My Really, Real Reality

Road Trip: Pink Beds (Part3)

2013-06-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

This week's day trip took the entire family hiking at the Pink Beds in Pisgah National Forest.

The day started seeming like a straight forward little hike along the Pink Beds Loop Trail. Before it was over, we would learn two lessons:

not all who wander are lost - but sometimes they are
always always always bring the map with you

You see... the Pink Beds Loop trail is simple enough. You can walk the entire loop or you can cut across the middle on Barnett Branch Trail to make it a bit shorter. That was our plan. And with the trails marked and knowing our plan we didn't think we needed to bring the book of maps with us.

However... when you somehow start the trail where you thought you would be finishing the trail - this can cause you to turn onto Barnett Branch where it actually splits away from Pink Beds Loop. Which in turn leads you up tothe Black Mountain Trail. NOT where we expected to go. And a more difficult hike.

Fortunately the Black Mountain trail brings you to the Club Gap trail down to the Cradle of Forestry which is adjacent to the Pink Beds. So it all turned out good.

And we got to see some sights we would have otherwise never have come across.

A sea of ferns

Lots of little creatures. Like frogs...

and snails!

Pausing for lunch

More cool, twisty trees

Beautiful views of the moutains

Road Trip: Pink Beds (Part 2)

2013-06-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

This week's day trip took the entire family hiking at the Pink Beds in Pisgah National Forest.

We had a perfect day for hiking: sunny and warm. And the journey started out with a nice, simple hike along the Pink Beds Loop trail.

Shady and cool along the forest trail

Born to hike!

A right angle bridge which incorporates a fallen log

There are lots of cool, twisty trees like this!

Huge ferns! These almost came up to my shoulders!

Road Trip: Pink Beds (Part 1)

2013-06-17T16:20:00.000-04:00

This week's day trip took the entire family hiking at the Pink Beds in Pisgah National Forest.

The Pink Beds area is beautiful! (But, really... what isn't in the mountains of western North Carolina?) If you enjoy hiking - or just sight seeing/ picnicking - and find yourself in this part of the country - I highly recommend a visit!

Female off spring and grand baby - ready to start hiking!

crossing the creek

Mountain laurel blooms helped to give the "pink beds" their name

Man of the House and Male Offspring walking through a mountain laurel grove

Grand baby thought something smelled funny and wanted everyone to pinch noses and join him in saying "ewwwww"

Much of the area is a mountain bog

There are plenty of foot bridges and walkways to keep your feet dry

Seeing prints like these in the mud remind you this is a wilderness area! That thing was as big or bigger than my hand!

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A Spirit of Gratitude: Father's Day Edition

2013-06-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

The Man of the House:

being a strong male role-model for our son
watching him play with out grand baby
the way he supports and encourages the female off-spring
being a calming and reassuring presence when I feel stressed and frustrated
providing for and leading his family

A Spirit of Gratitude: June 15

2013-06-15T00:00:00.001-04:00

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

The morning breeze

The soft jingle of the bell on cat's collar

Afternoon showers

Window fans

Breakfast for dinner

Fresh pineapple

This post at Upward Not Inward: Please Know...

Lemonade

Hiking trips with the family (stay tuned for more on that soon!)

Wisdom from Oma

2013-06-14T23:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it's just best not to comment. At all. Seriously.

Friday Pinterest Wannabe Fashionista: Week 4 (Lighten Up!)

2013-06-14T11:04:00.000-04:00

This was the week I challenged myself to lighten up and not wear black for a week. Surprisingly, it was not as difficult as I thought! I will admit there were a couple of days it would have been very simple just to toss on a a black t-shirt or capris and not have to think so much about what to wear. But in the end - I made it!

How did you do? Be sure to share in the comments!

Here's my week:

Sunday: Striped top, beige tank, cropped jeans

Monday: Red patterned top, navy cami, denim shorts

Tuesday: Multi-color striped tank, green cardigan, white shorts

Wednesday: Purple maxi dress, green tank

Thursday: White top, white tank, khaki shorts

Friday: Striped drape-neck top, cropped jeans

A Spirit of Gratitude: June 13

2013-06-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

Road trips with the Man of the House

Nature's beauty taking me by surprise

Online church service for when I oversleep on a Sunday morning

Ripe watermelon

Quiet rainy afternoons

The Man of the House changing the oil in my car

The Male Offspring doing all of his chores

Sunlight breaking through dark clouds

Waking up early to exercise

Little hand prints on the mirror

Be Still!

2013-06-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

Most of us give our children certain tasks or chores that we expect them to do. But our most cherished moments with them aren't when they are doing chores. The best times are the quiet times spent together. Talking about what is going on in their lives. When they come to us for advice. When we share stories. Or when we are simply together in the quiet, enjoying each other's presence. This is when we get to know each other and truly cherish each other.

God feels the same way about His children.

God doesn't want us simply scurrying around like ants doing things for Him. He doesn't want us always doing more and more things in an attempt to please Him. He wants to know us. He wants the quiet times with us. He wants us to talk to Him about what is going on in our life. He wants us to go to Him for advice and help. He cherishes the moments when we are simply spending time in His presence.

