Preparedness

Picture credit

As our life has been in an up heveal as of late, I have been doing lots of praying and getting some pretty definate answers.

My questions have been pretty simple.  With all that is going on how to I prepare my family in case of emergencies.  Not just another trip to ER for me but what if there is a natural disaster, job loss or something worse.  Will my family  have what we need to make it through the rough times.  I know my family has not been as prepared as we should be.  I have started looking in to extreme couponing not only to save money on our weekly grocery bill but to start our food storage as well.  The leaders of the Church have admonished us time and time again as stated by President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. said: “Let every head of every household see to it that he has on hand enough food and clothing, and, where possible, fuel also, for at least a year ahead. You of small means put your money in foodstuffs and wearing apparel, not in stocks and bonds” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1937, p. 26).

We must be able to feed and clothe our families the rest will come as blessings as we strive to live the commandments we are given.  But how do you start your food storage without going into debt for we have been admonished not to do this either. When the Welfare Services program of the Church was first being established, President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., advised, “Let us avoid debt as we would avoid a plague; where we are now in debt, let us get out of debt; if not today, then tomorrow. Let us straightly and strictly live within our incomes, and save a little.” (Conference Reports, April 1937, p. 26.)
Here in lays my dilemma.  Once again I am turning to the counsel of the elders of the Church President Gorden B Hinkley had this to say "We can begin ever so modestly,” President Hinckley explained. “We can begin with a one week’s food supply and gradually build it to a month, and then to three months.”

So this is where I am starting.  This week I will be building an inventory of our food supply.  I will be looking at expiration dates and beginning to butild the 72 hour kit for each person in the family along with our first aid kits.  This will not be an over night success but by the middle of Feburary I will be done. 

The neat thing about this is as I am working on it the children will be helping me and Pooh Bear and Boo will be earning thier part of their Girl Scout Safety Award.  Snoopy will be getting a Belt Loop as well.

A Change in Our Lives

Eighteen years ago I met the most amazing man in the world. We went on our first date and ended up talking all night.  During that long talk he ask me to marry him.  I was floored when without thinking I said "Yes."  Really and truly I did not believe him until we went 4 days later to pick out the engagement ring.  Two months two days later we were married. 

During that time in my life I had fallen away from the beliefs I was raised with.  I made choices that did not fit with my Divine Nature.  Rather than admit that I knew my choices were wrong I turned my back on my beliefs.  When I met The Man of the House I began to understand that I did still have a Divine Nature, and Individual Worth. 
I ask The Man of the House to take the Missionary Lessons to understand the beliefs that I was raised with and how my family believed and worshiped.  He gladly took the Missionary Lessons.  After taking the lessons he told me that he had great respect for my family and the LDS Church but that they were not his beliefs.  He was the head of my household and as such I knew I needed to follow his lead. 

Thus, we began to attend the Baptist church.  Through the years I have learned so much and met people that have grown to love and admire in the churches we attended.  We became active in the churches and I took on many responsibilities.  I have been a Mothers Day Out teacher, Vacation Bible School Director, Women's Ministry leader.  I have learned more about my own beliefs through growing and learning.

However I still felt I had gone from depending my parents testimony to that of my husband, not really having my own.  When Pooh Bear was about three years old I realized that I could not teach my own children to have faith in anything if I did not have my own solid testimony.   

The Man of the House and I discussed this and he whole heartedly supported me in my search and where it led me.  My heart was lead back to my beliefs, The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, that I was brought up with.  I attended Sacrement meeting again on a semi regular basis again.  It was somewhat like coming home, being the prodical son. 

After awhile I began to notice that if we did not attend church as a family were not attending regularly.  So with that I decided that we needed to stay with the denomination my husband led us to.  We did this for several more years.  I kept up with General Conference and Church news but did not attend Sacrement meeting or Releif Society.  I enjoyed my visits from my Visiting and Home Teachers.  My parents kept me abreast of things as well. 

I taught my children about the Bible and where I could put in the Gospel Principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints.  But as far as discussing the specifics of my beliefs I respected my husbands choices for our family.

The Man of the House has been adiment that when the children were old enough to question they were old enough to find their own beleifs.  He firmly believes that each child must find their way to Heavenly Father. 


Over the last few months as I have dealt with health issues, I have ask for several blessings.  From a Father's Blessing to a Priesthood Blessing.  All of the children were able to witness these blessings and are old enough to begin to understand that this is different from what they have grown up with. Pooh Bear began to really question and wanting to understand why Mom's beliefs are different from Dad's. 

