My 39th birthday just occurred. It was a lovely day at the lake that was prefaced with a night of camping and a close call with a raccoon. (or perhaps a Sasquatch. We'll never know for sure).
My boyfriend (that sounds so weird to say or write) treated me to gifts and an ice cream cake. My family joined us for the cake at our traditional "cake and card" party.
Prior to my actual birthday I have shared several "birthday dinners" with friends.... and the celebration will continue with a joint birthday pool party, a lunch with friends, and a trip to visit more friends!
I'd already call this week a success.
By far, the best part of birthday celebrations are the time that I get to spend with family and friends. Thanks to everyone for making me feel special.
The boyfriend gave me a devotional book that I started reading today. Interestingly the first day is titled "Hope Does Not Disappoint".
Indeed.
Hope has been my theme for years.
When hope is anchored in circumstances we will be disappointed. But when hope is based in the reality of God's love, we will not be disappointed.
I feel like I have clung to God's promises and hung tight to the hope He gives.
Through my times in the pit and even currently... while I'm sailing high.... I still want to ground myself in God's love and continue to hope for the future.
It's been fun thinking about the future these days. I'm slowing starting to see a new chapter being written in my book.
Still anxious to see what God has in store.
Here's hoping for a great year ahead!
Showing posts with label camping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label camping. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 08, 2016
Sunday, July 20, 2014
trippin'
Well. So much for me documenting our 'everyday' occurrences.
I suppose we've just been too busy. hah.
Last week we snuck away for a few days to go camper-ing with Jamie and T. Overall a great time and we enjoyed staying in a fancy pants camper! Way cool.
I could have stayed at the lake for weeks and weeks and weeks but, by the third day, the boys were wiped out and ready to get home.
I really don't enjoy coming back to reality. I've been super excited that I've been able to escape this summer. My desire to travel has been slightly nurtured by the mini vacations we have taken this year. But I'm kinda aching to do a larger trip. Maybe fly somewhere.
We're "technically" not supposed to have a 'big' trip for another few years.... but we'll see.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
a day in my life
It's been over a week since we returned early from our vacation.
The at-home vacation days filled up quickly. I was able to meet with friends, have a cookout with my family, and spend many hours at the skate park with the boys.
This week we have visited the park, gone camping, and ventured to play in Otter Creek.
Today was our first full day at home. I intended to clean all day and do all of the stuff that I have neglected for so long.
Upon waking at 10.... (hehe).... I dove into the piles of stuff laying around the house. For the most part things have been returned to their places. Lucas woke up and "cleaned" his room.
Within a few hours I decided that running errands also sounded like a good idea. We dropped off things at people's houses and spent way too much money at Target.
I intended to come home and clean the bathrooms and mop the floors. But why waste time on such things when we don't expect to have company until Sunday?? If I wanted clean bathrooms, I would have invited someone over for dinner tonight! ;)
Instead of cleaning, I sat to finally finish writing Thank You cards for the gifts from my preschoolers..... back in May. I normally don't wait this long to write thank you notes. I have forgotten how tedious it is to write 15 hand written notes. Even short notes. Exhausting!
I suppose I have been spoiled with typing. I enjoy typing :)
That's the update as of thursday afternoon.
We don't have much planned for the weekend. Just more of the same.
I am loving my summer and I hope the next month will creep by.
The at-home vacation days filled up quickly. I was able to meet with friends, have a cookout with my family, and spend many hours at the skate park with the boys.
This week we have visited the park, gone camping, and ventured to play in Otter Creek.
Today was our first full day at home. I intended to clean all day and do all of the stuff that I have neglected for so long.
Upon waking at 10.... (hehe).... I dove into the piles of stuff laying around the house. For the most part things have been returned to their places. Lucas woke up and "cleaned" his room.
Within a few hours I decided that running errands also sounded like a good idea. We dropped off things at people's houses and spent way too much money at Target.
I intended to come home and clean the bathrooms and mop the floors. But why waste time on such things when we don't expect to have company until Sunday?? If I wanted clean bathrooms, I would have invited someone over for dinner tonight! ;)
Instead of cleaning, I sat to finally finish writing Thank You cards for the gifts from my preschoolers..... back in May. I normally don't wait this long to write thank you notes. I have forgotten how tedious it is to write 15 hand written notes. Even short notes. Exhausting!
I suppose I have been spoiled with typing. I enjoy typing :)
That's the update as of thursday afternoon.
We don't have much planned for the weekend. Just more of the same.
