Fish and Ants

"I don't like my fruit cuz it tastes like coke."
Ms. Emily-well eat the other food and then we'll try your coke fruit
Ms. Emily-Lets be fish, show me your fishy face!
"I wanta be a dead fish."
Ms. Emily-No you dont want to be a dead fish!
"I saw a purple ant!" "I saw a blue ant!"
Ms Emily-You've seen ants I have never seen and thats ok.
Alright everyone make a pizza slice with your feet and sticky glue your hands to your hips! like Ms. Julianna taught us





This last week of camp the kids did a ballet piece and a tap piece. They also had pj day on Friday. I've never done tap before this summer but put together a little number to "Allstar" and it was very cute! Also, tap is a great dance style that with a few basics, i think a lot of people could learn. It's all about rhythm and some people are very good and quick! The kids also had a talent show and some of the girls had a little mermaid routine-hence the fishy faces!

Yesterday I assisted in African dance which mostly involved me doing a whole lot of watching because when I attempted it, it was probably rather humorous. I told one of the girls I had never done this until today and said she could probably tell. She said ya but you weren't too bad, you just have to practice. I'm pretty sure she was just being nice :).
I often say dance can be humbling and today it was! You just have to smile and laugh. Let's just say I have a very big appreciation for those who study and perform the art of African Dance. They are very talented, gifted, and free spirits and its so amazing to watch! They have a rhythm and freedom in their dance that is beautiful to watch!





Well little ones, thanks for the memories!

if you love oreos you must click here

Kisses and Goats

A lot can happen in an hour. I drive about an hour to work and today was another adventure as normal. I listen to a lot of radio, a lot of the same songs,and some really crazy radio hosts. On my way I pass goats. When you pass goats in the morning you just cant help but smile. Then I saw three cop cars pull over one truck. I'm glad to know the men in blue are doing their job protecting Atlanta and have backup. Then I heard that after 21 hours, a man was found, alive in the morgue refrigerator. How strange and cool (no pun intended) is that?! And to complete my morning I had two slices of banana bread (which turned out fine I might add). I also got cut off two times in traffic and had possibly a record commute to work: all time fastest that clocked in somewhere around 45 minutes! Needless to say that's exciting.

Questions I get asked when I go to the park with my campers....1. are these your kids? to which i always stop and wonder....i have anywhere from 5-13 plus kids and none of them look alike. I'm not even sure if its physically possible for me to have 13 kids. I shall look at it as a compliment that I'm motherly and caring.
2. Are you an adult? because you don't look like one. you look little. To which I respond, yes I'm an adult and yes I'm little but thats ok :)

Today I got two kisses from two precious little ones. Now thats a good day.

Sometimes we grow up in college

So happy to hear from my Jacksonian friend EmFray this morning. She just recently got married and is doing quite well. We sure have grown up since Freshman year! I didnt realize it but we were in the same Freshman welcome group or peer group. From Spring break to NOLA and our lovely powwow's, a lot has changed but I'm so happy I was able to be apart of your wedding and we can continue to grow as friends wherever the Lord takes you and your wonderful husband! I always love to hear from and see friends from far away places.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood

Once again it has been a while since I have posted.

On my way home from church this morning I saw a sign that might just be my new favorite. It said, "Entering mission field." I've always thought that no matter where you are, you are on a mission field. You don't have to have the title or name because you already have it! When you become a Christian, your world, your life, is your mission field. Whether I'm working at a camp, going to classes, helping someone move. The people I see every day are part of the ministry in which God has placed you.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
-1 Corinthians 10:31

Camp Week I don't know
I'm not sure what week of camp this week is but I have two weeks left! I cannot believe the summer is almost over. I got an admissions packet for Belhaven and again I cannot believe I am a senior. It feels strange but also very right.

Anyway, this week's theme was Rock n Roll. We were supposed to have a dress up your camp counselor day, which sounded kinda fun, but no one brought anything.



The week started off very sad as one of my campers, who had been with me from the first week, came in to say goodbye. She showed me this big flower and I had no clue that she was leaving. I smiled and said what's this? Thinking it was just the start of another fun day when her dad told me the sad news. She brought me a gift-a beautiful, and rather large Lily, and a card she made. Her dad took a picture (and again I wish I had taken one for myself) and I gave her a hug. Oh I just wanted to cry. But I hope she has a great rest of the summer!



