While we were camping in South Carolina Tyler turned 15. We celebrated his birthday by the campfire with one of his favorite meals, steak kabobs with tons of veggies. Tyler, his Daddy, and brother shared an entire ice cream cake. It was a small cake, but I believe it was supposed to serve 8. They enjoyed it, Madison and I were happy no one threw up! We had one of the best camping trips we have ever had. Tyler would tell you it was one of the best ways to turn 15.
I love camping! I know, I can't believe I am saying it myself. But, I love the forced family time. I love not having the daily distractions and just being together. I also love that my boys can get as dirty as they want and I don't have to clean up after them (much!). We camped at Table Rock Mountain. We were hiking up the mountain when it started to rain. We had to hike back down 2 1/2 hours in the rain. This gave lots of opportunities to parent and deal with heart issues. The princess of the family (no, that is not me!) didn't enjoy this much. She was cold and very quickly let her feelings known. It's hard to correct your children when it's soooo obvious she is modeling your sin! Sometimes I don't know whether to laugh or cry, usually it's an undercover laugh. Anyway, it started raining that morning and didn't stop until about 1 am. Everything we owned, including the inside of our tent, was wet. That was my least favorite part of the trip. But, even with the tent and everything else wet, it was a blast! We might be getting this camping thing down, because it was the best trip yet! I would go again tomorrow (if my husband were even in the same country as me)! As much as I would love for Jody to bring a baby back from the Philippines, I have to admit there is something really special about the season of life our children are in. It is interesting watching them grow, to see their strengths and weaknesses. It is far from picture perfect, but boy do I enjoy it.
Tyler is learning to drive, and parts of our lives are changing forever. I look forward to this new season with an enormous appreciation for the past. Tyler was my first baby, now he is just my oldest baby! He has given us lots of opportunities for parenting and lots of opportunities to repent. I love being a mommy and I love that my boy is turning more man than boy. I look forward to everything that comes with it, the good and the bad. I look forward to the mistakes we will all make, and the opportunities for growth that will come from it. God is good no matter the situation! I thank God I have a husband who is willing to enter into Tyler's life without an invitation. I thank God he doesn't parent the same way I do, and is willing to do all he does for his family and his children. I am thankful Tyler is still able to spend time with us and go camping. I realize, before I know it this season, too, will be gone!
Shawna