I am loving my summer and I hope the next month will creep by.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
camping
The boys and I headed off on Sunday to camp for a night.
And since the boys tend to turn up their noses at going anywhere with just me, we took a neighbor kid along.
This was the first time I was going as the lone adult.
I knew I could handle the actual process of camping. (especially since we planned to eat out for dinner) ;)
I just wasn't sure if I could handle the lack of adult conversation. I am a glutton for peer companionship.
It just so happened that the evening was great. The boys enjoyed playing with fire and I wasn't too annoyed with their random discussions. AND I slept better than I usually do in a tent! Apparently we all slept pretty good..... until 9 and 9:30am!
(bonus points for keeping our sleep schedules while camping!) :)
I think I'm getting used to the thought of camping more often..... and hopefully staying more than one night when we go out.
After realizing that we will always have extra people with us... AND after camping with our cousin last week in a ginormous tent, I made the decision to purchase a larger tent for our family.
Tonight we welcomed a "10-person instant cabin tent" into our family.... and into our front yard!
The boys were super excited to try it out. And the neighbor too.
(I'm not sure what our other neighbors will think... because I can still hear chattering at 11:30pm)
.... but.... my boys are making memories!
And since the boys tend to turn up their noses at going anywhere with just me, we took a neighbor kid along.
This was the first time I was going as the lone adult.
I knew I could handle the actual process of camping. (especially since we planned to eat out for dinner) ;)
I just wasn't sure if I could handle the lack of adult conversation. I am a glutton for peer companionship.
It just so happened that the evening was great. The boys enjoyed playing with fire and I wasn't too annoyed with their random discussions. AND I slept better than I usually do in a tent! Apparently we all slept pretty good..... until 9 and 9:30am!
(bonus points for keeping our sleep schedules while camping!) :)
I think I'm getting used to the thought of camping more often..... and hopefully staying more than one night when we go out.
After realizing that we will always have extra people with us... AND after camping with our cousin last week in a ginormous tent, I made the decision to purchase a larger tent for our family.
Tonight we welcomed a "10-person instant cabin tent" into our family.... and into our front yard!
The boys were super excited to try it out. And the neighbor too.
(I'm not sure what our other neighbors will think... because I can still hear chattering at 11:30pm)
.... but.... my boys are making memories!
Saturday, June 21, 2014
ideal summer
It has taken me a few weeks to work out the kinks in my summer 'ideal'. The boys and I have had heated discussions on what our summer days should look like. Apparently our city pool which is Olympic size has become "too small" for my kids. (i.e., they are spoiled and ungrateful).
The one thing we have agreed on is camping, visiting the lake (so far, the lake still seems big to them.), and having late night campfires.
These are all acceptable to me. And actually very fun for all of us. So in order to keep video games and TV at bay, I'm encouraging these activities. I'm going all out.
The most fabulous news is: I have recently achieved my dream of syncing our summer sleep patterns.
We are one of the fortunate families who can host campfires until 10pm, sleep until 9:30-10am, wash and repeat.
In just a few years the 'real world' will be a reality to all three of us.
Until then I'm gonna let them be kids.
And please don't call me before 10am.
The one thing we have agreed on is camping, visiting the lake (so far, the lake still seems big to them.), and having late night campfires.
These are all acceptable to me. And actually very fun for all of us. So in order to keep video games and TV at bay, I'm encouraging these activities. I'm going all out.
The most fabulous news is: I have recently achieved my dream of syncing our summer sleep patterns.
We are one of the fortunate families who can host campfires until 10pm, sleep until 9:30-10am, wash and repeat.
My kids don't realize how good they have it.
I tried to explain to my kids that this kind of summer is rare these days. very rare.
I tried to explain to my kids that the 'real world' works year round.In just a few years the 'real world' will be a reality to all three of us.
Until then I'm gonna let them be kids.
And please don't call me before 10am.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
5 years
The five year mark has come and gone. And ya know what? I made our lives so busy that I think I missed it.
I didn't miss thinking about Thayer. I didn't miss thinking about that night that changed our lives. I didn't miss the thought that 'five years' has been a long time. I didn't miss thinking about how so many people were impacted by his death. I didn't miss contemplating, in detail, that fateful day.
But I did miss crying about it this year.
I knew that I was planning lots of activity so that I wouldn't sit at home and be sad. But it appears that I planned SO much activity that I am exhausted!!