My favorite was Friday when the kids dressed up. One of the little girls was all excited because she had hot pink highlights and light blue eye shadow along with some 'peace' and 'love' bracelets. One of the other girls was all decked out with a hot pink tutu, red braided hair clips, pig tails, beads, a microphone (that lights up!), and guitar sunglasses. I so wish I had taken a picture! And just who do you think their favorite rock star was? You guessed it, they've got Beiber Fever! They were so excited they wanted to warm up to his 'baby' song and as I racked my brain trying to find the cd, they said, "I want Beiber!"
The kiddos also got to go to the Coca Cola factory this week! I had to miss it due to running some errands but I think they really liked it. I hear there is a room of all kinds of coca cola flavored drinks! I still want to check it out someday!
The pool day was cut short due to some very dark thunderous clouds so we went back early and the little ones were content to eat snack and watch the older ones try some hip hop.

Update for apartment style living:
This weekend I am cleaning the house. The whole house. It's pretty big but I only have the three upstairs rooms left!! and I have been eating ham casserole for the last three days. Im kind of sick of it and ready for a new meal, since it made so much food!
Tonight, I think I shall have fajitas. I made them a while ago and they turned out really well! Fresh bell pepper from our larger-than-square foot garden. I think it will be good.
I also made banana bread and sadly it was one of the worst I think I have ever made. I cut the recipe in half because I'm just one person and I added the walnuts (which we never do). I failed to realize that if I cut the recipe in half, that most likely cuts the cook time in half too. Needless to say, it got rather brown but it was still very moist and didn't taste bad, just not as sweet as Im used too. Anyway, I still have a few bananas left so this time I think I will just stick to what I know best and make the whole recipe, without walnuts. If I have extra, I can always freeze it.

Watched a goodbye show to Brooks and Dunn as the duo is no longer a duo. Boy did they have some great songs though. Here's one of my favorites

Today

Today Im missing friends and family and really wanting a peach milkshake...its almost Friday! Im thankful God is in control and sends little campers that give lots of love and hugs.

Lately I feel like we have to sing the song, "Just keep trusting just keep trusting what do we do but trust, trust, trust." What, you've never heard that one? Well, little fish Dori has a catchy tune and I've got to remember to trust the Lord's work and provision.

Today I saw the cutest little boy at the playground. He just smiled and waved at whoever walked by or helped him. Such a precious little one.

Let the apartment style living cooking begin....tonight we have ham casserole. I know, I know, you say casserole, come on, you can do better than that. Really, though its one of my favorites! Ham, noodles (gluten free if you'd like to be healthy), cream of mushroom soup, onions, cheese, and milk. I almost didn't eat my leftovers because I wanted to make it last night. Simply cook the noodles. Heat the milk, cheese, and soup (heat up so the cheese melts) pour over onion, ham, and noodles. Bake. It's delicious, I promise!

Today is a great day

Today dad taught us how to mow the yard...lets just say there's a reason why I haven't learned how to do it in 21 years. There was an awful lot of laughter as we attempted to start it and it kind of ran away. Both mom and I had a lesson and then dad left with a caution that its ok if we "miss a few spots". Who knows what it will look like when he comes home ;) all kinds of pretty "designs." Just kidding! Have not fear dad...even if I'm a bit fearful.

Aside from all the laughter, today is a great day because it's the women's world cup! After the epic win against Brazil last Sunday, I sure hope these ladies keep believing and pull out a win! U-S-A!!

And even more of a reason that it's a great day is that its my sister-in-law's bday!!! We love you and hope you have fun camping!!!

Today is the Lord's day. Today is a great day.

Aquariums, Kids, and a little bit of Craziness

Camp Week 5
This week was our first Cheerleading and Tumbling Camp we had about 22 Juniors which is a huge group for us! The crew learned two cheers (one of which I brought back from Ben Lippen) and attempted cartwheels but it is a little hard to learn in only 4 days or so. Their summersaults and back bends were much better and they sure tried hard! Mr. Travis also taught them a very cute hip hop number to Beiber's "Baby."

