Adventures Among Us

Changes, Changes, Changes.....Leaving the Past Behind Us

2013-08-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months I have been playing things around in my brain, well last week without my knowledge, and a fail of my domain host, my original blog domain was sold out from under me. This left me frantic and scratching my head and then reality sunk in....my life has CHANGED so drastically so in the past year I need NEW, FRESH, and a ME VOICE.

My life is no longer about weekly adventures, road trips, and things to do with your kids. I do still travel and have adventures, but now my life is much busier and full of new things...I spend my days chasing chickens, canning pickles, learning to hunt, going fishing, and surrounded by good ole country folks.

I am going to say this is a "God Thing' this is a "new adventure" or just a chance to start over.....I am RE-BRANDING myself as The Missouri Mom. I already write as the Missouri Traveling Mom for TravelingMom.com, so I decided that I would just take on The Missouri Mom as my title.

I am leaving Adventures Among Us live, because I do have so many hits and faithful readers, but I am slowly going to transition over my stories along with sharing my new stories here.

The Missouri Mom will and is about MY LIFE in Rural Missouri, My Travels throughout Missouri and beyond, Events in Missouri, family, parenting, HUNTING, and everything in between.

I feel strongly that leaving Adventures Among Us behind will be the final healing process and a close to the devastation divorce brought me. I have now surfaced began a new life with new people and want to share our life without the negativity of the past.

I pray my readers will stay with me, follow me wherever I go, and will enjoy our new life.

God Bless!

~Becky, Lesse, D-man, & ..............................(we will fill in the blanks later)

Small Town Hospitality beats Big City Beauty Shop, Check out Total Results Salon in Marble Hill, MO

2013-08-09T07:29:00.002-07:00

Disclosure: I was sponsored by Total Results Salon, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Since moving back to Bollinger County, Missouri or as my friends call it the "sticks" of Missouri, there are obviously some conveniences that I have been forced to give up. Being in a rural area we don't have hair shops, nail salons, and spas at every corner......to be completely honest many folks still use their Aunt So & So to cut their hair and help out with their beauty needs.

A few weeks back I was itching for some "uptown" pampering, but hated to drive 45 minutes to the city just for a few minutes of relaxation....yes it is really that far to a town with a population of more than 3000. Well I saw a post on Facebook for Total Results Salon and decided I would I would try out some small town relaxation.

After all the big city trips (St Louis, Memphis, Las Vegas) I have decided I would prefer to use a small town beauty shop for my relaxation needs. There is something about walking into a beauty shop, meeting your stylist, and sitting down and having a good old fashion conversation. Danielle Beel, also a local girl, but we only knew each other in a "roundabout" way, which probably made my experience a little more fun.

As I entered the salon, it was way different than the fancy chairs, serenading music, candles lite for relaxation, and wine......Nope Danielle rolled out her stainless steel washtub, filled it full of warm water, and gave me a true small town pedicure.

While Danielle's shop was not upscale, full of gadgets, it was full of life, fun, and what means more to me than how fancy a shop is, it was full of TRUE SMALL TOWN HOSPITALITY. When I visit a place rather it be here locally, or somewhere far away the one thing that stands out the most is how they treat me as a visitor. I would not hesitate bringing my "big city" friends back to Danielle's shop for a girls day out, I would not hesitate visiting her shop with my daughter, and obviously I don't hesitate recommending her shop to my readers.

Danielle and Total Salon Results is a full service salon in uptown Marble Hill, Missouri...she offers pretty much anything you need or want for relaxation....only she adds in some Small Town HOSPITALITY.

Have an Adventurous Day!

~Becky

Love the View of the Street...so QUIET!

Had to get a little funky with the color!

Madison's Cafe in Jefferson City, Missouri

2013-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Disclosure: My visit to Madison's Cafe in Jefferson City, MO was sponsored by TBW Group, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

Last month my gal pal Jessie and I visited our Missouri State Capital, Jefferson City, MO and on our trip we had the pleasure of dining out at Madison's Cafe in downtown Jefferson City. If I am completely honest with you, I have fear of trying new restaurants as you never know what you are getting...to be completely frank, I have a limited vocabulary when it comes to food, seriously in our house it's meat, taters, and beans! Giving that I have no clue what to pair my food with, how to say six different types of cheese in Italian, or a clue how to order many appetizers in 5 different language.

I have developed my own technique for getting a true experience when visiting a new restaurant, when the waiter or waitress comes to take my order I simply tell them what I can or can't have ( I am allergic to shrimp, and have intolerance to aspartame) and tell them not to let me down. Of course this often catches the folks I am dining with off guard, but never fails I get the best of the best and truly get to experience the restaurants unique flavor.

I pulled my unique technique at Madison's Cafe in Jefferson City...I remember my waiter standing there stumped for a while, but he did me right as he carted out our delicious appetizers, picked me out the most delicious entree, and all with a smile on his face.

My appetizers:

Calamari - Lightly floured calamari rings with flash fried red peppers and fresh spinach, served with our chipotle raspberry dipping sauce.

Mad Crab Stack

Okay, confession here I could have made an entire meal on Calamari....seriously, this stuff was like a little piece of heaven melting in your mouth. I have had calamari before, but the sauce that Madison's use was like no other I have tasted, it left a sweet, but spicy taste lingering in my mouth.

Mad Crab Stack - Stacks of chunked avocado, pico de gallo, quartered artichoke hearts, chopped red
peppers, lump crab meat, served atop a basil pesto swirl with sweet red wine vinaigrette dressing on the side.
Talk about too pretty to eat, I never would have thought anything with artichoke hearts could be so pretty, well this was....and even better it was so yummy I think I could have just ordered this for lunch and been just fine!

My Entree:
After all my mouthwatering appetizers, I had decided that my waiter either knew how to read my mind, or he wanted to make sure I didn't need to eat for a few days! For my lunch he carted me out a giant plate of Rigatoni Quatro Fromage, okay I am not Italian, I am from the Midwest, but there is one thing you have to know about us Midwest girls we like to eat our dairy....especially our CHEESE. Rigatoni Quatro Fromage is a combination of FOUR CHEESES.....as my momma always tells everyone "Becky is my cheese lover" and she is soooo correct!

The proper description of Rigatoni Quatro Fromage (okay, I stole it from Madison's menu) is:
Rigatoni noodles prepared in a cream sauce with fresh diced tomatoes and a blend of parmigiano, asiago, muenster, and gorgonzola cheeses....to sum it up, you probably better just wear your stretchy pants!

