Summer Recap ~ Because I Haven't Blogged Since June

All good summers start with sunshine and smiles...

Addie managed the trading post again and mowed our lawn on her own... The boys later joined her in both tasks and it was a game changer for us! 

Eli took his grandma out on a paddle board. 

We did the Duck Race ... The water was high! Later the EPA spilled 3 million gallons of toxic mine water into our river... True story! 

The camp babies played and we all watched them.

We had mice. This one fell in my sink and couldn't get out. I picked him up with tongs and put him outside. I think he promptly came back in... 

Highland Games at camp, never disappoint. 

Addie baby wearing for the 1st time 

Our friends from TN, the Velkers, stopped for a visit... We have 13 children combined! Loved seeing them and sharing a little bit of life. 

Allan made a new friend 

Camp nurse Justine showed my children how to find out where their poop is located in their bodies by thumping sounds. 

Whitley learned to play the piano...

Then climbed the stairs. 

Knitting class - Year 8! Knit on! 

We all sat and watched babies play some more. 

Camp ended and we went nutso! 

We are currently finishing up our summer 35 Book Reading Challenge! This was Cora's last book... read to Whitley, because it just seemed fitting. 

This summer was a wild one! 

Tim and I had our 13th anniversary. Tim nearly cut his pinky off. We drilled a well, made a road, and made some big life choices. We walked alongside our staff as they did what God put before them. We finally got Thea fully potty trained!!! Glory be! 

I felt like I was riding a bucking bronco, just hanging on for dear life, most of the time. Goodness knows I don't do so well at that, but God was there, ever present, always gracious and might! 

It was real. 

Real good.

Real hard.

Real eventful. 

Real sweet. 

Real God by our side! 

On Being a Camp Kid

Another amazing and growth producing summer lays before our family... it all starts up on Monday!

I've never known mothering without camp-family-ing.

This past year I realized something.
Being a camp kid is a unique (little understood) childhood.
There are some big expectations that are placed upon camp children that are not always understood by onlookers or fellow staff who haven't had older children yet.

Here's the top 8 things my children want you to know about what it's like to be a Camp Kid in a Camp Family...

(I did ask them... but expounded on their thoughts a tad bit)

1... We absolutely LOVE our life and what we do! We know we are blessed to participate in what happens every summer at CBX. We look forward to it all year long and are sad to see it go when it's over! We are thankful for our home and where we get to live. Not many kids get to LIVE at camp! We enjoy serving at camp together and seeing kids grow and learn and heal! We LOOOOOVE the people we work with... Both full time staff and seasonal staff!!! They are our family and we cherish the special community we have with them. CAMP ROCKS!

2... We LIVE at camp. It is more our home than it is camp to us, even if it isn't suppose to be. Sometimes that means we struggle to know just when and how to switch our behavior based on varying situations. Every once in awhile we go crazy and draw on the walls or make a mess or even go in the kitchen when we know we shouldn't ... Because it's our home and not just a camp (or work environment) to us. 

3... We love the camp community, probably most of all! With community comes conflict and sometimes we are a part of it. We get sassy or short with an adult we know we normally should treat with respect, or we make a mess or put ourselves before others... Basically, we are sinners. We need grace, forgiveness and compassion. But, hey! With that, we are pretty skilled at extending that back to you when we are overlooked, treated/managed like a camper or when others are plain sinful to us! It's a sweet part of being in community!

4... At times we go through seasons of feeling like we are missing out. See, we are part of camp, but at the same time we really aren't. We aren't staff... We are too little to be included in many "staff" things. We aren't campers... And miss out on all the fun, even though we fully understand we do this thing for them! But we see everyone having SUCH a good time and we can't help but feel it stinks to not be a staff or a camper!!! Being a camp family can be a little lonely at times. 

5... Being a camp kid is SUPER tiring at times. We feel we have to be our very best all the time and like expectations of us are very high. Sometimes we've been kept up late the night before at staff meetings or Bible studies or campfires and some times we get up WAY too early for devos. Then again some time counsellors or staff feel the same way... Just wrung out! Please realize when the summer is challenging for adults, that it does the same thing to us... We are just littler and worse at coping with it. 

6... We feel like we own CBX... Not because we are entitled or bossy... but, quite honestly, because it's all we've ever known! We love this place! We are fiercely proud of it. Sometime our zeal for this place and what we know of it spills out and we feel like telling staff or campers where to go... Both literally and figuratively. We don't need to be put in our place, but we might need a gentle reminder that we have a place.

