I Peter 3:3-5
3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves.
Wow. I'm gonna be honest...These verses are a personal challenge for me. Let's be real...I like outward adornment, wearing jewelry, and fine clothes. I've always liked to look nice. I like jewelry, clothes, purses, and shoes.
Does having this stuff mean that I'm un-Godly? Heavens, no! (No pun intended...)
There is nothing innately wrong with outward adornment, wearing jewelry, or fine clothes. The question here is, "Where is your beauty found?" Do you count on perfect make-up, coordinated accessories, expensive purses, your version of a "perfect body", or fancy clothes to define you? Or is your beauty found in who you are and WHOSE you are? The way you choose to see the world. The way you choose to respond to difficult situations. Who you choose to model yourself after. In real-life situations, nice clothes, jewelry, purses, and shoes will not help me see the world the way I should. They will not help me respond to difficult situations in a Godly manner. And those nice "things" are not the measurement of my integrity.
My beauty should come from my inner self.
Now, this does NOT mean that I'm going to start ignoring how I look, dress in unflattering clothing, and stop wearing make-up (that might scare small children!). But I AM going to focus on beautifying WHO I AM, with less focus on HOW I LOOK.
This is my own personal challenge: To be sure I don't overlook my inside in a quest to perfect my outside. In fact, to focus on my inner beauty. To take time to truly reflect on the person I am now and the person I strive to be.
Where do you find beauty?
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
The Square Root of 5.91607978. Bromine's Atomic #. 30 + 5.
This weekend is my birthday. 35. The age you have to start "rounding up". I'm ok with that.
Instead of be-laboring the fact that I'm getting older, I thought I would focus on the good in my life. Some things on my list are considered incredibly important and some things are simple, yet I am still grateful for them. So here it is:
35 Things I Love In My Life Right Now:
1. My Husband. Our story is a twist and tangle of "near-meetings" until God brought us together at the right time.
2. Boy 1. He's smart, funny, compassionate and tender-hearted.
3. Boy 2. He's a pistol, a stinker, and has the best one-liners ever.
4. The Girl. She's sassy, silly, and loves "sparkleys" and crowns.
5. Family. I have an amazing family, and I know not everyone can say that. I'm blessed!
6. Church Family. Because we live away from our family, we've found so many people here that we consider our family--that we can call anytime of the day or night, and they'll be there for us in a snap. I am so thankful for each and every one of them!
7. Milestone: I earned my Master's Degree this past year. WHEW! I am SO glad that's done!
8. Friends. What would I do without them? We laugh together, cry together, pray together, shop together, and have fun together.
9. People Who Love My Kids. We are so blessed to have people in our lives that love our kids. And I mean, LOVE our kids. What would we do without you? (You know who you are!) :)
10. My Faith. It defines me and my actions. It is who I am.
11. Time With My Family. This is something that I'm trying to get better at. Recently, we took a couple of trips that gave us life-long memories. I'm so grateful for these times.
12. Laughter. Yes, I'm thankful for laughter. And if you know me, I love to laugh. :)
13. Trials. Yes, I'm thankful for trials too, because through them I learn, grow, and become stronger.
14. Snuggling With My Kids. I'm so glad that my kids are still young enough to climb into my bed Saturday mornings and ask to snuggle. I know it won't be this way forever, so I'm loving every minute of it now.
15. My Camera. Clicking away pictures is a fun hobby for me. I'm not by any means a great photographer, but I've found something I enjoy doing.
16. Pandora. Hillsong Radio. Christian Rock Radio. Michael Buble Radio. Motown Radio. Beatles Radio. Golden Oldies Radio.
17. Burrito Day. It's a Brown Family Tradition: Every Saturday morning, we get breakfast burritos at Golden Pride. #11 = YUM! :)
18. My Job. Even though it can be stressful at times, it's also immensely rewarding. I know I'm where God wants me to be!
19. Our House. It isn't perfect (I HATE our yards), it isn't big, and it isn't fancy, but it works for our family. I am thankful!