Prior to the death anniversary, we had Thayer's grandmother come to stay for eleven days. It was nice to have her here and we enjoyed looking through all of my photo albums and remembering 'back then'. The visit was nice, but also tiring for all of us.
Then, the boys and I spent a long day in c-ville visiting with our friends and catching up. I love being up there with many of my favorite people.... especially those who knew, and loved, Thayer.
On the eve of the anniversary, we went camping with my family. (Interesting how much I enjoy camping, yet we don't do it often enough). We spent August 16th at the lake with my parents, my sisters and their families. My parents had balloons for the kids to release in memory of Thayer.
We returned home that night to spend time with family friends, (Thayer's bestie), who stayed with us for several days. That weekend included a girl's night out with other 'out of town' friends and many fun filled moments with friends.
This past week, we jumped right into registration and school stuff and then hit the road for a long weekend in Williamsburg. One last fling before reality hits.
We made it back to town just in time to gather with our lifegroup and pray for the kids and their upcoming school year.
Laundry is brewing and I thought it would be a good idea to debrief a bit before I wipe our summer slate clean.
Tomorrow is the first day of school and work.
I'm actually looking forward to sending the boys away in the morning, regaining a sense of routine, and having some 'down' time in the afternoons. I'm thinking it will be nice to have a vacation from the vacation.
Although I'm already missing my summer sleep schedule :(
I didn't miss thinking about Thayer. I didn't miss thinking about that night that changed our lives. I didn't miss the thought that 'five years' has been a long time. I didn't miss thinking about how so many people were impacted by his death. I didn't miss contemplating, in detail, that fateful day.
But I did miss crying about it this year.
I knew that I was planning lots of activity so that I wouldn't sit at home and be sad. But it appears that I planned SO much activity that I am exhausted!!
Prior to the death anniversary, we had Thayer's grandmother come to stay for eleven days. It was nice to have her here and we enjoyed looking through all of my photo albums and remembering 'back then'. The visit was nice, but also tiring for all of us.
Then, the boys and I spent a long day in c-ville visiting with our friends and catching up. I love being up there with many of my favorite people.... especially those who knew, and loved, Thayer.
On the eve of the anniversary, we went camping with my family. (Interesting how much I enjoy camping, yet we don't do it often enough). We spent August 16th at the lake with my parents, my sisters and their families. My parents had balloons for the kids to release in memory of Thayer.
We returned home that night to spend time with family friends, (Thayer's bestie), who stayed with us for several days. That weekend included a girl's night out with other 'out of town' friends and many fun filled moments with friends.
This past week, we jumped right into registration and school stuff and then hit the road for a long weekend in Williamsburg. One last fling before reality hits.
We made it back to town just in time to gather with our lifegroup and pray for the kids and their upcoming school year.
Laundry is brewing and I thought it would be a good idea to debrief a bit before I wipe our summer slate clean.
Tomorrow is the first day of school and work.
I'm actually looking forward to sending the boys away in the morning, regaining a sense of routine, and having some 'down' time in the afternoons. I'm thinking it will be nice to have a vacation from the vacation.
Although I'm already missing my summer sleep schedule :(
Sunday, June 02, 2013
Summer!
Our summer has officially arrived. No school, no work. All fun.
Last weekend, before school was out... Daniel competed in his first ever skateboarding competition. We're totally new to that scene and it was interesting. I was SO proud that he got out there and did his thing in front of spectators. He ranked second place in the Beginner category. I hope this will give him the confidence to get out there in the future. He's pretty awesome.
This past Thursday was the last day of school!! And the last day of elementary school for our family. Kind of sad to say farewell to the people who have played such an important role in my kids' lives. Those teachers and staff have been such an encouragement to me, as a single mom. They have done their part as 'the village' for my kids..... It really DOES take a village ;)
So-- as of last Friday... S U M M E R freedom!!! yay!
The boys jumped in feet first with an awesome hiking/camping trip with dudes from church. I am so thankful that especially one guy from church has involved my boys with serious 'man' stuff. This hiking trip seemed huge to me.... and yet they went... and LOVED every minute! Both boys were excited to share the details and the happenings from the weekend. They were quick to inform me that it was all stuff that I would have freaked out about. I suppose that's why it was so fun. The 'shock your mom' factor plays a huge role in male development, I'm sure.
I'm so happy for them and I hope that it can be a recurring thing.
On a side note: I completed a daunting task today. I have finalized all the trip planning for our trip to Colorado this summer. Plane tickets in hand, car rental reserved, and several hotels reserved! I Also have an entire page of addresses to several skate parks along our route! (score cool points for Mom!)
