Cypress Campground

Where do I begin? Cypress Campground is a special place to many people in our community in South Carolina. There are just over 50 (I can never remember the exact number) wooden tents assembled in a circle fashion with a large open air tabernacle in the middle. Our home church, Cypress UMC, is also located on the property. Each October, the families who own tents, live there for a week of worship and fellowship. There is no electricity and the only running water comes from a few spigots located in various locations on the campground. It truly is a rustic experience, outhouse and all! The tents have been passed down within the families from generations before. I believe the Campground has been in operation since sometime in the 1700's as a meeting place for worship along the circuit rider's route. I believe Francis Asbury was a prominent circuit rider to this campground. The worship services are very much like a revival. There are 3 services a day under the open air tabernacle, with the evening service being most heavily attended.

The fellowship is just awesome, with families visiting with other families, kids running and playing, you can always watch a pickup football game, and the food is outstanding! It's like having a big Thanksgiving supper every night. All of the meals are cooked on a wood burning stove. It truly is just a special time of the year. Our family does not own a tent, but our friends and neighbors have made us feel like we are in fact part of their families. We are always invited for a great time. I have been attending almost every year since our family moved to Lebanon (our community name) 21 years ago! I have not attended the last couple of years and I'm always saddened that I'm missing out on Campmeeting when that week rolls around in late October! I often call my friends and my Mom while they're there just to see what's happening.

I write all of this because early Tuesday morning there was a fire at the Campground. Five tents were destroyed, including the tent of the Hilton family, who are great friends of ours. Fire has ripped through the campground before, but it is always difficult because there is so much history and tradition wrapped up in this sacred place. Although I'm not there right now, I know what's happening back home...the community is coming together as they always do when something tragic happens, helping each other pick up the pieces and are planning to rebuild. Nothing can keep them down. That's another great thing about living in a small community...it's one big family (and in the case of Lebanon, it's really true...so many people are in fact related!). I have been truly blessed to grow up there.

Please keep these families in your prayers as they set to cleanup and rebuild.

The following photos come from the Post and Courier's website.

Mrs. Hill surveying some of the damage

Some of the tents untouched by the fire.

A family posing in front of the old Cypress UMC church a long, long time ago!

A letter to Mommy

This is what I got in the mail Friday addressed to "Mommy Faye"!! It's a sweet handwritten letter from our Lil Boo. I'm pretty sure he had some help from his Dad in the writing and mailing of it. What a sweetheart!!! The translation is below.

Mommy,

Hi! I wantting too send u a not to thanc you for all that u r doing. Because I luv yu.Yur doing grat. Mi dogs luv yu allso. My dipers ful end you change me! Today is Tusday. Daddy adoors yu too. thanc yu 1 mor time.

Love,

G

What a sweet boy and husband I have!!! This totally made my day!

Fishing Trip

Yesterday, B-Man and a friend from school, Winchester (yes, that's his name and yes, he's named after the ammunition company!) went fishing on Beaver Lake here in Northwest Arkansas. Catch of the day...striper!

B and Winchester

Two of the fish B caught. He caught 4 in all (2 ten pounds, 2 eight pounds).

Supper! B cooked up some fillets for us last night.

Happy Boy!

Here are a few videos of our Lil Boo. He's starting to coo a little bit and squeals sometimes when he smiles. A quick kidney update: We took G to the urologist yesterday and he felt that a wait and see approach would be best especially because the issue has already resolved itself on the right side. So, we'll do another ultrasound on the left kidney in September and if it still shows the kidney is retaining urine, we'll probably be in for further testing at that time. Prayers for resolution are appreciated.

Enjoy!!

A smile and a little bit of a coo!

Another small coo and a BIG yawn.

The "Fuzzy Bee and Friends" book is about the only toy that Boo consistently smiles and gets excited about. He really seems to enjoy reading it! Thanks Sue and Ryan.

A Week of Firsts

We've had a busy week around here and a lot of firsts...

• G had his 6 wk checkup on Wednesday and had his first round of shots. OUCHY!! We hated to see him get so upset. He needed lots of TLC that afternoon and we were all to eager to oblige. We also found out that he now weighs 12 lbs 12 oz!!
• I was able to get out of the house by myself for the first time since G was born to get a much needed haircut. This would also be B's first time alone with G. He was a pro...not worried one bit! When I called to see how they were doing, he told me they were both on the bed watching Family Feud. I loved the thought of them chillin' together! Father and son...nothing better.
• G went to his first collegiate sporting event on Saturday. The weather was nice and we had Spring Fever. So, we went to campus, where there was a lot going on, and walked around at the track and field event. Go Razorbacks!! It was so nice to get out in the sun and get some exercise.
• We rounded out the weekend with G's first trip to church. He did well while the music was playing. But, as soon as the preacher said, "Let's have a moment of silent prayer," G struck up his own band! Needless to say, B spent most of the service taking G outside to calm him down.

Hope you all are doing well!

Here are a few photos. BeBe said I needed to send more!!!

The smile that makes our day!

Mom and G after Mom's "solo" outing!

My boys!!!

A Fluke?

So, is it a fluke when your almost 6 week old rolls over 4 times in one day???
G was on the floor for tummy time yesterday when he lifted his head so high, turned it and...rolled over! So, I quickly got the camera and thought, "he'll never do that again". I propped him back up and he did it two more times! He even did it yesterday afternoon to show Dad how much he's growing. Check out the videos below.

This morning our little guy was so cuddly, which was nice, because he's kind of been a Mr. Crankers lately (6 wk fussiness peak is what I'm blaming it on...I hope). He snuggled up right on my chest and slept for about 30 minutes. I just sat there rubbing my cheek on his soft hair, giving him kisses, and listening to him breathe. He was so relaxed in my arms. I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!! As we were snugging together, I thought of how much he has grown in these 6 weeks. Some, uh many, of the days have been long, but the weeks have flown by. And now, he's smiling and rolling over. B-man and I just love him so much and are amazed at how he changes daily.

Hope you all have a great weekend!!

rolling, rolling, rolling...

take two for the camera!