First full week of August

Well, we've had much excitement this week with many new activities. We've frequented the Fitness Center many times already this week (a miracle in itself....it having childcare really makes it much more possible to get there). Camden is enjoying playing in the childcare area, and on certain days, he gets to do a "Little Fit Kidz" class. He gets to march and jump and play games in there designed to give the kids a mini-workout as well. I like that option. It helps tire him out some too, as I sure am ready for some down time after working out! We've gotten to go swimming, and that will undoubtedly be a great motivator to help Camden do those things I've been wanting him to do (like broadening his food choices). The proper motivation gets us all into good routines and habits.

I (Renee) took my first water aerobics class called "Deep Water Workout" which was what drew me to this gym in the first place. With the slipped disc in my neck, I need a workout that is no impact. They give you a flotation belt to wear around your waist and put you where you can't touch. The belt keeps you up, but if you want your whole head above water (I'm very claustrophobic, and I prefer to have waist up out of the water), you have to keep kicking. Beyond that, the lady has many different exercises that she calls out for you to do, and she counts them off. For at least 30 solid minutes, I was getting an incredible workout. Not sure if it's possible to sweat in water or not, but I was definitely sweating from my head above the water. Now, I was in this class with some older ladies, but they could have swam circles around me! They've taken the class for a long time, so they have it down. I know this is gonna help me get back in better shape.

Now on to more fun news....Camden started his second year of Cubbies last night! YAY! He had so much fun. Cubbie himself stopped by for a visit, and Camden got to meet him in person! They had a fun night making a Cubbie bear puppet and watching Veggie Tales. Camden got popcorn during the movie, so he was definitely happy! He is excited about learning more this year. He will have to know the Scripture references as well as the verses this year, so we are gonna work hard through the week for sure. He is so blessed though with a fantastic memory. It shouldn't be that much more difficult for him.

Eric and I sat in on the youth service last night. We're praying about getting involved there. We kind of want to stay in our adult SS classes though and get to know some people first. We'll see what the Lord has for us. Anyway, the service was awesome. Bro. Derek & his band are really hard core Christian, and they were great. He's a great speaker too, really hitting the hard issues. We are talking with him about doing some drama with the students as a way to ease into the program without becoming Small Group (SS) leaders right away. Drama is definitely our hearts, and it is probably Eric's best area of ministry that he is passionate about where it just comes easily for him. He's such a great actor...most people don't know when he's being serious and when he is messing with them. We're praying about these opportunities as we want to get into serving but aren't quite sure yet what the Lord wants for us.

We are excited about getting to take Camden to a UT game this fall. We are trying to get tickets to the Arkansas game in Knoxville. We have wanted to go every year, but last year we coached Upward football and the years before we couldn't make it work either. There are many home games this year, so that helped us out too. I can remember going up on Saturdays with my dad when I was in Middle school. It was so much fun to be there for the Vol Walk getting to sit on the Library Wall and be a part of the hype before and after the game. Eric and I have only been to one UT game together (although, it was the best one to go to....we got to see UT beat FSU in the National Championship game in Tempe, AZ....we lived in Tucson at the time...it was AWESOME...the desert was definitely painted orange!). We look forward to enjoying being a UT fan together as a family in the heart of Vol Country! It's almost time to say, "It's Football time in Tennessee!" Did I forget to mention that I'm a HUGE football fan? Definitely sport of choice to watch and play.

Well, I better go. I might try to work on some pictures for awhile. I guess you'll find out if I'm successful at it or not! Have a blessed day whenever you may be reading this!---Renee :)