They even got to go the GA Aquarium. It is a really neat aquarium but I wouldn't recommend going in the summer, in the week, because it is incredibly crowded! Try scoping out the times and day of the week and year where it is least populated and you will probably find it much more enjoyable! Also, try ordering tickets in advance or online so you can pick them up at the Will Call station. This should also save you time waiting in line if you do decide to go in the summer! General Admission ranges from about $20-25. If you want different packages, prices vary but tend to go up. Your are provided with an aquarium map upon entering and if you have questions, just ask, as the staff is readily available and willing to help. The Aquarium is in downtown Atlanta and very close to The Coca Cola Factory, Cenntenial Park, and The Children's Museum.

My favorite part was the Ocean Voyager, compliments to Home Depot. You walk under a canopy of ocean, it makes you feel like you are right there! One of the boys was so cute as he cried, "Hey, down here!" to the scuba divers who were in the tank. The sea otters were also very cute. I think we missed the Beluga whales as many people were watching them be fed, but if you get a chance, check them out too!

They do have a lot of interactive activities for kids from tunnels to playgrounds to touch pools. Don't forget, touch with two fingers! For those of you who are interested in unique state information, there's an exhibit just for you called, "Georgia Pacific Cold Water Quest." I think the Dolphin Exhibit costs extra but if you can do it, I bet its worth it!

If you are interested, you could even throw a wedding there. Check out their "Book your events" tab at their website: www.georgiaaquarium.org

I hope one day to get to go back with my family or friends when it's a little less busy, especially since there is so much to see!

sometimes the start is a lot different than the finish

the day started with "Your pretty" and ended with "Your braid's messy." whew its been a long one BUT at least one girl had a good day, "I did it! I made my wish come true!" What was your wish? "That it was Christmas!"

other great camp quotes

Camper-The bugs, they git me! cuz im tasty.
Ms Emily-Yes, sweetie they git me too.
Camper-You know Michael Jackson, I saw him and he broke his life.
Ms Emily-Yes, that happens to some people.

The Portlanders

I miss them already! Today Josh and Alli went home. I don't really like goodbyes, maybe thats why I don't often say them. I always have hope that I'll get to see them again soon so I don't need to say goodbye. We sure had some fun times though!

Home is

Oh my, it has been a while since I have posted. I have been blessed to visit my old home in SC last week. Its amazing how God works...I love SC and it will always be where I grew up but since moving to GA and going back, God really works in our lives. I had been pretty nostalgic for the past year but going back this time was different. It was nice to be in a familiar place (though I did have to stop and think ok where am I when driving around, being in 3 different areas will do that to ya!) but I could honestly say it wasn't home any more.

Sure we miss it and will shed some tears but like mom said, (mom always knows best) home is what you make it, if the people you love are near, its home, no matter where or what the place looks like. I had a little Madeline computer game and there was a music video you could watch and they would sing-"home is where the heart is" and I'll never forget it! I can't seem to find the lyrics but from the little clip I can find, it talks about how home isn't about the carpet or staircase, rich or poor but where the heart is and what you make of your situation, it goes on to talk about a lot of other great perspectives. It was also a great show from the 90s if you are looking for something for little girls. The album is called "Hats off to Madeline." Anyway, who would have thought that I would remember that computer game and song 10 years down the road?

One of our old friends stopped by and looked at our empty house and our whole family together and said, man we've had a lot of great times here! If my family was here we could all hold hands and seem Kumbaya. I think any blessed home should be able to have that happen. We are going to do our best to fix up the house so another family can spend another generation of wonderful days. Its hard to let it go but God has away of saying, see you are right where you are supposed to be, now let me use you to bless others!

After coming home and spending a few more days with Josh and Alli, my favorite Portlanders, before they return home, we went to Atlanta for the afternoon! Went to Atlantic station I think and did some shopping. They had an outdoor market that unfortunately we didn't get to walk around, what with rain and visiting H&M, but we did hear some great live music! And another blessing, I saw a friend from Jackson. I was in the dressing room, which was packed! focused on trying things on when some one came up and gave me a little hug! I squealed because I was so shocked to see someone I knew! Of all the places! Being in a new town with new people, I have gotten so used to not seeing/knowing people when I go out. It was so fun and I love seeing friends from far away places!

We finished up and headed to Ikea for dinner. Mom was so happy to have the whole family back together again! We explored the rooms and purchased a few items and headed back home for some desert and PBS mystery-Poirot. Unfortunately sleep got the better of me and I didn't see the end of it, but I'm sure it was good and Poirot pulled through and solved it!

