It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Hello Family!

Can you believe that Christmas is just shy of 2 weeks away! Time has flown by! My goal is to finish my shopping today and start wrapping this week! Cassie and I have been emailing back and forth about our family contribution to the Children's Hospital Virtual Toy Drive along with an idea for a gift exchange! Below, I have pasted part of her email that explains what we wanted to do for a gift exchange this year.

But first, in regards to the Toy Drive...remember that it's a Virtual Toy Drive...meaning that it's all online. I've set up a website for all of us to go to. If you scroll down to the bottom of the blog, you'll see a blue banner that says Virtual Toy Drive with a picture of Buddy the Bear. Click on that banner and it will take you directly to the Camp Happy Family Virtual Toy Drive website. If everyone can make their donation by the time they get to Columbia, I'll print off everything that our family has donated and put the pictures of the items under the tree so we can see as a family what we've contributed to the children at GHS Children's Hospital. Colin has already donated a marshmallow shooter...does that surprise any of you? :)

If the 5 Shrops and 5 Smeds all purchase an item for $25 each, that will be a $250 donation from Camp Happy Family. If spouses/girlfriends/whoever else want to donate, that will just be bonus and show everyone just how awesome we are! :) Oh...and as a special treat, Dr. Schmidt is going to give us a tour of the Children's Hospital when we go to Greenville on Monday so y'all can see where your donations are being used! It's an incredible place...one that I'm so proud to be a part of...I just wanted to show it off! It means a lot to me that as a family, we are making a contribution to these kids.

Okay...see Cassie's email below for an explanation of our gift exchange.

"... I know our main gift will be the donation, however, I know some of us have talked about doing a small gift exchange with each other. What about a White Elephant gift exchange this year?

Here's how it works: Each person in attendance (no need to mail something if you will not be at SC Christmas) will purchase a gift, not to exceed $15. This should be a legitimate gift (i.e.- no gag gifts) that you yourself wouldn't mind receiving (i.e. - boys buy a boy gift, girls a girl gift). On Christmas, each person will place their wrapped gift under the tree. We will draw numbers to determine the gift selection order. The first person will choose a gift for their turn, person #2 will have the option to steal #1's gift or un-wrap a fresh gift-- and so on down the line. For example, if person #2 steals #1's gift, then #1 gets to choose a new gift. Each gift may be stolen no more than twice, however, the original recipient is not allowed to steal a gift back.

This concept may bring out the competitive nature in us all but I think it will make for some great family fun and entertainment as well."

I think we would all agree that the true gift is just being together but it's always fun to gather around and exchange gifts each year and this will be a great way of carrying on that tradition! Sound good to everyone? Happy Shopping!

See y'all soon!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND WAR CAM EAGLE! :)

Camp Happy Family Christmas Challenge!

The other day, I was standing in the middle of my yard letting Sierra run around and the wind started to blow. There was a chill in the air and when I looked up I saw leaves from the pecan trees in my yard fall all around me. Fall is here...FINALLY! With the appearance of Fall, I begin to think about little ones in costumes toting pumpkin bags and knocking on doors in search of a trick or a treat! Then my mind wanders to the yummy smells that will soon fill our kitchens on Thanksgiving Day and how I can't wait to have some of Dad's grilled turkey and watch Texas, USC and most importantly Auburn play their rivals with the ones I love (War Eagle!).

And then, there's Christmas. Oh Christmas! Soon we'll all be together celebrating another year of health, blessings, good fortune and most importantly the birth of our Lord who is responsible for it all. One of my favorite Christmas memories is when everyone is crowded around the tree handing out the gifts we have bought one another. I am grateful for the expressions on our faces while we watch the gifts that we've bought being opened because I think that our family truly finds joy in giving to one another. How lucky are we?

This Christmas, I want to issue our family a challenge...call it the Camp Happy Family Christmas Challenge. I want to change the way I think about giving this year and I hope you'll join me. What if instead of spending our usual amounts on each other, we scaled back a bit and put some money towards a good cause? The Children's Hospital of Greenville Hospital System started a Virtual Toy Drive a few years ago. Doctors, nurses and other hospital employees send in requests for supplies, toys, and medical devices...basically anything that is needed to treat children who are sick or injured. When you go to the Virtual Toy Drive website, you'll see all of the requested items and you can choose an item (or items!) to donate by clicking on the picture of the item. At that point, the Children's Hospital will be notified that you have paid for a particular item and those doctors and nurses can retrieve it when they need it and be assured that the items donated are clean and safe to use.

