Saturday, August 01, 2009

StArGiRl = GirLs CaMp 2009

I had the privilege of being able to go to girls camp this past week and it was truly AMAZING (big thanks to Katie for watching Ava for me!) Camp is supposed to be for the growth of the girls, but I took so much away from camp this year. I feel like it was just what I needed at this particular time in my life. Our camp "theme" was Stargirl, based from the book Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. If you have a daughter in her teenage years or approaching those years I definitely recommend this book! It is a quick and easy read and it is the best book. We have urged the girls to be as constant as the north star and to be a Stargirl in their own ways. We went to Park City for the week and stayed in the Mountainside Marriott so it wasn't very "campish" but boy oh boy was it fun! We had an activity on budgeting followed by some shopping at the outlets, movie nights, pool time, we went on a beautiful hike, went to the olympic park, did the zipline and the alpine slide, we had a pedicure and manicure night complete with paraffin wax and just spent time together having fun, strengthening our friendships and our testimonies. I came home feeling energized, happy, and motivated to try a little harder to be more like my Savior. Here is my week in pictures......
Waiting with some of the girls on Tuesday morning

Helping put away some of the groceries. Camille was in charge of the menu and she did an AMAZING job!
Me with some of the girls at the start of the hike

Me and Dana...... I don't look too excited :)
Everyone just hanging out at the waterfall at the end of our hike

All of the girls..... I love this picture! They are all so beautiful and unique.

God not only knows the names of all the stars; he knows your names and all you heartaches and your joys! - Elder Neal A. Maxwell



All the leaders (that were at camp). I love these women! They each inspire me and teach me so many things. On the drive home from the hike my brakes went out at the bottom of the hill.  While coming to a stop at the bottom of the hill were we would turn onto the highway I noticed that I was pushing the pedal down as hard as I could and that I just wasn't slowing down as quickly as I need to.  I don't know how but I was able to remain calm and just pulled my emergency brake and came within inches of hitting the car in front me.  My mind was racing.  I could smell the burnt rubber smell of brakes once I stopped.  There was a split second were I wondered if there was really a problem or what I should do.  Then the thought came into my mind that I was not to pull out onto that busy road followed by a warm comforting feeling.  Two men pulled up beside me and asked what the problem was, I told them that my brakes had gone out.  The pushed us to turn out on the side of the road and advised me that they had probably just gotten too hot and that if I waited for a bit they would probably work again.  Dan and Ginny turned around and came back to help.  I ended up being able to drive home safely and all ended well.  


In the bobsled at the olympic park. I really really want to go ride the bobsled they have at the olympic park. It has been added to my "to do" list.
Me and Dana on the alpine slide
Me and Eva on the zipline.... it was so much fun!
More zipline.....



A foot rub from Eva!
Quality time spent in the hot tub :)
Time for some star gazing......We had a couple from our ward bring their telescope up the last night and teach us a little astronomy lesson. I loved this part of camp! We got to look at the moon and see all the craters as well as Jupiter. I have never had the experience of doing this before and I thought it was awesome :)
Without the dark, we would never see the stars

Nap time with Kallie

And last but not least the fight over a jar of Nutella which were all just eating by the spoon full..... Definitely good times!





As you can see it was quite the adventure! The new song on my blog is from camp! Listen to the words, it is a great song!

"Always remember you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars" Harriet Tubman

10 comments:

cubshack said...

That should not be allowed to be Girls Camp! That's like Girls Camp Sex and the City Style!

Sharon said...

It looks like you all had so much fun! I am glad you were able to go. I love those girls!

Grammy said...

A hotel? In Park City? Hmmm.... that just does not compute as Girl's Camp. Shopping at outlets? Hot tub? Man...you were spoiled! Sounds like you did have an amazing time, though. I would love to do that hike with the water fall at the end - right up my alley. I am so delighted that you are with the YW. They are lucky to have you and your tremendous example. You are amazing!

Janessa Couch said...

Oh my! That looks like so much fun but is that really allowed? :) I want to move to your ward.

heidi said...

this is my kind of girls camp.

Anonymous said...

I know EXACTLY what you are talking about with the breaks going out!! FREAKY!! I was driving in downtown Salt Lake to go do a session at the Temple with my friend in the car and I was literally standing on my brake pedal and my car wasn't stopping. I closed my eyes to brace myself to hit the car in front of me since it was pretty much rush hour. All of a sudden I open my eyes and I had gone up and over the sidewalk in between the lightpost and trashcan, then up the street. There were two sister missionaries walking down the sidewalk. It was crazy. That is the sickest feeling in the world. No doubt in those circumstances you know you are watched over and taken care of. I felt the anxiety as I read that. Thank goodness your thoughts were clear in the middle of the rush.
AMEN- camp? I think not. Maybe Girls Retreat :) Much needed nonetheless.

Unknown said...

Sounds about the same as the week I had- HA just kidding. Ava was great. She is always welcome here and fits right in.

Becca's Bologna said...

awesome!! im glad you had a good time :) love ya

Chris Grover said...

oh my goodness, that is one posh girls' camp! but i'm jealous! that looks sooo fun! i'm sooo glad you are ok with your brake scare. seriously, FREAKY! i bet you are such a fun young women's leader! your girls must love you!

Krystal said...

Now I don't remember Girl's camp like this. You had way more fun then we did! That's my kind of camping!!! It looks like so much fun. I mean all of it. Except the part about your brakes. What a blessing from the lord that it happened at the bottom of the hill. I am so glad you are ok. As for the bobsled...do you know how much I have always wanted to do that? I can not believe you got to. I will have to make a trip up there one of these days and enjoy Park City like you did. I love Park City! I bet the girls just loved having you there. You are such a good example, fun, crazy(in the good kind of way),sweet, loving person, who has so much to give. I am so glad you got to go and just have fun. I mean as a mom everyday is so beautiful, but to be able to go and get a brake was probably really nice for you. By the way that picture at the top of your blog of you two sitting infront of the door is so cute. Love it...and I love the door!