Now for me, not matter how yummy the food is, how cute the restaurant looks, the thing I judge the most when dining out is my service....Madison's did not let me down either. Madison's is located just blocks from The Capitol Building, so it is obvious that there are far more important people than me dining at this place, however, I felt like I was my waiters only customer (even though I saw him waiting on others). He remembered what I was drinking, even remembered that I was allergic to shrimp, and he always had a smile on his face. If I was to return to Madison's (and I am sure I will someday) I would not hesitate to have a gal pal lunch date, dine out with my kids (age 5 & 9) or even have a late evening romantic dinner....the place is just that diversified!

To see Madison's full menu, hours, specials, and learn more about this "happy place" in Jefferson City, MO visit their website.

Have an Adventurous Day!

Should I hire someone to handle my Facebook Page....

2013-08-05T06:25:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked by a local businessman asking me why he cannot get as much interaction on his Facebook page as I can on mine and if he should consider hiring a marketing firm to handle his social media.

I quickly explained to him that social media should be handled by someone that is dedicated to your business, you need to think of social media as your personality being presented to your customer 27/7.... I think I had the poor man scratching his head...so I later emailed him a list of answers to help him out!

I feel for small businesses in today's time, especially those owned by an older generation and are trying to stay up with the newer generation. There is the risk of being to "hip" for your older clients and not hip enough for the younger generation.

Here is what I later answered the local businessman:

Marketing firms are great, I think they could get your Facebook page up and going, but I would look closely to who you hire. I would want someone that would be at my beck and call, someone that would take the time to sit down and explain how to use Facebook, someone that would spend some time in your business getting to know YOU and YOUR CUSTOMER!

I then told him to consider this for his Facebook Page: his business was located in a town with a population of less than 900, his local school more than likely had a business club or something of that sort. Look for a teenager that is pursuing a career in marketing, media, or just loves to be on Facebook. Get with them, talk it out with them and see if you can slip them some money for helping you with your Facebook.

No Luck there....then look for a local blogger, or social media guru (like me), someone that he (or his wife) follows on Facebook and talk to them. Many folks love to make a few extra bucks and lets face it running a Facebook Page is not that hard (I secretly admin several).

If still no luck, look within his own business, maybe he could purchase a book on Facebook and someone with his own business could take control over his Facebook.

Then I explained if all else fails then I would consider hiring a marketing firm to handle his Facebook account.

Of course this left him standing with tons of questions, like how much to pay, what do I have them post, how do I know if they are doing a good job.

Pay for Facebook???? Everyone charges a different fee, some charge by the month, some charge by the post. I personally charge both ways depending on each individual page I am running, some pages are high maintenance and some just want me to look over the page and make a few post here and there.

What do they Post???? Here is the real trick to Facebook, what do they post. The key to success with

Sample Post I did for the Town of Marquand, Missouri.
To see video click here: http://youtu.be/7ro6VVXtRC0

Facebook is the person making your post has to LOVE your business as much as you do. They have to be able to portray YOUR PERSONALITY 24 hours a day. I have personally became so mad at local businesses for the sheer fact that they come off as buttheads in their Facebook post and I know they really are not....I often have to remind myself that someone other than the owner is running their Facebook Page.
When I am hired to work on a Facebook Page I take a few days to get to know the person I am working for, I then look back over their past social media presence, and then I begin to write some post. My goal is to always put the business first, even if I know I am going to work harder than what I paid to work. I know many local and small business owners don't have the money to put out in marketing that large companies do. In fact many of them can barely afford a newspaper ad let alone to hire a marketing firm to do all their advertising.

Statistics for Visit Bollinger County -
A Facebook Page I started on 07/23/13

How do I know they are doing their job???? The first thing is to NEVER lose power over your Facebook, make sure they leave you on as an administrator and do not hire them unless they are willing to take the time to TEACH you how to operate and understand your Facebook including where to find your stats. In your insights you will be able to see the number of people being reached, the number of likes, new likes, and interactions....Here is where you better be getting what you paid for. If you are not seeing drastic changes in your Facebook after you have hired someone (especially within the first few weeks) then you better rethink your plan. I have seen people hire someone and pay good money for them to run their Facebook and the page only increase likes by 10 or 15 over a few months time.....that is BAD.

My last and most important piece of advice is DO WHAT YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH.....your gut instinct it far more important than my advice. I never want anyone to make the mistake of doing what they are not comfortable doing.

Have a Social Day :-)

~Becky

So I did it.....Visit Bollinger County, Missouri

2013-07-31T06:33:00.001-07:00

I feel like I have accomplished much, or maybe nothing, but I did it. I took the step and created a Facebook Visit Bollinger County, Missouri.
Page:

I don't want to toot my own horn as I do not deserve credit for this, but would love support. I do throw out there a HUGE THANK YOU to all those that have already liked the page, and to those who have always supported me. I am blessed with some amazing friends inside the Tourism Industry that have always given me tons of advice, support, and motivated me to see that there is a bigger picture than just the money that can be made.

So since so many of you have asked me what #BoCo is, what have you been up to....check out this link, LIKE our page, and follow along with Bollinger County, Missouri to see what is happening!

~Becky

The Small Town Dream.....My dream in BoCo

2013-07-24T13:12:00.001-07:00

The Start of my DREAM......

Today I was asked if I have a dream.....I have always had a dream, but ironically my dream is much different than those around. me.

I do not dream of wealth, I would rather be poor and happy.
I do not dream to be pretty, as looks fade.
I do not dream of wisdom, as I love to learn.

My dreams are simple, my dreams are organic, my dreams are unflattering.

My simple dreams are to live as simple and organic as possible. I dream of providing for my family the old fashion way, I dream of cooking, gardening, fishing, cleaning, and having the simple life. I dream of my kids understanding the food we eat comes from the ground, not from the store. I dream of my daughter baking pies, instead of buying oreos. I dream of my son understanding how to work a field, feed livestock, and catch his dinner the way our ancestors once did.

This dream I have already started working on, I am looking into starting a small orchard.....I want to teach all of my children that it takes work to reap the reward, plus I LOVE fresh fruit.....The Chicken House Orchard????

I would one day own a place that others will visit, others will enjoy, others will find retreat from their crazy life at. I dream of providing a sanctuary for those who have none, a place that people can come to forget the burdens that surround them, a place that is not known for expense, but known for love.