We discussed the simple differences of the Trinity versus the separateness of each Being.  The restoration of the Fullness of the Gospel by Joseph Smith, and the retrieval of the Golden Plates from Laban by Nephi.  As we talked she kept asking questions and wanted more and more in depth information.  I suggested she take the Missionary Lessons. 

We called the Missionaries, and she started the lessons.  Took it all in and ask questions upon questions. 
She followed through on their challenges, she began to read the Book of Mormon, and began to pray for guidance.  Pooh Bear took the whole process very seriously and began to question her beliefs.

 As happy as The Man of the House and I were to see this process there were those in the extended family that have been less than thrilled.  Pooh Bear took their concerns and prayerfully considered. 

Her decsion has been made.  After I came from the hospital this weekend, Pooh went to church with my Visititing Teacher.  She went to talk with the Bishop all by herself, she asked to be baptised!!!!!!!! She is ready to change her life.

RainDrop Reflections

Well this past week went pretty smoothly..... YEAH for us.  We restarted our school year, and got a lot accomplished. We have been doing just 3 workboxes this week.  We will add another 3 this week and then 3 the next week and after that, more as we need them to get through all our assignments. We have done school mainly in the living room this week with the RainDrops going to get their items and bring them down to me.  We will head back upstairs to the school room this week.   

What we are learning: 

Snoopy has been working on telling time to the minute.

Boo is working on writing expanded forms up to hundred thousands.

Pooh Bear is doing word problems with time elements in them.

What chore we accomplished:

I was able to get the dining room pretty well organized so I can have a scrapbook/sewing room.  Which means I got to work on some sewing and scrapbook pages! 

Megan's Week:

"Megan" finally had her appointment with her counselor to get her schedule for school on Friday.  She started school after her appointment.  Then stayed after school with the band and saw her first American Football game!  She had a good day and enjoyed the game, but was so very tired at the end of the day.

Megan has homecoming in just 2 weeks so we will be heading out to find a dress for the dance next weekend and all the makings for her mum.

Oh and one more thing, She has never had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  She tried one for the first time this week.  LOVED IT!!!!!

Tasty Tuesday

Today is The Man of the House's Birthday.  I will be making one of his favorite dinners.  Meatloaf, buttered potatoes, corn, and green beans.  And I am going to try these dinner rolls from scratch.  I will let you know how they turn out!
Found at Allrecipies.com

Ingredients

• 3 3/4 cups bread flour, divided
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 (.25 ounce) package rapid rise yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water (120 to 130 degrees F/50 degrees C)
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

1. In a large bowl, stir together 2 cups flour, sugar, shortening, salt and yeast. Add water, milk and egg. Beat with electric mixer on low speed 1 minute, scraping bowl frequently. Add the remaining flour, 1/4 cup at a time, until the dough comes together.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place in greased bowl and turn greased side up. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Dough is ready if indention remains when touched.
3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide in half; cut each half into 24 pieces. Form the pieces into rounds. Place the rolls close together in two lightly greased 9 inch round cake pans. Brush with melted butter. Cover and let rise in warm place about 30 minutes or until doubled. Cover the rolls with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
4. Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 18 minutes, until golden brown.

1. Restart school
2. Finish planning Girl Scout year
3. Aaron finish one Cub Scout Belt loop

RainDrop Reflections

The past week as seemed to fly by.  With all else that has gone on in the past month and a half my health is getting better, with only one rather small hick-up.  My lovely little RainDrops clean up a spill in the kitchen without being told... (YEAH RainDrops.)    The even mopped the floor all around the area and got all the sticky off the floor.....However no one told me.  In I walk and down on my BUTT I go!  I went to get an w-ray on my wrist we thought I had broken my wrist.  Tunred out it was a sever sprian and bone bruise.  I am still having issues with my pinky finger and will discuss that when I see my regular doctor tomorrow, about my blood pressure and heart.  But all in all I am felling pretty good and read to get back to the normal routine. 

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for my wonderful new daughter "Megan."  She is our new exchange student, she is from Thailand.

She arrived last Friday night.  She had a 26 hours travel to get here.  She was tired and very glad to have the travel part over with.

 Megan has started marching band where she is a member of the percussion pit!  She will start school a few days late as we are still getting her registered.
  

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for our family's very own "Super Hero."  My nephew is in the military.  He has been deployed to Korea and Iraq.  He has once again been deployed.  I will not say with what branch or to where he has been sent for the safety of him and those with him.


From the time of his enlistment my children have called him a "Super Hero."  He is one of many and I pray for the safety of them all! 

