Off to Girls Camp

Kirsten is off at girls camp for the whole week. We are sure going to miss her especially since she will be away on her birthday. I snuck a bag of fun little gifts for her to open at camp, like a mini sketchbook and pencils, face paint, a light-up balloon, nail polish, lip balm that says "Keep Calm and Party" on it, and colored pens. The mom of her friend, Robin, (who she is standing with in the picture) mailed a box of party decorations for Robin to decorate the cabin with. I think Kirsten is going to have a great time. 

Young Women's Camp 2014

Kirsten gave a talk on what she learned at Young Women's Camp. Here is her talk and pictures that Gina Jenkins took.

Hi, my name is Kirsten and I was a level 2 at Girls Camp. The theme this year was “Come Unto Christ”.

In Moroni 10:32, it says, “Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness.”

I’d like to share with you the different ways I learned to come unto Christ at Girl’s Camp.

The first way to Come unto Christ is by repenting.  On the Faith Walk, we were told to write down a bad habit on a piece of paper.  Then we burned the paper, which represents repentance.  Afterwards, we put our handprint on a huge piece of paper and wrote a positive quality about ourselves by it.

 Lifting those around us up is another way to Come unto Christ. At camp, each girl stood against a big piece of paper while others wrote good things about them. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, “Christ knows how to minister to others perfectly. When the Savior stretches out his hands those he touches are uplifted and become greater, stronger, and better people as a result. If we are his hands, should we not do the same?” 

Serving those around us is the last example of ways we can Come unto Christ. President Uchtdorf also said, “Often, the answer to our prayer does not come while we’re on our knees but while we’re serving the Lord and serving those around us.” Another activity we did on the Faith Walk was we washed one of our friend’s feet; just as Jesus washed his disciples’ feet hours before he was to leave this world. This custom at the time was left to the lowliest servant to wash the dirty, filthy feet of strangers or travelers before they entered a house. He did this as an example to us to do as He did; to love and serve those around us.

Elder Oaks said, “Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice; but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places.”

Level 2-Their "Warrior Princess" was Pocahontas. 

(Kirsten is in the front row, right end.)

Home

Steven's favorite part of Zion Camp was the 11 mile bike ride. He told me there were lots of "sketchy" moments on the mountain bike trip. (Not something you should EVER say to your mom.)

His least favorite part was "free time" because nobody wanted to do anything.

James's favorite part was building hover crafts as part of the "Dale Smith Memorial".

His least favorite was the first night. When he returned to camp, his tent was broken in half (as if someone or something had fallen on it). On top of that, he forgot to pack the plug to his air mattress. So, he ended up sleeping under the stars for the week; which he said ended up being kind of fun.

Before leaving for camp, James took a short video of Loni on his phone. I reminded him that electronics weren't allowed at camp and he said that he's only going to turn it on to look at Loni when he was missing her. When I picked him up from camp, his friends told me that James showed them all the video of Loni. Blake was especially grateful for the fudge I sent that James shared. James also commented that of all of us, he missed Dave-o the most. (What am I, chopped liver?) 

I'm glad my boys are home. Our fridge is too full and the pantry in need of cleaning out. 

Monday Madness

This morning I dropped James and Steven at the designated meeting spot attend a week of Zions Camp at Pico Blanco (in Carmel). James had been going back and forth between wanting to go. In the end, he gave into the pressure from his friends and family to attend. I think he will enjoy it this year because he will be an ACD (assistant camp director). 

Next on my list was to mail fudge to the boys at camp. The night before, I was up late making a batch and pouring it into a the box that butter comes in; just like my mom did for my siblings and I when we attending camp. 

In the evening, I dropped Justin off at West Valley for his first summer basketball class. Then I hurried home to feed the missionaries (Elder Mohl and Elder Olsen). They encouraged us to come up with a family missionary plan.

Our house is so quiet now. 

Backyard Camping

 Kirsten and Dave-o went camping in our backyard. I'm so happy that Kirsten doesn't mind doing these kind of things with her little brother. 

 When it was nearing bedtime, Kirsten said that she would bring a book and a flashlight into the tent. I suggested she just bring her Kindle. She was aghast at my suggestion. 

"But MOM! You never bring electronics on a campout! It wouldn't be camping if you did." 

 Sitting around a fire, roasting marshmallows, and eating S'Mores was also done to authenticate the camping experience.

Now Dave-o wants to sleep outside every night.

Low Energy Level

Our house has been unusually quiet this week. Not even Dave-o can make up for the decreased volume level. James and Steven return home tomorrow from Zion's camp. I am positive that their homecoming will bring the energy and loud commotion that we are accustomed to. Can't wait to see them.