I would love to own or run a resort in middle of Bollinger County. While I am years away (and it may never ever happen), I would love to share this beautiful country with the world, make it a place where people come to relax at.......Escape to BoCo?

An Empty Building in Marble Hill, that could be a HOTEL
Providing a place for travelers to stay, and jobs to those in need!

I dream is to one day see my hometown prosper, to succeed, to be a place that not only am I proud to say is where I come from, but thousands are proud to say they have visited. I live in one of the most beautiful areas of the world, I need not to travel out of my little area to see many of God's paintings. I dream that people will come visit our area, bring revenue to our area, and one day our youth will have no need to move or drive far away for a job, they will be able to stay near their families and have all they will need.

My last dream is help start, organize, and promote tourism in Bollinger County, Missouri! For years I have said there is so much here and no one promotes this place. I am not sure if when I open my mouth to speak if people are confused, people are taken by surprise, or if they just don't know where to start. I have had this dream for years, but I have always been sidetracked by other's ideas or thoughts, than my divorce came along, and of course their is alway time, money, and energy to add to the mix. I know deep down inside my heart tourism is the key to success in BoCo, as their is little left here in our very rural area of the world. I believe that with the proper organization, the proper promoting, our small rural community could be one the next tourist attractions......How does VisitBoCoMO sound you all?

Daily I am met with negative views, smirks, and contradicting comments about my dreams.....for years I have been defeated by those with power, money, more wisdom than I, and the lack of support by those who I love.

I sigh as I sit here, as this is the first time I have spoke about my dreams on my blog. I know people will laugh, people will say I will fail, but if I fail at least I have tried. Now if you are reading this and live in BoCo Missouri (Bollinger County, Missouri) and are looking for something to pray about, dream about, or help with....I am always open to help....

God Bless!

~Becky

Becky Cooks....Plum Jelly

2013-07-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

Disclosure: Part of the products in this post I have been gifted in return for a review...however, all thoughts and opinions are my own, unless you want to come help me can my veggies and fruit!

We have an abundance of plums this year, okay no we have so many plums that we could feed our

Lesse picking plums

neighbors and have! Grandpa H's plum tree is overloaded with plums this year, he claims it his special fertilizer (chicken poo and water) either way we have so many plums I decided I would learn to make plum jelly! .

I have claimed before and will state it again I am a complete idiot when it comes to this stuff, but with the help of my support team (The Man, Grandpa H, & Grandma H) and The Ball Blue Book Of Canning and Preserving Recipes I have successfully made some yummy Plum Jelly.

First Lesse and I picked plums, okay we picked and picked plums.....I washed, sorted, and boiled the plums to make plum juice, this was rather easy! Then the recipe called for 5 1/2 cups of plum juice, 1 package of powdered pectin ( I used Sure-Jell Premium Fruit Pectin), and 7 1/2 cups of sugar.

My Jelly

First you bring the Juice and Pectin to a boil over high heat, stirring often, then add sugar and bring it to a hard boil for 1 minute. Once boiled, remove from heat, skim foam off the top, and ladle the jelly into jars to process for 10 minutes.

For the processing part, or canning part I once again used my Fagor Home Canning Kit.....I cannot say enough how much I love this kit. I have used my pressure canner a few times now and my review stands the same...Fagor Home Canning Kit is perfect for learners!

Have an Adventurous Day!

~Becky

The Infatuation of Me....

2013-07-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

Over the past year it has come to my attention that people almost become infatuated with my "online persona".....every time this happens it makes me think of the Brad Paisley song "Online" So Much Cooler Online.

I will disclose that I am REAL, completely with all my flaws, however, knowing someone online and knowing someone in real life is way different.....I am really NOT that cool!

After the last round inbox message telling me how beautiful I am, what a wonderful mother I must be, and it's such a shame I live so far away I have decided to tell the world why you would not love me in person!

I am BLUNT...okay so blunt I forget my manners and I often get myself into holes that I cannot dig myself out.

I am 20 maybe 30 pounds overweight.....Yeah photos can be deceiving, I am NOT a knock out or a supermodel and by the way I really don't give a SXXX that I am overweight, I like my fried chicken and mashed potatoes.
I Drink TOO MUCH Coffee

I can't remember the last time I had a haircut, put on makeup, or bothered to color the gray out of my

ZOOM in to see my unbrushed gray hairs!

hair.....I am too busy for those frivolous things, I would rather be fishing, chasing chickens, or working in my garden.

I can never remember anyone's birthday (thank God for Facebook reminders), but by golly YOU HAD BETTER REMEMBER MINE....speaking of which I will be 31 in a few days and I am proudly rocking my 30's.

I am demanding, I expect attention, I talk ALOT, I expect you to talk to me...sometimes about things that are dumb.

I am a busy body....I can't stand to sit still, so I create projects to do and often con other people into helping me with those projects.

I swim in creeks....but I DO NOT go skinny dipping anymore.

I hate to drive, I would prefer to ride in a car so I can take pictures of the things around me.

I have an issue with jealousy.....I am a 1 man woman, and expect all the women to STAY AWAY from the man I am with.

I have flabby arms, seriously I could wave flags under those things. I lift weights regularly NOT....I lift weights when I remember to and feel guilty about the piece or entire box of brownies I ate....so maybe I do excercise alot, because I eat brownies alot! :-)

I get frustrated easily...I don't hold grudges, but I can be mad at you 10 or 15 times a day, but get happy 30 seconds later. I warn you this probably the most annoying thing about me.....I call it moody, hormonal, or just being a spoiled brat.

I play my music too loud and listen to crazy music.

I am stubborn, so stubborn that I refuse to normally admit I am stubborn.

I am a Daddy's girl, incase you hadn't noticed! I think my dad intentionally spoiled me rotten, so no man could tolerate me very long!

I buy most of my clothes at Target, Walmart, the second hand store in my hometown, JCPenney, and occasionally I will go all out and shop at Kohls.

I wear my dresses to short, or so I have been told....I seriously don't even look in the mirror.

I don't wear socks with my shoes, socks make my feet sweat, so I don't typically bother with them.

I forget to call my friends, boyfriends, and family....I hate talking on the phone, so I often forget to return phone calls....speaking of which I need to call my Mom.

I tell people I am very busy, but then I can't ever remember what I am busy doing.

I need to read the Bible more, because when I sit in church I am often wondering why things sounds familiar, but I can't remember why.