Happy Sunday!

It's July on the Fourth which means....

the Schreck fam doin the Cha-cha-slide
some terrible old school songs
a guy who killed the Congo line
a lot of potato chips
some incredible lightning (bonus points at the lazer show from God)
quite a bit of rain
i don't know how many cars
no traffic directors
7 hrs at stone mountain
chocolate cake at midnight for brother's belated bday
laughing til we cried
and we are some very blessed, thankful, and proud Americans

Mephibosheth-more than a mouthful

Mephibosheth has an amazing story (found in 2 Samuel) and an incredible reminder of grace. His name is quite a mouthful to say but he was able to share dinner with the king for years because of a ruler's compassion and grace.

"Though we often limp more than we walk, we take our place next to the other sinners-made-saints and we share in God's glory."-p. 39 Max Lucado's Cast of Characters, Common People in the Hands of an Uncommon God

He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to his iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children-with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, O my soul.

Psalm 103

A little bit of Christmas...yes Im one of those people

As I tidied up the house before the parentals come home, I revisited my itunes library. I always forget how much I like my songs. And as usual, some Christmas songs popped up! In the middle of summer, I tend to get this itch for Christmas and I now blame itunes! This song came on and is just so good I thought Id share it

Glee's version of 'We Need a Little Christmas' also added to the sentimental feelings of the day :) I'm not a huge Glee fan but they sure have some great voices and I enjoy watching their musical numbers every now and then.
Got to go water mom's square foot garden that seems to have grown into a secret garden much bigger than a square foot.

There's always a 'but'

some days you have bad days, and they just seem to get worse but

May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept our burnt offerings. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. O Lord, save the king! Answer us when we call!
Psalm 20

Friday

Camp Week 4
This week I had around 10 kids, 8 girls and 2 boys! They sure enjoyed some fun in the sun and water this week as we visited Centennial Park. Their performance to Party in the USA turned out really well! Sadly, the few pictures I took were lost but I still have the memories!

Today, my parking spot was taken because a movie was being filmed. My kids asked me if I had a cold, hmm I didn't think I did but maybe one is on the way. Kids sure are honest about what they think!

I played a few games of tic-tac-toe and realized that rainbow days sound awfully nice. I asked my kids if they liked sunny days or rainy days better, and my first camper said she liked rainbow days! I thought that was an excellent choice-best of both worlds! One of my campers also lost her second tooth!! She was very excited!! Oh and one more cute quote from the elections yesterday. We asked the 'candidates' if they could pick one other candidate to vote for, who would it be and why? One of my favorites was from a little boy who picked someone because 'he's the best purson eva!' Now if that isn't one of the best compliments with that sweet little voice, I don't know what is!

Happy Weekend!

Water, water everywhere

Somehow today became soak Ms. Emily day. We went to the pool like every Wednesday and usually I just wade in the kiddie pool with my kids...the water only comes up to my knees but today was a different story. About four of my campers decided to get me wet along with two other neighborhood girls. They were so curious as to whether or not I had my swim suit on and proceeded to soak me any way possible: splashing, cups of water, 'washing my hair', watering the 'plant' in me, splashing me with dolphin toys, needless to say I was quite cooled off by the end of the pool trip!

Some fun quotes from my special little ones....

I'm 6 1/2. 1/2 is kinda old.

After eating ring pops (which are the new big thing around here)...is my tongue red? is my tongue blue? look at my tongue!

Walking to the pool....are we there yet? What about now? Are we there? How about now? How many seconds?

Oh about 12,000. 12,000? 12,000 seconds is a LONG time!

What a day! This week's theme is Stars and Stripes, we like to be patriotic! The kids are voting on a camp President tomorrow or Friday and it's neat to see kids' passions, talents, and leadership skills even at such an early age. We've got some singers, dancers, and leaders!

Beach!

I finally answered that summer call to go to the beach! Went up to Hilton Head, SC with my mom this weekend. We just love Mitchellville beach, its our secret oasis and full of thriving wildlife! We went out mucking, or trudging through mud (don't worry, I promise it washes off!) so we could follow the tide way out. We also got a kick out of all the masses of crabs! We were amazed because this time, you could actually hear them moving, there were so many! I now am three different shades of tan BUT I didn't exactly burn so that is quite a success!