1st Level

Kirsten survived her first year at Girls Camp. She came home from Camp Richie in desperate need of a shower and sleep, but that could wait. For she had a LOT to share with us first. Her first day was hard. Homesickness made Kirsten weepy, but wonderful friends and leaders helped her get through it. 

The theme was:

"Stand Ye In Holy Places: There's No Place Like Home"

Kirsten swam in the lake, attended devotionals, did archery, crafts, gospel adventures, rappelling, made lots of new friends, sang, danced, and bore testimony. 

I am glad that she had this experience. And even more glad that Kirsten is home again. I really missed her. It's no fun being the only girl in the house.

A Priesthood Tradition

On Friday, David came home from work at 1pm to take his boys (except Dave-o) on the traditional father-son campout to celebrate the commemoration of the Aaronic Priesthood. The boys (and Dad) look forward to this event all year long.

Steven making sure his pocketknife is sharp enough.

This all started 12 years ago when we lived in Gilroy,CA. Justin was the only child old enough to go with David on the father-son campout since James was only 1 and the other kids were laughing at us from Heaven. David and Justin would drive to Mt. Madonna in the early afternoon with Dale Stewart, Doug Kohlert, and Lauren Nabzeska. They grilled steak, shrimp, and garlic bread. And Justin used nature as his personal playground, spending hours sliding down a dirt hill.

Each year after that (six years) was the same, with the exception of new additions (James and Steven). Then we moved to Texas. The boys were shocked to learn that they didn't have father-son campouts. Every Mother's Day weekend, David, Justin, James, and Steven would reminisce about earlier years and wish they were back at Mt. Madonna.

On Friday, David returned to Mt. Madonna with his three sons along with the Branham Ward. They grilled steak and garlic bread and even made ice-cream in a bag. The dirt slide was even still there. The boys had a blast exploring and hanging out with their friends.

Here are some pictures that James took in the early morning hours at Mt. Madonna, while exploring with his friends.

The "pillar of light" was the inspiration for this next shot.

I am grateful that the boys have these memories with their father. I am grateful that we belong to a church that is led by a prophet who is called of God; all because a fourteen year old boy by the name of Joseph Smith had faith that his prayer would be answered. Because of him, the priesthood (Christ's power) has been restored to the Earth. I am truly blessed to have three priesthood holders in my home.

Rain and Shoes

At 4:30pm Kirsten, Dave-o and I sent the boys and man off on their beach camping trip with the threat of rain looming on everyone's heads. James and Steven were praying that it wouldn't rain. They heard loud and clear their dad's proclamation, "If it is raining hard, we will go home." David I'm sure was praying that it would rain because he hates camping. Although, he was excited to be sleeping on the beach (the sound of the waves lull him to sleep).I was praying that it wouldn't rain because I was excited to have a girls night with Kirsten (and Dave-o). And after they were in bed I could finally get a chance to watch some "chick flicks". Justin didn't seem too concerned either way. He left wearing his brand new WHITE Longhorns hat. I tried to convince him not to but, boys will be boys, and what was I to do. Justin just looked at me and said, "I'll just throw it in the wash if it gets dirty." *sigh*

An hour later, Kirsten, Dave-o and I finished our dinner at McDonalds (Kirsten's choice). Kirsten's flip flops broke recently, so I suggested we go to the mall to buy her new ones. She jumped at this idea and mentioned that her friend Fiona has some cute, comfy purple boots and by the way, she got them at Sears. Is Sears at the mall, Mom? I said, yes and we were on our way. But along the way it began to rain. Heavily. Drats! This probably meant the boys were going to turn around and come home. I checked in with David and he informed me that it was raining where they were, but they hadn't decided what to do yet.

Yes! There was still hope.

Sears didn't have Kirsten's purple boots, but she quickly fell in love with some comfy, beige ones at a different shoe store. I soon noticed that these boots looked a LOT like mine. In fact, they were mine, except 6 sizes smaller. Next, we went in search for flip flops, which we found along with purple sunglasses, a purple jacket, and white leggings. I couldn't resist. It's not often that I have a girl to go shopping with. And it's even LESS often that Kirsten wants to do anything girlie with me.

When we got home, I made Kirsten a chocolate malt, put Dave-o to bed, and snuggled with Kirsten on the couch while watching the new Ice Age movie (Dawn of the Dinosaurs).

Then, in walked my boys, minus one, and my man. The rain was too much for them. They were soaked in a matter minutes and their tents were beginning to flood before they could even get them up. But the boy who claims to hate, cross that out, LOATH camping decided to stay with a couple of his leaders and friends who were just as crazy as he was. JUSTIN! I was shocked.

