"It's Raining, It's Pouring"...But We Didn't Notice, Or Did We?

Pack the truck, and let's go! Make sure we have food, clothing and temporary shelter.

FOOD LIST-Sausage, ham, eggs, pre-cooked biscuits, hot dogs, chips, fish fillets, frog legs, potatoes, onions, bratwurst, baby spinach, condiments, bread, buns, coffee, water and soda.

CLOTHING-every man, woman and child for himself (pack for yourself, that is, whatever you think you will need.)

SHELTER-tent and tarps, lots of string to tie up the tarps, so they can become our canopy in the forest (did we know we were heading to the rain forest? NO, we did not!) Whew!!! Good thing hubby had the fore site to bring extra gear to help keep our campsite dry. Other things to make our shelter a little more pleasant- lantern, camping stove, sleeping bags, pillows, blankets and lawn chairs.

DESTINATION- the prettiest place we know of- Buffalo National River, nestled in the Boston Mountains, and I do mean MOUNTAINS, gorgeous, gorgeous mountains.

We arrived at our destination a couple of hours before dark. It just so happened the campers who had made it to this area a couple of days ahead of us, decided they could no longer take the damp weather and were loading up and leaving. In fact as it turned out, several were leaving, and so we had our pick of several different campsites. And oh my, what beautiful sites they were and still are.

We had to walk across a wet-weather creek to pick out a designated camp site. Each site had a table, fire-pit, and a post to hang lanterns from. All nestled back away from the parking lot, in the trees at the base of a large mountain, just perfect. This was our first time to make our way to Lost Valley, and we had no idea just what a beautiful area we had stumbled upon. I love it when this happens, it has happened several times in our lifetime.

Camp was set up, just right before dark, a blazing fire had been left behind by the previous occupants of this site, so our first night was NICE! DRY! The air was still damp, but it was cool and refreshing.

Just prior to driving down to this campground, we had the opportunity to view Elk grazing in a valley not far from the road. Spectacular!!! It was our very first time to see real Elk in the wild. Awesome animals!

Next morning, we awoke and discussed the different, sharp rocks that we each had to maneuver our bodies around as we drifted off to sleep. I forgot to pack extra padding, and so our sleeping quarters were a little less than comfortable. It had rained through the night, and the tall, forest, trees would release large water droplets every time the breeze stirred them, bringing down a small shower every few seconds. Whew! Chilly!

After breakfast and a quick camp clean up, off to find a trail, we didn't know what trail, any trail would do. We noticed a large group of people gearing up, to hike the trail that was just at the end of our campgrounds. "Let's see what this one is like before we drive off..." "OK..." Checked it out, hmmmm. . . "waterfalls & caves", sounds like our kind of trail!!!

OH MY GOODNESS!!! What a trail! It was beautiful, amazing! Astounding! More than we could ever hope for! We had so much fun climbing & exploring!!! The trail of our dreams! It seemed so exotic, almost tropical, like someplace other than where we knew we were. Unbelievable! Our daughter took some great photos, hopefully I can find them and share them here!

That was one great day, and it even rained on us, but we didn't care one i-o-ta! (I don't know what that means, it's something my Mom used to say??? Anyone else ever heard that? Maybe she just made it up?)

Back at camp, rain- rain- rain, rain! RAIN! It started getting pretty chilly, but hubby was determined we would have a good supper before going to bed. He fried up some cat-fish fillets, our delectable frog-legs, and a skillet of fried potatoes. I know, that's a lot of fried stuff, but it was soooooooo worth it! Oh my, does he ever take good care of us! He let us sit in the heated truck, and dry off, while he did all of the cooking. What a man!!!

After our tummies were full, we decided to hit the hay, because it was raining again, and there wasn't anything else to do. So, off to bed to play rock-dodgers. It's amazing that a human body can somehow find sleep in such conditions, but we managed to sleep and I think I heard a snore or two, but that could have been a bear, who knows?

Next day, my marvelous man was up at the crack of dawn, whipping up one fantabulous breakfast for us. It was raining. SURPRISE! I woke the girls, we got dressed and got everything packed away that we could, inside the tent, because we knew we'd be making a mad dash to the truck once the rain stopped. It wasn't until after we had all eaten breakfast that the rain finally stopped. Once it did, we made hay while it was day! We broke down camp in lightning speed time, and once again we were ready for a trail. This time, we wanted to attempt to see the tallest waterfall between the Apps. and the Rockies, so we found this trail and little did we know, we were in for the surprise of a lifetime.

NO, we didn't see Bigfoot! And NO we did not even make it to the base of this waterfall due to a wrong turn somewhere on the path. But what we did do, we hiked our booties off almost, literally! This was the most awful trail we have ever hiked. SO steep, and SO strenuous, that we weren't sure we'd ever see home again. Going down a mountain is always so much easier than going back up. But even as we were going down, I kept telling myself, "...what are we thinking??? This is going to kill us on the way back!" "We will not be able to make it back up this mountain! No way Jose!" Everyone else was having identical thoughts, but no one was brave enough to speak up.