When you click on the link below, you can explore all the different items that can be bought through the Virtual Toy Drive. Items range from story books and toys to therapy dolls, vein viewing machines and even scholarships to Camp Courage (a summer camp for children with illnesses that prevent them from going to a normal summer camp with other children).

Things are tight this year...believe me, I feel it too. If you just can't fit gifts along with a donation into the budget this year, I understand. If that's the case and you find yourself wondering what to give me for Christmas, I'd like to ask you to give a donation to the Virtual Toy Drive as my gift.

Let's set a goal to try to reach $250 as a family by Christmas! And when we gather around the tree to open gifts this year, maybe we can take some time to go around and share a little about the item that we donated!

http://www.virtualtoydrive.org/home.php?sponsor=175

(I've also added a banner at the bottom of this blog that will take you directly to our toy drive when you click on it!)

Much love to you all! Can't wait to see everyone soon!

Megan

Happy Birthday Granny!

As I write this post, I'm watching the news at all the election results pile in. I always think that Election day is so exciting. People seem to walk with a spring in their step as they leave their polling sites--at least they do where I vote! And the reality is never lost on me that the person in the booth next to me could be casting a vote that completely counteracts my own. I remember sitting in front of the TV two years ago with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat when Obama was declared as President. While I know I had a similar reaction to the last major election as a lot of people in this country (as is evident by the results so far tonight), I was impacted by the teaching at church this past Sunday. The pastor spoke about how as Americans we need to exercise our right to vote because we need to be good citizens. However, we need to be careful with who we place our identity. Don't be mistaken in thinking that he was referring to a particular candidate or party. Where do we place our identity? Do we identify more with a political party that we do with Christ? Tomorrow morning, will we wake up devastated or elated by the results that roll in overnight? Do we think about what party we are more aligned with and how our lives will be impacted by each election than we do about pursuing a life with Christ and being the person He created us to be? Please hear me when I say that I don't think there's anything wrong with taking sides, having an opinion or being involved in the political process. In fact, I'm of the opinion that it would be wrong to NOT be involved. But as I sat in church on Sunday listening to the teaching, I thought back to 2 years ago when I sat in my living room with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat and thought, 'What have we done and what will happen to us now?' In a way I was devastated. But why? Was it really that surprising? We are all human and we are flawed. We will make mistakes...costly ones. We will choose the wrong person to lead. We will trust in someone so much that we will be devastated when they don't fulfill our expectations or when others don't appreciate them as much as we do. Why are we devastated though? They are human just like we are. Our leaders will let us down because they are human just like you and me. There is one leader, however, that we can always trust and who will never let us down because His agenda is far bigger than anything we can fathom. Try as we may, we can't fit His agenda to our earthly, political agendas. His is far greater than ours. We are better off trying to fit our agenda to His so that the Holy Spirit will guide us and help us live a life that imitates His. And then, imagine how enlightened we will all be on Election Day knowing that the decisions we are making are ordained by Christ.

I'm sure you all received Dad's email about Granny's birthday today. I'm ashamed to say that I almost made it through the day without remembering that this was a special day. Thank you Dad for reminding me to stop and think about my sweet Granny who I miss more than I realize sometimes. What a wonderful God we have who will send us little signs here and there that our Granny is okay and smiling down on us.

I tried to post the copy of the song "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say" but I'm still trying to learn how to use my new Mac! I've only had it for a few hours! I did find a different version of it and added it to the playlist so you should be hearing it as you read this post. I hope you enjoy it! I think Granny would. :)

Ola! Howdy Doodie, and Arrivederci!

Greetings Family!