7... Sometimes there are too many cooks in the kitchen. Not the camp kitchen... But authorities in our life. Our mom and dad are the main people we take direction from, God designed family to function best that way! Our parents are believers in the idea that we should learn from other people besides them. We need to know that if we are doing something out of line that we will be held accountable, but we don't need to be over-managed by too many people. AWKWARD (as Addie would say). But things happen. If in doubt, go to mom... It is a win/win for us all because we are better corrected by our parents and you avoid any awkwardness of correcting us in a way that doesn't help us grow as the unique people we are!

8... Know we "get it". When we see someone struggling or hurting we stop and our family prays for them (for real... we do this!) We know that CBX campers have hard lives and that our staff struggle along side them. We are aware of the reality in which our campers and staff live ... even at our young age and it hurts us too! We've gotten to know campers, they are our friends, they return every year and we often know them longer than summer staff does. We question God and feel broken for them or wish we could make their lives better too! Know we understand this even though we are little, we get the depth of your struggle and hurt.

 We can't wait for another amazing summer!

We can't wait to get to know you, grow along side you and see the amazing things God does in and through you!

Thanks for hearing what it's like to be a camp kid in a camp family! 

The Closing of the Summer

Camp is in it's final days for the summer of 2014. 

That is sweet and sad all at the same time. 

It's been a good one! 

This summer we've had some great times,
both as a camp family and
also with our greater "family" of full-time staff and summer staff!

We've seen campers grow and change...
God going big in little lives.

It is almost addictive:
Seeing God work...
Experiencing his power over sin and brokenness and the vast extent of his grace!


Thus ends our 9th summer at Cross Bar X!
I already can't wait for our 10th!

Knitting Jesus

In our program at Cross Bar X we do a portion of our day called “skills classes”. During this hour long block of time we teach our campers a definable skill that they can leave camp with. Often  it is things like auto repair, carpentry, baking, fitness, music or such. We have this built in to our schedule and believe fiercely in it because we know many of our campers don’t always get to learn hands-on, real life skills, because of the environment they live in and the struggles their families face in just surviving and making it each day.

I've taught our middle school and high school girl campers a knitting skills class for the last 7 or so summers. In knitting class the campers get their very own set of knitting needles and a skein of yarn to take home. It is always a highlight of my summer, and not one camper has failed to learn to knit after my skills class!

But, it is also about whole lot more than just knitting! One thing I quickly discovered is that while we knit often the campers start to unravel their stories a bit, share their lives and struggles and concerns. I’ve learned things that are deep and profound during our knitting classes about the lives of our campers. I’ve also gotten to share a lot of hope and truth of the Gospel as needles click and yarn is unwound.

This week we had 5 middle schoolers join Joyce (my fellow co-hort/teacher, and our favorite volunteer RVer) and I to learn basic knitting. During the week, one girl, "Dee" from Albuquerque shared that it had been her dream to learn to knit. I sort of snickered at her confession at first, thinking she might just be being a dramatic pre-teen... but then she shared that when she was little she'd see people knitting on TV and she'd go find pencils and string and pretend to knit... she shared how excited she was to learn! 

Excited she was! Through out the week she took off and really showed herself to be a natural with yarn and needles. Each class she made huge progress and wanted to learn more. In addition, to learning to knit herself, she served as translator to a fellow non-English speaking classmate. Her and I basically taught another girl to knit via translation, when my simply worded English didn’t cut it. It was amazing to see how well we all managed that little challenge between the two of us! 

Today was our last class. She showed up to class with a completed scarf…. lovely and without imperfections. Before the class she pulled me aside and said, “I know this is asking a lot, but if you have extra yarn could I take it home with me to do more?” I said I "wasn’t sure, but we’d see", as I want to keep things fair and not make other students feel bad for not getting another skein of yarn too. 

In class I showed her how to finish (bind off) her scarf and she sat happily with it around her neck just watching others knit with a smile on her face. I slyly passed her another skein of yarn and she beamed and started right off knitting another. 

After class I left and was about to get in my car when up ran “Dee” saying, “I just wanted to tell you how thankful I am for your time and that you cared about teaching me to knit! It really was my dream, I know that sounds silly, but I’ve always wanted to learn, but I never knew anyone who could teach me! Thank you so much! I know you didn’t have to spend your time with us, that’s really cool of you to care about kids like that…” She hugged me twice and ran off waving her completed scarf in the air. 