20. This Blog. I love having a place to type/vent/jot down my thoughts, ponderings, and other such nonsense.
21. Zeke the Cat. We got Zeke the month we got married. Darrin was still in the National Guard and had to be away quite often. We knew we didn't have the time for a dog, so we got a cat. Even though he can be annoying, he's been my faithful companion for many years.
22. McGee the Dog. He's hyper, loves to play, and adores being petted. He's the perfect fit for our family.
23. Shutterfly. Yes, Shutterfly. I'm a wanna-be scrapbooker with tubs full of scrapbooking supplies that I bought with good intentions but will never use and about about a ba-jillion pictures. Enter, Shutterfly.
24. Caffeine. No, seriously. Caffeine.
25. Pinterest. Because of Pinterest I know just how non-crafty I really am. JK...seriously though, I have found and tried recipes, crafts, projects, and more from Pinterest. Love it.
25. Life Lessons. I think this past year, one of the biggest Life Lessons I had pounded into me over and over, was to "Just Let It Go"--to stop dwelling on what I can't control and fix what I can.
26. Instagram. Hello, my name is Erin, and I'm an Instagram-a-holic. Hello, Erin.
(PS-my Instagram user name is erebear7)
27. Milestone: This year = No more diaper changing! Woo-Hoo!
28. Forgiveness. Because without it, I'd eventually be all alone.
29. The Smell of Rain. It's not very common to smell rain here in Albuquerque, but that smell brings to mind a clean start, new growth, and fresh beginnings.
30. DVR. The Pioneer Woman. Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern. Giulianna and Bill.
31. Life Lesson. I need to do the right thing regardless of how someone else responds.
32. 8, 6, 3 = The Ages Of My Kids. They are in a wonderful stage where we can truly enjoy spending time together without worrying about diaper changes, nap times, bottles, or sippy cups.
33. My Local Farmer's Market. I'm trying ("trying" being the key word here) to eat healthier and lose weight. My local Farmer's Market has really good fresh produce that makes me excited to eat a salad for lunch everyday. Sometimes it's the little things...
34. Legos and Barbies.
Dear Legos and Barbies,
You have occupied my children and given me many 30 minute naps this year. You have my sincerest thanks.
Your Friend, Semi-Rested Mom
35. LIFE. I love life!
This is my Birthday List. I challenge you to make one too...and it doesn't even have to be your birthday! Link up and share your list! :)
Instead of be-laboring the fact that I'm getting older, I thought I would focus on the good in my life. Some things on my list are considered incredibly important and some things are simple, yet I am still grateful for them. So here it is:
35 Things I Love In My Life Right Now:
1. My Husband. Our story is a twist and tangle of "near-meetings" until God brought us together at the right time.
2. Boy 1. He's smart, funny, compassionate and tender-hearted.
3. Boy 2. He's a pistol, a stinker, and has the best one-liners ever.
4. The Girl. She's sassy, silly, and loves "sparkleys" and crowns.
5. Family. I have an amazing family, and I know not everyone can say that. I'm blessed!
6. Church Family. Because we live away from our family, we've found so many people here that we consider our family--that we can call anytime of the day or night, and they'll be there for us in a snap. I am so thankful for each and every one of them!
7. Milestone: I earned my Master's Degree this past year. WHEW! I am SO glad that's done!
8. Friends. What would I do without them? We laugh together, cry together, pray together, shop together, and have fun together.
9. People Who Love My Kids. We are so blessed to have people in our lives that love our kids. And I mean, LOVE our kids. What would we do without you? (You know who you are!) :)
10. My Faith. It defines me and my actions. It is who I am.
11. Time With My Family. This is something that I'm trying to get better at. Recently, we took a couple of trips that gave us life-long memories. I'm so grateful for these times.