We almost lost one hiker on a slippery, muddy slope. THAT was so scary! She clung to the side of the mountain by her toenails and fingernails, until her Daddy could get to her and reach her. Whew! We had had enough by this time. We had made it to one waterfall, but it was not the one we were looking for. We had to make a decision, keep going or start back to the truck? It was tough, because we knew we would never EVER, EVER in our "long-legged life" want to hike this trail again. But for some reason, none of us wanted to continue, we were ready to get back to the truck and put on dry clothes. So that is what we did. It took all of our determination to get back up that mountain.

I feel like I am going to faint at this moment just thinking of the pure exhaustion my body felt making that climb. It was torture! Yes, torture! It has taken me all week to recover from that hike. That is not what I call fun... And did I mention that it POURED down on our way back up this mountain? Buckets of rain, you know like that big, larger than life, bucket of water they dump on kids at water parks??? That was OUR rain. That- was- our- rain- PEOPLE!!!

By the time we got back to the truck, which was parked all the way out in the middle of nowhere, I couldn't take it anymore, I had one last change of dry clothes, and I had no shame left, not even one little, teeny, tiny ounce. I made what little shelter I could and I changed right then and there, between two doors of the truck and a hanging table cloth (the same one that I had used for a shawl earlier that morning because my jacket was soaked from the previous days hike).

We all took turns, once they knew it was safe. What was there to worry about??? It's not like there were any long lines of people waiting to climb down this mountain to go see THE waterfall. We were the only people there at the moment. I wonder why???

At long last, this little family, was once again dressed in dry clothing, hair brushed, looking somewhat decent, (oh forget I said decent, we were dry for goodness sakes and that's all we cared about), buckled up in our seat belts, heading down the highway, back to civilization, to our real home, our dry clothes, and our soft beds. OH the joy!

It was a fun trip, all in all, it really was a whole lot of fun. Even in the midst of the most dangerous moments, we managed to laugh, we managed to find humor(after our child was rescued by her big, strong daddy!). That's just how it is with this little group of people, who God blessed me with. This little family of mine. In the sunshine and the rain, we have joy, in good times or in pain, we have joy. "The JOY of the Lord is our strength..."

Being Mom

Happy Belated Mother's Day,

to all Mom's everywhere!!!

Isn't it fun being "Mom", "Momma", "Mommy"?

It is fun. For the most part, yes it really is FUN!!!

I know I am years away from the early days of motherhood. But those years go by entirely too fast. They really do, and you find yourself longing for them once again. I promise, even if your days are so trying right now, they will soon change, and you will find yourself missing them desperately.

Those early days can be so tiring, and downright exhausting, but yet in the midst of all of everything that Moms accomplish and deal with in a single day, it is still fun and joyous. There are those times when you have a day, that you wish would have never have been so hard, but then when you take a moment and look into your children's eyes, all the stress, exhaustion, anxiety, it can all disappear in an instance.

They capture your heart, those eyes, those precious, trusting eyes.

I am in my 20th year of being "Mom", and all in all I have absolutely loved it, continue to love it and wouldn't trade this position for anything in the world.

I can remember the early days, when Mother's Day would roll around.

My little gals, would be reminded by Daddy just what day it was, either the night before, or early that morning, the day of. I would catch glimpses of little ones searching for paper, and crayons or markers. Quick trips outside and then back in, with something hidden behind their backs. And I could hear them faintly, talking in hushed tones, behind their closed bedroom door. Every now and then, letting out heavy sighs, as the task at hand was pursued with their whole hearts.

And finally, after what seemed like hours of work, they would emerge, hands behind their backs. "Happy Mudder's Day Momma!" "Haffy Mudder's Day Momba!" (my youngest used to pronounce Momma- Momba!?! cutest thing ever!!!) Beautifully decorated cards with pictures and hearts scribbled all over them. Little bouquets of whatever wildflowers were blooming from the yard. Precious, precious memories indeed!!!

Their Daddy has always helped them out, he has always made the day so special. . . doing things they weren't old enough to do by themselves. Like making pancakes and serving me breakfast in bed, or preparing a fabulous lunch, and having it ready for when we came back home from Sunday morning church service. Sometimes they'd take me out to eat, or we'd just go somewhere for a special treat sometime during the day. They've always made me feel so loved and so appreciated!

They don't have to do any of these things, but to be the recipient of so much love, it's just so wonderful and it makes my heart overflow with love for my beautiful family. Not because of the things they give me, I've never been one who has needed material things as proof of love. Let me repeat, material things do not matter to me, they are things that can be lost, stolen, broken, they are just things. But what it is, it is the look in their eyes, the thoughtfulness expressed, the hugs and kisses and that strong, unbreakable bond of love that intertwines our

hearts together, here in this little family of ours.

This year, once again the surprises came. Here are some pictures of the special day they blessed me with this year. I never expect them to do anything, but I just can't help but brag on them, because they are just too good to me.

Red roses, and chocolate cake. . .

The beautiful, handmade, jade necklace, that you can barely see,

(we should have taken a better picture of it, it's so lovely) a gift from my gals.

