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.

Oh Goodwill, how I love thee!

As I sift through my closet to choose what I will put on for the day, I realize how much stuff I have actually bought at the local Goodwill.  Our budget has not allowed me to have a shopping spree at the mall, but I'm fine with that...especially when I can find clothes from Gap, Ralph Lauren, Old Navy, Eddie Bauer, Jones New York, etc all looking brand new.  I also have a few pairs of name brand shoes that I have bought at Goodwill. 
Today's outfit from the Gdub:
Jeans from Target via Gdub
Sweater tank from Gap via Gdub
Black jacket from Isabella Rodriguez via Gdub
Flower slip on shoes from Nordstrom via Gdub

Gotta love it!
Now off to Longmont to celebrate our nieces graduation. 
Happy Memorial Day to you all! 

Youth Ministry....is this what I am supposed to be doing?

That question was answered tonight as I served hot dogs and hamburgers to the teens in our church at our end of school year party.  There always seems to be one or two girls that just need a hug and to be loved on.  I found that girl.  She cried and talked...and I thanked God for allowing me to love her!  How sweet it is for God to use me in this way.

Jackpot at the Gdub!

Some of you may know that my newest obsession is visiting Goodwill, Salvation Army, or any other thrift store.  So much fun to see what kinds of treasure I may find.  Well, last night as the family was out running errands, we stopped at Goodwill.  I was looking for something with hooks that we could hang in the kids' bathroom to hang their towels on.  No such luck.  But I did spot a cute little "shelfy looking thing" for $5 that I loved.  When Jason asked what I would use it for, I really wasn't sure, but knew I'd find a use for it.  So, because I couldn't come up with a specific use, we passed it by and walked out of Goodwill empty handed. You know what they say while you are shopping and not sure if you really need something.  You'll forget all about it when you leave the store.  NOPE!  Not this "shelfy looking thing". 
I woke up this morning and you could actually see the light bulb floating above my head!  I knew what I wanted the shelf for!  It was the perfect size to display all my rubber stamps on in my craft room.  So I immediately texted my friend, Stephanie, who had asked me on Wednesday to go with her to run errands if she wanted to take a detour and run over to Goodwill.  So off we went.  I could feel my heart beating faster the closer we got...not knowing if my cute little "shelfy looking thing" would still be there.  I grabbed a cart and walked with a little more speed than usual to the back of the store where the furniture was.  As I rounded the corner, I couldn't see it so I turned around to Stephanie with my lip sticking out.  I walked a little further.  THERE SHE WAS! (no, not stephanie)  MY 'SHELFY LOOKING THING'!!!  I walked over and ripped off the portion of the tag that you take to the front counter.  VICTORY!  So, now that I knew I had the "shelfy looking thing" I had all the time in the world, so I told Stephanie I was going to go look at the clothes.  The last few times I had been to Goodwill, I hadn't found much in terms of clothes.  Well, I had a HEAPING cart load of clothes and headed to the fitting room.  Since I have lost weight, I hadn't bought a whole lot of summery clothes, and have needed some capris and short sleeve shirts.  I feel like I hit the jackpot today at our local Goodwill.  Five pairs of jeans/capris and four shirts, a "shelfy looking thing" and a cute little picture frame all for $38!  Oh and did I mention that a few of the pairs of capris still had the original store tags on them?!  Yeah for me!
Now to go put my "new" clothes in the wash and get my "shelfy looking thing" in it's place. 
Have I mentioned that I love thrift stores?! 

The bottom shelf looks crooked, but I just didn't have it in all the way.
Oh, and if you need a little Goodwill inspiration...check this out http://www.alittlejunkinmytrunk.blogspot.com/ or
http://thriftingdenver.org/

Ashamed?

I sat here this morning reading through the accounts of Jesus' last days as a human.  Something so big was about to happen that I will never understand, this side of Heaven.  But because of Jesus dying on the cross and rising from the dead, I am saved...I have eternal life, and He has prepared a place for me in Heaven. (John 14: 1-3) Oh how joyous I feel knowing that.

I was reading in John 20 where Mary Magdalene discovered the empty tomb.  She did not stop and think,  "what will people say about me if I run and tell them what I've just seen."   She immediately took off running to tell Simon Peter and the other disciple (whom some believe was John) what she had just seen. It made me start thinking about how we as humans in today's world are so careful as to not offend others, so we don't share our witness with them. 

What has Jesus done in your life?  Why not share that with others and give Him the glory.  Are you afraid of what others will think of you?  How does Jesus feel when we are afraid, embarrassed or ashamed to speak of Him?  I know I am guilty of this, and I have repeatedly asked Him for forgiveness and to help me "show Him off" more. 

It doesn't have to be some huge thing that He has helped you through, although He does this time and time again.  The other day I was late picking up my daughter and her friend from school...and as I drove to their school, every light I came to, turned green.  I thanked God for each one and smiled. (I'm sure the people driving next to me thought I was a lunatic driving with a huge smile on my face)  There have been other times I have hit every red light there is.  I often use red lights as my special time to talk to God, and thank Him for this special time He has created just for Him and me. 

If you are reading this, I would LOVE to hear what God has done for you in the past few days.  Open your eyes and see His work in your life.