Barracuda Swim team photo and "fun meet"

Today Lindsey’s swim team had a “fun meet”. This is the day that they take the team photo and have a swim demonstration for potential team members and their families, also all the kids that have been taking swim lessons during the summer get to show what they have learned in a swim meet style event, complete with timers and awards. Cameron was there, as expected, taking pictures of everything. This is the first team photo that Lindsey has been in so it’s kind of a big deal that we made it on time this year.


Here is the team photo and then the team being goofy photo.
And here is the slide show

Visit with Friends in Virginia

Last Saturday we went to see some old friends (well they're not really old) Curtis, Jen and Isaiah. Man was that a treat! We remanised about when we all first met at McGregor Baptist Church in Ft. Myers, Florida. Curtis and Jen encouraged us to try out this other church. It's funny because Jen had warned me that at this other church they get kind of "free", I think is how she put it. I had never before lifted my hands in church, until that first visit at First Assembly of God. What a step that was! That was the first church Cameron and I attended as a couple and as it turns out, the church we got married in. Thank you guys, we love you!
It is amazing how with certain people you can catch up so quickly as if you've only been gone a short time. It has been over 10 years since the last time we all got together, but if Jen had her way, we would live across the street in the house that is for sale! We will most definitely be visiting again soon! Here we all are in their front yard:


Me with my bonnet being goofy at a little country store in downtown Fredericksburg, Va.

Laura’s Thoughts on “The Shack”

I want to share with you an awesome book that I just finished reading. It is called “The Shack” by William P. Young. It is a novel based on a mans’ youngest daughter “Missy” who gets abducted during a family vacation. I know, that may not sound like a good read to some but trust me, this book will transform the way you look at God. At certain times in the book your religion will get blown out of the water (in a good way). This writer has a way of thrusting you out of your religious box, and Lord knows we all have them, unfortunately. Towards the end of the book it gets pretty deep. The writer emphasizes the need for a relationship with God rather than a religion and how religion can chew a person up. Relationship is key. The way he portrays the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost is simply genius. Well, that’s all I am going to say. I do hope you read it. I know for a fact you will grow from it in some way. I know I did. Young puts a quote at the beginning of each chapter from various writers, artists, etc. The quote I liked was by Bob Dylan which said “Jesus tapped me on the shoulder and said ’Bob, why are you resisting me?” I said, ’I’m not resisting you!’ He said, ’You gonna follow me?’ I said, ’I’ve never thought about that before!’ He said, ’When you’re not following me, you’re resisting me.’
What a great quote.

I got my book at Wal-Mart, but I’m sure you can find it in bookstores or ask your local library to order it for you. The web site is: www.theshackbook.com

Also, if you've read it or when you read it, I would love to hear your comments on it.

Happy 75th Birthday Uncle Jimmy!!!!!!!

This video below is a song that my cousin Jim wrote and sang for his dad (my Uncle Jimmy).
Before Jim sang, he said "This is a song that I wrote for my dad. It's based on a verse in the Bible, 'Don't only hear the Word but do what it says'. That's what characterizes my Dad's life to me. That's not something that he needs to say to you neccesarily, because he shows you how he feels about you by the way he lives his life; that consistancy, love and without hypocracy."

What a blessing this was to hear; the song, but also the heart behind it. Beautiful. Enjoy.

Here is the link for a slideshow of the photos.








The latest Wilson Family addition, MARKEY!!!

Nana Visits with John and Savannah

This past week Cameron’s mom (Nana) came to visit, she brought John and Savannah (Cameron’s sister, Emily’s children) with her. They arrived on Wednesday afternoon, and left on Saturday morning. We had plans of doing some outside activities like going to the pool and parks and riding bikes, but it was not to be. It seems like it rained almost everyday, so we had to find other activities to keep us occupied.

On Wednesday night we went to church and the kids all watched a movie in the youth room and then we had to hurry home to get out of the thunderstorm that rolled in.


On Thursday we went to Raleigh and went ice skating at the Ice House, and that afternoon went to the park since the rain stopped for a little while.



On Friday Nana and Savannah got up early with Lindsey and went with her to her swimming practice (at 6:30 am), in the rain of course. That night Nana and John went with Charlie to see his tae kwon do practice.



John and Charlie kept themselves busy by playing video games, namely Guitar Hero, and kept talking trash to everyone about how good they were at it, until Laura beat them both, then the trash talk stopped.

