Platte River Camping

Each year for many years now - perhaps 7 or 8 - a bunch of friends, all from my days at Camp Roger, meet to camp with our families. This year we camped as a group - 21 of us - at Platte River in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in northern Michigan. It was fun! Jeff was not able to go because of an art show. Maris was visiting Grandma and Grandpa Rottman. So, the trip was for Gretchen and Elem to attend. We had a great time with each other and our friends. Looking forward to next year already.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Creation

So, if you spent some time outside today or looking carefully at the world around you, have you noticed that God made it? I itch sometimes to spend time outside and in nature. I miss that part of me and those experiences. I would love to travel again more. Although, not exotic, we are leaving soon to travel through the Upper Penisula of Michigan and Minnesota for a week of time. It is beautiful there too! Can't wait to camp together as a family. So, those thoughts bring me back to the thought that I really don't understand how some people can't trust and believe that there is a God - The Lord God. Watch this video and it will make you think twice about not believing. Starting to doubt? You will believe if you let God speak. Enjoy! I think we will enjoy our trip even more knowing that what we see around us is from such a bigger source than our little 'world' in Grand Rapids. (: Hmmm.

Creation Calls - Are you Listening?

A Buttercup Bag

Another crafty moment -- I finally finished sewing the cute little bag created by my friend, Rae. She has a free pattern on her blog "Made by Rae". I used a left over piece of fabric, so perhaps is not my first choice for a little purse. But now I know the sewing was easy and fun -- so perhaps will choose something more to my liking for next time!

Free Buttercup Bag pattern by Rae

The Start of 1000 Gifts

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So I mentioned previously the reading of Ann Voskamp's blog, Holy Experience. Well, back again, it is on my mind. God and I have to connect more. Today I felt a surge of loneliness and frustration at all the work layed before me each day, instead of finding thanks in my day! It was a great day; Why be so grouchy? ugh. So, here begins a long list of things I am grateful for; In conjunction with the Gratitude Community on her blog. Thanks given on .... my Tuesday.

10. A wonderful community of educators at Excel Charter Academy
9. Cute little feet on a no-pedal bike!
8. Screams from the mouth of a growing 10 month old - screeches really of happiness. Wish I screech with delight like that more often.
7. A husband who uses his hands, time and energy to bring home 'the bacon' (:
6. Safety each day on the road in our car and at home in our comforts
5. Neighbors who want to share in life together
4. Showers that make us clean and cozy
3. A simple fan to keep the air aflowing
2. Morning light that fills the sky outside our windows
1. Life!

Here starts the gratitude list

Camp Roger

Ish ga milligee ala ka zatski umpty bumpty la oooooo ! Anyone recognize that? Ha. Elem, Maris and I ventured out to Camp Roger today to meet an old friend for the afternoon. Steph was out there as camp head cook for a few weeks with her family. It was an unfortunately cold afternoon, but we still got a dip in the lake, took home way too much sand, and now the kids are zonked out upstairs. I don't know many folks there any longer, but still love being there. Can't wait till the kids can go for a week and enjoy being SIBKISed and learn more about God's creation. FUN!