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

Today is my birthday this is what I am having for my special dinner!
Orange Chicken
Found at All Recipes

 

Ingredients

• Sauce:
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
•  
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
•  
• Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Pour 1 1/2 cups water, orange juice, lemon juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce into a saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Stir in the orange zest, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, chopped onion, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and cool 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Place the chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag. When contents of saucepan have cooled, pour 1 cup of sauce into bag. Reserve the remaining sauce. Seal the bag, and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
3. In another resealable plastic bag, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the marinated chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake to coat.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken into the skillet, and brown on both sides. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels, and cover with aluminum foil.
5. Wipe out the skillet, and add the sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Mix together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water; stir into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium low, add the chicken pieces, and simmer, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Monday's Weekly Goals

1. I will start practicing yoga every morning before school starts.  This means I must be up by 6:30am every morning. 
2. School will start on time at 8:45am each morning. 
3. I will spend time each morning before school making sure my calendar is up to date and I know what I have scheduled that day.

Each Monday I will update the goals on from the last week and set new goals for that week!

RainDrop Reflections

Well the past month has been a long one.  I have had several more ER visits trying to figure out what was going on with me.  It has taken a while but we think my health issues are finally under control.  There are still a few tests to run, but we are getting the house and life back to normal. 

We have said good bye to our Bo Ba Houng and Thaly.  The house has been so quiet even with our 3 RainDrops.  Our newest Kid From Around the World come in this Friday night!

As far as RainDrop Academy, things are going slow with the ER trips and such.  But we have gotten things started and are looking forward to getting ourselves back on a regular schedule. 

Friday Mommy Moments

Well this week's moment comes from no one other than myself. 

Tuesday I walked in the kitchen to make sure I had enough leftover pork roast to make BBQ with.  Well apparently there had been a spill on the floor and my wonderful children cleaned it up, not just wiping it up but got the mop out and all.  However they did not tell me (side note we have a tile floor in there, slippery when wet is an understatement.)  So I bet you can guess where this is leading.  YEPPERS!  I slid!  Now I have slid countless times on that floor.  Every time I have I have caught myself on the counter.  This time......... not so lucky....I hit the floor.

At first we thought I had broken my wrist, even the doctor said I had.  But after the radiologist read the x-ray they said it was a SEVER sprang and a NASTY bone bruise.  My shoulder and elbow are spranged as well.  All in all I will mend and life will go on. 

RaindDrop Reflections

You may have noticed that I have not posted this past week.  Well that is a LONG story.  

A week ago this past Saturday I had some stomach pain.  I thought I had an ovarian cyst and went to the ER.  Nope that was not it they thought it was on my colon.  Sent me home with some pain medicine and something stop stomach cramps.  I was sure to tell the whole hospital what medicines I was allergic to, we told the pharmacist (my pharmacy is not open at 3am when they let me out of the hospital, so we wen to a major pharmacy that was open all night.)   I was back home and on the medicine for just 36 hours.  Ms T was calling 911.  I was having a MAJOR allergic reaction to a sulpha drug.  I had no idea that it was a sulpha drug.  I am not that up on all the drugs that doctors can give and what they are made of, I am a homeschool mom.  But as I said I told them what I was allergic to, they should have known.  I was on my way back to the emergency room.  I really HATE riding backwards I always get car sick that way.  But oh well no other way to ride in an ambulance.  I need to get help I was in pretty bad shape.  They took me back to the same hospital!  They kept me overnight for observation, I left the next morning because they scared me to death.  Did not want to give them another chance, sorry but they could have killed me!

The stomach pain worked itself out and I was felling much better. Thursday the carpet got replaced in Boo's bedroom and we got furniture got moved around to set up for our new Kids From Around the World to arrive in August.  

Friday we started to make our plans for the 4th of July celebrations and went to buy a few fireworks to set off ourselves. The Man of the House and I watched a movie that evening after doing a few sparklers with the kids that were at home.

I was woken up with trouble breathing and chest pain about 30 minutes after going to bed.  But I tried to ignore and and it eventually went away.  I woke up Saturday morning and felt fine for about the first half hour I was up.  Then it started all over again.  This time I did tell The Man of the House.  He suggested instead of paying for an emergency room visit we try just the local urgent care place.  I grabbed Pooh Bear and headed out.  My chest was hurting a lot but I got there.  Pooh telling me on the way there "we need TWO plans mom," to which I responded "NO. We will be fine."

