MarytheKaytheBlog

Crazy Fun in Branson: Guest Post and a CHALLENGE

Do do-do, do do do doooooo!!!  (Faux trumpet herald)  Here at MarytheKay, things are shaking up.  The administration around here has decided to add a new feature to the ole blog-ola.  They have decided it's high time to feature some Branson highlights.  I mean, since we are a vacation destination, we might as well share some of our local secrets.  So, from time to time, I'll share some of my own favorite things to do, favorite places to eat here in Branson.  I'll call these posts:  What Happens in Branson...is FUN!

Today, I am excited for my friend Amy to share about a CRAZY FUN thing our family loves to do in Branson.  She'll also tell you about a wonderful new Branson Blog!!  A Branson blog with insider information!  And, what's a blog, if it's not telling juicy secrets and insider information, I ask you?  Boring, that's what!

Do do-do, do do do doooooo!!!!!  (Heralding my first-ever What Happens in Branson...is FUN)

 Take it away, Amy!!

 

  Hello, friends and followers of MarytheKay!  My name is Amy, otherwise known in virtual circles as “The Mom with the Inside Track.”  If you read Mary Kay’s post on Sunday, you may have noticed her shout-out to my blog (thanks, Mary Kay!).  But, just in case you didn’t, here’s the scoop . . . 

This summer I have had the privilege of writing a Blog for The Track Family Fun Parks  in Branson.  For those of you who aren’t familiar, The Track offers lots of ways for families to have fun, but their specialty is go-karts.  Now, when I say “go-karts,” you might think of that dinky, run-down track you’ve seen on the side of the road – pretty unimpressive.  But, The Track is nothing like that!  In fact, I might call the variety and wow-factor of their go-kart tracks, well, impressive. 

If you are at all like me, you’re a mom who wants to visit places that your entire family (girls, boys, toddlers to teens, and yes, even Mom and Dad) can enjoy.  I think this is one of the reasons I’m so partial to The Track (and to Branson in general, for that matter!) – there is something for everybody!  And that, my friends, makes this mamma very happy. *smile*   

So, I hope that you (yes, even you locals!) will take a few minutes to check out The Mom with the Inside Track Blog.  You will certainly find insider information about The Track, but you will also find some great tips about other must-visit spots in Branson.  I hope that what you read will convince you (if you need convincing!) to get out and enjoy Branson – with your first stop, of course, at The Track!

 ------

News alert!  News alert!!!!  I think it might be fun to make a little challenge here.  Since I (MarytheKay) have always LOVED a little go-kart competition, I thought it would be fun to challenge my fellow Branson bloggers to a go-kart RACE. Yep, you heard me.  I think I can whup all of ya in a go-kart race.  Who's in?  (Details, shmetails.  We'll figure that part out.  Just go with the flow!)

If you want to join me in a Branson Blogger go-kart race, please go leave a message on The Mom with the Inside Track blog.  Now, Amy doesn't know a thing about this!  But, won't she be surprised when she starts getting comments about this race I've just planned?  We'll snap some photos, and...you know...get a good blog post out of it, of course!  And the WINNER will get bragging rights. 

What do you think?  Ya think MarytheKay can BEAT the PANTS (or shorts) off the other Branson bloggers???  Come on, Team MarytheKay!!!! 

Linked up with:

Name Dropping and Bloggy Love

I have it on my blog to-do list to create a Bloggy Love section. I love seeing these on blogs I regularly read--and use those lists regularly as a way to keep up with certain blogs.

I read lots of blogs regularly--and love how I can keep up with friends near and far by reading their blogs. Also, I love that I have gained some new friendships through these blogs!

So, since I haven't created a Bloggy Love section yet, I thought it would be fun to post a list of these blogs I regularly read--all written by friends of mine. Real-life friends, and friends I have only met in the bloggy cyberspace!

