Reflections on Camp

Whew. What a whirlwind week. As I am typing we are zipping towards Lebanon to pick up the kiddos. I can't believe it's been eight days already. I miss them, but in some ways it seems like just yesterday we dropped them off with Grammy G. :) I suppose it's only because we've spent less than 24 hours total in our house since last Saturday. We've just been so incredibly insanely go go go!!! I feel like we've become Craig and Tricia or Travis and LeAnn and I'm starting to wonder if eternal business is the curse of youth pastors. I just want to sit and rest and play on the internet. I'm not even on right now – I'm typing it and saving it as a document to paste in when I have the time. I'm just so excited to share all these things with you that I don't want to wait until whenever it's more convenient.

I'm afraid this will be a long post – but you'll just have to deal with it. Scroll down or click away if you're not interested. First you might note that I changed my blog title AGAIN. I do this to keep your attention, and because I think it's fun that my 'title' reflect what is going on in my life currently. Tricia called me 'contagious' right before we left Springfield – it's one of the most awesome compliments I have ever received in all my life. And it's been soaking into my spirit ever since. God really dealt with me this week about being contagious – telling me “If you are going to be contagious – make sure it's something worth catching.” burn. I've spent some time thinking about what I'm usually contagious with. I'm a very passionate person – in case you haven't noticed (wink, wink, nudge, nudge). I love God. I love my family – especially that hunky husband of mine. I love church. I love creating and scrapbooking and just being an artistic soul. I love music. I adore my kids – even though they push me to the brink of my sanity some times. I love ministry. I love to travel and explore and learn new things. I am passionate about all these things – but according to my testimony – what I spend my time and effort on – some things look more important to me than others.

God wants me to be passionate about Him. I've struggled for years with 'why won't God let me be a proffessional scrapbooker – since it's what I am so passionate about??'. I think I finally understand that God is a selfish god – He wants me to reserve the bulk of that passion for Him instead. I thought for the last four years or so that I would some day have a career in the scrapbook industry, but now I really don't think that's a part of His big picture for me. I think He wants all of me. Scrapbooking is a perfectly wonderful creative outlet for me – but it can't become my idol before Him. He wants (and deserves) first place in my life. I'm not going to give it up – I think God feels my joy when I create and delights in it. I just don't think it's what I'm supposed to do with my life.

All that said – I'm only one step further in the journey. I've been praying a lot lately about 'where do we go from here'? Lori thinks I'm having my mid-life crisis – I keep telling her that 27 is too young for mid-life issues – but I guess I've always been a little ahead of myself. Just having rounded that corner of getting Rob through school and settled into ministry, having our children, getting them through that tiny person stage. Eli tromps off to school (GULP) full-time here in a few weeks. Sarah thinks she's potty training. I'm very much looking around thinking – well, I've done all my goals thus far – what's next?

I think God's doing this backwards with me. I'm asking where to I put my next foot, what horizon to my eyes shift too. He's just coming back telling me where not to put my foot. He's starting to eliminate options one by one – but still not showing me what it is He DOES want for me.

So I guess most people would be frustrated. They would cry and pout and ask for more of a vision. They would whine about giving up or sacrificing their idea of God's best for some unknown future.

But that's not where I'm at. Instead, this week my prayer has been “God use me!! Take me! Fill me!!! I surrender to your will – even though I haven't the foggiest idea what it might be!”

I'm excited. I'm stirred up. I'm ready to wait for the next step, or the next closed door. I'm in this for the long haul.

Our DYD, Jeff Kossack, talked at the last service – probably for me, the most applicable sermon I heard that week. He was explaining how to come down from a mountaintop experience. He talked about caffiene and how you become addicted and need it. He explained that if you aren't addicted to caffiene you get a huge high when you consume it – only to come crashing down when it wears off. God is the same way. If you aren't addicted to Him (craving time with Him) every day when you do finally spend time with Him it is awesome, but the fall down the mountain after camp is painful and deep. He encouraged us to level it out – be addicted to God where we had to 'have a fix' of Him every day in order to keep our systems from crashing.

Made tons of sense to me. Just before Jeff preached I had been thinking about how camp had been awesome, but it didn't seem like the typical spiritual/emotional high that camp/convention/retreats usually are for me. I definitely got a lot out of it – but it just wasn't that mountaintop experience you usually have. I was wondering what was wrong with me, or if I just hadn't sought God hard enough (I felt like I really did – but almost like He witheld His spirit from me a bit – to see how hard I'd seek). Then I thought, well maybe I'm just getting old and this is what it feels like when you're old – you don't rollercoaster as much.

