Girls Camp 2007 - Finding Your Treasures

This past week was GIRLS CAMP. Each summer the Young Women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have a week of camp. This is done all throughout the United States... although I'm not sure if it's worldwide or not. It's a great program... even I went to Girls Camp many moons ago. It was a blast! So here we are and Emile just completed her second year. She was glad to be home. It takes living in the wild to see a little clearer how lucky we are to have the things we do (Emile is just to the left of the ship in the dark blue shirt).

What's camping without evenings around the fire eating lots of SMORE'S??? Some things should never change.


On Tuesday afternoon, a severs storm went through the area. There was extreme lightning and the possibility of hail. Due to the severity of the storm, all campers had to stay in the dining hall for 5 hours, then that night they all had to sleep in Holly Lodge rather than in their tents. Emile reported very crowded conditions... Still the girls were safer inside than out.


Thursday evening was the night that Bishop and Sister Bushey came to camp for dinner and testimony meeting. They brought up yummy dessert treats for all the girls. This is always one of the more special evenings when all the girls get together with one another and share the feelings in their hearts. It can be a very emotional time... A time of spiritual growth.

Karen Bowie... Emile's YCL. She had Karen last year, too. Em absolutely loves this girl.














Emile and Kori... friends











Alexis.... family

Bestest Buddy.... TIBBS!! Alias... Grandpa


So another year of camp is done. Next year will be here before we know it.. and Em will be off for another adventure. I'm so thankful for the gospel and for the inspired programs which help us grow and develop and "Find our Treasures."

The Terminator

I have a terrible problem with poison ivy. I also happen to have a very lovely poison ivy plant growing in my back yard. Two years ago I got such a severe case of poison that I had to go on Prednisone to get rid of it. It was terrible. I was determined to never go through that again. I avoided the area of the yard with the ivy like the plague. This year the plant really took off... I mean it was getting HUGE.. and spreading all through the lilac bush. Enough was enough. Send in the big guns... EMILE.










First she weed whacked, then she applied the poison. She sprayed everything until it was dripping... even the lilac bush since the ivy is all through it. A month has passed and all the ivy is dead... the bush is still in the process of dying. We actually have to spray it again before we can cut it down and get rid of the stump. If we don't more ivy will grow back. It's nasty stuff.. you can't get soft on it. You have to stand your ground if you really want to defeat it... and defeat it Emile will!!!

Love From Charlie

I have a very special client I work with every Monday thru Friday. His name is Charlie and he is 34 years old. Charlie is profoundly mentally retarded and he has cerebral palsy. He is completely dependant on the care of others for his entire well being. I have had the honor of caring for Charlie a little over 7 years now. While Charlie may not be able to communicate verbally with me, he has his own special way of letting me know he is aware I am with him... and that he appreciates me. He always has a smile for me.. well almost always. If he doesn't smile it's because something is seriously wrong with him. He truly is a special spirit. He is one of God's chosen ones.

Since Charlie can't take care of all the "little" details, his mother Rita does. She also has a way of making sure those who help with Charlie know how much they are valued and appreciated, too. For example.......

Aren't these absolutely beautiful? They arrived for me on my birthday. I was so surprised. I love fresh flowers and this was truly a lovely arrangement.

Rita, thank you so much for remembering me on my special day. I know you have tons on your plate, but to know you thought of me means more than you know. I'm certain if Charlie could say it himself, he'd let me know so very much. Thanks again for everything.

Happy Birthday to Us

Once upon a time, there were two friends who had birthdays within 5 days of one another. By the pictures below you can tell that the story "Beauty and the Beast" comes to mind. Personally I think I might be more accurately thought of as the beast....Both of us have a "princess" or two in our lives. Each "princess" decided we must have a birthday cake on our birthdays... and of course set out to make sure we had one.Before we knew it our beautiful cakes were ready for the big event. Which cake has more candles???The work came in the form of blowing out the candles. I had all 43 candles on my cake. Lovely!Even Chuck enjoyed one of the evenings. What a dog!!

SOOOOO..... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US... ME AND CHERI....See ya'll next year... same time, same station. Only the age will change.

Woo Hoo

Can you say... WOOHOO!!! I'm not entirely sure how Emile got this award, and frankly neither is she after this school year, regardless, here it is. The President's Award For Educational Excellence. We were both surprised when she got it... but thrilled nonetheless. It appears you had to have a 90% or above GPA for the combined 3 years of middle school and score proficient or advanced on all 3 years PSSA's to receive the award. Way to go Emile.

