Happy 9th Birthday, Mallory!

Yesterday we celebrated Mallory's 9th birthday.  I CANNOT believe that she is 9 already!  It really shows how time flies.  I remember just like it was yesterday the day she was born.  We couldn't wait to meet her!!  I was 3 days overdue and Eric was to be in a wedding at the end of the week so we knew she had to come soon otherwise Eric wouldn't be going since we lived in Crookston at the time and the wedding was in Rock Rapids, Iowa.  The day she was born it was cold and windy.  My labor was hard but short.  Eric was a champ!  My best friend, Amber, was able to be there for the delivery and my parents made it about 20 minutes after she was born.  My mom couldn't get enough of her.  She was so cute and petite and had just a little fuzz of light brown hair.  She was the best baby!

I had to work yesterday so we let Mallory pick where she wanted to go for supper.  She chose Hickory Lodge.  Always a good choice!  She got to pick the lunch at daycare and the fruit and snack.  We had a party for her on Sunday at the lake.  She brought two friends, Zach and Cali.  Grandma was there along with Mom and Dad and Em and John and the boys.  I made her cake from scratch this year in the shape of a turtle.  It turned out pretty good I thought. 

HAPPY 9TH BIRTHDAY, MALLORY MARIE!!!  WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!

Pine Haven Christian Assembly

Mallory and I are back from camp and we had a GREAT time!!!  I forgot how much I missed being at that beautiful place until I was actually there!  I was nervous driving there by myself but I did just fine.  It was nice it was only for 3 days but I still wish it was at least one more day.  It seems like just when the kids get used to being there they have to go home.  But Mallory made some new friends, as did I.  One of my favorite things about camp!!  It is unbelievable how close to God I always feel when I am there.  I can put all of my worries and troubles aside and just focus on glorifying God and thanking him for all of the blessings I have in my life.  And having a few days of relaxation doesn't hurt either!  Mallory and I got to be in the same cabin but we were not in the same family, which truthfully was good for Mallory.  It helped her to have some independence, even though I was there, and to make new friends.  She did get a little homesick on Monday b/c she felt nobody was being nice to her but I think a lot of it was that she couldn't hear what was being said so she felt worried that they just weren't talking to her.  After a talk with her family mom it turned out to not be so bad.  She didn't want to go home on Wednesday and said she'd go back next year even if I didn't go with her.  But I had so much fun myself I have a feeling I WILL be on faculty again next year and every year to come!!! 

I am so grateful that we belong to such an amazing church that has the best camp!!  I went almost every year when I was younger and loved every minute of it!!  I came back a stronger Christian with newly formed friendships that have continued to this day!  I learn something new every time I go.  This year I  learned the Pine Haven Theme Song.  Who knew there was such a thing!! 

So thank you God for this amazing camp and for the awesome experience that I got to have with my daughter.  Without You, none of it would be possible!!  You are the creator of all things!!!