When we go there I was taken straight back.  They did an EKG and called 911.  I guess we needed 2 plans.  My Pooh Bear was so grown up about it.  She called her Daddy and the Grandparents and told them where we were going.  She of course could not stay behind so she got to ride in the ambulance up front.  When we got to the hospital she made sure they knew my name, birth date, and all my allergies.  All I had to do was lay there and be pitiful.  

They admitted me with a possible heart attack.  I was given several drugs in case it was a heart attack to protect the heart.   Of course it was the holiday weekend so the stress test lab was closed for the Fourth.  The doctor wanted a stress test and observation to make sure whether it was a heart attack or not.  If not what was causing it, so I had to wait for Tuesday.  So there I sat from Saturday to Monday.  

There I sat Saturday night all of a sudden I felt like crap.  The medicine that was supposed to protect my heart.... STOPPED it!  For 6 seconds I had no heart beat.  Then for about half an hour my heart struggled to get its rhythm.  Now they needed to see if it was the actual plumbing, or the electrical system.  

So this morning, Tuesday, I had the stress test to see if there was a piping issue and that was clear YEAH!!!!  Then I was transferred to a different hospital that would do to the testing on the electrical function heart.  If the test came back the the little STOPPING action could happen again, which would need a pacemaker.  Not a fun test but at least they knocked my out.  

After 2 weeks of not feeling well.  Four days of which were consecutive with a HUGE heart scare.  LOTS of prayers by me, my husband, my children, my family, my friends, and friends of family and friends.  My heart is FINE!  There will be a need at some point down the road for a pacemaker.  I now know I have left bundle branch block.  We need to be very careful for new on but I will be fine.  We are praying that the pace maker will be at 79 and not 39.      

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday- Daddy's Favorite Meatloaf Stuff Bell Peppers

 

2 lbs ground beef

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

1cup ketchup

1/2 cup ketchup

3/4 tbsp tyme

3/4 tbsp basil

3/4 tbsp garlic

3/4 tbsp capers

half a medium yellow onion

1/4 cup bread crumbs

Bell peppers cored then sliced in rings

Preheat oven 400 degrees

Mince all spices in a large pile.  Rough chop the onion.  Blend spices, bread crumbs, capers, and 1 cup of ketchup, and cheese.  Be careful not to over work meat.  Form the meat in to balls and place in bell pepper rings.  Top with remaining ketchup.     

Place in oven for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.

RainDrop Refelctions

What a week this has been.  We got home from our camping adventures and have not really slowed down.  Monday I tried several times to figure out what was wrong with my BRAND NEW washer.  Never could figure it out.  I had to give up and call Lowes services to get it looked at under the warranty.  When I called the next available time for service was FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!  UUUUGGGGG camping stinky laundry, not to mention regular laundry, we will all be naked by Friday!  Thank God for Mrs R., Pooh Bear's helper, she took some towels and underwear to her house for us.

Tuesday, we worked on scrapbooks for the Kids from Around the World.  I am trying to get the albums finished of their time here in the USA.  I wanted to be able to at least have some done for their farewell party on Saturday.  The other RainDrop Family came to go swimming that morning and Aunt T took every one to the pool!  Then, that evening, I went to meet with my Girl Scout co-leader (both of the troops for the girls is the same wonderful friend) and another leader about the possibility of merging her troop with our older girls troop.  I did not get done until after 10pm.  That is WAY past my bedtime!  On top of that I really hate driving after dark.  I have not ever been diagnosed but I think I have some night blindness, so I try to not drive after dark.

Wednesday I went to help my dear co-leader clean out her daughter's room.  She was at camp and I told her I would help since she has been here more than once to help me organize the school room.  She was also sweet enough to let me take a load of underwear and The Man of the House's pants for work to wash in her washer.  THANK YOU Resource Queen!  We were also able to plan a good portion of the Little Sister Troop meetings while I was there.

Thursday was a cleaning day for the party.  We got most of the downstairs done and worked some more on the scrapbooks.

Fridays from Memorial Day to Labor day The Man of the House has what his company calls summer hours.  He goes in 30 minutes early every day and get off at 1 on Fridays.  That is an awesome perk!  On his way home he stopped and picked up Little T and brought him home with him.  Snoopy was getting his first ever official sleepover with one of this friends!  When he got home we ALL including Little T and Mrs T went to tackle the upstairs and the school room.  We knocked it out in about an hour and half and were done for the day.  Then Mrs. T took Boo to her house for a sleep over.  The man of the house and I went shopping for the party.  When we got home the girls and tried to get as much done on the books as we could.  Once again I was up past my bedtime.  Ba bo houng said she was up until 3am.  I only made it to midnight lol.  Oh by the way yes the washer got fixed!  We are doing LOADS and Loads of laundry!

