Paige Elizabeth.

We finished strong.

As many of you know, my dearest Paige Elizabeth went to be with Jesus on Tuesday morning, July 24th 2012.



No, we don't know why. Yes, we are all confused. And, yes we are all asking questions.



She planned Summer With the Arts. She worked all summer towards it. And she saw one day. But everyone there agreed she would want us to continue, to continue what she had worked towards all summer.



And we did it. We finished strong. And as I watched the kids practice today I couldn't help but think how proud she is today of everyone at SWTA this week. And I told someone today, on Sunday night I will proud for her.



Yesterday was my birthday. It was one of the hardest days ever. We didn't get to have my special birthday time together...it was a very bittersweet day. And words can't express how much I miss her. Her hugs...she gave the best. Her smile. Her always encouraging words. Her love for Christ. Her love for life. Her love for children.



She changed so many lives. She changed mine.



Without fail, I have cried every day this week. And tears come to my eyes as I type this.

I miss her.

It hurts. It's been a hard week. 


But we made it. 


And I know we made her proud.

Paige- we miss you. I miss you. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me or taught me here. I love you. I'm really glad you learned to regret that haircut you got on your 18th birthday. I'm really glad you didn't make any dumb choices in your two years of college...and incase you are wondering I still don't think the whole night star idea was a very bright one. I'm really glad you chose to invest so deeply in me...to make sure I made the right choices, that I was hanging out with the right people, and that you took time to just talk to me, even if all it consisted of was me ranting to you. I wouldn't be who I am today with out you. I will never, ever forget you dear friend. And I don't know how in the world I'm going to make it without you. But I hope that as my life here goes on that I will make you proud...and grow up into the woman you have taught me to be.

I love you more than anything.
~Bailey Elizabeth

SWTA...Camp...and life!

CRAZINESS. INSANITY. EXHAUSTION.

That's my life right now.

I just got back from church camp Friday. It was an ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE week. I miss my small group and my kids at site sooooo much! But I am very glad to be back in my bed and eating non processed non cafeteria food. God moved in so many ways that week, he is such a great God. I learned and was reminded of so much and I'm so thankful for that week and everything he did for me and my youth group.

Summer With the Arts started today! Yippee! I  am the group leader for the 2nd and 3rd graders this week, (though tiring) they are so cute and I already love them so much! It was a really great day and I can't wait to see what the Lord does this week!

 
LUNCH TIME- SWTA 2012


Opening song time(I guess you could call it that haha)!


My brother and his biggest fan Allie :)

Anyway- just a glimpse of the day! Have a great week! But it probably won't be as great as mine :):)

~Bailey

Summer fun...and insanity!

It's been a crazy last couple of days...INSANE(which explains my extreme lack of posting). 

My cousins were in from Texas, and they stayed at my grandparents so we drove there several times last week. And Saturday we went to the lake! IT. WAS. SO. MUCH. FUN! My aunt could not move the next day- literally, could not move. 

 The house some church members were loving enough to have us over at!

The fantastic tube and all the cousins, (from L to R) Jman, Hannah, Hope, Sarah, Bailey, Sonia, and William.

A super cute picture of Sonia!

Dad, Hannah and I!

Sarah and Sonia jumping in the lake!

A little tubing action!

Hannah and I riding on the back of the pontoon!

Sonia and her new best friend Alex :)

Overall, it was a very fun day! I think I was one of the only ones who came out not sunburned, and not sore! And even though I am very tired from such a long and insane week- it was lots of fun and we made some Pinterest crafts! This weekend is going to be kind of crazy- but lots of fun! Anyway- have a great rest of your week! 

~Bailey