It was great seeing everyone a few weeks ago. So great, that I was fortunate enough to relive some of the experiences with Uncle Gary when I was in Kansas City last week. I truly hope all is well, and wanted to share the link below with everyone. About a month ago, I found a church in St. Louis that I've come to enjoy a good bit. It's non-denominational, and while I would rather hear "Ave Maria", "O Come All Ye Faithful" and even "Go Tell It On The Mountain" by St. Joes' Choir instead of some wanna-be American Idol contestants, I have thoroughly enjoyed the message the church has been preaching. Just last night at church, I was thinking to myself, "Man, I really like what this church has to say, but I'm frustrated with myself for abandoning those teachings the very next day." As bad as it sounds, I just let life get in the way, and I don't hold myself accountable. Well, wouldn't you know it that one of the services this church provides is sending you Text Messages and/or email with verses from The Good Book throughout the week. That wasn't their main message yesterday, and I got a lot more out of it than what I just described. The pastor's main message last night was that while it's good to hone in on the idea of serving God and being a good Christian, it also important not to "blur the peripherals" and toappreciate what God has already given you. In other words, make sure you take time to stop and smell the roses. While I only attended one devotional during my time at Camp Happy Family, I did take the time to sit back and take it all in, and be gracious for all that our Good Lord has blessed us with (right now, I'm blessed with the ability to form an extremely long run-on sentence). So, if you think receiving texts/emails with bible verses may be of interest to you, please sign up for it. Also, if you have any interest in listening to any of the messages, you can sign up for their podcast at http://www.wcrossing.org/podcasts/.

www.wcrossing.org/readit

Take Care, GO COCKS, and most importantly, "HAPPY FAMILY!!!!"

Blair

Shropshire, Smedile, Fulnecky Family Reunion 8/28/10-9/4/10

The weather was... Perfect-despite Earl coming, nothing but sunshine on Sullivan's Island!

Our favorite adventures...completing 2 puzzles, one long Monopoly game, morning devotionals on the beach, countless runs around the island, delicious diet-busting cuisine, USC's blowout victory over Southern Miss, and one hippie filled concert that reminded us it's all about "peace" and "love"-what a week!

Great restaurants we discovered...Our own (thanks for the grill!)

Other thoughts to share...Perfect old-fashioned week at the beach-leave the Blackberries on the table and please NEVER add wireless to this house!



Above is the guest book entry that Cassie left to describe our Camp Happy Family week on Sullivan's Island! I think it's safe to say, it was a FANTASTIC week! I've found myself telling all who ask how my vacation was that it was the best family vacation we've ever had! I can't imagine what could have made it better other than Tom being with us, of course! :) There's always next year!

I don't know about y'all, but the part of the vacation that I will always remember is our time out on the beach in the morning for our morning devotionals! Through our time together on those mornings, we got to know each other in a different way...on a spiritual level. It gave us perspective and reminded us of what is truly important in this life. I've been reminded of our discussions several times since coming home. I thought about our discussion on worry this past Sunday at church. The teaching was on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. Two verses hit home and made me think about that morning where we talked about worry...

v.18 "The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

v. 21 "For since in the wisdom of God the world did not come to know God through wisdom, it was the will of God through the foolishness of the proclamation to save those who have faith."

I think there are so many times when I look at my life and the path that I've taken and think..."This is crazy! What am I doing? This doesn't make sense!" It doesn't make sense to me that I'm not married and raising a family right now. It doesn't make sense to me that one of my best friends decided to jump off a bridge one New Years Eve night. It doesn't make sense to me that this country is in the economic and political turmoil that it is right now. And don't even get me started on the current administration...

It also doesn't make sense to me that after all the times in my life when I've turned away from God and chosen to take my own path, that He continues to forgive me and bless me with an incredible family, wonderful friends, the world's best dog, an incredible job and more.

There are many who think our beliefs are foolish...and sometimes I think even we as Christians might think the same thing. Can we even comprehend the gravity of the sacrifice He made on the cross? Does it make any sense to you that a man was nailed to a cross almost 2000 years ago because He knew that you and I would need to be saved from the wrath of an angry God today? But in v. 21, it says that "it was the will of God through the foolishness of the proclamation to save those who have faith." The very idea that God would send His only Son to save us from sin is ridiculous. Who are we?

And yet, if God knew back then that we needed a Savior, why do we worry today about the little things that happen in our lives? Are we focused on the plan we've set out for ourselves and how we can fit God into that plan? Or are we focused on the plan that God has for us and how we can follow it?

There are a lot of things in this world that don't make sense to us and I don't think they are supposed to. I think when things come our way that seem foolish, it's a test of faith to see if we can trust in His plan and live in confidence that everything will work out.

A Very Important Message From the Camp Nurse

After considerable thought and contemplation, I , Nurse Ratchette , of the Camp Happy whatever, submit the policies and procedures by which the health camp will be conducted: Please distribute too all involved.

HAPPY CAMP HEALTH POLICIES FOR OPERATION OF SAME

1. Inspections and Physicial exams daily at 6:00 a.m. including temperature, pulse and respirations with pupil exams. ( This is to establish base line stats in event of future accidents/injuries) Data will be recorded and kept ON FILE All passing inspection may proceed with routine duties - those not passing will be advised accordingly.