It's a Jungle Out There!

Dance Camp Week 3
This week's theme was Lion King! The kids did a more modern styled dance to "The Circle of Life," the Broadway version.


They even got a chance to go to the Atlanta Zoo! Originally from SC, I thought the Riverbanks zoo was good, and it is, but the Atlanta zoo has some very unique animals like the Bongo, Comodo Dragon, and Naked Mole Rats! They've also got a new baby panda and other little ones. I think the kids enjoyed it, even if we only made it through about half of the zoo. We shall all have to go back for another visit! Check out the zoo here.


The kids were kinda tired of pictures after the park on Friday but they sure did enjoy the face paint. When we got back, I let them paint my face and they did a pretty good job....and they covered just about my whole face. The trip to the gas station after work was interesting....

Happy first day of summer!! What a great way to celebrate-with watermelon-the ultimate summer treat! Had a yellow watermelon today! Didn't know they existed but they sure are delicious. They have a yellow rind and normal red on the inside!!

Daddy

Though you are far away today, wanted to wish you a very happy Father's Day!

Precious Life

Heard about this precious life on the radio, here in GA. He fought the good fight and finshed the race this week.

Camp

Dance Camp Week 2
This week the little ones enjoyed a hip hop piece to "Who Let the Dogs Out." As soon as they heard it, they all started singin' "who, who, who, who, who!"




Some favorite quotes:
Miss Emily, I heard that the sun is shooting out sunburn. Yes, yes it is, that's why we wear suntan lotion.



Miss Emily will we go in before 100 minutes? Yes, we will go in for lunch before 100 minutes are up.





Miss Emily, do you know what time it is? What time is it? It's game time!!



I apologize for the poor lighting, once I took off the flash, pics got a little better. I think after the third week of camp, I should finally have some really good pics...but here's what I have for this week, enjoy!



PS Today I learned when there's one water balloon, 5 elementary school boys, and my coworker is gone for the moment I should probably run....fast. I also got sunburned on one shoulder. how does that happen? the other one got a little pink but not as badly, strange happenings.

A few more pics...

Success!

Well I finally completed a project. This is pretty good because for some reason, I have a tendency to start sewing projects and never finish them. Maybe I am on to a new trend! Still have to go back to that dress but off to a good start with this purse.

When I was growing up, I would always get so frustrated with making things because I wanted to do all of it 'by myself', I didn't want help from anyone. My mom was reminiscing after we finished our purses and said you are 21 and you finally did it all by yourself ;). Now I have completed other things 'all by myself' before now and have come to very much appreciate help and ideas on many projects, but it was fun doing a project alongside my mom.

Compliments to the pattern designer Nancy, check out her ideas, blog, and pattern here! I am certainly no sewing expert so if I can do this, you can!

Camp

Dance Camp Week 1
Precious little ones. I had about eleven this week and they were full of energy. 3 1/2-6 year olds are definitely in the discovery age! We did some hip hop, ballet, and tumbling. They all had lovely 'ballerina turns' and excellent log rolls.
Hopefully next week I will get batteries for my camera and have better pics than cell phone quality pics!

Forgiveness

"Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."-Luke 7:47

Sometimes I Dance...

Terifical is a great word. Just in case you've never heard of it, I agree with Romana Quimby.

"If you can't be brave at recess, how are you going to be brave when it really counts?"-Ramon Quimby.

If you can't tell, I watched Beezus and Ramona last night and it was so very good!! Love that kid!





And I do dance sometimes :)

"Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."

Normal

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
If you, O Lord kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.
My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.
-Psalm 130

On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means; 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
-Matthew 9:12

Max Lucado's Cast of Characters is an excellent book. Today I was reminded to be normal. Many people are scared of Christians because they appear all high and mighty. May I never be deemed high and mighty but a sinner covered in the blood of the Lamb. When people look at me, may the see Christ and nothing else.

"A woman in a small Arkansas community was a single mom with a frail baby. Her neighbor would stop by every few days and keep the child so she could shop. After some weeks her neighbor shared more than time; she shared her faith, and the woman did what Matthew did. She followed Christ.
The friends of the young mother objected. 'Do you know what those people teach?' they contested.
'Here is what I know,' she told them. 'They held my baby.' "
-story from Landon Sanders recorded in Chapter 2 Matthew: Friend of Flops