I don't like to spend money, infact I clip coupons, budget my grocery list, and refuse to buy things......

I get lonely....even with people in the room with me I am lonely. I have a need for attention, okay there I confessed it...I WANT ALL THE ATTENTION ALL THE TIME!

I worry everything I write will be used against me....I often fear people will judge me for what I say or do.

Oh and I forgot to add I AM POOR....financially POOR and I prefer it that way! Yes it is true, I am not rich and I prefer not to be rich. I have seen how money makes people, how people believe they are better than others because they have money, how people dictate others with money.....I prefer to be poor, free, and happy!

Now for all those people that message me, tweet me, or email please understand that yes I am the same person online as I am in real life, but there is no way possible that you can truly know me just by the things I say. I appreciate that you admire me, I appreciate that you see all my good qualities, but please understand that grass is never greener on the other side, other people are just as cool as me, and there is no need to be in awe of me!

Thanks,

Becky

Learning to Can with Fagor Home Canning Set

2013-07-11T05:47:00.000-07:00

Disclosure: I recieved my Fagor Home Canning Set for free, however, all thoughts, opinions, and experiences are my own...unless you want to come help me can vegetable! Thank you to Fagor America!

Upon moving home I decided that I wanted to garden and learn to preserve my own foods. I am not a health freak, but I think the food I grow taste better and is healthier. I am a complete idiot when it comes to this stuff, seriously, I can cook, but I have no clue how to do much more than freeze my veggies and fruits.

A few months back I received an email from Fagor America advertising their Fagor Home Canning Set, the product seemed too good to be true, but I am a sucker for trying something new. I was first excited for the chance to learn and try out the canner, but as time neared I got nervous....I didn't want to ruin my veggies, or fail in front of everyone.

Well this past week I got brave, or well I had to do something with fruit and veggies that were coming off the trees and vines, so I broke out my canner and got started. Fortunate for me the canner comes with everything I needed, except jars, lids, rings, and the food I want to can. I quickly read through the instruction manual and Grandma H handed me over a Ball Blue Book of Preserving (I highly suggest this book also) and off to work I went.

While I worried myself to death over how to use this product, rather I would fail, if my jars would seal.....I am a complete idiot. The Fagor Home Canning Set really is as simple as it says it is!

Yesterday (my second time using the canner) I made coleslaw in a jar, our neighbor gave me 15 heads of cabbage...yes I have cabbage everywhere, so I had to be creative with what I was going to do with all this cabbage. I found a recipe for coleslaw in a jar and I decided this would be my true test.

I borrowed Grandma H's food processor, chopped up my cabbage, added in some carrots, onions, green peppers, and red peppers and then soaked my mix in salt water for an hour. An hour later I drained the salt water, combined sugar, vinegar, and my vegetable mixture in a large saucepan and let it simmer for 20 minutes. (see below for full recipe) The directions said to hot-pack (hot pack means put it in the jar while it is still hot) the mixture in the jar, tighten the lids and then process in the canner for 20 minutes. Guess

what....I have coleslaw in a jar, no in fact I have coleslaw in 20 jars.

I can say now that I have fallen in love with Fagor Home Canning Set, I know I should lust over things such as this, but I have a list of veggies, fruits, and jellies that I intend to make with the help of my Fagor Home Canning Set and my Ball Blue Book of Preserving. I will also say I had not used a pressure canner since I was probably 15 and living at home with my parents, I always thought they were costly, thought they were too costly, and I hated how you had the jiggler thing on top of the pan that made all that noise...well my Fagor Pressure Canner does not have that. The canner is made in 2 pieces, the lid and the pan, and I like this alot. I am not the most organized person ( I wish I was), so this canner is perfect for me as I do not have to keep up with all my extra pieces....SCORE!

I am going to share with you the recipe in detail for my coleslaw in a jar....I will also be sharing (hopefully weekly) new recipes that I am learning and preparing with the help of my Fagor Home Canning Set.

Happy Adventures,

~Becky

Cole Slaw in a Jar

1 qt of chopped cabbage
2 cups of chopped onions (I used purple)
2 cups of green peppers
2 cups of red peppers
2 cups of carrots
1/2 cup of salt
2 quarts of cold water
3 tablespoons of mustard seed
2 tablespoons of celery seed
1 qt of white vinegar

Combine veggies in large bowl, dissolve salt in water and pour the salt water mix over veggies. Let stand for 1 hour and then drain (some say you can rinse if you desire). Combine veggies, spices, sugar, and vinegar in saucepan and simmer for 20 minutes...bring to a boil. Pack hot relish into hot jars, leaving 1/4 of headspace. Process in canner for 15 minutes.

Happy Independence Day Southeast Missouri

2013-07-03T05:23:00.001-07:00

You asked and I answered again! My inbox has been buzzing wanting to know where all the fireworks shows are…here is a short list of the ones I am aware of!

Cape Girardeau, MO

InsideArena Park Thursday 7/4/2013 at 9 pm, FREE to the public. The City of Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department and the USA Veterans will provide a firework show.

Marble Hill, MO

On July 4, 2013 at sundown or around 9 pm there will be a fireworks display at the Baseball Park in Marble Hill, MO. The event is FREE and all is invited to come out!

Jackson, MO

Fredericktown, MO

Wappapello Lake

I pray everyone has a safe and Happy Independence Day!

~Becky

Fishing at Duck Creek Conservation Area

2013-06-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

They let me in the boat...SERIOUSLY! Saturday afternoon, The Man and The Big Little Man let me gofishing with them at Duck Creek Conservation Area. I am still stunned that I knew this place existed, but had never been fishing there, okay forget fishing, I had never been there to shoot photos.

We arrived at Duck Creek Conservation Area just a few minutes after 4pm, I was a bit relieved we had let the sun settle as I discovered we would be renting a boat and paddling out on the lake to do some fishing. By the way folks you can rent boats and paddles for $5 there from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The minute we hit the lake I was extremely bummed I had packed my book, but left my big camera at home. I don't know how many fish are in the lake, but I can tell you there are tons of lillypad and dollar pads all over this lake.

I was truly in photography paradise and was loving every minute of it....as for the fishing, unfortunately a storm blew up about 2 hours after we arrived there, so there was no fish for us. However, we caught a glimpse of some big turtles, a few beavers, a couple baby raccoons, and a herd of deer!

Duck Creek Conservation Area main entrance is located nine miles north of Puxico on Highway 51. The area contains 6,318-acres with a wide variety of habitat and animals.

