Cousins Camp 2011 (Part 3)

On Day three of Cousins Camp, Nana took us to the Birmingham Holocaust Museum where we had the privilege of meeting 9 Holocaust survivors. It was an emotional experience and one I will never forget. This sweet lady below has just completed a book about her experience.
And this darling lady is her sister. They were both so warm and sweet and kind. We had the privilege of learning all of their stories. They were heartbreaking and amazing.

Afterward we all went to Shane's Rib Shack for dinner. Yummy-licious!


(Lamb offspring, for sure! I love how their faces all match.)

Closing Doors

Earlier today, my youngest overheard a conversation I was having with her daddy on the phone. We were discussing current circumstances in our lives where God seems to keep closing doors, but doesn't seem to be opening other ones. I reminded him that, although the closed door seems like a loss right now, it could just be a blessing in disguise. (Confession: While verbalizing such "wisdom" to my husband, I was having trouble believing it myself.)

When we hung up, Caroline asked what I meant when I was talking to daddy about a "closed door". As I began to explain she said,

"Oh! Like Mia! The Collins prayed and longed to adopt a child and God closed door after door. He did that because He knew He had Mia waiting for them."
I love how God uses the "wisdom" of my children to tenderly remind me that He is in control.

Cousins Camp 2011 (Part 2)

The best part of Cousins Camp is waking up at Nana's house. My girls LOVE Nana's breakfast....so do I!!! Nana makes everything taste better...just 'cause her hands made it. You can count on eggs and bacon, egg casserole, and pancakes sometime while you are there. Delish!



The littlest cousins arrived on Day 2 of Cousins Camp.



Everybody LOVES Uncle Andy!


Some of us went to the park to play in the creek.






And some went fishing!


That night we attempted to get our annual Cousins Camp picture....always a feat!

(The people responsible for this clan of cousins.)






Everyone helped Uncle Andy celebrate his 40-something Birthday.




Feeling so blessed to be a part of this fabulous family! Thank you Lord for the gift of them...each and everyone.

Cousins Camp 2011 (Part 1)

On the first day of Cousins Camp this year we made our 2nd annual trip to Alabama Adventure. It was definitely an adventure! Nana came with us this year and rode all the rides.... cool Nana.

Last year Andy and I rode the Ferris Wheel with our girls. When we got to the top, the Ferris Wheel stopped for others to load on. I thought I was going to die. Right then and there, I promised God if He would safely get me off that thing, I would never get on again. I kept my promise this year.

Rebecca was disturbed by the twirly whirly thing that Aunt Laura,Uncle Tim, and Emily were on.

But she and I LOVED the rickety Rampage roller coaster that jerked us all over the place. I did too. You can jerk me around and even twirl me upside-down, but don't make me sit high in the sky on a Ferris Wheel. No thanks!

Everyone rode the log ride....wheeeee.

Andy (biggest kid in the family) played his usual games. Unfortunately he did not win anything this year. Secretly, I was glad. We still have this lovely dude from last year...


The best ride was definitely Buzz-saw Falls! There ain't no way you can avoid being drenched! The best part was standing on the deck waiting for the next boat to plunge. Refreshing!

Then we all went to the water park side.

It was a great start to our Cousins Camp adventures!

All Things Girly

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of being a part of this fabulous Jr. High Girls' Night. It was a last "HOORAH" before we say goodbye to the rising 9th graders (sad.) and hello to the upcoming 6th graders (yee haw!).
The evening was full of all things "girly", including:
a lesson in skin care...
(Lovely lips, ladies!)
...and perfect make-up application tips (courtesy of the beautiful, Mrs. Aubrey)
Everyone enjoyed a back massage from a certified massage therapist. What a treat!!!

The girls did each others toes...so cute!
And we made little "Gratitude Journals" to record our list of thankfuls.


Gift of Gratitude #321: Jr. High Youth...enriching my daughter's life in so many ways!
...and, of course, there was lots and lots of girly laughter.

Thanks, sweet chicks, for letting me be a part of such a fabulous night!