Hello everybody, how are you today?

Good morning. Can you believe that August is tomorrow?

Well the Long family is back from Word of Life camp and everyone had a great time. Jessica and Chace share new experiences each day with us. They're teaching Julian the moves to various silly songs they learned during meal times. We seem to have 2 children that like to go to the front to show off their moves. William, Julian and I enjoyed our version of camp; without any exhibitions. We went on the canoe trip again and thoroughly enjoyed our ride. The scenery is so beautiful, calm, serene. You get the picture. Oh and we saw a mama manatee and her pup at the beginning of our ride.
Saturday after we left camp we headed to Tampa for the water park. William enlisted 3 college students from church to join us as chaperons. That gave us plenty of adults to distribute the 40some children. I was able to spend the day with Julian and a friend of hers. Low key. We planned to leave the park by 5:30 and eat dinner across the street at a Pizza Hut. William called the restaurant at 4:00 to give them a heads up and place an order. We arrived on schedule and I felt like I was in the Beast's castle except no one was singing, "Be our guest..." They ushered us right into seating, came out with 2 liter bottles of sodas, trays of ice filled cups, round after round of pizzas and everything we needed to enjoy a relaxing dinner with 60 people. It was amazing AND we were finished in less than 45 minutes. Consequently we got a head start on the ride home and had to call the parents to come earlier to pick their children up.

We made one drop off and were home by 11:00. Chace crawled from the van to his bed. The girl's followed shortly after. Once we flipped through the mail and checked the pets, William and I too succumbed to sleep. Sunday morning came early.

I'm caught up on camp laundry with sleeping bags drying from various places in the house. You still have the opportunity to go to the Word of Life web site to view pictures of the children. To all who sent them mail, thanks a lot, they loved that!

Enjoy!

2 seconds before take-off

Why the heading, I'm not really sure why God put that in my head. Maybe the update on our lives will make it self explanatory. Here goes...
My trip to Ridgecrest, NC was fabulous. The mountains are more majestic than you could even imagine. I've been away from them way too long. The weather was glorious and I didn't break a sweat; at all. My first night there made me wonder if I really should have packed a jacket or sweater. It was just a cold front and only lasted that evening. With no computer, no TV and no children and the rest in tow, I was allowed much down time to read and spend with the Lord. How refreshing.
Monday thru Wednesday I spent with my brother and sister (we missed you Laura). Although miles and life get in the way; we were instantly able to push that aside and recall memories and share stories. Although I enjoyed getting to see my two older siblings my favorite memory of this visit will be getting to spend time with my niece and nephew. Both are growing too fast and making too many memories that do not include their Florida family.
I remained in regular contact with the family and found the conversations to be longer and longer; neither side wanting to lose that connection. Julian lost two teeth while I was away. This makes numbers 7 & 8 for her. We got a laugh when we realized that Chace has only lost 6 teeth.
I was greeted at the airport by three adorable children each holding an adorable teddy bear. Two were purchased in my absence. They were all giddy and goofy and glad to have mommy back. I too was glad to be home.
While I was away, Tuesday was bulk pick-up day and daddy had the biggest pile in the neighborhood. We're doing some decluttering and cleaning out and he went full force into the project. I am thrilled.
Thursday was spent reconnecting. In addition, William had a photo shoot we all helped with. It lasted until 1 in the morning and we were all wiped out. Today, Friday, I took Julian to the Doctor as she was complaining of her ear hurting her. She has an ear infection. Tomorrow Daniel Sieber, our first exchange student, is coming to town for a week. We are thrilled with his visit. He is on his way to Ecuador to teach English for a year.
Monday the whole family heads to Hudson, FL for children's camp. Chace and Jessica are sleepover campers, Julian stays with us. If you find yourself able to send a note to either of the older children, I am certain they would enjoy hearing from you:

Jessica Long or Chace Long
July 23 - 28, 2007
Word of Life Camp
13052 Word of Life Drive
Hudson, FL 34669

So maybe the heading is indicative of our busy lives. I do always feel like I'm getting ready for something. I'll close for now so I can get back to my TO DO lists.

Howdy

VBS was wonderful, we had a great week. We were exhausted and what a good feeling. God brought close to 450 children to the program with enough volunteers to help lead those children. Last week was spent recouping and adjusting to life without Sonja. She flew home the week of VBS. This was sad to all of us and she was sweet enough to leave little notes all over the house for us to find. Treasures that we'll all keep.
Our next big ticket item is Word of Life Camp which takes place July 23 through the 28. This group is 8 adults and 50 kids with most of those kids being enrolled into the camp with counselors. We end the week with a day at Tampa's water park and get home late Saturday night.
Friday I fly to Charlotte for a conference. I lengthened my trip to visit with family through Wednesday and look forward to that down time.
Today we're to go to the beach. We've had a lazy start since daddy didn't go into work early. Everyone is still in their jammies and nothing has been packed. It won't take long but to get started I have to get off of here. TTFN