camping, family, birthdays, and friends

This past week was filled with camping, s'mores, hiking, family time, swimming, a birthday party and being with friends. 
Hubby was in charge of the men's church fishing trip and had no one sign up to go.  Which of course we saw as a blessing and took advantage of him having three days off right before a weekend.  We packed and headed south to go camping.  We found a great camp site right in the middle of the mountains.  Pitched our tent and that is where we called home for a few days.  The next few days were spent fishing (the river was right across the street from our campground), taking a day trip to Ouray to see Box Canyon Falls (BREATH TAKING!), eating s'mores and chatting around the campfire before hitting the air mattress and snuggling into the sleeping bags for the cold night ahead.  We camped in a campground that was right in the middle of an open range so we had cows walking by all day/night long.  The last night several of them got into our campground and walked right next to our tent.  No need to worry about the bears eating us!  Cows are much tastier!
We got home Friday evening and unpacked and got the laundry all washed from our dusty camping trip.
Saturday Jason and I took a trip to Goodwill.  Another wonderful trip to the Goodwill!  Lots of treasures were found...and bought.
In the afternoon we went to the pool.  Our pool requires kids to pass a swim test if they are going to be in the pool without an adult.  Sam was unable to do this and I was getting frustrated at the fact that he either had to sit out with me, or I had to get in with him.  So we decided to sign him up for private swim lessons.  His first lesson was the morning we left for camping.  He did a great job, but no where ready to pass a swim test.  Well, after spending a half hour with him Saturday working on what he learned at his lesson, he was ready.  He PASSED his test and is officially able to swim a whole length of the pool by himself. 
Today was spent at our good friends' house celebrating our little friend's 2nd birthday!  As I think back on all that has happened to bring us to this day, it makes me smile.  Watching this little guys' parents start dating.  Having his daddy live with us for a few months before they were married.  Although we had our trials, I'd do it all again!  Love that guy!  Knowing that he was going to propose as we all sat and waited for them to get back from their hike.  Then getting to watch as they said their vows.  I remember the day that little Solomon was born.  His first birthday as he dove into his bday cake, nose first!  And now he's two.  "two in June" is what he's been saying for the past couple of months.  Although these are friends, I feel as if they are our family!  Love them all to pieces! 

Feeling pretty blessed as I look back on the past week.  The beauty of His creation.  Mountains, water falls, mighty rivers.  The beauty of family.  The beauty of friendships that have grown closer each year.  How could you not feel blessed by all that He provides?

Just some thoughts

I really haven't had a lot to blog about lately.  Been feeling a little lost and not sure where I should be in life.  As a stay-at-home mom, I am just here, doing the dishes, folding laundry, and driving kids here or there when they need it.  Dinner is expected.  When we run out of toilet paper, milk, or bananas they run to me.  Sometimes it's a thank-less job.  But if you really think about it, although I don't get told thank you for emptying the dishwasher, being a stay-at-home mom is an important job. 
I slept in this morning.  Went for a 2 miles walk with my lil man.  As we walked, we got to talk.  Nothing deep.  But just spending time together walking and talking.  Precious!  I ate breakfast at 11am.  Yesterday I sat down and watched a movie with my daughter...in the middle of the day!  Precious!  Went for a drive yesterday with my oldest son.  I won't tell you why we were out for a drive, but we got to laugh and talk while we were out.  Precious!
I have realized that I am a schedule/structured person and without a schedule or structure, I feel a lack of importance or meaning.  I'm learning to enjoy these "unscheduled" things as gifts from God. 
I recently read a blog about Nebraska.  This person is from Colorado, but went for a week to small-town Nebraska to stay with a friend.  She talked about how relaxed and laid back it was.  How people enjoy the small things.  Feeding ducks, watching a small-town parade, corn fields, tractors and bug spray.  And oh those amazing Nebraska sunsets.  For a small second, I missed living in Nebraska.  But then realized that it's the idea.  And there is no reason I can't enjoy the "Good Life" right in my own back yard. 
I think I'll go make some Kool-aid.  Fill some water balloons.  Eat lunch on the patio with my kids. 

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.  Psalm 118:24

Summer

I've always said Fall is my favorite season.  I love the colors of fall.  I love fall decor with all the straw, mums, scarecrows, leaves and crisp air, etc.  But I'm starting to wonder if summer is really my favorite. 
Summer means:
my kids being home from school
laid back schedules
being able to walk to the pool on a whim if we decide we want to take a dip in the pool.  Even if it's only for a half hour.
grilling all kinds of yummy food and no fancy dinners
eating on the patio with my family
sitting near a lake reading a book while my family fishes
wrapped up in a blanket by the fire pit making s'mores with my hubby and kids
camping
the coolness of an air conditioner after you've been outside
the coolness of summer evenings
suntans...and sunburns.  (I happen to have both)
fresh veggies and fruits
road trips

I could go on forever, but those are just a few of my favorite things.  All from God.  Thank you, God, for all of these amazing things you bless me with.