Lindsey and Savannah watched a lot of TV on the computer; they were always watching the show “H2O”, an Australian show about girls who turn into mermaids when ever they get wet.

John made lots of videos, he was always willing to take the video camera and talk about all that was going on.

On Friday night Cameron took the kids outside for some night time long exposure photos.



On Saturday it was time for them to leave, and Nana took the kids and drove to meet Emily in Tennessee.


Click here to see the slideshow

Laura's Thoughts

As I was reflecting on the conversations at the cookout the other day, it occurred to me that God was getting my attention on something. My friend Jane and I were chatting about different seasons that we go through in life. She shared with me how she has come to a place in her life where she is completely content in who she is. I love that. Isn't that what Paul says in Phillipians 4:11 "Be content in every situation". Well, I responded to her by sharing that even while I am home with the kids all day and not "working" (outside of the home, that is) I know that this is definitely a season that I am in. Sure, it has it's highs and lows, but what season doesn't? I also shared how my Mom is an inspiration to me because when she was in her mid-50's she went back to school to start a whole new career path. I must say that anatomy and physiology is not as easy when you've been out of school for many years. Kudos to you Mom! Just by knowing that she could do anything, any time, any where, no matter how old or young, has placed a seed of hope within me. I know that while God has blessed me in this season of my life with the kids, He will bless me with the next season He has in store for me.
Well, to add to this vein of thought and reflection, my kind friend Carolyn had given me a little book called "Discovering God's Purpose for Your Life". As I was reading it this morning it dawned on me what God was trying to tell me. Yes, there are seasons in life, but with each season the underlying tone should be on Him, the Lord. Beth Moore put it like this, "He is not the most important thing, He is the ONLY thing. He is it. He is my life - not just part of it, or even the most important thing in my life. He is everything.
So with this season of running around with the kids, jumping on the trampoline, making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, washing lots of dirty clothes and scrubbing lots of dirty floors, I will lift up my hands, lift up my eyes and my heart and say "thank you Lord for this season it is all made by you and it is all for you. I praise you for whatever it is you bring my way after this season moves into the next season!"

So , to you I say, be blessed and content in whatever season you are in!
Love,
Laura

4th of July cookout

For the 4th of July we decided to have some friends over, it’s been awhile since we have had a real get together and cook out. Nothing too fancy, hot dogs, hamburgers, Scott's mac and cheese, Carolyn's ravioli and meatballs, Jane's potato salad, Ron's cheesecake, Amanda's strawberry shortcake (I'm drooling) did I say nothing fancy, this is high livin'

We ended up with almost 30 people over, we didn't know if we would have the space and seating for everyone but it worked out great, we put the video games up stairs for the kids and had all the seats we could find in the living room. Everyone seemed to have a good time.


Everyone grubbing down inside and out


Playing with sparklers with long exposure (if you want to know how to do this check Cameron's Photo blog)


Everyone hanging out having a good time.


So have you heard the news? Rumor has it that if you eat 6 cups of watermelon, it has the same affect as viagra, hence the note to Scott (he is the one who informed us of this) ;)

Click here to see all the photos of the 4th of July 2008 cookout

Lindsey learns to drive.

Well, for years Cameron has told Lindsey, "I will teach you to drive when you are tall enough to push the clutch in all the way". That time has come, and it's time for cameron to put up or shut up. Cameron took Lindsey to the same field that he took Katie to a couple of weeks ago and started the driving lesson.



She did really well for her first time driving. She only stalled the Jeep three times. She stopped and started several times and shifted into second gear a few times, and once made it into third gear.



Our little baby girl is growing up so fast. Now that this has started, we have four years of asking to go drive to look forward to.

Soggy Swim meet

Today Lindsey had a swim meet at Morehead City, NC, about two hours from home. Our plan was to head out early and go to the swim meet and then afterwards go to the beach, since Atlantic Beach is about 3 miles from the pool. The plan was for Lindsey to be done with her events by about 12:00 noon, and then the rain came, followed soon after by the sound of thunder, and delays. There are teams at this event from several states so every attempt was made to try make sure that everyone got the chance to swim and get there times, so there were several delays and by 1:30 pm Lindsey had only had one event out of four. Eventually the rain cleared and Lindsey was able to compete in all of her events, we finished the meet around 5:00 pm and then we went to the beach for about two hours, then we headed home. All in all it was a good day, very long and soggy, but still good.

