King Arthur's Castle

I love to create.

I love to allow my artistic side to shine.

I love to see something I have made, or been a part of, come together and truly turn out amazing.

this past weekend I was asked to come to camp and help paint the castle for the upcoming theme.

King Arthur's Court.

I jumped at the chance and was there on friday to start.

i spent from 9:30 - 2:30 Friday

then again Saturday, 9:30 - around 2ish.

painting.

creating.

loving.

happy.

then I came home, picked up dan and the kids.

we went back to camp and dan helped put the castle walls up.

there is a joy in my heart when I see it all come together.

we finished up some of the building and painting.

Around 7:30 we left camp.

2 exhausted & hot kids

2 exhuasted & hot parents

1 joy-filled heart.

***there were sme finishing touches to be put on it sunday morning, and I hope to see them soon.***

*Special shout out to: Moose, ShamWOW, Bandit, Sunshine, Yacko, Mumz, and the guys who helped put the walls up.

Thank you for all the work you did on this project.*

J@de

I have 5 nephews and 3 nieces. (i hope I counted right)

Today my oldest niece turns 17.

me and J@de

I first met Jade (she prefers to write it J@de) when she was a baby.

I know that sounds like that is the most expected thing, but Jade is in no way blood-related.  

although I think she is.  

Her mom and my brother dated when Jade was a baby and I wanted her to be my niece back then. 

it took a few years but Jade is my niece.  

and I am so glad she is.

Jade is a beautiful young woman with a huge heart.  

She loves everyone.

family is so very important to her.  

friends are the world.  

God is crucial to living. 

I am proud of the young woman she has become.

She is extremely gifted in the arts - drawing, photography, and drama is in her scope too.

She loves music - music is her soul. 

I think she is overlooked too often because she is so willing to give of herself to her family and friends (and as a teen I know it doesn't come across so obviously sometimes)

She is quiet, but funny.

She adores her step-dad, my brother, and loves to go to his comedy shows.  

What a support and encouragement I know she's been to him as he starts off his comedy career.

She loves serving God - even though it is a thankless job a lot of the time.  

(on mission trips, and at camp)

I have a gorgeous niece and i pray often for her.  

I see myself in this girl who joined our family at a young age.  

i adore her.  

She is wise - but doesn't realize it.  

She is absolutely beautiful, but doesn't realize it. 

I am blessed to have her in my life.  

She is an encouragement to me in many ways. 

I pray this next year of her life is full of many unexpected blessings, many friendships strengthening and forming, many dreams accomplished and dreamt. 

Love you J@de.