Saturday was a wonderful and kind of a sad day.  The Man of the House took the little boys to the movie so we could get the scrapbook stuff put away and get ready to PARTY!  We had a house full of loved ones and friends, for the girls.  They were so excited to have some many loving them.  It was a special day for us all. 

Thaly with her Boyfriend

Bo ba houng and Mrs. T

Bo ba houng, Papa, Nana, Thaly

Bo ba houng and Cousin S

Bo ba houng and Cousin Mac

Gifts

Grandma,Thaly,  Great Aunt B

The Albums

The cake!!  We have planned this for months!!!  The girls found it as funny as we hoped.

Wordless Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday

Orange Chicken

Found at Allrecipies.com

Ingredients

• Sauce:
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 
  
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 
  
• Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Pour 1 1/2 cups water, orange juice, lemon juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce into a saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Stir in the orange zest, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, chopped onion, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and cool 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Place the chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag. When contents of saucepan have cooled, pour 1 cup of sauce into bag. Reserve the remaining sauce. Seal the bag, and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
3. In another resealable plastic bag, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the marinated chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake to coat.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken into the skillet, and brown on both sides. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels, and cover with aluminum foil.
5. Wipe out the skillet, and add the sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Mix together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water; stir into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium low, add the chicken pieces, and simmer, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

RainDrop Reflections

This past week was a mix of slow and steady and lot of craziness.

We had planned a camping trip for the weekend and started our week with the final plans and menu making. We found out that the other RainDrop Family (my brother and sister in law and their children) were not going to be able to join us, so we shifted plans to go with a friend. Thaly was making her plans to head to Florida with the church youth group.

Well guess what. Thaly and I both ended up wit a stomach bug on Wednesday night, and Thursday. Thaly wanted to go shopping for food for the camp out on Thursday, but did not make it past the first 2 stops before the grocery store, poor girl! If I could have gone home I would have too. That was a nasty bug. While was doing the shopping Thaly called and told me there was no way she could ride the bus from Texas to Florida feeling like that. I was not surprised at all.

I got things together Friday to head the camp ground. Lo and behold the washer was not working right (my brand new washer!!!!!!!!!!) I was still feeling crappy in the tummy and The Man of the House had the tummy bug too, along with Pooh Bear!

There I am packing for camp 2 hours later than I wanted to be and leaving 2 more home than was the plan. But we finally got there. Got camp set up and made a run to town to go to WalMart. While I was doing that the rest went to the lake to cool off, we then enjoyed our evening of Hobo dinners and s'mores.

By the way I put a hex on one of my kids for the first time ever. Ba bo houng made her dinner with lots of spices. Of course she is Asian! I got her Hobo dinner! OMG!!! I have never had my lips burn from my nose to my chin! I would never make it in Asia.

The next day we spent the afternoon at the beach area and had a blast. The water was cold but once you got it it was great! I took the float out and just let the water carry me where it wanted to. After playing for 3 hours on the lake we headed back into camp.

This is where our weekend started to take a turn for the worst. The 2 mommy's sent the kids to the shower. My friend and I waited for them to come back as we sat and drank some water and put of a box fan outside to help cool us off. When the kids got back from the shower we headed to shower ourselves. The water felt great just on cold. We cooled off and headed back to the campsite. The kids made us moms a sandwich and we set back to enjoy it.

My friend looked at me and said she did not feel good. She was pale and decided sitting in the car in the A/C would be best. Her daughter got her keys and they walked all of 6 feet to the car. Next thing I knew her daughter was YELLING my name. By the time I got over there she had passed out.

I started yelling for wet towels, to get the kids concentrating on something else, while I started checking her pulse and such. She was only out a few seconds when she started to come around then passed out again. Not only did she pass out she had a convulsion. At that point I called EMS. Turns out she was dehydrated, very dehydrated! She took a trip to the ER. I called The Man of the House but he was still sick. We decided to pack up and head home. I was blessed to have another WONDERFUL friend who could bring a truck up to the camp and help us get home.

My poor friend was kept for about 5 hours in the ER getting fluids. She was told that at our age ( we are not 16 any more) we should be drinking enough to have to go to the bathroom every 20 minutes, when it is this hot out! REALLY those stairs down to the swimming area were a killer (100 steps believe me I ask the Rangers). So not worth climbing and descending every 20 minutes. I think we will stay home for the summer and drink our water here!