Air Force One lands at RDU

Today Cameron worked at the airport in Raleigh (RDU) and when he was about to leave to come home he was told he would have to wait until the President landed. Yep, that’s right George W. Bush came to Raleigh to help the campaign of the republican candidate for governor of North Carolina, Pat McCrory. Since Air Force One is something you don’t see everyday Cameron grabbed his camera and headed for the highest spot he could find and took some pictures of the landing. Click here to see the slide show.

Empty Nest :(

Well, they have all left me and I am so sad :(
What at first seemed like it would be overwhelming has now made me want to have fifteen kids running around the house! I had such a great time with my nieces and nephews. Lindsey and Charlie have both asked to have a sleepover with friends and I believe that it is to ease their withdrawls from their cousins leaving. Here are my observations, thoughts and silly comments about each of them:

Katie, Katie, Katie. What are we going to do with you young lady?! LOL You are vivacious and bold and are not afraid to speak your mind. This is so good. When you put your mind to something, you give it your ALL. Continue to do that girl. I noticed what an awesome big sister you are even when you are picking on Heather and Kyle. They look up to you with such love and adoration; and with good reason. You are a true leader with so much to give. We love you Katie!




"Lindsey, Heather, Katie come down here and get your smoothies!"
Oh wait, I mean, EMILY!!!!
I almost forgot about you......NOT!
Hey Emily, I just want to say one thing
YOUR MOM!
You have such a great sense of humor and I am going to start saying that from now on. lol
Seriously though, you have such a way about you, that gets along with everyone on every level. I loved watching you be so sweet with Allie. I really think you should be a swimsuit model. That is why I posted this pic. Don't be mad at me, I love it and it is awesome of you!


Heather, sweet Heather. Gentle, kind, loving and just plain sweet, you are. You have a true gift of nurturing and caring for others especially little ones. It was sweet to see the tears streaming down your face during that movie. You have such a big heart for people. God has made you like that for a reason. You feel deeply and that is beautiful. Levi misses you already!



Kyle, "This way to the beach ladies" (with muscles flexed and abs tight)lol
You are such a joy to be around. Noah, Charlie and Levi loved playing with you! You made us all laugh when you came running down the hall with your turbin on your head and jirating your pelvis! LOL Boy you are a trip just like your daddy! Charlie will never forget when you hit the curb and the bike hit you in the "TENDERS"



Noah, you made Papa Chuck's day by giving him such a welcome hug when you saw him. He was so taken by your kindness. It is not every day that you see children be so open with their affection as you. You cheer people on at whatever they are doing and make people feel so happy when they are around you. I love you sweetness.



Allie, you make me want to have a little baby girl! Your voice is like little angels singing. I can hear you now..."You are my brooooother, best friends foreeeeever!" The picture below says it all....We love you baby girl.



Mom and Tom, such brave souls you are! Thank you for bringing all the fun our way. Thank you for the beach house, the meals, the time and Tom the COFFEE CAKE! We love you guys and hope that your time was as blessed as ours!

Happy Birthday Charlie and Katie drives the Jeep

Tuesday Charlie turned 8 years old. Laura took all of the kids and Grandma Judy and Papa Tom to the pool, and then we had a birthday party for Charlie at home, Papa Chuck came over as well. The biggest gift Charlie received was a new bike, he was getting too big for his old one and he said it wasn’t fast enough, so we got him a mini mountain bike with 6 gears, he says its fast. After the party Cameron took Papa Chuck home and then he took Katie out for a driving lesson in the Jeep. Katie will be getting a car with a 5 speed manual transmission and needs to learn how to drive one. Cameron took her to a big field and dirt road where she could practice driving with a clutch.