Turns out after hearing Jeff's sermon, I'm not old or lazy or anything. I'm getting more mature. I've been really working at my daily devotions for the past few months and so I'm leveling out. Whew!

Anyhoo, there's more. I haven't even touched on what God did in the lives of our students – who camp was really for – or how crazy it all was with four hours of sleep a night. But I'm too hot to keep typing – it's 88 degrees and we don't have any air in the car and the laptop is hot sitting on me. So I'm signing off – praying we get home because our car already overheated once. But God is good and we are back on the road. Can't wait for service tomorrow night – it is going to be awesome!!! Peace out. -a

New babies, more rollercoasters and rings...

More days have passed. Not even sure where to begin. First of all, man I miss my blog! Our life has been such a blur lately - of activity and insanity, children and lots of hot hot heat! Whew. There is a tiny lull before everything picks back up. Eli and Sarah went to stay with my mother-in-law today and I'm so thankful that they went today so I have a few quiet moments to catch my breath. I feel so behind in everything, surely it's really not that bad. :)

We have had quite a week here, a huge storm hit hard on Wednesday night - can't remember if I covered that last or not. Insane storm. The waterbed store downtown built to the ground - four blocks away. We could see the flames from our house. I, of course, marched my kids over there and explained the dangers of fire to them. Eli got the picture - I don't see him playing with matches any time in the near future. We lost power that night - which was actually kind of fun in a spooky kind of way. We put the kids to bed and decided the the 'responsible' thing to do was to eat all the ice cream before it melted and went to waste. So we enjoyed the cool of the evening on the porch swing and then when the bugs were too buggy we came in and stuffed ourselves with ice cream by candlelight. It was too fun. The power came back on at 5am, but most of our friends here weren't that lucky. Matt and Tiff just got their power back today! The whole experience was a bit creepy - I'm usually not scared of storms at all. I'm a bit more humble now. :)

Last night we had Cribs here at our house. It was a blast. We had Casey's pizza and played Mafia and Psychiatrist - our youth groups two favorite games. Then we all just messed around outside for a while. Love our youth group, we really have quality kids, they are each special to me in a different way. I'm really getting psyched up for camp, I love camp and haven't gone in well over ten years. Can't wait. I've got some surprises up my sleeve - not shocking, I'm sure.

We were driving past Six Flags on the way home from Lebanon today - and couldn't help but stop because we could ride w/out kids. We *heart* rollercoasters lately, so we basically ran into the park to ride the Screaming Eagle and YEP I have a picture here for you. We did that - waited in line for almost an hour - the park was super stinking busy - and the Joker and a half train ride and then went on our way. Very fun. Rob and I always just have such a good time hanging out together. I love that we've been chilling together ten years now and he's still my favorite person in the world. Anyhoo, I still smell like sunscreen. mmm.. summer.

On the way home after that we stopped by my cousin's house to welcome her new little boy, Erik. He arrived on Wednesday morning and is just adorable. I'm posting some pictures for you. I know I look like a gomer, but it's really about him.

After that we stopped at the Westfield at Chesterfield Mall and checked out Archiver's. We looked at this ring at Helzberg's too - I had seen it a few weeks ago with Lori. Ten year anniversary is less than two years away and I have waited a long time for my anniversary band. This is the one I want. Would love any opinions. I'll probably ask Matt - my old boss who I apprenticed for back in the day - to make me a look alike. Rob loved the ring, but thought I needed platinum instead of white gold, maybe with smaller diamonds to offset the price difference. Love a man with good taste. We really can't afford such a luxury, but with a healthy tax return this is one indulgence I will allow my hubby to give me - even if it takes the next two years to get-er-done. I will be emailing Matt sometime here in the near future to get a better idea of price and realistic-ness.

So then we came home and reheated cold pizza and ate it on the porch swing - in my mind the ideal place to eat supper. We laughed and enjoyed each other's company. It was truly a great day.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow - running route with Rob and having a relaxed Sunday w/ no jabronies to finagle into naps and deal with at church. It's going to be a good week. Hopefully I can post another time or two before we are off to Carlinville. Happy Saturday to all!