This is the first ever "big" trip that I've had to plan entirely on my own. I think that Thayer would be proud. We will be going to visit with his family. I'm looking forward to seeing my brother-in-law, nephews and niece... as well as catching up with extended family. I'm so excited! Now that the planning is set, I can sit back and enjoy my free days.
Second side note: Tomorrow we are babysitting my sister and niece. My sister is doing fabulous following her surgery. I am thrilled that God has worked wonders during her recovery!
Good news all around this week :-)
Last weekend, before school was out... Daniel competed in his first ever skateboarding competition. We're totally new to that scene and it was interesting. I was SO proud that he got out there and did his thing in front of spectators. He ranked second place in the Beginner category. I hope this will give him the confidence to get out there in the future. He's pretty awesome.
This past Thursday was the last day of school!! And the last day of elementary school for our family. Kind of sad to say farewell to the people who have played such an important role in my kids' lives. Those teachers and staff have been such an encouragement to me, as a single mom. They have done their part as 'the village' for my kids..... It really DOES take a village ;)
So-- as of last Friday... S U M M E R freedom!!! yay!
The boys jumped in feet first with an awesome hiking/camping trip with dudes from church. I am so thankful that especially one guy from church has involved my boys with serious 'man' stuff. This hiking trip seemed huge to me.... and yet they went... and LOVED every minute! Both boys were excited to share the details and the happenings from the weekend. They were quick to inform me that it was all stuff that I would have freaked out about. I suppose that's why it was so fun. The 'shock your mom' factor plays a huge role in male development, I'm sure.
I'm so happy for them and I hope that it can be a recurring thing.
On a side note: I completed a daunting task today. I have finalized all the trip planning for our trip to Colorado this summer. Plane tickets in hand, car rental reserved, and several hotels reserved! I Also have an entire page of addresses to several skate parks along our route! (score cool points for Mom!)
This is the first ever "big" trip that I've had to plan entirely on my own. I think that Thayer would be proud. We will be going to visit with his family. I'm looking forward to seeing my brother-in-law, nephews and niece... as well as catching up with extended family. I'm so excited! Now that the planning is set, I can sit back and enjoy my free days.
Second side note: Tomorrow we are babysitting my sister and niece. My sister is doing fabulous following her surgery. I am thrilled that God has worked wonders during her recovery!
Good news all around this week :-)
Monday, May 21, 2012
camping
We went camping this past weekend. It was the first 'single mom' attempt at such an event. I have been camping before, several times, but always with a larger group... or with Thayer. I've never had to be in charge of myself and my kids, on my own.
(And...I never had to do any of the work. I was famous for planting my chair... and sitting in it.)
Thankfully my friend, Lyn, is the mama of all camping and she managed to pack her knowledge and expertise. She still did most of the fire/cooking work, as she was up with the sun- cookin' up a nice breakfast. And I'm thankful that she knew the basic survival skills of being in a public campground.
(I took lots of mental notes for future trips!)
After my initial temper tantrum while setting up the tent, I tend to think that I really enjoyed myself. The most important thing is that the boys had a BLAST!! The entire way home, Lucas kept saying, "this is something we should do more often" and "when can we go again?"
Seeing as we don't have an official vacation this year, I'm hoping we can spend some time camping.
I seem very excited about it now.... but ask me again when it gets really hot and muggy. Not sure how well I'll handle those really hot days in the wilderness... but I'm willing to sacrifice some of my vanity for creating memories with my boys.
(And...I never had to do any of the work. I was famous for planting my chair... and sitting in it.)
Thankfully my friend, Lyn, is the mama of all camping and she managed to pack her knowledge and expertise. She still did most of the fire/cooking work, as she was up with the sun- cookin' up a nice breakfast. And I'm thankful that she knew the basic survival skills of being in a public campground.
(I took lots of mental notes for future trips!)
After my initial temper tantrum while setting up the tent, I tend to think that I really enjoyed myself. The most important thing is that the boys had a BLAST!! The entire way home, Lucas kept saying, "this is something we should do more often" and "when can we go again?"
Seeing as we don't have an official vacation this year, I'm hoping we can spend some time camping.
I seem very excited about it now.... but ask me again when it gets really hot and muggy. Not sure how well I'll handle those really hot days in the wilderness... but I'm willing to sacrifice some of my vanity for creating memories with my boys.
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