Saturday, June 6, 2009

Nature, Beauty, Family, Love...Awe

I have so many pictures of our camping trip I would love to share with everyone. Unfortunately, I am unable to figure out how to upload a slide show into the post, so I'll share a few of my favorites. Any suggestions?


We had some good moments and some bad moments, but overall...we have memories to last a lifetime. Two of my grandchildren (Abby & Logan) had ear infections, and were miserable off and on. My daughters husband couldn't make the trip, which made it a little tough on her at times. You know how it is when children are sick...they only want their mom or dad, a grandparent just won't do.

The camp site wasn't exactly what we were use to...just to many camp sites. It was so crowded, the lake wasn't quite as close as we would have liked, and people kept stumbling into our site.

What was nice...the family being together...laughing, playing, sharing food, catching up. Some of the areas we hiked where beautiful, as were the sunrises and sunsets.

It was unfortunate my brother and his family couldn't make the trip. His birthday was on the 30th and it would have been great to celebrate together. I did keep him updated through my text messages, but it just wasn't quite the same. His son was finally released from the hospital, I believe on Sunday. Maybe next year.

This trip reminded me of just how blessed I am. I have the most amazing siblings, children and grandchildren. I am rich beyond what I have ever imagined. God is good!














































Friday, May 29, 2009

A First

I am so excited, I just have to share!

Most of you know I have three siblings, five children and three grandchildren. We do not all live in the same State and almost never are together at the same time. All but my younger brother will be getting together for a camping trip this weekend. Unfortunately, one of my nephews ruptured his appendix earlier this week, which is why my brother cannot attend.

I am so thrilled...can you hear me squealing with delight!? My oldest daughter just arrived yesterday after a grueling 18 hour drive. She has traveled the farthest for this family camping trip. Both my grandchildren became ill on her drive. A trip to Urgent Care and antibiotics will hopefully make for a better weekend.

I'm almost embarrassed to say, this is the first camping trip my husband and I, along with are three younger children since Emily was born. We camped quite a bit when the older two were at home. It just seemed like once baby number 4 and 5 came along, we got hit with life...know what I mean?

I woke early this morning, as I do every morning for several reasons. I love my quiet time. Every morning God shares a beautiful sunrise with me, always breathtaking. The birds are up early too. I have a hearing deficit and wear hearing aids, so when all is busy I rarely hear the birds. But, when up early...in the still of the morning...I am blessed with the sound of the birds. After prayer, I catch up on a few blogs...then one by one, the family begins to stir. Another reason for waking so early...so much to do...and did I mention how excited I am. It's like that first day of school. You know the feeling...you just can't sleep, your stomach is full of butterflies, and you've had your outfit picked out for weeks.

Later this afternoon, one by one our families will be arriving at the camp site. Hugs and kisses, and "Oh, my goodness...look how much the children have grown", we will begin to set up camp. Then... off to view the wonders of God's creation. Tonight all of us will no doubt witness a beautiful sunset, be captivated by the moon and stars at night...and again I plan to wake early to a beautiful sunrise. Perhaps I'll share it with one of my grandchildren or with everyone.

I feel so blessed, I am always amazed at how God works wonders in my life. As I stated in the beginning of this post, we rarely are together...only He could have made this happen...I know He has great things to share with all of us. Expect to see some photos in the near future.

Y'all have a blessed weekend.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Remember

Today so many will be celebrating Memorial Day surrounded by friends and family, enjoying the taste and smells of a barbecue. Sad but true, many families will be remembering a loved one who has served our Country. In the mist of your celebration, you may forget what today is truly about.

Please take the time to remember those who have paid for our Freedom, and those who continue to pay for us today.


God Bless America