We rescued Rachel from the perils of horse camp this morning. She’s been slaving away this past week, caring for the horses (can you say “mucking stables?”), taking riding lessons, playing in the lake and learning more about the Lord.

It’s a difficult life.

This morning there was a show for the parents. What an incredible sight to see Rachel horseback riding so confidently.

A huge thank goes out to Rachel’s close friends, Jenny and Sarah, and their sisters who helped with Rachel’s camp fees. You girls are awesome!!!

Rachel and Sarah greet the campers.

We’re very glad to have Rachel home, safe and sound.

Kathy

It seems you’re never too old for mud pies.

Sarah’s birthday is on Wednesday. She’ll be 6 years old. She’ll still be my princess and baby.

Won’t she?

A big pile of dirt just cries out for attention. Sometimes it says, “Play with me! Drive cars up and down my hills. Dig your toes in my dusty layers.”

But today it shouted: “Add water and get dirty!”

You’re never too old for mud pies.

Can I place your order?

Kathy
Project 366 - Day 196

Rachel helped lead worship for VBS this year. She was especially delighted to work with some of her closest friends from church.

Aren’t these girls beautiful!! They did a fantastic job of teaching the children to sing, shout and praise the Lord.

Thanks for all your hard work - Rachel, Hannah, Katie and Allison!

Kathy
Project 366 - Day 193

Rachel (age 12 and 1/2) is flying through the Elizabeth Gail books by Hilda Stahl. And by flying, I mean reading two books a day. I stumbled across this Christian juvenile collection at a homeschool used curriculum sale in May. The books looked interesting so I bought the entire lot - 19 books in all. How could I resist? A big fat stack of books for Rachel - just my type of present.

At first Rachel was reluctant to begin the series. Frankly, they seemed a little too thin, not meaty enough for her. Thankfully there’s nothing like the combination of a prodding mother and a long summer afternoon to encourage one to dive into a waiting book.

I’ll do my best to snag Rachel for a real review of the books this week. She can give us her opinion and recommendations.

What are you pre-teen daughters reading this summer? Are you participating in the summer reading programs at your local library? Rachel told me she recently passed the 10 hour reading mark and is ready to collect her first prize.

Ah, the joy of raising a family of readers!

Kathy
Project 366 - Day 188

We had a glorious day on the lake today. Note: you are forewarned, I took at least 100 pictures and many of them cry out for a place on the blog.

For now it’s late and I’ll just post two. Rachel and her friend, Allison.

Kathy
Project 366 - Day 179