 

The Life and Times of Carissalil I've probably read this blog longer than any other. This is the first blog written by a friend, and a very dear one at that! Her transparency continues to inspire me, and even though she doesn't believe me, I do like to live a little vicariously through her fun adventures and pictures. You can't help yourself--you just love her through her blog! And if you have the pleasure of knowing her in real life, you love her even more!

Our Days in Pictures I couldn't love this blog writer, or the subjects in her pictures any more! This is how my friend Dawn "scrapbooks" now--she uploads pictures of her kids to this blog, and writes little captions. Now, I'm kind of partial to her boys, but her pictures and captions ALWAYS make me smile. The simple way she uploads pictures and writes little captions is pure genius to me. I wish I did this more.

Hollywood Housewife I've been a big fan of this blog, and this girl, even before either was Hollywood. Laura and I go way back to summer camp days... And really, I knew her big sister before I knew her. If you don't read her blog, you should. Her down-to-earth voice rings through all of her writing. You will laugh, learn, be inspired, and entertained all at the same time!

Snot and Kisses That's quite a name for a blog, isn't it? But, I LOVE it. I love the meaning behind it, and I love the girl behind the blog. Especially since she just wrote an entire post about cake frosting. That is MY kind of girl. She's funny, and yet can write posts that are so real and vulnerable that I think about her words for days.

The Atkins Adventure This blog is written by our first-ever babysitter. We were very over-protective parents in the beginning (some of you are snickering, I know), and Miss Amy was the perfect first babysitter to prove that, yes, we could leave our baby and she would be fine when we returned! We are charter members of the Miss Amy Fan Club!

Itches and Scratches Another adorable name for a blog, isn't it? This is such a fun blog! I love that Shelley is real, and tells her real stories of raising kids on her blog. I love reading her blog just as much as I always love being around her in real life. Some people are just refreshing to be around.

Janna Goodwin Photography Okay, so not a typical bloggy blog. But, guess what? There is nothing typical about her pictures. Her pictures are GORGEOUS. And I am not even exaggerating. She just has a magical talent in capturing people at the perfect moment. And the color in her photos? Pure perfection. Go on--don't take my word--take a look and see for yourself!
Plus, she's just FUN on a photo shoot. Who can argue with fun?

At the End of the Bend I don't get to see this friend nearly enough, and yet she is a neighbor! Every time I am around her, I think, "I really, really like her!" Plus, I just have a soft spot in my heart for her 4 sons. If you read her blog for long, you will see what I mean. The stories she writes about her boys and their family life are just priceless. I always leave her blog with a big smile on my face!

My Message to You My friend Loralea started this blog not too long ago, and WOW, can that girl write! Practically every one of her posts blows me away. And I am not even exaggerating. I have a feeling Loralea will be writing a book or hitting the speaking circuit before long. I just hope she remembers us little people...

Baby Dolls and Soccer Balls The name says it all! This is a busy mama of 4...2 of which are toddler twin boys. I love seeing her beautiful pictures, sometimes of her crazy life organizing a busy life with little ones. She's always got a funny story about her kids, and often posts yummy recipes!

The Track Blog Seriously, I have the coolest friends! My friend Amy just started writing "A Mom with the Inside Track" blog for the Branson Tracks. Tracks? What kind of Tracks, you ask? Think Go-Karts on sterriods, and you'll know what kind of Tracks I'm talking about. Want to know about cool stuff to do in Branson? Read this blog!

Now these are my Bloggy internet friends...or my *said in a whisper* pretend friends...

Linus and LuLu Well, you just have to click on this blog...It just had one of the most adorable designs EVER. It kind of makes me jealous. When I saw that Tracey loves cold Coca-Cola as much as I do, I just knew we were kindred spirits. She's so great, she makes me wish we were neighbors.

Looking UP Amid the Chaos Carrie leaves the BEST comments on my blog! Her comments make me laugh, and make me feel like I have a new best friend! I love her blog--especially when she talks about her class.

Big Mama I don't think Melanie (aka, Big Mama) knows that I am one of her really good friends yet... But, when she does discover this, I just know we will be texting and chatting all the time. Big Mama makes me laugh every single day. And that is no lie.

