just for kicks...

For about a year now we've been looking for a time when all 3 girls were home at the same time and had their hair done the way they like it. We finally realized that might never happen. Either they're not all home or their hair isn't "right." Yesterday 2 of the 3 girls were ready and eager to try on my wedding dress, so we pulled it out and unsealed it. It hadn't been out in almost 25 years! As we pulled it out of the box, it took my breath away. It was just as beautiful as I remembered, and the girls were so excited to finally see it for themselves. First Bethany, and then Laura tried it on. I didn't cry, but it really was touching to see them. And it was bittersweet, of course, to realize that it once fit me and now it fits my girls. I don't know if any of our girls will choose to wear it oneday. I don't want them to feel any pressure to do so. But for a few minutes, they each felt like Cinderella, and it was touching to see how beautiful they looked in something that's so special to me. Today, it's Amy's turn!

The happy couple!

3 August 1975

It's been 34 years since I was at Baptist camp in Indiana and made a simple plea..."Lord, please live in my heart." And life has never been the same since! Thank You, Abba Father!

Summer Heat Firecamp

On Friday, Bethany completed her week as a teen volunteer at Summer Heat Firecamp. This is an awesome camp put on by the Colorado Springs Fire Department for young women ages 14-19. Since Bethany attended as a camper last year, she was allowed to help out this time, and boy, did she ever have a blast! She was there by 7:45 every morning and a couple of times didn't get home until almost 8 at night, but not once did she complain (except when she was bummed that the week was over!) She scurried up the 110' ladder and helped out at the propane fire demo. And she got to be the "dummy" the girls dragged from the smoke filled building! The week was filled with fire-fighting activities and competition and I've never seen her happier. This was the highlight of her summer, by far. The recruiting that Bethany did with the firefighters during the school year paid off. This year they actually had a waiting list for the first time in awhile. I'm blown away by the love and dedication of the firefighters who put on this camp. They're amazing women...very inspirational and dedicated to encouraging young women to follow their dreams...to face challenges and conquer their fears. These women don't do this job for the money. Clearly, they do it because it's a passion for them. So thanks, Stacy, Rachael, Becka, Mindy, Wendy, Ruth, etc, for letting Bethany be a part of this journey. It's an experience she hopes to be a part of for many years to come.