Happy Adventures!

~Becky

Elephant Rocks State Park and Johnson Shut-Ins for Summer Fun?

2013-06-27T05:50:00.000-07:00

You ask and I answered! Elephant Rocks State Park and Johnson Shut-ins for Summer Fun? I absolutely LOVE outdoor adventure, but there are times that I have to use logic over adventure!

D-man testing the ground at
Elephant Rocks State Park

Elephant Rocks State Park is awesome, great for burning off extra energy, climbing, and a very clean state park. However, rocks hold heat….SERIOUSLY! Therefore, when my gal pal, mother of a preschooler asked me what my thoughts were on taking her little princess to Elephant Rocks State Park this weekend I threw on the brakes! I warned her that the rocks at the park tend to get hot, there is very little shade, and it has been extremely hot outside this past week. While I didn’t tell her not to go, I did tell her if you are planning a trip there, I would plan it early in the morning, late in the evening, or just wait until it was cooler outside.

Her next question was what my thoughts on Johnson Shut-Ins are for the weekend! Well I made this mistake when Lesse was a baby, and I have not returned there for a swim with my children. Johnson Shut-ins is a GREAT place to hike, it is beautiful, and however in my

Lesse sitting in front of the Shut-Ins at Johnson Shut-Ins

opinion it stinks for swimming with little kids. Bigger kids (middle school age, pre-teens, teens, college kids) this place rocks, but for little ones it made me a NERVOUS WRECK! The rocks are slick, the shut-ins have hidden holes that can be deep, and it is hard to get to the good swimming holes without crossing the shut-ins.

I shot my Gal Pal back a few links of some places in that area that might interest her, I felt bad for deflating her hopes of a perfect weekend, but I would feel even worse if her little princess got injured or too hot.

Summer is great for fun, but precautions must happen! If you are planning an outdoor adventure, plan for early in the day or late in the evening, pack lots of water, sunscreen, take lots of breaks, and don’t forget to EAT…that seems to be my biggest fail!

Have an Adventurous Day!

~Becky

Waterparks in Southeast Missouri

2013-06-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

D-man at Cape Splash in Cape Girardeau, MO

A few days after I posted this article on TravelingMom.com about waterpark safety I received an email from a follower asking about waterparks in southeast Missouri and toddlers.

I am familiar with two waterparks in southeast Missouri; The Farmington Waterpark in Farmington, MO and Cape Splash in Cape Girardeau, MO. The reader was more looking for a “splash park” for toddlers; unfortunately, I am not familiar with any splash parks in the area. However, both Farmington Waterpark and Cape Splash offer areas for those little swimmers.

Cape Splash has a nice splash area for the little ones, the area is separated from the rest of the pool area, and there are lawn chairs surrounding it. The down side is this area is open to all ages and can get crowded if a group of bigger kids decides it is their turn to use the splash area. They also have a small wading pool are that is open for smaller children that is divided from the deeper area, however, they have the bucket that spills out and little ones can get knocked over by big kids.

Farmington Waterpark has a smaller area for little swimmers a few squirt toys, a small baby pool, and the wave pool that starts out shallow and gets deeper. The Farmington Waterpark also has the bucket that drops and it is in the wave pool so you have to keep your eyes open for little ones.

While neither park sound picture perfect for the little swimmers, do not hesitate to take them out for a day in the water. Waterparks are not kid perfect, but they are fun-perfect. My suggestion is go early in the day or late in the evening when there is fewer visitors. Keep your eyes on your little swimmer at all times and follow all safety rules. I often go with a gang of friends to have extra eyes and extra hands!

There was a day in time that I was that paranoid momma that feared taking my toddler to something they may get hurt doing. While I would never want my children to get hurt, I have realized that sometimes I have to let go of my fear to let my kiddos have fun!

Have an Adventurous Day!

~Becky

The Mustard Seed Boutique in Marble Hill, Mo

2013-06-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love it when I get to talk about some place in my hometown; today I am overjoyed to tell you about my experience at The Mustard Seed Boutique in Uptown Marble Hill, MO (yes that is my hometown).

I would like to call The Mustard Seed Boutique a Mom & Pop diner, because really that is what it is, however, it don’t fit the description of a greasy hamburger joint. The Mom & Pop comes in because it is completely family (or close friend) owned and operated which gives this place the total small town atmosphere. With that said I must go back and bite my tongue, The Mustard Seed Boutique may have the small town atmosphere, but has the big city flare. While dining out on their front porch I felt as if I was sitting somewhere much different, you could literally pick this place up and drop it in Chicago and it would fit right in. To sum up what I am saying this place is a big city kind of joint with a small town atmosphere…..Seriously!

The Mustard Seed Boutique is a diner, gift shop, a venue, and cool place to hang your hat. I would not hesitate to bring my city friends in and catch a lunch with them, host my daughter’s birthday party there, or even take my Mom and Dad out for Saturday afternoon ice cream there. This place is perfect for no matter what you are planning….call that the small town diversity!

I had the pleasure of having lunch with the owner Cindi Morris and I asked her what her motivation behind opening this little place was. Cindi says, “It was always her dream to have something like this in Marble Hill and she wanted someplace nice for the locals and visitors to come.” Now I am a little bias, not because I know Cindi, but because she mentioned “locals and visitors”, anyone who looks out for others gets two-thumbs up from me. Marble Hill is a rural and small town and we need all the help and looking out for we can get!

The Mustard Seed Boutique has a small kitchen, by small I mean they have a short menu, now do not let that

my lunch

keep you from coming by. I found this just means they are experts at what they are cooking for the day…okay I polished off my BBQ sandwich, my chips and salsa, and the Strawberry Pie in a Cup with no problem. If you just want to go to try the place out, TRY the Strawberry Pie in a Cup…I have yet to tell Lesse about the Pie in a Cup or we might become daily visitors to The Mustard Seed Boutique!

Inside you will also find an adorable gift shop; I would like to compare it to the gift shops I recently visited in Downtown Jefferson City, Missouri. The shop has everything from upscale clothing (at an affordable price), children’s books, jewelry, and several things made or produced by a few of the locals.

The Mustard Seed Boutique also host classes, book clubs, and special events…follow them on Facebook to keep up with all their events, changes in their merchandise, and their daily specials.

Have an Adventurous Day!

~Becky

Part of The Mustard Seed Boutique Staff - Haley, Cindi, Chelsea, and Beverly.