Pioneer Woman I know you are thinking--"Why does Pioneer Woman need to be on SOMEONE ELSE'S Blogroll?" Well, I will tell you why: She is just good people. And good people deserve to be known. The end.

We are THAT Family  The name alone says it all.  I really love all of Kristen's funny stories about her funny family.  But, what draws me most to her blog is her HEART.  She has a heart for loving others and loving God.  Also, she shares her faith journey, her heart journey in such a vulnerable way, that you can't help but be inspired.

Kelley's Break Room   This girl makes me laugh.  Hard.  I knew from the moment I saw the header on her blog, we would be BFFs.  Now, she might not realize yet that we are BFFs, so please don't spill the beans...  Also, she may be the FUNNIEST person on the Twitter.  You please tell me someone funnier.  I dare ya.

Jon Acuff's Blog  What kind of a blog name is that?  The only way it could be any better would be to call it:  Jon Acuff's blog, written by Jon Acuff.  Oh, but good gravy dee...does he ever write a good blog.  Practically every post he writes here is so inspirational that you either want to cry, sing a ballad, or write a book.  You think I'm exaggerating?  Well, read it and weep, my friend.

Stuff Christians Like  SCL...Like SNL, only less embarassing to watch(read) sitting next to your parents.  Personally, I like to read this blog so I can keep up with the latest things, you know, that Christians like.  I am totally a cutting-edge Christian like that.  If you want funny, with some truth mixed in, this is the place to go.  Also in book version, for you Ex Libris snobs...

Right Where We Belong Karen comments regularly over here, and I always appreciate her thoughtful and kind words. Her love for her pets is always evident on her blog. I especially love reading her What We Learned this Week feature. I always learn something from that post, too!

So, you want to laugh this weekend?

My daughters just showed Dave and me these videos.  Well, not only did they show them...we joined in, followed the directions, and became instant dancing sensations.

Yep, go ahead and picture this:  There we were--all 4 of us in a row--double dream handing and cranking it along.  And, yes, we were laughing hysterically.  Mostly, because I couldn't keep up.  And also--because I looked like a big goober. 

Especially the "shoulder, chin, shoulder, shoulder, shoulder."

So, I challenge you, dear blog readers, to join the fun.  Especially if you need a good laugh this weekend--get your whole family up:  Line 'em up and face the computer...and just follow along as Double Dream Hand Man teaches you a fabulous new dance.

I promise--you WILL laugh.  A little bit at Double Dream Hand Man.  But mostly you will laugh at yourself, as you try to keep up, dancing every bit as smiley and energetically.

Here's another promise: You can NOT do "jazz hands, and burst" without smiling.  Impossible.

 

 

So...how'd ya do?  Was that not enough fun?  Well, here's ONE MORE.  This time--Double Dream FEET.  Oh yeah.

This one may even be better.  What do YOU think?

 

 Did you join in?  What was your favorite part?

Happy weekend, friends!  May you crank and give some shoulders and rubber leg all weekend long.  And I really mean that from the bottom of my heart...

No more spiders!

Consider for a moment a world without spiders.

What a lovely world that would be.

Sadly enough, I do not live in that world.  My world is sometimes filled with icky, nasty mean spiders who insist on sharing our summer camp cabin with us.  And many of those nasty spiders out here are the meanest of all--they are the poisonous brown recluses.

Take a moment and fan yourself to regain composure.

Yes, I know.  Brown recluse spiders are horrible.  I do not know why God created them.  But, I'm sure He had a reason.  It probably had to do with biting the devil, or something logical like that.

Anyway, because I do not want those nasty brown recluse spiders to bite my precious babies, or my own precious skin, I declare WAR on them. 

I thought I would share my SPIDER WAR SECRETS with you today.

