This Does My Heart Good

From youngin' to high school, I have gone to Camp Manatawny almost every summer. This church camp helped shape who I am today. I loved going to help out in the kitchen or be a camper two weeks in a row. I went as many times as I was asked or my parents would pay for! I tear up thinking that I'll probably never get to go back since it's so far away in my homestate of Pennsylvania, but a little piece of Heaven was sent to me through email today...and it does my heart so so good. (Thanks Dad!)

The gazebo. So much time spent hanging out with friends & writing notes to put on their clothespins!
The girls cabins. My heart forever goes to Girls Cabin 4!

The boy side...it was always off limits even though we had to walk right past them to Garrett Hall!

Other memories in random order as camper & worker:

• Baptisms in the pool
• Praise time before dinner
• Talent Shows
• Campfires (Little Red Wagon & going hoarse screaming it at the end!)
• Cleaning dishes after each meal
• Gazebo time
• Pranks!!!
• CANTEEN! Sprees, Combos & Dr. Pepper. Always.
• Boys, boys, boys... :)

"Camp Manatawny is great!!"

Apparently I am the best pillow. Today Haylie would not take her nap unless she was laying on me. I tried on 4 different occasions to hold her until she was drowsy/asleep then transfer her to her designated sleeping place (meaning not on me!). I am getting to be a softie because she used to be able to fall asleep on her own, but since I'm trying to wean her, I felt like she needed more "Mommy cuddle time" and she will now just stand up in her crib and wail (and I mean WAIL) instead of falling asleep like a good girl. So today we spent lots of time rocking and I caught up on my Berenstain Bears. In the book of "Too Much Birthday", did you know that the 5 & 6 year old cubs play Spin the Bottle? Those Berestain Bears are not teaching good lessons!

New Tricks

Grandma Beat OU at Trunk or Treat

We had a busy weekend! Grandma (Justin's mom) came down this weekend to see us & of course her favorite granddaughter. (I can say that because she's the only girl). We didn't do too much, it was just nice to spend time together.

One exciting thing for the Columbia Cornells was that Mizzou beat OU! Haylie sported her Mizzou bow at church Sunday morning and is proclaiming that they are #1.

Sunday evening after church we attended the Trunk or Treat. I bought her costume at a consignment sale (brand new!) and it was pretty dang cute. She loves being FiFi the poodle.

We only got a few pieces of candy because we don't want to rot our her teeth out.

It was a great weekend and we are so glad Grandma came to town!

She Will Claw Your Face Off

Caramel is one of the sweetest kitties I know. Until she sees another animal and then she poofs up as big as a puffer fish and gets ca-ra-zy. You might notice in this video that Haylie is laughing in the beginning and then by the end she is in tears. And you'll also notice the nice scratch marks we now have on our window sill. Awesome. Just one of the many perks of having a cat.

Before & After: Laundry Room

On Justin's do nothing day, he decided at 8:15 pm to start painting the laundry room. This is one of the rooms that I didn't care if it got painted until next year, but had already picked out the paint. So he surprised me and did it all himself. I love the color GRAY, but didn't want to paint any of the main rooms this color so the laundry room was the winner. I absolutely LOVE it!!! (It looks blue, but I swear its gray. Also, please disregard our crap.)

One room left to paint in our whole house. Anyone want to do it for us?

Roadtrip!

My good friend Katie (who will always be Katie and never Kathryn) recently had a sweet baby girl and my mom, sister and I decided to road trip up to Wichita, KS this past Saturday. We graciously left the hubbys at home and took all three kids with us. If that doesn't test ones patience, I don't know what will! On the way up, Haylie started getting restless and talking loudly which in turn scares Evie who gets upset. Then Eli needed to go pee in the middle of Kansas (meaning no public bathrooms in a 25 mile radius) and after stopping on the side of the road, needed to poop. Oh my. We made it to the rest stop and all had a nice & much needed break at "Old McDonald's."


We spent the day just visiting, watching the kiddos, playing on a playground and reminiscing of our childhood adventures. I love, love, love Katie & her sweet family. It never fails though. I never get a picture of us.

Madeline Joy

Sweet Evie

Baby Haylie - we are practicing for Glamour Shots

Coralie - I mean Tinkerbell

The new best friends

A moment of sanity on the car ride up.