Camp Fun

It seems that the children had a terrific time at camp!  Barrett and I went to pick them up Saturday morning and to be honest, I think we were both pretty nervous as to what they would say!  Thankfully, though, they both said right away "I definitely want to come back next year!"  The camp was awesome about posting pictures throughout the week.  They even mailed us a "postcard" with all their cabin mates!  Camp Chatuga has won us over!

Ian at the First Night Council Ring

Ian's Hiking Group

Ian playing in shaving cream at the Icky Olympics!

Bonner took Horseback Riding

Bonner (and Abby's) Swim Group

The 2 Muskateers at the Carnival Night

Ian waiting for his turn in Riflery

Bonner (and Abby tucked in behind her) participating in the talent show!

Ian and his cabin mates in the Talent Show...

Apparently, he had to run away from something!

 

Ian (left) & Bonner (right) at the Final Council Ring ...

And they are both still smiling!

At pick-up time, they were exhausted, but still smiling!

These girls loved spending so much time together!  Until next year...

Another Boat ....

So, Barrett decided that his little boat was entirely too little so he upgraded slightly to a little bit bigger boat.  Belle and I left around lunch to head up to the lake and then Barrett came after work.  We took it out on it's maiden voyage and I must admit, it's enjoyable in short bursts!  We are looking forward to a terrific week at the lake with the kids since we get to pick them up tomorrow!  It's been a long week not being able to talk to him; but, from the pictures posted, they are having a terrific time.  Fingers crossed that I didn't make a huge mistake sending them - we'll know tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. when we pick them up!

This dog is so funny how she sleeps with her head leaning upwards whenever she can!

Here's the Captain!

Belle & I shared a seat; until she kicked me off all together!

Red Tomatoes

On June 5th, I picked my very first red cherry tomato from my "garden" and I delighted in it.  And now, today, less than a month later, I usually pick anywhere from 10 to 20 a day!  And I am still delighting in it!  So far, we have enjoyed several jalapeno peppers, 2 green peppers, 1 squash, and lots of little red tomatoes!

Last Day of PT

Well, after 5 months and 15 days, I was finally released from Physical Therapy!  I have been going for twice a week up until the last few weeks when I only had to go one day ... but it's been a grueling process to get my right leg back in order.  It's still not 100%, but it's functional and strong enough to get me up and down the stairs and for walks around the neighborhood.  I have no idea if I will ever run again or much less play tennis; but I am thankful for these trainers who have guided and directed me since the accident back in January!

From Left to Right: Chad, Duncan, me, and James

Camp Chatuga 2018

Well, Barrett and I picked the kids up from Stewart's Sunday at noon and we hit the road to Camp Chatuga in Mountain Rest, SC - it's about 30 miles north of Seneca.  They were both excited and nervous; but the drop off went great!  Bonner's friend, Abby, was already there and had claimed "top bunk" so I got her set up while Barrett helped Ian.  The boys came and found us and then I checked out Ian's digs!  It looks like a wonderful place and I am super excited for their week ahead!

Abby with Bonner in Cabin Lakeside 5!

The 2 of them working on their "nametags" which are round pieces of wood that they can decorate on both sides.

Ian is all settled into Hilltop # 4!

I left them letters from me, Joyce, and Gigi!  And I can send them emails each day!  As Barrett said, "This is a life event for them, Jennifer!  It's exciting to be old enough and mature enough to go off to camp!"  We will pick them up next Saturday at 9 a.m.  Until then, I will be praying for their safety and for them to have a wonderful time trying new things and making new friends!  And, of course, I will be scouring the camp's Facebook page to try and find pictures of them!!

Loss of Yet Something Else

So much of getting divorced is all the loss you will face - both immediately and over time.  Well, I had to experience another loss and it really hurt.  Bonner called me Thursday night from her dad's house to tell me that she had shaved her under arms.  Her precious voice telling me about this pre-teen event rocked me ... but I held it together and told her that I was proud of her and completely understood.  She told me "Lindsey gave me the razor, but she didn't help me figure it out."  Ugh - gut-wrenching!  To think that Lindsey would overstep yet another boundary and take a special moment for me and my daughter away cut to the core.

And then today on our way to camp standing in the line waiting to order our lunch at Zaxby's, Bonner got up on her tippy toes and whispered "Mom, I also shaved my legs on Thursday; but I didn't want you to be upset so I didn't tell you on the phone."  In front of her, I am sure she could tell how saddened I was by the fact that I wasn't there to share in the experience with her ... again, I held it together; but deep down, I was one giant knot.

My counselor told me one time "Jennifer, You have to understand that Stewart and Lindsey are the type of people that you will have to choose to forgive each and every day because they will continuously choose to hurt you in their power struggle."  It's painfully true and yet, here I am again, choosing to forgive while the tears flow!

Father's Day 2018

Unfortunately, Allison took Palmer to Tennessee last week and is staying until sometime this week, so Barrett didn't get to see Palmer on Father's Day.  He was pretty sad about it; but even more upset that she never called him.  And I am just angry about that ... but I will forgive her and I am praying that he talks to her and lets her know just how hurt he was.