After I thoroughly spray my cabin for spiders and bugs, here is the weapon of choice I use to kill those nasty spiders (that often invade our cabin in spite of the professional spider spraying):

Household Pest Glue Boards...aka, Spider Catchers 

 Oh, I know you can read the directions to figure out how to fold the traps.  Please just humor me.  I feel so helpful snapping these pictures!

 
Oh, and by the way, you do not have to fold the glue boards into the boxes.  I have a certain family member who claims the entire surface under her bed is filled with open glue boards...just waiting to trap the spider who dares to enter.  Sort of a gauntlet for spiders.  Only, there is no princess at the end to kiss the spider who makes it through alive.

I place these glue boards, I mean spider catchers, throughout my cabin:  1-2 under each bed, under the couches, behind bookcases, behind the sink, and behind our laundry baskets.  Basically, I follow the directions on the box, and place the spider catchers everywhere I've ever spotted a spider!  I may be a little excessive about my placement of the spider catchers, but with every one I put out, Miss OCD feels a little better come bedtime!  The fewer the dreams about brown recluses, the better.  Right?

Okay, now...brace yourselves...are you ready for the BIG REVEAL?  I feel like we're doing a reality show now...

*speaking softly into the microphone*  Folks, we are now seconds away from the biggest reveal all season...the moment all spiders have been waiting for...to find out WHICH SPIDERS have been caught in the trap...OH!  And here they are.  The spiders whose fate was abruptly ended...All here, on Spider Catchers TV!!

WARNING:  Offensive picture may violate your tender sensibilities

Now, if THAT doesn't make you want to run out and buy some spider catchers, then I don't know what will!

If it makes you want to run to the toilet and vomit, or curl up in the fetal position under your covers, then I do appologize.  
 
P.S.  I feel the great need to tell you that this trap has been out for a year.  I promise this is not a month's worth of spiders in our cabin.  I do believe I would faint dead away if this was only a month's worth of spiders and bugs...

Do you have any tricks for catching spiders and other nasty creepy crawlers?

Linked up with:

Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family

My Dad Rocks

 I want to show ya'll the FUN t-shirts my girls wore today to celebrate their AMAZING DADDY!

 Don't you love them?  And how about those t-shirts, too?  Hardee har har.  I am kind of partial to these girls.  I love 'em just like they were my own kin.  Oh wait.  Never mind.

I found these t-shirts on one of my favorite blogs We are THAT Family, and knew we had to get them for Father's Day.  I ordered them directly from the company Union28.   You should check out the company--their focus is encouraging marriages and families.  I felt great about sending them money for their cute shirts!  They also make baby sizes.  Wouldn't a little My Dad Rocks onesie be an adorable shower gift? (Oh, and just so you know...Union28 is not compensating me to say any of this.  They've never heard of me--except for that money I just sent 'em!)

I think their daddy liked the t-shirts.

Of course, he would have liked them even if the t-shirts said, "My Dad's Pretty Good"  or even "Eh, My Dad's Okay."  He's pretty partial to his girls.  Which is why his girls were excited to wear their new MY DAD ROCKS t-shirts!

We may not have had any fancy Father's Day plans today.  But, sometimes, simple is better.   There's no better way to end a day than an evening walk together. 

 

P.S.  Happy Father's Day to my WONDERFUL dad and father-in-law, too!!! 

Summer Camp: The picture tells the story...

A picture tells a thousand words, right?  Today, YOU tell ME what those words are...  You tell the story today.

Today, I'm featuring some gorgeous photos, snapped by one of our summer camp photographers, Anne, who has graciously shared them with me.  You should check out her photography site--she has an eye for composing stunning photos!  The fact that both our daughters adore her, ranks her in the top of my book!

Anne recently snapped these photos of campers around our urban sports camp.  Each picture seems to tell a story...  I thought it would be fun to hear what YOU think about these pictures, these "stories."  What caption would you give each picture? 

(Hint:  Double-click on each picture...they are even more gorgeous in their original size.) 

 1. 

 

2.

 

3. 

 

4.

 

5.

 

 6.  

