serious.I'm sure I'll be fine with the medication I've selected. Sweet Dreams!