We did make the most of our Father's Day, though, with a quick trip over to Spartanburg to see Khaki & Big Daddy.  And then my parents came over for the afternoon so that was fun.  We ended the night with a surf & turf dinner of filet and shrimp!

We brought Barry back a handmade walking stick from Gatlinburg, TN!  He loved it!

And he ordered Barrett a Skipper's Hat for his birthday!  In fact, Barry even admitted "I ordered me one, too!"  Ha!  Too peas in a pod!

Weekend at the Lake

We had a few days with the kids before they went back to Stewart's on Father's Day so we headed to the lake.  They had a great time tubing and playing in the lake!  I cannot believe I didn't get more pictures of them; but I guess these days, I just take pictures of the dog ;-)

This is how she was sleeping in the car - with her head facing up in the seat!

And then we were on the boat parked at the dock, and Belle heard the neighbor's dogs start barking so she tried to jump from the boat to the dock - unfortunately, she didn't make it and fell in.  But I wasn't right there so she had to figure out how to swim which she did!  She looked like a wet rat by the time I pulled her out!  Poor thing!  But at least we did figure out that she can swim!

She dried off a little bit!

And then went to find the shade!!

Goodness gracious, I could not love these kiddos anymore!  They are growing up and still smiling which makes my heart happy!

I took them to Stewart's yesterday for Father's Day and for his first week of the summer.  For the past several years, this has been the hardest week for me - the first week in the summer that they are gone; but Barrett and I agreed that we have spent so much money lately that we need to stay home.  I will find ways to keep busy and get them all packed up for camp!  It won't be easy, but I am so very thankful for being able to spend the evenings with Barrett!

Ian's Annual Cardiology Visit

Ian had his annual cardiology visit Thursday.  He did fantastic, as usually, doing whatever anyone asked of him. Everything looked good and the doctor said "Call me if you need me, but if you don't, I'll see you in a year!"  We are again blessed for another year of strong heart health for him.

He was cool as a cucumber before the appointment playing on the iPad and while getting his EKG.  The doctor does want him to wear a Holter Monitor for 24 hours to get a baseline since he is doing so well right now.  We will pick that up the end of July and it's only for 24 hours, so it should be easy!

Busy Birthday Weekend

Barrett's 45th Birthday was this past Friday so made plans with Matt & Krista to head to Harrah's for The Price is Right Live ... with Jerry Springer!

We stopped at Sierra Nevada on our way to Harrah's for lunch.  They have built a beautiful brewery and restaurant and I still hadn't been.  It was worth the wait!  But we were excited to get on about our "Come on Down" so we didn't do the tour or anything - just enjoyed a yummy lunch with dear friends.

We checked in with our IDs and tickets at Harrah's and got our name tags ... Matt had to go by his "official name" of John and we aren't sure what happened to Barrett's nametag, but the lady named him "Barry"!

None of our names got called and we lost all of our gambling funds, but we had a great time!  It was a late night at the casino so when we woke up in the crummy Fairfield Inn, I couldn't breath from the smoke.  We got dressed real quick, grabbed Waffle House on the road, and headed home because we had a date with Toby Keith that night!  Yes, TOBY KEITH - back on tour!  It's been years since I have seen him in concert and, interestingly enough, I didn't know he was even in town, but on Thursday night, mom popped over to see the kiddos real quick and she told us.  I got online right then and bought 3 front-row tickets!  We got there early and tailgated some in the parking lot which was fun!  Once we got settled in, we realized that we had really great seats!  He put on a fantastic show and for his encore song, he invited all the veterans up on stage with him which really brought a tear to my eye!

Gigi was ready with her Red, White, & Balloon Headband and her America shirt!

We had GREAT seats!  The picture on the left is how close we were without zooming in!  He put on a great show and I was thankful to be there!

Needless to say, it was a long couple of nights!  I took a long nap on Sunday and woke up to find Barrett "napping", too!

Last Day of 3rd Grade

3rd Grade Awards Day

Yesterday was Field Day; today is 3rd Grade Awards Day; and tomorrow is the last day of School - needless to say, it's a busy week!  3rd Grade Awards Day did not disappoint!

Bonner received the following awards:
- Citizenship Award
- Distinguished Artist Award
- "A" Honor Roll

Bonner with Mrs. Bell and then with Lilian!

Ian was on the "A" Honor Roll so he was excited to get up front, too!

Ian with Mrs. Garosi

Super excited to share this special day with Gigi & Joyce!

Since the kids weren't doing much at school, I decided to take them with me so we could spend the day together!  We enjoyed a yummy breakfast at IHOP, then a trip to Gravitopia, then to the library and then to Twisted Cup for shaved ice!  Finished the day off in the pool and a yummy supper at home!

I just love this picture ;-)

Came home to my first harvest!  This cherry tomato was delicious!  The garden is overflowing with buds - can't wait to enjoy the homemade veggies!