 
All right!  Caption away!  Please help me tell the stories behind these pictures...

A Quick and Easy Summer Dessert...Indoor S'Mores!!

Well, hello, ye lads and lassies!  Gather 'round and sit right down.  Once everyone quiets down, I'll share a wee recipe with ye.

(Don't worry...I have no idea what I am talking about, either.  I have a lively imagination.  Today, I feel happy pretending to be in Ireland.  Why should you steal my wee bit of happiness today?)

I mentioned the other day that I had a YUMMY dessert recipe to share with you.  And since I am true to my word, bird, share it I shall. 

But, first, I must give credit to one of our favorite babysitters in our whole town.  (Oh, quit your bellyaching--I said ONE of...I am SURE that you are included in the "one ofs."  *wink, wink*)  If you live in our town, and especially if you have small children, then surely you know of Jene'.  Jene' is like a pied piper of children.  To put it simply--she is adored.  And when she comes to your summer camp just to visit your kids--AND she brings a pan full of these Indoor S'Mores, you will understand just WHY she is adored so much.   

 So, this is Jene's recipe.  You can send all of your fan mail to her.  And, believe me--when you make these--you will want to thank someone!

All right, I'll stop blabbing, and get to the point.

These are quick and easy to make!  They just taste like summer ought to taste:  S'Mores!

Ingredients

• 4 cups honey graham cereal (add more at the end)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 6 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup (Add a little less than this)
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

 P.S.  Someone forgot to put the marshmallows in the picture.  Dork.

Directions

1. Coat a 9x13 inch dish with cooking spray. Place cereal into a large bowl; set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Add marshmallows and corn syrup and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla and chocolate chips until melted. Remove from heat and pour cereal into chocolate mixture; stir well to coat. Pretend you are training for the Olympics, because it can be difficult to stir as the chocolate starts to set up.  Throw about a cup of marshmallows in as chocolate starts to melt--so you have some gooey marhmallows mixed throughout.  Also, I like to stire in 1-2 more cups of Honey Grahams at the end.  Press into prepared pan. Cool completely before cutting into squares... Or cool just long enough that you can start eating without scalding your mouth.
3. I don't get uptight about the measurements for this recipe.  I add nearly the whole bag of marhmallows--saving a little to stir in at the end.  I add nearly a full bag of chocolate chips--saving a little for me to eatat the end.  I do add a little LESS of the corn syrup.  I found that adding too much corn syrup made the chococlate set up too fast, and made my arm fall off when stirring.  It was difficult to reattach. 

Don't hate me when you have to wash the pan afterwards...Maybe soak it overnight, and wait until you've had a cup of coffee the next morning before facing it.   And maybe eat another Indoor S'more just before washing the pan. 

Hmm, maybe you should double the recipe...or press yours into a thinner layer.  Nah, just make a double batch.  This was the amount 1 batch made in my 9x13 pan. 

 
 And, THIS.  This is the moment we've all been waiting on.  If you like s'mores, and I would think you are communist if you do not, you will LOVE these Indoor S'mores.  That's a money back guarantee, folks.  Just tell Jene' you want your money back.  She's an agreeable kind of girl.
 

Do you have a favorite quick and easy summer dessert? 

Linked up with:

 Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family blog

 

Sunday Funday

I love Sunday Fundays!

If you have worked on our team in the past, then I bet you are smiling right now, aren't you? 

My husband Dave and I are big believers in resting on the Sabbath.  Well, you KNOW this girl loves her Sunday naps.  *grin*   But, during summer camp, when schedules are crazy busy, Dave and I love to make Sundays special...and set apart from the rest of the week.  We can't do that every Sunday at camp.  But, a couple of times during the summer, when we can--we like to call them Sunday Fundays.  Doesn't that just sound festive, and special?

This weekend, we got to share the first Sunday Funday this summer with our team of high school and college kids.  Today, 21 of our staff members got to go to a local church, and then come hang out at our house for the afternoon.  We served them pizza for lunch, and hot dogs for dinner.  (Fancy, I know)  In between lunch and dinner, there was some Veggie Tales and Cars movie watching, some Bible Study, some group sharing, some napping, some card games, and lots and lots of laughter.