Cross Bar X typically exists to share the Gospel… I have found, however, that often it is little things, like learning to knit, that allows kids to feel the love of Jesus. There is something about time and intentionality that opens hearts and breaks down walls. While I didn’t get to talk with Dee about Jesus, I know she felt loved and special and really if that was all she left camp with I'd call that a sweet success! The great thing is that I know, in addition to learning to knit, she also learned about God and his love (not just from me) but from her counselor and many of our other staff and Bible teachers. 

I am beyond thankful that God has allowed me to live and serve at CBX. 
Here our family gets the opportunity to be the hands of Jesus... the ones that knit up in love. 

“That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3

A Convo with a Camper

One of my favorite parts of camp is getting to talk to and know campers... they are interesting and funny little people!

For example, this week, I was helping Addie at the new Snack Shack when a camper asked if the jar of lucky rabbit's feet stunk... I let her smell it (it smells like moth balls). She "ewwed" and a boy by her said he wanted to smell... he smelled and gave his opinion, "That's not so bad... it just smells like a urinal cake..."

Then another girl came up and told me about the time she was staring at a goat on her grandma and grandpa's farm and the goat charged her and gored her... she said "I was ok. But I have an extra belly button now..."

A pretty slender girl, who caught my attention from day one because of her elaborately braided and beaded hair, came up while I sat knitting and asked, "Whatcha making?" I said, "They're baby booties..." She said, "They're WHAT?" (obviously taking the more vernacular form of the word "bootie"). I smirked and said, "A baby bootie... it is like a little shoe, but they're called 'booties'." She collapsed in a fit of laughing... she's been my friend all week long and keeps asking "How's those baby ... shoes coming along?"


Then there are times I know God is leading the conversation.

One morning each week Tim and I take "morning round" duty while the counselors are at staff devos. We walk around and ensure campers are safe and not getting into trouble. This week I had to go down to an isolated cabin because the girls were using it. I sat outside enjoying the rising sun and brisk fresh air. Then a little friend joined me. She looked down at my round belly and said, "How many kids do you have?"

I said, "Well, I have 5 and this baby will be number 6."

She thought, "That's a lot to take care of! When you have kids you have to take care of them..."

I agreed with her logic and moral reasoning.

She said, "How do you do that if you work a job? Who takes care of them all?"

I explained, "Your right, but thankfully my only job is taking care of my children... I don't have to work a job outside my home because my husband takes care of us and provides for us with his job here at the camp..."

She said, "Well I am glad you take care of them..." (At this point I am beginning to realize that the concept of "taking care" of children is a big deal to this little girl.)

I say, "I am too... but mom's also need to love their children too... not just take care of them."

She was thoughtful.

I said, "Who takes care of you?"

Her reply, "I have foster parents that I live with."

I ask, "Do they take care of you?"

"I guess so..." was her shrugged reply.

I couldn't bring myself to ask the next logical question... "Do they love you?"

She then volunteered, "Yeah. My mom didn't take care of me... that's why I have foster parents."

She then asks the question I know is on her little heart, "Two of your kids don't look like your other kids... are they foster kids?"

I say, "No. They aren't. They're my children ... but they joined our family through adoption. Do you know what adoption is?" She nods. "If you are wondering (because I know she is), I love them SOOO much! God put them in our family and we are SO thankful He did... even if I didn't have them like I am having this new baby... I love them just the same!"

She then gives me guarded approval through side cast eyes, "Ok. That's good."

Then we get interrupted. God provided that moment for a little girl to learn something she needed to hear. Then it was over.

I realize new every summer that our greatest form of ministry at camp is simply living as a family, intact, functioning, loving and sharing real life in front of our campers. We sit and eat, as a family, in under their watchful eyes. We correct and teach our children as they observe. We worship together, as a family, and go to lessons. We relax and tickle and horse play on the grass after dinner as they mill around and even join in!

I was tempted in previous summers to feel like I ought to be "doing something", "serving more", "contribute something of value" to the ministry of Cross Bar X. It use to really eat me up because I felt like I've never really had "a place" to serve that I had impact or really fit my gifting.

At some point last summer I realized that I was already doing exactly what God intended for me to do at Cross Bar X... to simply live as a family in front of kids who don't often see functional ones around them.

He's called me to just be a wife and mom to my husband and children. To simply talk to kids, ask them questions and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. To love those around me well and share that love openly.

That is why conversing with campers is one of my main "ministries" at camp...

Camp Family

Tim built the camp a new Snack Shack/Trading Post... so adorable!