Emile Goes to Washington

Emile's 8th Grade class took a trip to Washington D.C. It was a much anticipated trip for her. You see, Emile has plans to become the first Hispanic female President of the United States. I think she was "scoping" out the area and checking on living arrangements (i.e the White House). She informs me that Subway is one block down Pennsylvania Ave and McDonalds is one block up on another one of the avenues (this is in relation to her future home). She also liked the on site water fountain... in case she needs to cool off. It's always good to plan ahead, right?
It appears the view will be wonderful as well. Plenty of historical sights to see and learn about for her many relatives... should she let us come to see her (I think I'm worried about the Secret Service not letting me in to see my daughter).
All fun aside, Emile really did enjoy her day. She came home with a lot of information she shared with us. She got to see the new World War II Memorial. The last time we were in D.C. the memorial was still under construction, so I haven't even seen it yet. One cool note about that particular stop, the area was being prepared for Queen Elizabeth's visit later that day. Em was disappointed she didn't get a chance to see her. She missed her by a matter of a couple hours. Bummer.
Another highlight was the Lincoln Memorial. Did you know there are 84 steps going up to the memorial? Also, on the second platform going up the steps, the words "I have a dream" are carved into the stone. This is where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his "Dream Speech" looking out over the Mall. Again, so much to see and learn. So much history in just a few city blocks.
I'm so glad Emile had an enjoyable day learning more about the history and sacrifices made for our nation. There are too many people who seem to hate our country... both from within and outside our borders. I for one am truly thankful for the freedoms we have... and for the growing appreciation Emile is displaying.

Sing a Song

A couple of weeks ago, Brie participated in her Spring Musical Festival at Lincolnway Elementary. This year was the first time the 4th grade had their own chorus. In the past there's only been the 5th grade chorus. The theme was surfin summer music, with all the students dressing in bright colors and wearing a lei and beach hat. They all did a great job.

Several of the students, including Brie, were invited to sing solo parts. Each of them did great. The really did sound good, and all were very brave. There were a lot of people at the concert that evening.

This is Rachel. She and Brie have been friends (and sometimes enemies) since they were 16 months old. Rachel also had a solo part.... and here they are "getting down" together. Aren't they just lovely?!? Thanks for the great evening girls... you did just terrific!

A Crappy Situation

We all have adventures in our lives, right. Well this past week my adventure had to do with a clogged sewage pipe in my basement. How Nice! It all started last Sunday evening when I did a load of laundry. Ok, all you people who believe that it's because of the fact I did laundry on Sunday I had the problem, get it out of your system now... say "we told you so" and we'll move on. Everyone feel better? Ok, on to the rest of the story.

Friday evening (a week ago) we had some really nasty storms... I mean really nasty. It poured for hours. On Saturday we had the rain from Tropical Storm Barry come through. I guess the combination of rain plus everything else we put down our drains was too much and you guessed it... a back up happened.

I used the plunger Sunday night, Monday evening... and by Tuesday morning I had poopies coming up in the basement. Again, how nice. Needless to say my efforts weren't working very well. I did have some drainage going through so I thought I'd be able to work it out eventually. I was wrong... big surprise, right? I even enlisted my sister, Cindy, in the struggle to right a wrong. No luck there either. I was beginning to think I was going to be defeated by poop.

Along came my HERO..... Tibbs to the rescue.

Bless his heart, Brother Tibbs (I never call him "Brother" but for this I will) came over for my birthday dinner with his wife, Diane (Tibbsette). When I explained the problem he told me and Cindy if we couldn't get it clear to let him know. Believe it our not, he came over last evening and worked for almost 3 hours to get everything running again. I felt so sorry for him.... it wasn't the most pleasant job. He didn't grumble at all. What a relief to have it fixed.

For the record... for those of you who know Tibbs, you know what kind of a true "gentle" man he is. For those who have not had the pleasure of getting to know him, let me tell you a little about who he is. He is the kind of man all men should strive to be like. He is kind, generous, non-judgemental, tender, loving, honest, decent, upstanding, and sweet. He is the "dad" I always wished I had. He is a wonderful example to many, including me. He makes me feel I can stand a little taller... that I have value, that I am a good person. He is blessed to have a terrific wife and two great daughters, too. All of which helps make him who he is. He really is my hero.

So Tibbs, if you should happen to read this.... thanks so very much for all you do. Not just for the crappy job you took care of last evening, but for the many other things you do. I hope the things I do (and actions I take) will be things which bring a smile to your face... that make you as glad to know me as I am truly priviledged to know you.

Sadness

I feel sad tonight. Wow, what a beginning. People think I'm this fun loving, easy go lucky type of person, but I'm not. That's really just an act to a certain extent. I'm not saying I don't try to be upbeat for the most part, but I tend to be a "goof" to hide my real emotions. We all have something we hide behind, right? Please say yes.

Just for the record, I can't pin my sadness down on any one reason... more a combination of things. Life just gets to me some days. When I was younger (like a teenager), I always pictured myself getting married, having lots of children, living in a nice house with a picket fence, and growing old beside the man I loved. Like that happened! Too many bad choices were made.... so many regrets. Oh sure, I wouldn't trade my children for anything, but I do wish things were different for all of us. Perhaps someday my prince will come... then again he may not. Time will tell.

I might also add that I used to feel more sad when the moon was full. Don't laugh... I looked out back at the moon a little while ago, then looked on the web to see what cycle the moon is in. It's a waxing gibbous (96% of full). Maybe that's part of my problem tonight. Or maybe I'm just tired. I can tell you it's not PMS... thank goodness.