The gift shop

more gift shop

gift shop

their inviting front porch...LOVE THIS

Strawberry Pie in a Cup.....Heaven in a Cup :-)

Where they prepare your lunch...I LOVE the open kitchen!

Disclosure: The Mustard Seed Boutique sponsored my visit; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Becky Cooks: Apple Sauce Pie

2013-06-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

I would like to give some long flowery story as to why I chose to bake Apple Sauce Pie today, truth is the pantry is low and I had a craving for something sweet.....and of course I wanted surprise the "boys" with something for dinner tonight!

Apple Sauce Pie is so easy and so simple...which means it is my kind of cooking!

1 prepared pie crust (look here for pie crust recipe that I used)
1 cup of sweetened condensed milk (look here for a substitute recipe for sweetened condensed milk)
2 cups of Unsweetened Apple Sauce ( I used canned since that is what Grandma H had in her cabinet)
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
2 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix sweetened condensed milk, apple sauce, and cinnamon in a medium size sauce pan, bring mixture to a boil.

In a seperate bowl whisk eggs together.

Once apple sauce, sweetened milk, and cinnamon have begin to boil, slowly pour the mixture in with the eggs until all the mixture is mixed.

Pour mixture into pie crust and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

~Becky

Gal Pal Road Trip Summer 2013: Riversong Spa in Jefferson City, MO

2013-06-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

Jessie & I at the Missouri Capitol Building

What is a gal pal road trip without a trip to the spa? In my book that is nearly impossible! My gal pal Jessie and I have made it an annual tradition to go have a gal pal road trip each summer! This year we road tripped to Jefferson City, Missouri. I have so much to share, but today as I glanced down at my still perfectly manicured feet I had to share my experience at Riversong Spa….

I am probably the world worst person about taking care of my feet; I am constantly wearing flip flops, mud boots, and messing around in my garden in sandals….needless to say my feet are GROSS. Not to mention I was traveling and walking the streets of Jefferson City, to be frank about it I felt bad for the girl giving me a pedicure!

Being that I am not “good” on my feet they folks at Riversong Spa had decided to give me what they call an Aloe Herbal Treatment Pedicure. Now I have had plenty of pedicures, mostly because Jessie gets annoyed at me and decides it’s time for me to have some girly treatment on my feet, but I have never had a pedicure like an Aloe Herbal Treatment Pedicure.

Foot Wrap at Riversong Spa

The manicurist explained to me that this pedicure sucks the toxins, illnesses, and junk right out of your feet. She also explained the herbs in the mixture is healing…..after sitting in the chair having my feet cleaned, groomed, and wrapped in plastic and warm towels I am not sure what toxins they pulled out of my feet. The mixture smelled similar to Bath and Body’s Menthol wash, but had a more feminine feeling to it. To be completely honest (and I am not exaggerating one bit) I could have sat in their chair all day with that stuff covering my feet…I seriously thought (or my feet did) that I was in HEAVEN.

While my pedicure was a little piece of heaven here on earth, I have to say the staff of Riversong Spa was truly angels here on earth. Not only because of their excellent pedicure, but for their customer service, as someone who travels a lot, it is hard sometimes to find great customer service, especially when you have nasty old feet like mine. The spa was clean, friendly, relaxing, and yet still fun….I always fear I will walk into a place that will be to “upscale” for me, but Riversong Spa was perfect and a place I would visit with my gal pal, my mom, and would even feel comfortable enough to drag my 9 year old Lesse in there!

Happy Adventures,

~Becky

Becky is the Missouri Traveling Mom, her blog site is Adventures Among Us. She not only shares a unique passion for traveling with her family, but traveling in Missouri. For more of Becky’s adventures find her on facebook Adventures Among Us, or follow her on Twitter @BeckyAdventure.

Disclosure: My visit to Riversong Spa was sponsored by TBG, but all thoughts and opinions are my own!

Blackwater Band at the Canterbury Hill Winery

2013-06-08T05:18:00.003-07:00

Do you ever just fall in love with a boy band? Last night I rocked out at Canterbury Hill Winery and Restaurant to this adorable band of teenage boys,…the lead singer was at least half my age! These guys made me feel like I was 15 again an singing along to Hanson’s MmmBop, What a great way to feel when you are out for the night with your oldest gal pal friend.

While I have much more to say about Centerbury Hill Winery, but I just had to share this video of the band.

Blackwater Band in Jefferson City, Missouri

Happy Adventures,

Becky

Disclosure: My trip to Canterbury Hill Winery was sponsored by TBWG, however, all thoughts, opinions, and photos are my own.

Are You Spreading Your Social Networking Too Thin?

2013-06-04T08:26:00.001-07:00

Image via CrunchBase

Experts say be on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Linkedn, Instagram, Klout, Google+, Foursquare…..okay you get my point, the experts say you need to be everywhere! However, WHERE are your followers? Are the experts your followers? LOL…I doubt that! I would pay damn pretty penny to get one of the experts to follow me! Hell, I got excited and did the happy dance when the Lieutenant Governor re-tweeted my non-sense! However, being on all those social networks takes time, effort, and brain power…most days I just have brain farts!

Where are your followers? Chances are if you are living in the same region as me, your followers are on Facebook…yes the blue social network that everyone gabs about! I will never tell anyone to put all their eggs in one basket, as I have done that way too many times and totally #failed. However, I do suggest focusing on one maybe 2 social networks, and let the big wigs chatter about the others...after all most of the time all they are really doing is chattering!

In rural Missouri (where I live in the sticks) most people are on Facebook, in fact that is probably true anywhere, a few are on Twitter ( I think 30 in my hometown of 1400), and many are on Instagram. If I was a local business working to Social Media Market my business, product, or brand in this rural Missouri area, here is where my target would be:

Facebook – this would be my focus, I would post daily, maybe 3 times a day depending on what I am marketing. I would refrain from only posting about what I do, what is on sale, and I would post also about community events, inspiring quotes, and something funny…everyone loves to laugh.

Twitter – I would set up a Twitter account to follow other local businesses, even businesses that are far away, but similar and just to have staked my claim on my Twitter handle. I would develop my own #hashtag that may someday help with my branding.

Instagram – okay I would have Instagram…I think I have preached a thousand times over why local businesses should be on Instagram! Share your life, your story, and what you have in the most visual way you can…PHOTOS. Instagram easily links to your Facebook and Twitter, #hashtags work, and you can follow local folks and start up some local gab!