Want to take a peek?

By the way, I really like this team.  I mean really really like.  I know I say that every summer...but this group is extra special...

On days like today...we need about 4 extra couches.  I'll get right on that. 

 

Sara Beth was loving having Anne Marie to hang out with.  They were watching Princess Diaries!

There was a game of cowboy tag with Sara Beth...I blurred the picture to protect the innocent...  Or maybe I had to take the picture quickly before he changed his mind...

Here are the groceries I unloaded for dinner.  We had to get dinner put together really quickly--hence the hot dogs.  But, I had lots of help!  More help than my kitchen had room, actually.

 

Ta-DA!  Dinner is served!  I made sure everyone ate their fruits and veggies...I am their summer mama, you know.  MOST of them obeyed.

The ones (guys) who didn't eat their fruits and veggies were more interested in eating THESE...

 

The end.  Oh wait!!!  What was for dessert you ask? 

Stay tuned the next couple of days for the YUMMY dessert I cooked up for everyone!  It was quick and easy...and had these ingredients:

Well, and marshmallows.  I don't know why I left the marshmallows out of the picture.  Please don't leave them out of the recipe, though.  That would be tragic.

I'll share the recipe in a day or two.  Brace yourselves for awesome! 

 

What did YOU do this weekend that was fun?  Do you do anything to keep Sundays special?

Father's Day is Coming Linky Dinks

 

Father's Day is coming!!!  I thought this A&W Rootbeer gift was such a darling and simple idea...maybe for the kids to give?  And notice that you can download the tags!!

 

Speaking of Father's Day, isn't this the CUTEST way to wrap a dad gift?

 

 

 

 

 

Do YOU have any creative Father's Day ideas?  I'd love to hear about them!  I can't spill the beans on one of our ideas this year...because a certain somebody reads this blog...

 

 

Okay, I know a couple of weeks ago I said that I liked Pinterest, but I didn't really understand it.  Well, I have found a WONDERFUL USE for it!!!  I am collecting really great summer ideas for my kids!  I also have a category--a board that I'm pinning ideas on--for Rainy Day Ideas.  Really--you have to check it out! 

 

How about a freezer full of these for the dad in your life?  WOWZA, these White Castle style hamburgers that freeze and cook in a flash are such a FUN idea!  What about those of you who have teenage sons with bottomless stomachs?  These would be so great to keep in the freezer for quick snacks or quick dinners on the go!

 

Okay, one more recipe before I go... 

Mmm, this pizza braid looks yummy!  If you make this anytime soon, please invite me over!!!

 

I sure hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!  If any of you are bored on Saturday, and want to come to an auction--let me know!  My husband of many talents is an auctioneer, and we're having an auction this weekend.

Summer Camp Cabin Tour: Come on Inside!

I thought it would be fun to show ya'll our summer camp cabin!  But, let me warn you:  If you get jealous about luxurious rooms and beautiful decor...well...let's just say you won't feel ONE OUNCE of jealousy here! 

Don't get me wrong--we love our little summer cabin.  Okay, "love" may be over-stating it a little.  I would be more accurate to say we are grateful for our summer cabin.  We've lived in this particular cabin for the past 11 summers.  I make it my policy to add at 1 or 2 new things--or make 1 small improvement--to the cabin every year.  That way, we're not spending a lot of money here, but we're also enjoying fixing it up a tiny bit every year. 

Now, here is my other disclaimer before I show you pictures.  Some of you are real fixer-uppers.  You walk in a room and know exactly how you want to improve it.  I do not have that gift.  I can live in a room for years and years before it dawns on me that I should paint it a different color, or hang different curtains.  When you see pictures of our little cabin, please feel free to give me suggestions for simple "fix-ups."  I promise I will not be offended!  I welcome the suggestions!  However, if you do make suggestions, please keep in mind that the "fix-ups" need to be inexpensive and easy.   Remember that I work full-time in the summer--so I have little time for extra projects.