Ok, enough of this. I'm going to go read for a little while, then I'm going to bed. Sweet dreams.

Mean People

I'm feeling frustrated right now. I got a call from a grandparent of 2 girls in my Girl Scout troop. She was trying to give me a "heads-up" about something that had come to her attention. I have been a co-leader of 2 (and sometimes 3) troops in our area for 5 years now. I've stuck with it this long because of the girls and the fact there's no other people willing to step up and take over. I've enjoyed it, but for now it's time for me to step aside and let someone else take over. Of course I've made mistakes along the way, but I've ALWAYS tried to do my best for the girls and make them feel safe and accepted in our troops.... ALWAYS!

This call was to tell me there are 1 or 2 unhappy parents. I didn't hear this from the parents who are upset... I'm not even sure who the second parent is. I do know 1 parent is upset because her registration check from last fall never cleared, but that has nothing to do with me. All registrations were sent to council months ago. I heard this from the grandmother who called. She heard it from a new Cub Scout pack leader who just took over the pack that meets at our location. I don't even know this leaders name... I've seen her in passing but don't know much other than that. I'm curious how she got involved and why she thinks she needs to take care of something that doesn't involve her at all. In addition, she also said some completely untrue and unkind things about our troops. I wonder why. Why would someone do such a thing? I will say I know this is not the type of person who should be working with our children if this is how she's going to act. What kind of example is she setting?

The really sad thing about all of this is that it's the last nail in the coffin, so to speak. I'm done. I can't and won't continue working in an area where such ugliness exists. I can't "save" the girls I've worked with all this time. In our community we need good leaders working with our kids. There are so few good role models. Unfortunately I've come to the point where I'm spread too thin and must let something go.

Best of luck to this unkind woman who took over the Cub Scout pack. I hope she has luck, however, I'm not sure she will if she continues the way she is beginning. Enough said.

Mother's Day

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. I love this day because it is a day to reflect on motherhood... at least I do. Of course the obvious thing is about paying tribute to mothers. I looked on the web and found some pictures which I feel show some of the joys of motherhood.

I also came across two pictures which really impacted me. We truly hold a life in our hands. From the moment we conceive we will always be a mother.... through time and eternity. It's true that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. Is there any position in the world more important? Society would have us believe there is, however, I know this to be false. It doesn't matter what else I do, if I fail my children, I will have failed in life all together.
Today I sat behind Emile and the kids at church. As I watched her with Harrison and Zane, I saw how her life might be in a few years. She was helping them take the sacrament, taking them to the bathroom, keeping them quiet and settled, etc. It truly was like looking into the future. Even a member of the bishopric told her how grown up she looked today. He wondered who she was when she walked into the chapel with the boys... thinking she was a new member or visitor... until he realized it was her. So you see, it's not only me who saw the future. Before I know it, she will be a mother... I a grandmother... and the circle of life will continue. It always does. And so as this day comes to a close, so does my reflecting for now. Happy Mother's Day.

Thunderstorms.... Round 2

Susquehanna Valley, Pennsylvania
Currently: 62°F Heavy Rain
Susquehanna Valley, Pennsylvania
Currently: 16°C Heavy Rain
Wind: Northeast at 10 MPH
Humidity: 93%
Dewpoint: 60°F
Barometer: 29.99 inches and rising

Wind: Northeast at 16 KPH
Humidity: 93%
Dewpoint: 15°C
Barometer: 1015 millibars and rising

Sunrise: 5:52 am
Sunset: 8:11 pm


Last updated: 10:00 pm EDT May 12, 2007


Another evening of heavy rain and frequent lightning. We had a heck of a storm go through just after 6pm. We were expecting Harrison and Zane to arrive for the night. Wouldn't you know it, they got here at the peak of the storm. Emile was soaked trying to help get them safely in the house. We were joined shortly before 7 by Hayden and Conner. We had a fun evening watching "Cars" and eating popcorn. Now I get to go to sleep to the sound of rain falling. There's not much better than that. Good Night.... Sweet dreams to all.

Thunderstorm

We had our first real "severe" thunderstorm of the spring season last evening. I LOVE THUNDERSTORMS! I love watching how they build in intensity and move closer until finally they release their energy and move on. I kept listening in on weather reports throughout the day and it looked as if we would have a decent chance of a storm, and sure enough just at dusk it hit our area. I wasn't disappointed. A few homes were hit by lightning, resulting in fires (although that's the part of the storm I don't enjoy) and there was some flashflooding resulting in water rescues. I sat out on the front porch and watched the lightning until it was close enough that I didn't feel it was safe to stay outdoors any longer. I probably should have come in sooner but it was so relaxing watching while I rocked on my rocking chair. I also planted a bleeding heart plant in my flower bed abour half an hour earlier, so the rain was most helpful for that as well. Isn't Mother Nature wonderful!!