You ARe That Someone

Another one of my favorites from the past few weeks. This paper is actually velvety- thus the rich look to it. Had too much fun with the Heidi Swapp chipboard letters and circles and tape. Really love the overall feel to this. Thanks to Kimmie for taking the fun pictures!

Sometimes I think I'm Cool

So I haven't been doing anything else, but I have been scrapbooking. Here's some proof for you. I guess I hole up in my studio when the kids are asleep, I'm not sure. But somehow I have like 12 pages to post. We'll see how far I get. I think this one is my favorite. Hope you like it to. *love* the mailbox letter stickers.

More Six Flags Stories - in the words of my son - "It's not fun, it's FUN-TASTIC!!!"


I totally realize that I have basically been the worst blogger of all time lateyly, but our life ahs been sooo stinking wierd lately - I'm still adjusting.

But to reward you for your patience, I have TONS of fun photos from our week of vacation to share. We have gone back to Six Flags every other day all week with the kids. We'd go, take a day off, and then go again. We went yesterday, but then today we asked Nay to babysit (they adore her!) and took a date day to ourselves. Rob and I rode rollercoasters like crazy people - every one in the park - except Mr. Freeze - it's been closed all week - bummer. We did the Tornado waterslide to and I don't recommend it, unless you like getting beat up!

Anyhoo, my kids were awesome this week. They love to yell "VACATION!!!" and "SIX FLAGS" now!! (at the top of their lungs, of course) They have said and done so many funny things. Eli decided that Batman was captured in Mr. Freeze's warehouse since the ride was closed and we didn't see Batman until yesterday finally. He loved the Mine Train and the Log Flume. Sarah loved it all too, she rode almost every ride that Eli did - unless there were height restrictions. Sarah also learned the word "waterpark" which she now asks for every day. She likes to call it the "big tub". "More big tub Mommy???" Oh yeah, Six Flags with a five year old and a 23 month old, it's definitely the way to go!! :)

We seriously have had a blast. I am so glad that we decided to bite the bullet and spend the money for season passes. We have had such a wonderful time and it seemed like such a real (grown-up) vacation!! I think Eli will always remember it and we will all enjoy looking at our crazy pictures for a long time to come. I'm off to post some more pictures now. If you click on the picture you should see a description in the web address. Enjoy!

Vacation - day 3

We've been so busy lately. Having suddenly grown our family to eight has been a major adjustment for everyone involved. But, with a few growing pains, we are all working it out. Last night, Lori and I decided that we needed a break, since it is vacation and all! :) So after we made supper and did dishes, we let the guys take over with the kids and headed out to the Galleria for an evening on the town. We started at Crate And Barrel and I'm not sure, but I think Lori fell as hard for it as I did the first time!!! She was enamored! But they totally have a lot of really cool stuff on sale right now, it's just a very intriguing store. Then we crossed the street and hit the mall. I finally spent my GAP gift cards, getting a couple of pairs of pajamas, a new skirt and shirt. Can't wait to wear them on Sunday - except I just remembered we won't be in church on Sunday. that's sad. The skirt is really cute. oh well.

Today we'll be headed back to Six Flags - since we took the day off yesterday. Eli was beside himself with excitement yesterday when we told him. He loves Six Flags. I think I forgot to mention that on Monday, when we pulled into the parking lot there he said "I think I'm going to poop my pants, I'm so excited!!!". Rob and I laughed and laughed. Our funny boy! Hopefully it won't storm on us and hopefully we can hit the waterpark this time. Sarah says 'waterpark' now and keeps asking to go. hee hee. I'm really hoping to be there when they open this morning so that we can see the little old guy with the theme song. Eli would be pretty psyched about that. I hope that he remembers this vacation for years to come. I'm really glad we did it. :)

Six Flags and other delights....

Day one of vacation. I feel relaxed and happy and tired all at once. We woke up with no clue what we were going to do today. We had been tossing around the idea of season passes to Six Flags for quite some time, but were reluctant to commit to the $200 it would cost us. Finally at about 8am we decided that Six Flags was really the way we wanted to spend our vacation. It took us forever to get out the door, but it was so worth it...

Eli rode his first rollercoaster - the Mine Car. He loved it, went a second time right then and there. Sarah rode basically every other ride with him, which totally blew me away. She has no fear. Her favorite was the Log Flume, as was Eli's. Rob and I didn't do any major rides, but couldn't believe what a great time we had with all the kiddie things. Not sure what we are doing tomorrow yet, resting or the Zoo or back to Six Flags, but I'm leaning towards going back, now we have a season parking permit too. :) Hope you enjoy the pictures!!