Whew!  Now that I have all of that off my chest, let me usher you into our summer camp cabin!

Come on in!  It's nice and cool inside from our window unit A/C...with a remote control.  Oh, yes ma'am, we are high tech!

  Welcome to our master bedroom!  If you look closely, you'll see that this room also serves as the front entry, office, kitchenette, and home gym.  Multi-purpose, it is!  This picture was snapped from the front door.  So, you see, it's nice and cozy!

This picture was also snapped from the front door--looking straight into the cabin.  See the straight shot to the potty?  That means that one must always shut the door of the bathroom...lest be a bit surprised when someone walks into the front door!  I mean, not that it has happened to me personally...  I'll never tell!   Doesn't that big blue La-Z-Boy chair just say "Welcome" to you?

 I am sorry to say that the bathroom is too tiny to take a picture of the whole thing.  No matter how funny I contorted my arms and body, I could not get a picture of the toilet, sink, and shower.  If I'd been smarter, I would have captured my pretty white shower curtain in the mirror. 

Walking though the master bedroom, you would walk straight into Sara Beth's room, and then Rebecca's.  This is Sara Beth's.  Her bed's cute pink quilt is in the washing machine...sorry!  Oh, and Shhh!!  Don't tell--but Sara Beth is getting a built-in loft bunk bed soon.  She will get to sleep in the top bunk, and have a secret clubhouse down below.  She is going to squeal when Mr. Russell starts building it!  But, that's our little secret, okay?

This is one of my favorite parts of the cabin--all the shelves for toys in Sara Beth's room.  Well...they're mostly toys... Don't worry--those Remington bullets and clay shots are her daddy's toys.  Oh, and YES, those ARE VHS tapes you see on the bottom shelf!  Doesn't everybody still have a VCR?  Our summer cabin comes equipped with a TV/VCR combo.  We're fancy.

This is Rebecca's room.  This was the most recent addition to our cabin--right after Sara Beth was born.  Thank goodness!  We literally did not have room in the original extra bedroom for a twin bed and a crib.  Rebecca's room is much larger, and is where the girls hang out and play...unless someone is mad at someone else, and a banishment occurs.  Which, does happen about 3 times a day!

This is the play area and that fancy TV/VCR combo I mentioned!  And, let's just state the obvious.  I know the little loveseat is ugly.  I know a slipcover would work wonders in this room.  But, since I don't sew, and since I don't own a slipcover...ugly loveseat is what we have.  But, it does match the snazzy navy blue carpet, doesn't it?  Oh, and while we're stating the obvious...If you've ever worked at a summer camp, then you know that brown paneling is the builder's wall of choice in all director housing.  (Please don't suggest for me to paint that paneling.  I've done that before, and it is not fun, nor quick.)
 

 This is the last picture.  But, I just HAD to post this one.  Doesn't this bright pink door just make you HAPPY?!!  It does me!  This door was the grey-ish color that steel doors come from the factory for about 4 years.  Last year, when we walked into the cabin in May to move for the summer, we found a bright pink door!  What a FUN surprise.  A group of volunteers had done some sprucing up around camp that winter, and thought the bright pink would match the cute quilt on the bed.  I hate to say it, but my lime green and turquoise-loving tween daughter was not nearly as thrilled about the pink door as her mother...   

 

Well, there you have it!  This is our humble home for the summer!   I know it's not fancy, and parts of it aren't even cute.  But, when you're spending your days serving inner-city kids who have never been out of their state--or even their city limits--and are experiencing activities and love like they've never experienced...well, a tiny little cabin is not so important.  It's all about perspective, I guess.

Plus, our little summer cabin sure makes me appreciate our year-round house!  

Have you ever had a summer cabin...or lived somewhere small and simple?  How did you feel about it?
 

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 Works for Me Wednesday at We are THAT Family