Social networking can and should be fun, it should never be let go to the side, as it has potential to bring in new customers and remind your old customers how super duper cool you really are!

~Becky

16 things to do this summer in Southeast Missouri

2013-06-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

D-man Bird Watching at the
Cape Girardeau Nature Center

Welcome to Summer Friends, I know our summer is fully running with softball games, fishing, and summer school. Yes, I am one of those mean moms that make my kids go to summer school, with good reason of course!

If you are like me summer means you are trying to entertain a gang on a budget, so I have created a list of a few great places that will keep you and your kiddos intrigued and busy!

Cape Girardeau Nature Center- Rather it is a quick break for the afternoon or check out all the awesome programs they are having the Cape Girardeau Nature Center is often our sanctuary from the heat. We can stop in and check out the animals, entertain ourselves with interactive exhibits, and if I am lucky, my wild ones might actually learn something. The nature center is good for all ages REALLY, even I find myself gazing at the latest artwork displayed.

Cape River Heritage Museum -- Learn the Cape Girardeau River Heritage, the history of what Cape Girardeau use to be, and just check out some awesome artifacts from the Cape Girardeau's past. This museum is good for all curious ages, but it is a museum of history, so your visit is what you make it. My kids loved the Pilot House and Fire Truck, of course who wouldn't be.

Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum -- Discovery stories of the Native Americans, the Mississippi River, the boats, the railroad, and much more. Crisp museum is a great for a short afternoon outing kids are always intrigued by the talking exhibits and you never know they may learn a bit of history.

Discovery Playhouse -- Need I say more than Discovery Playhouse, well of course I do! Discovery Playhouse is full of interactive displays, bright colors, and ways to keep those little imaginations turning. Discovery Playhouse also host weekly programs like music morning, check their website for more information. I am going to throw my Momma opinion here, Discovery Playhouse is PERFECT for my little man that is four, but my little woman who is almost 9 does tend to get bored about thirty minutes after we get there. Now do not get discouraged by that keep in mind that every child is different and if you have never visited your older kids may love it.

LeBounce -- The giant indoor bounce house also now offers Bazooka Ball. Hours of fun, leads to hours of peace and quiet....I speak from experience! Follow their facebook page as they often offer special prices and daily deals!

Southeast Missouri State Aquatics Center -- I know it is summer and we are suppose to be laying beside the pool working on our tan, well let's just face it when it is 106 outside the last thing I want to do is lay on a hot pool deck. Catch your waves inside; they even have an indoor zip line!

Creative Ewe Pottery- Express your artistic side and beat the heat. You set your price and design your own keepsake...this is perfect time to stock up on hand painted Christmas gifts for them special folks in your life.

Bollinger County Museum of Natural History -- This museum is the "little" museum that could, or at least that is what I am going to call it. BoCo Museum of Natural History also known as the Home of the Missouri Dinosaur is more than just a museum this summer, have tons of special programs happening to help you beat the heat. Check their website or facebook page for all the latest information.

Bootheel Youth Museum- This museum is a little bit bigger than Discovery Playhouse in Cape Girardeau and from a Momma's point of view a little more age diverse. Exhibits here are interactive for all ages, but seem to intrigue the older ones just as much as the little ones.

Sikeston Depot Museum and Art Gallery -- located in downtown Sikeston this 1916 depot doubles as the keeper of the area's history and culture. Did you know that Sikeston is the farthest north cotton is grown, or that the mechanical horse was invented in Sikeston? Well you can discover facts like this at the Sikeston Depot Museum.

A few New Places that I have not "adventured" at, but caught my eye in the latest Missouri Tourism Guide.

The Space Museum in Bonne Terre, MO -- Open Friday & Saturday 9 am -- 5 pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Admission is FREE (donations accepted) and features interactive displays on space exploration.

Stars and Stripes Museum in Bloomfield, MO -- Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday 10 am to 2 pm, Sunday 1 pm to 4 pm. In 1861 Stars and Stripes newspaper started here, the museum focuses on the people who produced this legendary publication over the years.

Lutheran Heritage Center and Museum in Altenburg, MO -- Open daily 10 am to 4 pm Admission is FREE (donations accepted). This museum interprets the 1838-1839 Saxon Lutheran immigration.

MO-Ark Regional Railroad Museum in Poplar Bluff, MO - Open weekends only 1 pm -- 4pm, not sure on admission call ahead at 573-785-4539. This museum preserves and displays the history of the railroad in Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas. Housed in the historic 1928 Frisco Depot has a 30-foot model train layout, train shop, two cabooses, and a baggage car.

Of course, there are the everyday places that we all often forget it about, or pass by and don't realize that we could hide out stealing their air conditioning and wasting our kid's precious time.

The Library- you would think I am a schoolteacher (I am not) as many times as I hound people to take their kids to library. Well my reason is it is pretty much free plus you get the rewards of educating your kids without them know it....shhhh don't tell them. All surrounding counties have a local library and most of the libraries have some awesome summer reading programs.

The Art Gallery- Depending on where you live and the age of your kiddos, but the Art Gallery can be a great stop in to enlighten those little brains. I have happily taken my kids to many of the local galleries especially ones that offer programs for youth, your best way to discover if your area has, an art gallery is check with the visitor's center or local chamber of commerce.

Happy Adventures,

Becky

I am Gardening and Learning to Can with Fagor Home Canning Set

2013-05-30T10:49:00.003-07:00

My Garden Help...no this not Grandpa H.

While moving home I swore to myself that life was going to be different and I true to my word life is much different. My newest hobby is gardening, yes, I have always grown a small garden with some tomatoes, lettuce, and easy stuff, but this year it is much bigger.

I currently have about 30 tomatoes set out, 7 hills of cucumbers, 7 hills of squash, 2 huge rows of beans, about 20 cabbage plants, and several fruit trees that are loaded with fruit. I must confess I am no expert at gardening, so I have lots of help…which is greatly appreciated.

My Fagor Home Canning Set

With all this gardening, fresh fruit growing, and even some wild fruits (blackberries) I got the crazy idea that it is time for me to learn to preserve my fresh produce. Being that I am a newbie at this preserving my fresh foods and let’s face it I am not the sharpest tack in the box I have decided to try out this Fagor p piece home canning set…..they promise to make canning effortless!

I received my canning set last weekend and I am not sure who was more excited me or Grandpa H (an old family friend who is helping me learn to can) he has already started his list of all the things we will make. I think he even told me we are going to make pickled tomatoes…..hmmmmm I will let you know how that goes!