Emerald Isle Beach Trip

Emerald Isle

Well they are here, Friday night Grandma Judy, Papa Tom, and all the kids (Katie, Heather, Kyle, Emily, Allie, and Noah) arrived at our house, and we had some hang out time and stayed at our house for the night. Saturday morning we got up had breakfast and headed out to the beach at Emerald Isle, it took about 2 hours drive to arrive. We could not have asked for a nicer day, high of about 85 with low humidity and a nice breeze, sure beats the weather last week (100 + and high humidity )!
When we arrived we took all of our bags in claimed our rooms and then headed out to the beach right away. The ocean was warm the waves were not too rough and the beach was not over crowded. After a couple hours everyone headed back to the house. On Sunday everyone slept in a little and then after breakfast we tried to go to a water park, but when we arrived it started raining and before long, lightning. So the park was closed for the day and we headed back to the house. During a break in the storm we headed to the beach and had about a half hour in the waves before the storm resumed and drove us back inside. Sunday we went out to a sea food restaurant for dinner, and then later went out to the beach to play freeze tag with all the kids. Monday it was time to pack everything up and get ready to head home, but first we made another trip to the beach for about an hour and then want back to the water park that we were rained out of the day before. We made it home at about 6:30 Monday night, its good to be home. Check out the slide show of all the photos.

Clean up week

Well this week we are preparing for Grandma Judy’s visit with six nieces and nephews, talk about a house full, with eleven people in the house space will be at a premium. We have set up the spare room upstairs (papa’s old room) and have room for all four girls to sleep up there, and moved Lindsey’s twin sized bed into Charlie’s room so that there is now room for the three older boys to share that room, and Lindsey’s small bed has been replaced with a queen sized tall air bed. Tom and Judy will have Lindsey’s room and we will keep the big bed and have Levi with us. So, we have a place for everyone to sleep and we have a place to we room for everyone to eat together, but we only have one couch and a couple of chairs, so sitting together to talk or watch TV may be a bit hard, unless its just adults or a few of the kids. They will be coming down from Maryland on Friday and staying that night, then Saturday we are off to the beach. We some friends that have a house out at Emerald Isle, NC, and we rented it for the weekend. Saturday we will head out to the beach, about one and a half hour drive, and we will stay there until Monday.

Until then it is clean up week, going room to room and getting up all the accumulated toys, school papers, clothes, shoes, candy wrappers, dvd cases, and anything else that doesn’t belong. The challenge will then be to keep the destruction at bay until everyone arrives, once everyone is here it will be a free for all.

Sunday morning photo walk and afternoon swim

Sunday morning Cameron went out with his photography club buddies and walked around downtown Wilson and took some pictures of the old buildings and talked about camera stuff with his friends. Cameron keeps a lot of his photos on Flickr and if any one wants to have a look then the best way is to go to his “SETS” page
http://www.flickr.com/photos/camnlo/sets/
this has all the groupings of photos, click on a set, then click "slideshow" (top right) and this should display everything full screen.








After church we went over to the Fulford’s pool for some relief from the heat wave we have had the past couple of days. Since last Thursday it has been in the high 90’s with heat index over 100, and today was no different. The only problem with taking all the kids to the pool is that Levi has no fear of the water, or much else for that matter. Levi has no problem taking off his floaties and running and jumping in, no matter how deep, and every time he does this someone has to jump in to save him. Lindsey and Charlie are both good swimmers but Lindsey sometimes has to pull double duty with Levi and sometimes helping Charlie when he gets tired, we put that swim team practice to good use.

Swim meet and Tae Kwon Do demonstration

Yes in deed it was another busy Saturday for the Graham family. Lindsey had a swim meet in Goldsboro, and had to be there at 7:00. Charlie had a Tae Kwon Do demonstration that he had to start practice for at 12:00, and since the swim meet would not be over until after 1:00 that called for splitting up. So Laura took Lindsey and was on her way bright and early and picked up Audrey and Heather Louis, this was Heather’s first real swim meet that she has actually competed in. Lindsey did well in her events and set new personal best times in backstroke, butterfly, and freestyle but was disqualified in the backstroke for doing too many freestyle strokes during the flip turn. Heather also set new personal best times in all of her events.





Cameron took Charlie and Levi to practice at noon. Every one met up at home at about 2:00, and had to get ready to go to the Tae Kwon Do demonstration at 3:00 at the movie theater as part of the opening weekend for the movie Kung Fu Panda. There was a platform set up in the main lobby of the theater and everyone that came into the theater could stop and watch before or after their movie. Charlie got to break a few boards and show his moves, and there were fighting demonstrations by several of the older kids, and the main instructors did some sparring and added a little comic relief. The demonstration lasted for about 2 hours, and Charlie got a free pass to a movie as payment for a job well done. Lindsey has now gone off to spend the night with a friend and its movie time for Cameron and the boys, Laura has called it bed time.