Addie running the Snack Shack... she is getting school hours for her management lessons/project, amongst many other lessons she is learning running it!

In the Trading Post she did ordering inventory, stocking, organizing and pricing items and she practices sales, customer service and marketing every day during Rec Time...

Sno Cones!

Baby is growing!

On our way to lesson time.

Lessons in the Amp... This year's skit are really one of my favorites!

Eli. Simply Eli.

Grumpy Thea

We woke up at 6:38 am and had to be at camp at 6:45... we made it there at 6:50.

That is about 13 minutes... of which we have aproximately 3 minutes drive time.

I got myself and 5 other people ready... 3/5 have matching shirts!

I think I must have bent the space time continuum.

It had one cost however... 

Grumpy Thea.

Laughing at Camp!

We have teenage boys at camp this week.

Today while Eli was unloading the dishwasher I over heard him beat boxing.

It was actually quite good for a 6 year old.

I love our life!

Eli walked into one of our staff meetings... people lined couches and floors. He walked by Shannon, a counselor, and accidentally kicked over her water. He looked at his mistake and then back at Shannon and immediately went and hugged her neck. "Aw's" went around the whole group. It was cute. Then later I asked him why he had hugged Shannon, he said, "'Cause I felt bad I spilled her water and I thought, 'she needs a hug now.'"

Cora was sitting on one of our female staff members laps on 4th of July waiting for the show to start.

The single staff member commented that she wanted fireworks at her future wedding.

Cora gasped and asked when her wedding would be. The staff member laughed and told her she didn't have a man yet.

Cora thought about this apparent problem and said, "You could wait and let the campers (teen boys) grow up and then marry one of them..." We laughed at this notion and and she said, "What? At least they aren't your brothers!"

A few days ago I heard Thea stir from her nap slumber. She started jabbering and then I heard her belt out, clear as a bell, "AIN'T NOBODY -- WAIT-- (clap, clap) -- LOVE ME LIKE JESUS!" 

A few days ago Addie tried some camp food and exclaimed, "SWEET PUMPKIN PIE... THAT IS GOOD!"  (It wasn't pumpkin pie.)

Last night Allan found two straws (he is Mr. Resourceful) and decided that he and his brother should play Capture the Flag with the straws being the flags, so they started playing. A few of our teenage boy campers watched on because they didn't feel like playing basketball with the group. They watched with amusement. Soon Allan had them roped into playing. Then he was very animatedly taking these big 6 foot boys to "jail". They were having such fun together and it was all Allan's doing!

A Talk with a 12 Year Old Who Has a Cell Phone

Yesterday I sat and talked to a twelve year old.
She looks like America's version of "one of the least of these".

Mentor kid.
Inner city.
Broken home.
Forgotten kid.
At risk.
Low income

I checked my brand spanking new (1st ever smart) iphone 4 for the time.
She asked if it was an iphone 5.
I said, no.
She said how stupid her iphone 5 is and how she hates it.

I asked how long she had it.
Since her 12th birthday.

I asked why she needed a phone.
She said because her parents wanted her to be happy.
But she wasn't... it was stupid.
She said it cost $150 a month.

I wondered a great many things.

Then she asked when Addie (eight) would get a cell phone.
I snorted inside my head.
Maybe after she is driving or when she goes to college?
When she can personally afford to pay for it?

She was in wonder and amazement.
How could she "live with out it that long?" she asked seriously confused.

I said, "We can live with out a great many things... most people do."
I explained that I was 33 and just got my first iphone a few months ago... "See, I'm ok."
She was still awestruck.

I said, "Honestly, there are just too many more important things we need to give our money to... "
She asked, "Like what?"

People.
Hungry people.
Hurting people.
Sick people.
Alone people.

She was silent.

I wonder what she was thinking.
I wonder if she began to realize that her phone isn't what makes her "live".
That she feels hungry, hurting, sick and alone... despite her things.

We are unhappy with the best because it never fills us.
I am like a 12 year old with an iphone 5. Never filled but having it all.

Through Jesus I am like a 12 year old with nothing but the cloths on my back.
Filled though I have nothing of my own.

Um... Yes! 

Read this

She Can Laugh?

Long ago I started this blog with the theme from Proverbs 31:25 "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."

Those three words resonated with me... both who I am and who I desire to be... She can laugh. 
Not, "She will laugh"
Or, "She must laugh"
But, "She CAN..."

Today I cried.
I do that, as well as laughing, often.
It is hard.
Camp.
Life.
Marriage.
Family.
Health.