12. Laughter. Yes, I'm thankful for laughter. And if you know me, I love to laugh. :)
13. Trials. Yes, I'm thankful for trials too, because through them I learn, grow, and become stronger.
14. Snuggling With My Kids. I'm so glad that my kids are still young enough to climb into my bed Saturday mornings and ask to snuggle. I know it won't be this way forever, so I'm loving every minute of it now.
15. My Camera. Clicking away pictures is a fun hobby for me. I'm not by any means a great photographer, but I've found something I enjoy doing.
16. Pandora. Hillsong Radio. Christian Rock Radio. Michael Buble Radio. Motown Radio. Beatles Radio. Golden Oldies Radio.
17. Burrito Day. It's a Brown Family Tradition: Every Saturday morning, we get breakfast burritos at Golden Pride. #11 = YUM! :)
18. My Job. Even though it can be stressful at times, it's also immensely rewarding. I know I'm where God wants me to be!
19. Our House. It isn't perfect (I HATE our yards), it isn't big, and it isn't fancy, but it works for our family. I am thankful!
20. This Blog. I love having a place to type/vent/jot down my thoughts, ponderings, and other such nonsense.
21. Zeke the Cat. We got Zeke the month we got married. Darrin was still in the National Guard and had to be away quite often. We knew we didn't have the time for a dog, so we got a cat. Even though he can be annoying, he's been my faithful companion for many years.
22. McGee the Dog. He's hyper, loves to play, and adores being petted. He's the perfect fit for our family.
23. Shutterfly. Yes, Shutterfly. I'm a wanna-be scrapbooker with tubs full of scrapbooking supplies that I bought with good intentions but will never use and about about a ba-jillion pictures. Enter, Shutterfly.
24. Caffeine. No, seriously. Caffeine.
25. Pinterest. Because of Pinterest I know just how non-crafty I really am. JK...seriously though, I have found and tried recipes, crafts, projects, and more from Pinterest. Love it.
25. Life Lessons. I think this past year, one of the biggest Life Lessons I had pounded into me over and over, was to "Just Let It Go"--to stop dwelling on what I can't control and fix what I can.
26. Instagram. Hello, my name is Erin, and I'm an Instagram-a-holic. Hello, Erin.
(PS-my Instagram user name is erebear7)
27. Milestone: This year = No more diaper changing! Woo-Hoo!
28. Forgiveness. Because without it, I'd eventually be all alone.
29. The Smell of Rain. It's not very common to smell rain here in Albuquerque, but that smell brings to mind a clean start, new growth, and fresh beginnings.
30. DVR. The Pioneer Woman. Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern. Giulianna and Bill.
31. Life Lesson. I need to do the right thing regardless of how someone else responds.
32. 8, 6, 3 = The Ages Of My Kids. They are in a wonderful stage where we can truly enjoy spending time together without worrying about diaper changes, nap times, bottles, or sippy cups.
33. My Local Farmer's Market. I'm trying ("trying" being the key word here) to eat healthier and lose weight. My local Farmer's Market has really good fresh produce that makes me excited to eat a salad for lunch everyday. Sometimes it's the little things...
34. Legos and Barbies.
Dear Legos and Barbies,
You have occupied my children and given me many 30 minute naps this year. You have my sincerest thanks.
Your Friend, Semi-Rested Mom
35. LIFE. I love life!
This is my Birthday List. I challenge you to make one too...and it doesn't even have to be your birthday! Link up and share your list! :)
Thursday, July 19, 2012
On Adoption: Part 2 "DON'T ADOPT!"
There are some who just don't understand adoption. I've actually heard people say, "If I can't have my own baby, then maybe I just won't have kids. I could never raise someone else's child." Or, "I'll always know she/he isn't really my flesh and blood." Or, "I just can't see how it's the same as having my own baby."
Speaking as an adoptee, let me be frank. If that's how you feel, I'm asking you NOT to adopt.
If you can't see that baby/child as your own baby/child, then DON'T ADOPT.
If you feel that you're doing the world a favor and that adopting makes you "Humanitarian of the Year", then DON'T ADOPT.
