camp anxiety has begun

I've never been a "camper". The first time I went to girls camp as an adult, I realized I got extremely claustrophobic in tents. When I was laying in my sleeping bag, I felt trapped like bear food in a sack. Every little noise through out the night brought new images of what was lurking between me and my nylon tent. So, when the bishop asked if I would help with camp this year, naturally I said, "SURE!" (I broke my rule of think twice, speak once)
So, last night I awoke from a nightmare where rat-like bird things were crawling all over me trying to bite me. Sure, this time I'll be in a big cabin with hot showers, but I still am getting the feeling I am in over my head. I mean, what's so great about camping? The best thing for me is Katelyn will be there, so I guess I'll have to be brave. (sigh)

Please.....no pictures

Once upon a time there was a boy named Jared. He was a good boy. He tried all the time to choose the right and to be good in every way. Last week he pitched his very first no hitter in baseball. He pitched 6 fabulous innings! Last night we were in a tournament with his High School league where he gets up to bat and smashes a double to left field. It was awesome. He was on 2nd base timing the pitcher and decided to steal to third when he slid into third base and slid into the cleat of the third baseman and opened up his right thumb. Luckily his cut was shaped into a Y (nice scar, eh?) He ended up with 11 stitches in his thumb...nice. It was his first hit of the game. The cut was so deep that I saw his tendon (gross). He'll miss championship game tonight.....needless to say, he's mad. The good news is it wasn't his throwing hand! We have to watch it for a few days to make sure he still has movement in his thumb, But I think it will be fine.
The very best part of this story is, I was talking to him about how serious it could have been and I, in my motherly was, said "you need to remember to thank Heavenly Father that it wasn't worse, to which he replied"(with a chest fist bump) I already did....I'm like that now, you know". ...So proud.....in fact, instead of sulking, he was in a good mood the rest of the night. He never ceases to amaze me. He woke up at three in the morning in agony and now is finally back to sleep/ I guess it is time for me to get back to bed too.

We love Ma and Pa Emch

I had to give a big shout out to all the wonderful people who made Trek happen for the kids this year. Jared came home a changed young man. He has talked non stop about the many lessons and experiences he had on the trail. Ma and Pa Emch were apparently "the best". I have so much gratitude for them and their willingness to sacrifice warm beds, showers, and general hygiene to be there. Jared is saying how excited he is that he can go again (we'll see if that is still true in 4 years) His nickname was "Ox", because he pulled the handcart the whole time. (not only for his family but for others who were struggling with hills and stuff) Of course, he forgot to use the disposable camera I got for him, so I can only imagine what it looked like. He said that the 24th of July will never be the same for him again. Thank you, thank you!!!!

quick update

I am just updating the ole blog to share what we've been up to lately. Jared is at Trek and comes home tomorrow. I am soooooo excited to see him, I love having the kids all home. K had a b-day and she is officially a *young woman*. (scary) Tyler is only happy if he is playing with friends 24/7. The little guy has officially hit *terrible 2's*, it's awesome....he throws the best tantrums!! My favorite phrase of his is when he yells at the kids and says, "stop it!" But it sounds like "top it". Also, he will lay on my shoulder and say, "lub you mommy". To which I reply, "If you give me a kiss, you can have whatever you want!" Ahhhhhh, summer....

And, BTW, my name is Linda and I am addicted to Scrabble on Facebook. Wanna play me?

39 days till school starts

I am updating my blog to say, I have nothing new or exciting to update! (how lame is that?) I am swallowed up in all things summer, kids bored at home with nothing to do. I need ideas on how you all keep the kids from fighting, driving each other crazy, and just generally following you around the house staring at you.....It's seriously cutting into my phone time. 39 days till school starts.

Rumor control

Hmmm.... I am feeling a little left out. All my friends are getting rumors started about them. I'm not "engaged", or have "swine flu". I am thinking about starting some rumors about me and my fam so we don't feel left out. So I came up with a few acceptable, plausible rumors:
1. Pregnancy- that's always good for a few awkward moments
2. Moving-That won't work, we've tried to move twice and it didn't work.
3. No, I didn't get a boob job.
4. I could start a rumor that I actually died from exhaustion.....
Okay, I can't think of any more. However, if if you can think of one and leave it on my comments, the winner will get bragging rights for the best rumor idea!

Random stuff

My flowers in my front beds aren't looking so hot this year. I came across this pic from last year, and since it had Ty in it, I had to throw it in.

I bought Jared some bandanna's for Trek, I think Jason looks pretty cute in it!

my son is proud of his muscles...

So, I posted random pics tonight because I have been a little busy with summer life and haven't taken new ones. Katelyn is out of school this week (yeah!) So, it will be great to have everyone home. Even though it's chaotic, I love having everyone home!

I went to a girls camp meeting today. I went once as an adult, in the YW pres. This is my first time as an assistant camp leader. I am looking forward to going, especially because my Kater will be there. (not to mention the 4 days away from home) I'm not a fan of camping with dirt so I lucked out because we are going to a cabin.....booo-yaaa! I would appreciate any suggestions for fun activities from all ya' all who have been. It's a little overwhelming to tackle everything that needs to get done.