It is nice to know that I CAN laugh. Not because I have to, but because God has clothed me with strength and dignity that are His own. I can because my strength and dignity don't rest on my circumstances. I possess nothing but rags, filthy and worn. He, however, has clothed me with what I need to be able to laugh at the days I am currently in and those to come.

Last night I watched a riveting documentary on netflix called "Mugabe and the White African" (Wow, a must watch!) Basically it is about a family of white African's who have lived in an African nation who has a dictator who is trying to "rid" the nation of all "white's" and to take the land they have owned for generations... and give it to "the people" but in a very nepotistic way. I kept thinking, "How is this family not utterly shaken? How are they not falling apart at the seams?" What struck me was the young wife... while she certainly wasn't laughing at the blatant racial persecution and near genocidal type of struggles they are dealing with. She was, however strong and dignified. Her face was serious, but she had a boldness and resolution that was etched in her weathered face. She was broken... but not blowing the the winds of turmoil that were around her. She was confident...

Sigh.
Can She Laugh?

Thoughts on a hard day.

Hump Day

Once a year, the first week of camp I have a genuine (epic) "Hump Day."
Things are just hard.
People are just tired.
We are just getting back in the swing of doing this thing called "Family at Camp".


I didn't sleep at all last night because I am worried about a family member.
We all got up as the chickens-were-still-warm-on-their-perch early to go to Devo... which was 100% worth it because it was so what I needed to hear!
My husband made me the best "bullet-proof" coffee, which is the only coffee I can drink with out suffering the wrath of caffeine... but then I left it on our Yukon and my brand new (beautiful) travel container got crushed to smithereens as Tim drove off.
Thea wet her diaper so much this morning it puddled up on the floor under her (she is ready to be potty trained and is "staying dry"... then gushing it).
Baby sitter called and asked is she "had" to change Thea's stinky diaper... "Um... not unless you want to keep smelling it." (Totally didn't say that, but thought it.)


Sometimes it is the little things that make a difference.

Some sweet staff brought my Lyme's Disease riddled husband a plate full of bacon and some lemonade.
A church friend came by to ask me how I was... in a truly genuine way.
Cora woke up this morning saying, "Mom, I'll be a better girl today." Seriously.
Campers who say during crafts, "Do I get to take this craft home?"
I stashed this little goody aside for such a time as this... Reed's Ginger Ale... it is Uganda in a bottle.

First Day!

For 8 years the 1st day of camp has come and gone.
8 years, 8 years ago seemed very substantial when applied to others above me.
Today it seems very small when applied to me and Tim.
Technically we've had 11 first days of "camp", 3 were at Confrontation Point.

The first days is good.
It is anticipation.
It is nerves.
It is raw and filled with glitter that makes you unsure if you are really living this life.
After 8 years it is less nerves and more glitter. Less raw and more blurred at the edges.

But it is good because you realize this whole summer has nothing to do with you and all to do with Him.
It is good because you know that when it all comes down to it you have really nothing to offer but what you have in Jesus.

You are surrendered.

Last night my friend shared what it takes to be a good counselor.

He said, "God gives you 5 children. Know that this was not a mistake... they are placed in your care for  this time and this place by God's sovereign plan to bring Himself glory. If you laugh, they will laugh... in all circumstances. If you cry, they will cry... in all circumstances. If you worship, they will worship... in all circumstances."

This was said to the counselors, but God intended it for me!

God has a purpose and plan for this summer... it is my hope to participate in that plan.

Camp Begins

Our life is awesome.
I mean... how many people out there get to help kids from hard places, walk by college students sides as they grow and learn and get to do it in a place like where we live????

Every spring/summer we know camp is starting by one fun event.
Airport pick ups!

I know you are thinking... "Really? That doesn't sound that great."
But it is!

You see, we all go and get on the silliest, most crazy outfit we possibly can.
Some examples are:
- Hillbilly
- Pajamas
- Princess
- Lesure suits
- Hippy clothes
- Wigs
- Pirates
- Knights

Then we all (as many as we can find) go to the DGO airport and stand there.
Everyone waiting in line for security smiles, stares and some ask "What is this?" "Is it a holiday?" "Who are you picking up?" "Are you a theater cast?"

We make people's day... it is so awesome. It makes you realize people need more fun in there lives. They are totally surprised and mesmerized.

Photos From A Last Summer Pick Up... Totally still makes me laugh out loud!

 Here is the Staffer who was welcomed so fondly!