If you have children that are biologically your children and you don't think you can treat an adopted child the same, then DON'T ADOPT.
If you are adopting to simply "remove a child from a bad situation", but are not longing for a child to love, teach, and raise, then DON'T ADOPT.
If you are not willing to understand and deal with a child who may have issues with their identity later in life (which btw, is an issue not limited to adoptees), then DON'T ADOPT.
If you are looking for a child to "fit your mold" and are not willing to understand that this child may come with emotional and spiritual baggage (and btw, who doesn't have baggage?), then DON'T ADOPT.
BUT...
If you are willing to lovingly, openly, and whole-heartedly, accept this child into your home as your own flesh and blood, then PLEASE ADOPT.
If you are willing to not only accept any emotional or spiritual baggage, but to do whatever it takes to help them work through their baggage, then PLEASE ADOPT.
If you are longing for a child to love, teach, and raise as your own, then PLEASE ADOPT.
Speaking as an adoptee, let me be frank. If that's how you feel, I'm asking you NOT to adopt.
If you can't see that baby/child as your own baby/child, then DON'T ADOPT.
If you feel that you're doing the world a favor and that adopting makes you "Humanitarian of the Year", then DON'T ADOPT.
If you have children that are biologically your children and you don't think you can treat an adopted child the same, then DON'T ADOPT.
If you are adopting to simply "remove a child from a bad situation", but are not longing for a child to love, teach, and raise, then DON'T ADOPT.
If you are not willing to understand and deal with a child who may have issues with their identity later in life (which btw, is an issue not limited to adoptees), then DON'T ADOPT.
If you are looking for a child to "fit your mold" and are not willing to understand that this child may come with emotional and spiritual baggage (and btw, who doesn't have baggage?), then DON'T ADOPT.
BUT...
If you are willing to lovingly, openly, and whole-heartedly, accept this child into your home as your own flesh and blood, then PLEASE ADOPT.
If you are willing to not only accept any emotional or spiritual baggage, but to do whatever it takes to help them work through their baggage, then PLEASE ADOPT.
If you are longing for a child to love, teach, and raise as your own, then PLEASE ADOPT.
Please understand. I'm not looking down at people who may feel like they can't adopt. It's not for everyone. I'm simply saying that if you can't fulfill the requirements of a "PARENT", regardless of genetics, or if adoption is something you "really don't want to do" but it's the only way for you to have children, PLEASE re-think adoption, or pray and ask the Lord to change you heart regarding adoption.
Adopting is NOT about practicing Christian charity. (Although I DO believe that God blesses adoption.) It's about creating a family.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Where We Went...What We Did: Part 2
4. Bass Pro Shop.
When we first arrived in Denver, we were looking for something fun but cheap/free to kill some time. The perfect answer was Bass Pro Shop. It's a fun place to look around and was perfect for a nice walk since we had been in the van for a few hours. We giggled at this sign as we walked in:
5. The Denver Aquarium.
WOW. Besides the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, this is the best Aquarium we've been to. It could seem a little pricey at $16.99/adult and $9.99/child plus $7.00 for parking, but it was well worth it. (***NOTE***When we went up to the counter to purchase the tickets, they had this huge banner that made it look like there was only 1 ticket option for around $22.00/person. NOT TRUE. That includes a short movie and face painting or something like that. There IS an admission-only ticket.)
There are MANY, MANY tanks and exhibits to look through. We were there for over 3 hours.
They also have animals besides fish, eels, starfish, etc. There are tigers, otters, snakes, frogs, and MOST importantly (to The Girl), MERMAIDS!