And Mr. Marvelous, who makes me feel so honoured to be the mother of his children, did I mention that I don't expect anything at all, but he sure knows how to make his woman feel so very special!!!

And he's always a lot of fun too!!!

And look below, part of our meal on the grill...

New York Strip steaks & grilled Texas toast.

They also served, grilled corn on the cob, macaroni salad, garden salad,

and of course, beverage of choice- ICE COLD DR. PEPPER

right out of the can!!!

(They know what I like!!!)

After lunch, we relaxed in our lawn chairs, and watched this family of geese. So fitting for Mother's day.

Being able to watch this mother take care of 5 (not just one or two) BUT 5 goslings. She never lost sight of a single one, not one ever strayed too far from her or Papa goose the entire day.

I love seeing God's creation, doing what He created them to do.

AND

I love being "MOM"! What a blessing, and what a joy!!! This is what He created me to do!

Misty Morning, Spring Is In The Air

This morning is just amazing outside. A soft, mist is hanging in the air, hovering over the winter wheat, that is still green. It's perfectly calm, and the birds are singing so beautifully this morning.

Spring is so wonderful, it's a shame that it doesn't last longer. We have been drinking in these lovely days, trying to get our fill, before things change and get so hot and muggy, and BUGGY.

I love it when all of our little friends return, after their long journey south. They come back here to build their nests & raise their young. Thanks to our youngest daughter, I am now able to identify almost every little bird, by either song or sight. She became an avid birder, at a young age, and has identified 104 different species here in our state.

It's always been so fascinating to me, seeing all of the different types of birds our Heavenly Father created, they bring us so much joy. They sing a song that no man can write or duplicate, it's a divinely created sound, blessing our ears.

So, Springtime in this part of the south, brings a lot of much anticipated outdoor time. After being cooped up for so long, we are just chomping at the bit to go experience life in the great outdoors! We do not just sit around and sip tea and bird-watch. No our life has some funny, quirky and unique qualities. You see, since we do not have any sons, the girls and I do a lot of things with my husband, so he can keep his masculinity in tact. I mean, THINK ABOUT IT, he's the only guy under this roof, & he's had his fair share of Jane Austen movies, highly emotional PMS-ers, tears that no one can explain, I assure you, he's had enough of our world, so it's only fair that we share his interests, in his manly, masculine world.


One of the most surprising things that we all do together in the spring, is frog-gigging.(our extremely girly-girl, Jane Austen wanna-be's, love giggin' frogs with their daddy!!!)





Yes, you heard me right, FROG-GIGGING!!! It's a southern tradition for many men, who love to hunt and fish. And even a tradition for some southern gals, I know we're not the only ones who look forward to April 15th. (no not tax day, April 15th is the opening day of FROG SEASON, don't tell me you didn't know that!!!) And let me tell you, the rewards are delightful! Have you ever had frog-legs? You are missing out if you haven't!


I know, you don't believe me, but I swear, those tender morsels of meat are GOOD EATIN'!

It's not just about the frogs, though, really it's not. It's the whole experience. Being out at night, when we usually are not, we get to see some surprising things. Last week, as we were driving by one certain spot, all of a sudden there in the spotlight was a huge beaver, sitting there eating something. He gave us a good show for a bit, then off he went, plunged into the water for a swim. Then a little later on, we happened upon a darling, young raccoon, who was slipping down to the water for a late night snack. He froze in the spotlight for awhile, letting us all have a good look at him, before he decided it was time to go. He was just so dog-gone cute! We love seeing animals out in their habitat, on their turf. It's not the same as seeing them in the zoo. It's much better!!!

One of my favorite late-night sounds, is a pack of wild coyotes on the chase, through a field not far-away. I don't know why, but I love hearing them. They don't scare me, think about it, when is the last time you heard of people being chased down and eaten by coyotes? . . . I didn't think so!

All of this, the spring time adventures, they're just a whole lot of fun! And being married to my guy has allowed me to experience some things I never would have had the chance to do, if he hadn't of been willing to take me along, early in our marriage, and once the children came, they came along too. It may sound crazy to most people, but hey don't knock it till you try it! It really, honest to goodness, is loads of fun! I never leave the truck, I'm just the driver. Which is good, because we usually see quite a few snakes, and there's just something about snakes. . . quite honestly I HATE THEM! I know they hate me too, so we just try to keep our distance!


So, this mixed up world that we happen to live in, works out quite well. When the girls and I are not sitting around sipping tea and learning the new name of the latest species of bird, who happened to surprisingly visit our bird-feeder on a certain day, we're out fishing, camping, hunting, hiking, exploring, we're doing it all, and we do it all together! It's better than the alternative, him going out alone with his buddies, and us never seeing him or him seeing us. We've learned the family that prays & plays together, stays together!!!


Mr. C really appreciates the understanding hearts, after all he REALLY needs those times, you see, because, please don't tell anyone but he is probably the only man who can name off more than 5 Jane Austen heroines at any given time. Now, ain't that a crying' shame!!!