Nothing should surprise me anymore.

Backyard Camping

The YM (scouts) planned a camping trip at Memorial Park in the Redwoods for this weekend. James loves camping and was excited to go, while Justin groaned at the mention of another campout with no intention on going. David planned on going as well so that he could bring Steven along (Steven needed to go on a campout to earn his Webelos Badge.) But, at 2pm I received a call from David telling me that he was sick with a cold and fever. Of course, this meant he wouldn't be able to go, which also meant Steven wouldn't be able to go. He was so disappointed! Steven had been looking forward to this day all week.

I spent a couple of hours getting James ready and then a last minute Justin ready (I'm glad he decided to go). After getting those two off, I was able to focus on making this evening a fun one for Steven.

We made foil dinners and Steven set up the tent with little help from me.

Next, he built a fire in a tin pie pan and we roasted marshmallows while listening to the high school football game that was going on down the street (it is homecoming week at Branham). We could hear the announcer on the loud speaker, the crowd cheering, and the band performing.

Then, Kirsten and Steven excitedly loaded up the tent with their night time necessities and called it a night (and it was only 8pm). We'll see how long they last outside. I have a feeling they'll wander inside sometime before daybreak.

Greetings From Zion's Camp

A letter we received from James:

To Zinn family, 8-3-09

Zion's Camp has been awesome! I've had so much fun and made lots of friends. I've got a lot done in the past few days. The food is great! The showers are ice cold. Steven would've loved it here. There are huge boulders and cool trees that we climb.

Sunday was amazing! We had 5 hours or more of church.

1. At 9:00 we had devotionals which was about 30 minutes.

2. At 9:30 we had an awesome sacrament meeting. It was very neat. It was about 2 hours but none of us got tired of cool stories.

3. At 11:30 we had priesthood which was also neat. It lasted for 1 hour.

4. At 7:00 we had a fireside. I think that the fireside was the best part of the day. It lasted for 1 and a half hours long.

As you can tell Sunday was amazing.

Today was good. We learned how to fish properly and to canoe. Canoeing is harder than it looks. It's topsy turny and has horrible balance.

I miss you guys so much. I've had hard nights because of snoring. See you when I get back.

Love,
James Zinn

Random Acts and Thoughts

I am not used to having my home so quiet! James and Justin are attending Zion's Camp at Camp Richie for the entire week. There has been a noticeable noise reduction with the two of them gone. Usually it sounds as though a herd of elephants live in our home, what with them constantly going from one activity to the next and their friends coming in and out. I enjoyed the solitude at first, but now I find myself missing their habits and typical teenage behavior.

Steven is enjoying having a room to himself. He's the man of his castle right now and is loving it. No older brothers to boss and order him around. He and Kirsten get along really well (always have). They've been playing the new Wii sport game that David bought the other day.

I've been trying to start a regular exercise routine. My friend Rachel and I have been walking on the trails across the street from our church building. Her son, Noah, and David Jr. are a week apart in age. It feels good to get out and do something for myself.

Today Rachel and I couldn't get together, so I convinced David to walk around our neighborhood with me. While walking down Merrywood (a block away), a man approached us with an offer we couldn't refuse. He gave us a jogging stroller for free. His children have outgrown it and he wanted to see it go to a family who would enjoy and use it. We ended up chatting for around half and hour and met his family. We learned that his name is Peter, his wife's is Stephanie and they have two children, Kira and Parker. David and Peter discovered that they both are engineers. I can tell that Stephanie and I have a lot in common as well. We exchanged contact information and hopefully a long lasting friendship will come out of this random act of kindness.

Earlier on today, Kirsten sat at the piano and began reading the titles of the sheet music that were out. She came upon one entitled "If the Savior Stood Beside Me", which was sung as the closing song at her baptism. After reading it outloud, Kirsten said,

"Jesus stands by me. Especially since I'm baptized now."

I am so thankful that at such a young age, Kirsten possesses the knowledge that her Savior loves her and is with her. She doubts not.

FAITH

CHILD-LIKE FAITH

I wish I had more of that.

You Caught a WHAT?

Steven has spent this week attending cub scout day camp. He came home the other day with an interesting story to share.

Steven and his den were being taught how to fish. As Steven was practicing casting his line, a flock of birds flew overhead. His line wrapped around a bird thus pulling it down.

Imagine that! Catching a bird when you're fishing. And catching it while it was flying! I've never heard of such a thing. As you can imagine, Steven's tale was the talk around camp.

By the way, the bird wasn't harmed. It quickly recovered from the shock and flew off to tell it's friends about the whole experience.




Update:
I woke up feeling MUCH better today. No aches. No chills. And no fever. Hooray!