When we first arrived in Denver, we were looking for something fun but cheap/free to kill some time. The perfect answer was Bass Pro Shop. It's a fun place to look around and was perfect for a nice walk since we had been in the van for a few hours. We giggled at this sign as we walked in:
***I don't know why this picture is so small...but it says, "Welcome Fisherman, Hunters, and Other Liars"
WOW. Besides the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, this is the best Aquarium we've been to. It could seem a little pricey at $16.99/adult and $9.99/child plus $7.00 for parking, but it was well worth it. (***NOTE***When we went up to the counter to purchase the tickets, they had this huge banner that made it look like there was only 1 ticket option for around $22.00/person. NOT TRUE. That includes a short movie and face painting or something like that. There IS an admission-only ticket.)
There are MANY, MANY tanks and exhibits to look through. We were there for over 3 hours.
They also have animals besides fish, eels, starfish, etc. There are tigers, otters, snakes, frogs, and MOST importantly (to The Girl), MERMAIDS!
The Girl could NOT keep her eyes off of "Ariel". During this little show that they do, there are speakers in the room where you watch. A scripted dialogue comes on, and the mermaids in the tank mouth all the words so it looks like they're talking to you. The mermaid appearances are every 15 minutes from 10am-2pm.
After the show, the mermaids come out of the tank and you can get your picture taken with them! And the coolest part: it was F-R-E-E! They have their own photagrapher there and you can buy a picture in their "special paper frame", but they also let you take your own pictures.
In the picture above, one of the divers was playing "rock, paper, scissors" with Boy 1 through the glass.
They also had 2 really cool touch pools. One of them had different varieties of starfish and horseshoe crabs. The other was a large tank with Stingrays. You could touch them, and if you wanted to purchase little cartons of fish, you could hand feed them.
6. Pagosa Springs, CO.
Pagosa Springs is a sweet little town known for it's abundance of natural hot springs. We stopped here because it was a good 1/2 way point for us between Denver and Albuquerque. They have a well-known resort with over 20 different soaking pools. You do not have to stay at the resort to soak in their pools. It is $22/adults and $14/kids (children 2 and under are free with a paying adult). It was our intention to go to the pools, however, we got into town around 6 pm and no matter what time you enter the pools, it's still full price.
So instead, we walked along the San Juan River and explored the natural hot springs along the way.
And, of course, the kids' favorite thing to do...throw rocks in the river.
FOOD ON THE TRIP: We all know that one of the most expensive things on a trip can be the food. It's not like you can go without it, so we had to figure out how to save money. We brought a cooler with lunch meat, cheese, apples, grapes, drinks, etc., as well as a box with snacks. We made sure the hotels we were at served a free continental breakfast. Whenever we were out and about, we brought our own snacks, so we didn't have to pay $1.50 for an individual-sized bag of chips. We ate picnic-style lunches with our cooler food pretty much everyday. We would find a nice park, let the kids run and play, and have lunch together. We usually ate dinner at a restaurant. Sometimes it was a nice place (like the restaurant in the Denver Aquarium), but more often is was Mc Donald's, Wendys, or the like.
Well...this is the second and last re-cap of our family vacay. If you have any questions about our trip, where we went, what we did, etc. just leave me a comment and I'll get back to you!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Colorado: Summer 2012 Shutterfly Album
Visit Shutterfly.com to create your own personalized photobook.
Monday, July 16, 2012
On Adoption: Part 1
Adoption. It gets a bad rap/wrap/rep...you know what I mean. Anyways...how many times has a frustrated or angry sibling told a fellow sibling they were adopted? It's in movies and stories quite often.
What's so wrong with being adopted? It means that a mother or couple decided they weren't able to care for a child, and instead of terminating a life, they chose to give that child a new life...a life where hope was possible.
These, often single mothers, are categorized as "irresponsible", "immature", "irrational" people. Well who hasn't been irresponsible, immature, or irrational at some point in their lifetime? Is it irresponsible, immature, and irrational to get pregnant when you aren't able to care for a child? YES. But choosing to carry a child, feel that child growing inside of you, connect with that child, and then be able to give that child away because you realize someone else would do what you, at the moment, are unable to do takes INTENSE responsibility, maturity, and rational thought.
