Better late than never!

The title says it all!


For SO many reasons.  I'm finally getting around to posting about our camping trip.


But I think that I should begin with a little decompression--I feel like such a failure sometimes.  Really--I've been very short with my children and hubby and I HATE IT!  I don't want to be that way--yet I find myself wound up.


Today--I started feeling the tension creeping into my shoulders at 7:45 AM--just thinking about my day.


So before I did anything else--I got my Bible out and read in Colossians 4: 5 - 6.  It says, " Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone."


OK--I heard you God!  Boy have I been blowing it!  But that's the good thing about my God--He forgives & gives you another chance at getting it right.


This 2nd Chance Girl is trying to get it Right for the rest of the day!


Now onto Camping Adventures!


We went camping over spring break at Blue Springs in Florida.  It has natural springs that you can swim in when it's warm OR you can swim when it's not warm and FREEZE!!  We still enjoyed ourselves immensely.


Hannah and Sara were not quite sure about this sleeping outside business--but we convinced them that it would be okay because we would be in a tent.  AND then AFTER pictures, they were okay.


We were visited by friendly foragers in the middle of the first night.  They broke into tubs of food and stole about 8 bags of chips, a bag of trail mix, and some other goodies.  But the funniest part of the visit is that they sounded like bears ripping apart the plastic tubs.  Good thing Hannah, Leighanne, and Sara slept through the whole visit.


Our girls were also brave explorers in the woods each day--until the snake episode.  A couple of little snakes later followed by screams that would wake the dead was enough to keep them out of the woods for the rest of the trip.


One of the favorite parts of our trip was our canoeing adventure.  4 canoes, paddles and life-jackets later and we were out on the water.  We saw many turtles and a few gators.  Needless to say--I kept telling my partner Sara--just keep paddling, just keep paddling.  She did an awesome job!


Overall, I'd say we have gotten some new campers--they are ready to go back.  They loved the experience!

The girls are asking to go into Nature again soon--but I'm thinking I might be ready by the Fall.

Hope you are having a great day!

Julie

Behind the Scenes!

Just had to share a couple of things that happen behind the scenes.


Things that we may not normally give a "shout out" about.  


1st on the list--Zach's garden success--home grown turnips


Take a look . . .

And


Look what happens when you use the wrong soap in the dishwasher . . .

You should try it--It makes  GREAT BIG BUBBLES to mop up!


Hope you have a great day & try to find a little humor today to lighten your worries!


Julie

Girl's Recital and Austin's Last March

Spring is really here!  Besides the flowers blooming and all of the extra pollen, it's officially spring because of all of the end of the school year ACTIVITIES!


We recently attended the girls recital.  Leighanne sang a few songs, and Sara and Hannah played the piano.  It was so exciting to see our girls experiencing so many firsts.  They are both quick studies and played beautifully.  Leighanne also performed well with her trio. 


Here's a few pics from the night . . .

Leighanne getting ready to sing.

Hannah and Mrs. Sally

Sara getting ready to play.

 Our 3 girls with Mrs. Sally (We love you Mrs. Sally!)

AND


Austin's last Inspection in JROTC.


Yes--it was another of our "lasts" with Austin.  You know--this is the last time he'll _________________ .   


I'm trying to enjoy all of these events ( and I AM), but somewhere in all of this is the underlying knowledge that the days are quickly passing by--and off to boot camp he will go.


I'm so proud of Austin and the young man he has become.  A tiny part of me wants to hold back the clock, and let things stay the same.  But the realistic part of me knows that instead I will open up the doors and release him, knowing that he's ready to move on to the next phase in his life.


And so, I will try really, really hard to enjoy these "lasts" with Austin.

Austin's girlfriend Taylor is on the back row in the middle.  The Choir sang  to begin the event.

Austin is on the left side, 3rd from the front. (tallest one)

I just love it when the flags are presented.

The Senior JROTC Class of 2012

Ben and Austin

Austin and Me

Sara and Austin

My handsome guy!

Enjoy your days--don't wish them away!

Julie

We have been quiet on the blog . . .

BUT LIVIN' OUT LOUD in the Real World!!!


Let's see-- We've been to doctor appointments--including a chiropractor for mom, a dermatologist for Jordan, and an orthodontist for Sara.  We went camping over Spring Break--a blog for later because it really was a lot of fun. Then we returned home in time for me to make cupcakes and a cake for a 50th birthday party and help host a wedding shower.  


AND NOW  -- I'm resting!  


So maybe a real blog tomorrow!


Hugs to all,


Julie