The Fagor Pressure Cooker Home Canning Kit (9 piece set) retails for around $129.95 at various stores. The set came with everything but the jars and the food and I can gurantee you I am going to put this to the test!

Stay Tuned……………

~Becky

Disclosure: I was gifted the Fagor Home Canning Set, however, all thoughts, opinions, and experiences are mine or my family’s.

This is BoCo in the Spring

2013-05-19T21:00:00.001-07:00

Yes this is home, these are the views that I see every day! Amazing that I am blessed this much in Rural Missouri!

13th Annual Old Tyme Country Festival in Williamsville, MO

2013-05-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

Bluff Dwellers' Cave in Noel, MO

2013-05-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

One of Missouri’s “cool” places (literally) is ready to welcome guest for the summer! Bluff Dwellers' Cavern in Noel, Missouri is not only ready for summer, but they are excited for summer.

The Bluff Dwellers' Cave dates back to 12,000 BC the time of the Paleo-Indians, in 1925 the cave was rediscovered by Arthur Browning. The Bluff-Dwellers Cavern has been open for tours since 1927, which is like 86 years…to me that is a big enough historical fact to make me want to go visit the cave!

Bluff Dwellers' Cavern is fun for all ages, and they claim it is perfect for ages 2-102! Okay, that is a score considering you can take the toddlers and grandpa! The cave has knowledgeable staff (obviously bigger history experts than me), interactive tours, a museum with 700 locally found arrowheads and a Mineral and Fossil collection, and a play area for children.

To fully enjoy the cave, museum, and the day allow around an hour and half for your visit. However, to make your visit better compliment of Bluff Dwellers Cavern I have two FREE Passes for one of my lucky readers! Follow instructions below, share with your friends, and take a trip to Noel, Missouri to visit beautiful Bluff Dwellers' Cavern!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other area attractions include:

Floating on the Elk River – enjoy the beautiful bluffs by raft, kayaks, or canoe!

Shadow Lake - a great place to enjoy the river and have some refreshments, but is also quickly becoming a destination of its own for its unique club atmosphere on the weekends.

Noel, MO - Also known as Christmas City U.S.A since 1932. Every year the Noel post office receives tens of thousands Christmas cards, so that folks may receive their Christmas Greeting from “The Christmas City” Read more about the Christmas Postmark here.

Have an Adventurous Day!

~Becky

More Photos:

Disclosure: Photos have been provided by Bluff Dwellers' Cavern. The giveaway is sponsored by Bluff Dwellers' Cavern, a huge thank you to them.

Best Buy helps you capture those special memories with HUGE discounts!

2013-05-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Spring has sprung and if your family is like mine we are full of memory-making event. While my smartphone comes in handy, it is just not enough to capture all those special moments.

Several years back I myself invested in a Canon EOS Rebel T3 and I have never regretted it. With my camera, I have the resources needed to capture all those frame-worthy photo opportunities like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations, softball season, and vacation.

This season Best Buycan help you never miss the important moments, because they have a wide assortment of the latest camera, including DSLR cameras, action camcorders, and compact cameras with long zoom, low light and Wi-Fi. Best Buy has a low price guarantee you’;; get the latest technology at the best price…and even better bestbuy.com is offering FREE shipping on all cameras! Score if you ask me!!

So if you are looking for a new camera head to Best Buy to find the perfect one to capture your memories. Already own a camera and want to upgrade? Grab that old camera and head to Best Buy to trade it in for a Best Buy gift card! Check out Best Buy’s special offers on cameras, digital photo frames, and much more

Happy Memory Making,

~Becky

Disclaimer: I have been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Laundry Day reminds me of how much I love my kids.

2013-04-25T09:49:00.001-07:00

Today as I strung our laundry my clothesline, I remembered how many times I have washed, dried, and smelled my children’s clothes….there is nothing lovelier than the sweetness of your own children. I have been criticized before for saying that it was not my intention to ever have children, this statement is true. As a teenager and young adult I did not want to have children…I had other plans, but for some reason today, I cannot remember what those plans were.

Motherhood has changed me greatly; yesterday I stood in my old high school gym and watched Lesse dribble the basketball down the same court that I played on as a child. I could not help, but wipe the tear from my eye, I love being a MOM. I love every minute of watching my children succeed, watching them learn, watching them love, and crazy as it sounds watching them fight.

I may say that I never intended to be a mom, because that is true, but God had other plans and when my name was drawn for motherhood, I stepped up and took the challenge.

Dear Lesse & D-man,
Day after day we do not see eye to eye, you are both currently grounded from you IPods, frustrated that I won’t let you have that last soda in the fridge, and attempting convince PaPa that mommy is mean. I smile smartly at you, as I know that you are just being my children and acting exactly how I expect you to act.
I know in the near future we are going to have many disagreements and there may be a day that you question how much your momma loves you. Today I am going to tell you how much I love you!
I love you so much that I climb your bunk beds to feed your fish that I despise.
I love you so much that I often roll over in my bed and find racecars, Tonka trucks, and tractors lined up next to me and just smile.
I love you so much that I have not wore a normal color of nail polish in good while…neon pink seems to be my new style.
I love you so much that when I hear you giggle at 11 pm I may sigh aloud, but I secretly giggle inside.
I love you so much that I mop the bathroom twice a night every night….with bubble bath water.
I love you so much that I often smell like sweaty little boy and mangos (mango is Lesse’s current perfume choice).I love you so much that I often wear mud prints from your dog all over me.
I love you so much that instead of driving our truck up the road I often drive the tractor so that I can see you smile.
I love you so much that while you sleep I work, so while you play I can watch.
I love you so much that I secretly hate pop tarts, zebra cakes, nutty butter bars, but I eat them anyways.
I love you so much that I cannot remember to text my own friends, but I have text your friends every night this week to tell them you are grounded and will have to text them next week, but I will give you their message.I love you so much that I cannot remember the last time I read a book that had more than 10 pages and less than 10 pictures.
I love you so much that I know what is burdening your heart, I am praying for the same answer, and I cry because of your heartache. Kiddos, life is not fair, being a parent is hard….I wish that I could make things be easy for you. I am doing the best I can at being a mommy, I am so proud of how strong, honest, and loving you two have become. One day we will together look back on all the chaos that surrounds us, wipe our brow, and say we conquered this and we did it with dignity! Love you bunches,
Mommy