Don't be so quick to cast lots. Be slow to speak (judgement). Be quick to listen (to people's stories). Because "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Believe me. I know. (More to come...)
What's so wrong with being adopted? It means that a mother or couple decided they weren't able to care for a child, and instead of terminating a life, they chose to give that child a new life...a life where hope was possible.
These, often single mothers, are categorized as "irresponsible", "immature", "irrational" people. Well who hasn't been irresponsible, immature, or irrational at some point in their lifetime? Is it irresponsible, immature, and irrational to get pregnant when you aren't able to care for a child? YES. But choosing to carry a child, feel that child growing inside of you, connect with that child, and then be able to give that child away because you realize someone else would do what you, at the moment, are unable to do takes INTENSE responsibility, maturity, and rational thought.
Don't be so quick to cast lots. Be slow to speak (judgement). Be quick to listen (to people's stories). Because "in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Believe me. I know. (More to come...)
Friday, July 13, 2012
Where We Went...What We Did...Part 1
As promised, this is my first blog post about where we went on the first half of vacay and my synopsis of each. The second half will come soon. If anyone is planning a Colorado trip, this info may be helpful!
I have 3 kiddos, so I tried to be prepared ahead of time, in terms of trip-planning. I had an itinerary, hotel reservations, mileage and driving time from place to place, and printed information about each place we were going to. All of this info I put in a 3 ring binder to keep handy in the mini-van. I also put empty sheet protectors in my binder to add any pamphlets, ticket stubs, or other memorabilia from the trip. This way it's all in one place! (Of course, with the fires in Colorado Springs, we had to re-vamp everything at the last minute, but we did it!) Our final itinerary looked like this:
Saturday, June 30th-Leave for Durango/Arrive in Durango
***Albuquerque to Durango: 3 hours 42 minutes (215 miles)
***Albuquerque to Durango: 3 hours 42 minutes (215 miles)
Sunday, July 1st- Leave Durango/Drive through Silverton & Ouray, Arrive in Rifle, CO
***Durango to Ouray: 1 hour 49 minutes (71 miles)
***Ouray to Rifle, CO: 3 hours 6 minutes (178 miles)
Monday, July 2nd- Glenwood Springs Caverns
***$22.00/adults $18.00/kids
***$22.00/adults $18.00/kids
Tuesday, July 3rd-Hike in Rifle Falls, CO. and Cave Exploring
***$7.00 for 1 Day State Park Pass
***$7.00 for 1 Day State Park Pass
Wednesday, July 4th-Leave Glenwood Springs/Drive to Denver: 2 hours 51 minutes (157 miles)
Thursday, July 5th-Denver Aquarium/Casa Bonita
***Aquarium info: $16.99/adults $9.99/kids
***Mermaids: 10 am-3pm every 15 minutes/ Parking: $7.00 per vehicle
Friday, July 6th-Leave Denver/Drive to Pagosa Springs: 5 hours 25 minutes (277 miles)
***Walk the San Juan River--natural hot springs are along the trail.
***Walk the San Juan River--natural hot springs are along the trail.
Saturday, July 7th-Leave Pagosa Springs: Drive back to Albuquerque
***Pagosa Springs to Albuquerque: 4 hours (214 miles)
MY NOTES ABOUT EACH PLACE:
1. Durango-Beautiful city! We ate lunch at a park and took a walk along the Animas River. We did not ride the Durango/Silverton train for cost reasons, however, it is something we would LOVE to do, eventually. There is free Trolley service in and near the downtown area. Durango's downtown area has sweet little shops with lots of fun things to look at. We also hung out at the train station and got to see one of the trains come into the station.
2. From Durango we drove through Silverton and Ouray. This drive has incredible views!!!
Be on the lookout for rivers and waterfalls along the way. They're fun stops. We stopped at a really neat yellow river (from oxidation) that wasn't even marked along the road. The kids had a great time exploring and playing in the water.
Silverton is a very small community. There is a small downtown area, but the highlight was watcing another train come into the station. Very fun!