Then the staffer comes through the gate and sees us. At first they are like "Who are those weirdos?" Then they realize, "Oh my! They are here for me!" This look of either horror or delight crosses there face. We even had one guy (who by the way ended up not working out as a staff) totally knew it was us and totally walked right by us... 100% ignoring us. Oh dear!

Then we sing to them or do something equally embarrassing and then give them hugs and welcome them to camp!

Yesterday, everyone else at camp was in a medical training course and one of our favorite returning staffers came in... so Cabin Miller went to pick them up in full CBX style. We made her a sign that read  FRAULEIN MARIA (because that is what Addie called her last year). She knew to expect us and came running to her little welcoming comity with laughs. We wanted to sing "How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria"... but we all chickened out. :-D

Here is Maria picking someone up last summer!

This is why I love camp!

This is why we work at CBX.

Having Brain ~ Random Thoughts on a CrAAAzy Day!

Camp is immediate.
It is upon us.
Plans are being made.
My life is about to change for the 8th consecutive summer.
This isn't always a completely easy time for me and us.

During camp we ask each other questions like...
"If you could have a conversation with any person in all time, who would it be?"
I have never known until today.
Now I know.

Tim is having a needle rammed into this nether region.
He lost his ID today. 
He is in Arizona. 
I would hate to be in Arizona with out my ID... just saying.

But I am here, and he is there. 
Not sure who had a harder day. 
Probably him... But, yet.

I left my purse at home and went to Walmart with the Tribe. 
That was not fun.
Cora said, "Mom, that is too bad. Lets go home and get it and then come back again. Easy peasy!"
Yes, that is what we did.

That was a blessing in disguise because it allowed me 1 HOUR of sweet relief.
No breaking up fights.
No finding messes in a room I've already cleaned.
No having to discipline anyone!
For ONE whole hour.

Plus, I got to listen to Winnie-the-Pooh.
I am pretty sure if Psychiatrist just let a client listen to Winnie-the-Pooh they'd be fixed.

It gives me peace.
It makes me laugh.
Addie is "getting" the humor too.
I no longer laugh alone.
I think AA Milne really wrote Winnie-the-Pooh for discouraged moms...

Things got a bit worse tonight.
The the lambs got "Bloat".
It is all funny to think of a bloated lamb... but until a lamb goes all "bloaty" on your watch, don't laugh!
Don't you dare! 
Their little tummy's looked like over inflated... ready to pop, balloons. 
Then you wonder if they will pop... that is a horrifying thought!

It is deadly, city folks... deadly as bad crack on a dark street... 
(I don't know if that exists, but I was trying to think of something "city folk" might think is deadly.)

I called Mary the lamb lady... Yes, that is her name.
Yes, I find that very funny.
She told me to get a book called "Raising Lambs the Modern Way."
That made me laugh too. 
I think there is a child-rearing book with a similar title.

I tried burping a lamb tonight.*
All time high/low for me.
It didn't burp. 
That was the "low". 

Really, there wasn't a "high" to it... because it I didn't get to see a lamb burp.
Then I used a syringe to squirt a homemade concoction down their little toothed mouths.
Yes, lambs have teeth.
One gagged at me.

It was a day. 
I am ready to give this one back.

I don't know if I need a shoulder to cry or laugh on. 
I'll take an understanding shoulder.

:::::::::::::::

“Rabbit's clever," said Pooh thoughtfully.

"Yes," said Piglet, "Rabbit's clever."

"And he has Brain."

"Yes," said Piglet, "Rabbit has Brain."

There was a long silence.

"I suppose," said Pooh, "that that's why he never understands anything.” 

:::::::::::::::

As of 11 pm the lambs still lived! The bloat was much improved!!!

* Never try to burp a bloated lamb... it isn't the right thing to do! It could cause internal damage (popping of the lamb's innards). That is why I need to read "Raising Lambs the Modern Way"... that was the "unmodern" way to deal with bloat, evidently. Instead, you need to get them up and being active... not joking.

A day at CBX... A long, hard, good, holy, sweet day. 

I love this place because I get to tell kids, "Yes, you do get to take your crafts home!" and see surprised and satisfied faces. 

I get to see huge young men carry small gangly boys on their shoulders. 

I get to hear little voices raise in praise, "Hallelujah grace like rain falls down on me." 

I get to see staff broken and yet put together at the same time. 

I get to see my children understand how sin breaks, and Christ restores. 

I get to see the body of Christ function. 

I get to see hope. 

I get to see how I am so like my shoes in need of constant cleansing.

I get to participate in the place God has put me.