1. Report of Injury or accident
a. Call 911 - go to ER
b. Call back to camp when ready to be discharged -call a cab and we will hope to collect enought $$ to pay the fare when you arrive.

2. Report of illlness, i.e., headache, sunburn, stomachache, blisters. ingrown toenail, abscess tooth, etc., etc., etc.,
a, If under 35, call your mother
b. if 36 to 64 - take care of yourself
c. 65 and older - let nature takes its course

3. First Aid Kit - will be kept in locked box - as soon as we find the key you may have contents

4. Bites - dog, cat, snake, insect, spider, etc
a. Exterminate animal and dispose of body - i.e. death at sea, etc.
b. Find key to box and get snake oil leniment
c, Pray
d, Scratch where it itches

5. Bed check nightly at 10:00 p.m. - if you are in bed you will be locked outside until morning.


I am indeed honored to serve as your camp nurse -please be aware I do not have license to practice in South Carolina. I am certain the confidence you have in me will more than cover any deficits considered. Thanks again.

Camp Nurse Ratchett

Message from Supplies Director

Most camps send out a supply list for all campers so that everyone is prepared for a comfortable and fun camp experience. Camp Happy Family is no different! Below is your Packing Checklist for Camp Happy Family 2010:

1 beach towel

sunscreen

bar of soap or shower gel

shampoo/conditioner

toothbrush

toothpaste

hair brush

hair dryer (ladies...)

shorts

t-shirts

bathing suits

clothing to go out on the town if so moved

pajamas

books to read on the beach

Kindle

articles bashing current administration to get the blood flowing in the a.m.

gossip magazines for those of us who would rather keep the blood pressure low and worry about the current state of Brangelina :)

loose change for a few rounds of Shanghai

Linens and towels will be provided...we'll be using the Bayard's. There is a washer/dryer at the cottage...no laundry service will be provided unless the cabana boys want to volunteer...NOT!

What About Our Furry Friends?

The canine branch of the Shropshire/Smedile clan will be camping at a nearby luxury spa called The Pooch Palace. The website for this is: www.seespotstay.net Click the link to see where Sierra, Guiness and Mia will be having their own Camp Happy Family! It is located 10 minutes from the island so Aunt Kay can go and get the doggies for a walk on the beach early in the morning if she'd like!?

Beach Time!

Borrowed a tent from a neighbor for us to use on the beach. It'll provide some welcome shade for us. Cabana boys...start pumping iron...you have a big job. We hope to borrow the Bayard's big cart for taking stuff to the beach. Also we may have a couple of kayaks to use...God bless the Bayard's!

Jed and I will go to Costco on Saturday morning and stock up on the essentials such as beer, wine and TP. Pam and Gary will arrive Sat around 12:30 and Cassie a little after that. Blair, Colin/VA and Megan will already be there...hopefully Jack and Steph will too. Jerry and Kay...I think ya'll plan to arrive on Friday/Saturday also? We're still keeping fingers and toes crossed for Tom and Laura. We can get into the cottage by 3pm and maybe a little earlier. Everyone can hang out at the Bayard's on Saturday until we get into the rental cottage.

More importantly...When's Dinner?

~Meals~

Saturday: Jed and I will take care of Saturday night...thinking Shrimp Pasta and some local veggies.

Sunday: Kay, pack that waffle iron...you're on for Sunday brunch. Let me know what I need to pick up at the grocery store. Jed will fill ya'll in on what we thought we'd do Sunday morning to get the week off to a good start.

Sunday night we thought we'd just do sandwiches...maybe homemade ice cream!

Monday: Kid's night to cook
**As the eldest of the "kids" and the appointed Camp Secretary...Megan is asking all us "kids" to leave a comment below with a suggestion of what to fix...I'll start it off!

Tuesday: Pam and Gary are cooking spaghetti/french bread/cherries jubilee...YUM!!

Wednesday: ?? Any ideas? Leave a comment!

Thursday: Everyone takes a course: Appetizer, Main dish/ sides/ Dessert..etc.
**Again leave a comment below to sign up for a course! First come, first serve!

Friday: Go out This is loosely scheduled...we can always switch around. Just thought we could get everyone's taste buds going.

Stay tuned for a post from the Camp Activities Director coming to your inbox soon!