Rollercoasting home from Wood River one night....

The moon was high above, the breeze was cool and gentle. We escaped to the ShopNSpend childless. There is one road on the way home that is so pot-holey, I decide to take advantage of it. I was inspired and opened the moonroof so Lori could pretend she was riding the Batman at Six Flags. Happened to have my camera with and caught the moment. Then Lori took my picture too. Good times. We went home and made popcorn and watched Rumor Has It. interesting. Laughed with our husbands. Konked out at 11pm. Great night. Thankful for great friends.

Happy Fourth of July everyone!

Here's my daughter in her celebatory outfit! Hope you all had a great weekend!

Pics from youth rally last night.

It was awesome. God spoke. We were all moved. You've got to love that.

the girls
Katelyn, Laura, Brittany, me and Ashley.

the boys
Brock, Mike and Pastor Rob.

oh yeah, and Katelyn brushing her teeth. still not sure what that's about.

2Peas Blogger Challenge~

What made you start your blog? How has it changed you? Have you ever considered scrapping a layout about your blog?

* I'm not sure. I just thought it would be fun. I have always liked to write, but keeping a journal is too taxing, it takes too long to write what I'm thinking. By the time I've finished one sentence I'd forgotten what I'd say next. Being able to add pictures too really excited me! Being able to share it with my friends - that's an added bonus. Plus, I like to look back and see where God has brought us in the past year. That is cool!

* I'm much more reflective. I'm problem solving. I'm able to see the big picture. I can see places where God reached in and changed our lives. I see where He's made little things out of big things. I talk too much now. Only online instead of in real life.

* I haven't scrapped a page about my blog yet, which is crazy, because I believe my blog is year old this month. That is a crazy thought. Seems like I only started this a few months ago. hmmmm. I like that. You can see where my time went!! Cool. But yeah, I need to scrap a page about how I blog all the time. It's very addictive.

I read Kelli Crowe's blog.

She's a little unknown, but not really. An amazing scrap artist, but more importantly, a great blogger. I really enjoy living vicariously through her. Anyhoo, she is guest designer on some scrap site and they asked her to submit a bio. In typical kellicrowe fashion, she submitted a 'free association' with Kelli Crowe. (if you aren't familiar with free association, it's similar to brainstorming - just say the words that come into your mind when you think of such and such) I am inspired. So here's me.

Free Association with Anna Thoreson.
funny.
complicated.
naive.
driven.
zany.
impetuous.
artistic.
passionate.
empowered.
creative.
inspired.
up too late.
mom.
wife.
random
and still predictible.
busy. always busy.
happy.
contagious.
lover of music
and paper
and paint.
blogger.
incessant.
silly.
fiesty.
over-user of exclamation points!!
weak and fleshly.
self-doubting.
easily intimidated.
saved by grace.
loved.
understood.
content.


(I know content is in there twice, but God is dealing with me again.)


Anyhoo. A happy day for the most part. I woke up on the wrong side of the bed - just in a fowl mood. I realized that it was Saturday and Rob had to work and it just made me mad. Another week slipped by and I failed to take any time for me, other than an hour or two in the studio while Sarah slept - but Eli was still awake and hassling me every five minutes or so. Back to today - Rob and I talked. Then we worked like crazy people, getting ready for our house guests. Which is good, since they are coming earlier than we expected.

So we got a lot done. I touched up quite a bit around the house. And oh, it's hit me. I love this place so much. I ran to Lowe's tonight for cupboard latches and when I came home I just sat in the car in front of the house. My heart swelled with pride and a wonderful sense of accomplishment. I seriously almost had tears in my eyes. I really hadn't taken a moment to say "wow, it's done!" I'm in awe of the process, so cheesy, I know. But I have never invested a chunk of myself in a house like I have this one. It is so us now. The colors, the curb appeal. It's so warm and vibrant. I'm dumb, I know, but it just makes me happy. I'm excited to share it with Lori and Jay, I hope they enjoy it like we do.

Anyway, I should quite rambling. But sometimes it's just fun to go on and on. I'm posting a couple pictures now. This one is of Eli and Sarah wearing sunglasses that Mom sent them today. They were both too excited!!!