The drive to Ouray has a stretch named "The Million Dollar Highway". There are various theories as to why it's called The Million Dollar Highway that you can read about HERE if you're interested. This drive can be a bit scary...hairpin turns and often, no guardrails. But it's an absolutely gorgeous drive! Take your time and do it if you can! Ouray is another quaint city with beautiful views along the way.
While in Ouray, we went to Cascade Falls. It's free to take the hike, which is steep at times, but not arduous. When we reached the falls, the kids climbed and explored for quite awhile.
3. After driving through Silverton and Ouray, we spent a few days in Rifle, CO, which is about 20 miles from Glenwood Springs. We had originally planned to go to the hot springs pools in Glenwood Springs, but when it's 95 degrees outside and the hot springs pools are 90-104 degrees, it didn't sound so relaxing.
We did go to the Glenwood Springs Caverns. SUPER FUN! To get my kids excited about caves ahead of time, I had them watch "Journey Into Amazing Caves". It's an educational IMAX movie and free on Netflix! I use it when teaching Science--it's informative and interesting for kids! There are a couple of different tours your can take. We did the more "Family Friendly" one. It starts with a tram ride up to the top of the mountain where there is a mini-amusement park. You can pay for all-day ride passes, but we just did the cave tour. It's a little over an hour long and goes into 2 seperate cave areas. Even my 3 year old was able to keep up on this tour.
We heard about a neat hike from a local lady, and since we decided not to go to the hot springs pools, we did this instead. Rifle Falls has 3 beautiful waterfalls side-by-side. You can hike all around them, up the sides, behind them, and above to see where they begin. There are caves all along the path. Luckily, the local told us to bring flashlights, and we are so glad she did! Some of the caves had cracks only big enough for my kids to fit through, but they thought it was cool to go in by themselves anyways. :)
Be on the look-out for my next blog post with info about the second half of our vacation. :)
Thursday, July 12, 2012
"9 Ways to Get 'Depressed'" Link
Do you struggle with self-image or habitual self-proclaimed and/or self-perpetuated depression?
I stumbled across an article posted by one of my Facebook friends...it's a great read! Click HERE to read the full article.
I stumbled across an article posted by one of my Facebook friends...it's a great read! Click HERE to read the full article.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Vacation.
I've been on vacation for the past week, and it was amazing! My parents came into town for my graduation, then we went on a week long vacation to Colorado. My intention was to blog about what we did each day while we were gone, but the hotel internet was not-so-great, and we were so busy, I probably wouldn't have had time to do it anyways. So this is a re-cap!
***(I will be posting another blog about each of the places we went and my thoughts on each for other families who may be thinking about going to Colorado--kid-friendly, interesting for adults, how old should kids be, time you should allow to enjoy each place, how much each activity costs, etc.)
But until then, here are just a few of the highlights of our vacation:
***(I will be posting another blog about each of the places we went and my thoughts on each for other families who may be thinking about going to Colorado--kid-friendly, interesting for adults, how old should kids be, time you should allow to enjoy each place, how much each activity costs, etc.)
But until then, here are just a few of the highlights of our vacation:
The Girl was mesmerized by the mermaids at the Denver Aquarium.
Here is The Girl, who is enthralled with the mermaids after watching them swim around.
The Fam at Glenwood Springs Caverns.
The boys in Durango, CO.
Here is Darrin with the boys after rock climbing at Casacde Falls in Ouray, CO.
This is The Girl and I cave exploring on one of our hikes in Rifle, CO.
The boys having fun exploring caves in Rifle, CO.
Rifle Falls, CO
The kiddos enjoying their favorite past-time in Pagosa Springs, CO: throwing rocks into the river:
Because of the fires in Colorado Springs, we had to change and adjust the majority of our vacation plans at the last minute. We had a *FANTASTIC* time with Grandma and Papa, and made life-long memories.
Be looking for further blog posts with my thoughts on each place we went!
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