Anchored Always - Girl's Camp 2015

There are few things sweeter than serving as an instrument in the hands of the Lord. I am a mere instrument so that maybe a small miracle can take place in the life of someone I serve. These young women are His little lambs, and it is humbling and wonderful to see the spirit of God touch their hearts. As the assistant camp director, girls camp was more work and took even more preparation than I anticipated, but I had so much help from our camp director, all the other leaders, our youth leaders, and my Heavenly Father. I feel so grateful and I couldn't have asked for camp to go any better! Of course there was a bit of drama here and there, but not much overall. I saw these girls wrap their arms around each other and around certain people who needed it the most, I saw the light of Christ enter so many eyes, and the icing on the cake was hearing all twelve of these sweet girls share their testimonies the last night of camp. I love the young women program with my whole heart. I truly hope I can always be involved in this program and have a calling here the rest of my life. These girls energize me, make me feel like my true self (I'll always be a teen at heart:), and give me ample opportunities to share my testimony. They strengthen me. 

 I'm guilty of the human pyramid but I was shocked most of my girls had never actually done one before! Besides, I went to all that work to have all the parents sign the permission slips, I had to make it worthwhile...;)

 Ta Dah!!!

Trust Fall

Accompanied with the story of Peter walking on the water found in Matthew 14:24-31

And a discussion on what it means to be anchored always in Christ. 

All but one girl were brave enough to do the trust fall.

Skit Night!

We were so well-fed up there, it didn't even feel like we were camping! Thank you to our chefs!

 Captains of the ship all matchy matchy on our hike.

I'm so proud we were able to get the girls to hike 4.5 miles.

22 weeks preggers and feelin good!

Photo bombed by the smoke.

Karlee Boo is my neighbor across the street. I got to work closely with her as her Activity Days Leader when I first moved in and now as her Beehive Advisor.

Bonnie is a true mountain woman!

I love and respect each of these women so much. Also my cute maternity shirt was a secret sister gift from Lynette!

Service project picking up trash along the reservoir.

For our final day of camp certification the girls had to rescue our camp director with different skills they learned. So cute.

There were many activities and things I didn't capture on camera, but camp was a huge success. I'm so grateful for my family members who helped with Amberly at home so I could feel at ease while I was mothering these twelve girls in the mountains. :)

24 Weeks

Baby Girl,

This pregnancy is flying by with me hitting the 24 week mark. 

You were a good little babe and came with me to girls camp at 22 weeks. We did great and had enough adrenaline to run camp as I was the assistant camp director. But this past week has been nothing but major R&R for the two of us!

All my young women are trying to suggest names for you. Sorry Mommy and Daddy are still undecided, I think we've narrowed it down to our top two choices. 

You are an active, strong little girl. I don't remember your older sister moving as enthusiastically as you do every time I sit down. You seem to love love love chocolate and peanut butter (or else my body is just magnesium deficient, but it's more fun to imagine you loving chocolate and peanut butter.) Daddy feels your cartwheels and various acrobatics all the time, and we're both getting so excited to have you join our family! 

Amberly thinks every baby that comes over is her special dolly that came just for her. I think she'll adore you (when she's not jealous of you) and be a very loving older sister. She truly adores babies, especially little girls. It's fun to plan the room you'll soon be sharing with Amberly Faith! Braxton Hicks contractions started earlier this month, and they do come on somewhat easily. Please take it easy in there and allow yourself sufficient time to develop, life will be much easier that way!

We're thinking of you and praying for you to be healthy.

Your Mom and Dad already love you, and we're so excited to see your older sister adore you.

Love, The Mama

Baby V, G, O, or E

Dear Baby Girl,

It was confirmed a week ago that you are indeed the younger sister to Amberly Faith.

You get really excited when you hear her talking or laughing or crying next to my belly. I imagine you two holding hands in a few years, when you are old enough to walk and I want you to hold on to each other when we go places (too cute not to make you hold hands). Amberly is really going to love having you as her playmate, she sure loves babies. 

Every girl needs a sister. 

I can't stop thinking about taking care of 

my girls.

You look healthy and beautiful, and you are so active! I remember feeling Amberly, but you seem to be even more enthusiastic with your movements. And you are strong.

And so the halfway mark is officially reached as we come closer to our 21 week mark. (I can't stop wondering if you'll come early like your sister did, but I need to be prepared mentally otherwise.)

We're in the Twenties, Babe! 

Let's do this.

By the way, we're really not sure on your name. I'm praying for guidance to make the best choice with your Daddy. We really may not know until we see your face! We are anticipating you to have dark hair and eyes and skin like your sister, which may help in deciding which name to choose from. We have four top favorites.

Thanks for moving all over the place every day, Little One. It's the best part about my growing Gus Gus belly!

Love, Your Mama