It is possible to be very very busy serving the Lord; and yet be no closer to Him than we were when we were still lost. Don't be so eager to serve Jesus that you miss out on really knowing him!

Road Trip: Paint Creek

2013-06-11T09:51:00.002-04:00

Saturday the Man of the House and I took a road trip up to Greeneville, TN.

The main purpose of the trip was to meet up with his second cousin once removed (??) at the T. Elmer Cox Historical and Genealogical library to share family information and for him to scan some photos and documents she had. It was a nice meeting and a few hours just seemed to fly while they chatted. Much to his surprise she ended up sending him home with some family treasures - including a large portrait of his great-great grandparents and a family Bible!

We took the "long way" home through Paint Creek, past Paint Rock, and down the French Broad River through Hot Springs. We've traveled this way many times through various seasons and it is always beautiful!

This time we found the creek and river were high thanks to all the rain from tropical storm Andrea on Friday.

As I was busy snapping pictures of Paint Creek, I noticed the Man of the House wandering across the road and up a little trail hidden across the street. I followed him and as I came to the top of the embankment, I was met with this:

The beauty of this little spot just took my breath away! A tiny stream which feeds into Paint Creek. Flowing in a small waterfall over moss covered rocks. A small pool at the bottom. Everything dim, and quiet and green. It was simply stunning!

We continued down Paint Creek to where it meets up with the French Broad River at Paint Rock

French Broad River @ Paint Rock

Paint Rock


This little cross with the spray painted arrow caught my eye and reminded me of Isaiah 30:21: " Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

In the shadow of Paint Rock

Washed Away!

2013-06-10T10:46:00.000-04:00

No. I wasn't really washed away. But as the outer bands of Tropical storm Andrea swept through late Friday afternoon and into the evening, we had some heavy rainfall. One torrential downpour late in the afternoon had me quite nervous for a while.


That's not a creek or river - that's the road behind our house!

You might be able to make out the mailbox through all the pouring rain.

A slightly clearer picture of flooded street

You can also see the flooding in the field across street below our house

Water pouring down driveway and into grass and landscaping mulch

The positive side is that everything is nice and green from all the rain. And the pollen got washed out of the air (for a little while at least)

The Song In My Heart

2013-06-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

A Spirit of Gratitude: June 8

2013-06-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

Celebrating the Male Offspring's birthday

Pizza Night

Great coupon deals

New songs on my iPod

Personal challenges

Seeing The Man of the House and the Female Offspring complete their first 5K

http://reallyreallyrealhousewives.blogspot.com/2013/06/mud-run.html

Snuggles with the Grand Baby

Friday Pinterest Wannabe Fashionista: Week 3

2013-06-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

Once again, I try to copy an outfit I have pinned using items from my own closet. In the spirit of full disclosure - the jacket is actually from the female offspring's closet, as all my blazers are black, beige, or denim.

THE ORIGINAL:


white cropped pants with colorful blazer

MY VERSION:

And now for something completely different...

I'm trying something a little different for Friday Wannabe Fashionista next week, and I hope you'll join me! I

Your mission, should you chose to accept it, is:

Lighten up - and go an entire week without wearing black.

Yes... I know what you're thinking! IMPOSSIBLE! I thought it too. When I first glanced in my closet I thought there was absolutely no way it could happen. But after looking a little more closely, I believe it can happen.

So... in honor of summer - pull out some colorful clothing. Wear it proudly. Take some photos. Blog about it. And be ready to share next Friday!

Mud Run!

2013-06-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

This past weekend The Man of the House and the female offspring took part in the Mad Mountain Mud Run. They made up a four person team with The Man's best friend and his daughter. It was a muddy good time!

Ready to run

Team "Mud Rangers" pre race. Nice and clean.

Over and under the logs

Under the barbed wire - through the mud

Grand baby and Male Offspring watch all the action

Over the hay stacks

Team work!

Across the ropes

Man of the House's turn

Crossing the finish line

Post run. Nice and muddy.

Muddy recovery

Just... eeeewww!!!

Pretty muddy

Past The Doubt

2013-06-05T08:12:00.003-04:00

There is faith which is inherited. Knowing what you know and believing it because it is what you have always been told and shown examples of in life. When you just believe what you know to be true without question.

Then there is faith born from doubt. When you have asked the questions. You have done the searching in the dark and have found the light.

I believe it's not unusual to have questions or to doubt. We wonder if God cares about us. We question if we have strayed to far to find our way back to Him. We doubt His love. We doubt His grace. We may even doubt His very existence.

The Man of the House and I both grew up Catholic. As a young couple identifying ourselves as Catholic, we did all the things we were supposed to do. We got married in the church. We attended Mass almost every week and on holy days. We took communion. We baptized our children. Sure, there were a few things in the church's teaching which we didn't 100% agree with, but nothing we couldn't live with.

But over time the doubts began to grow. I found myself wondering what (if anything) I did believe.

We stopped going to Mass and attended different churches here and there. Over time, we became complacent about finding a church and grew fond of our lazy Sundays filled with sleeping in and spending all morning on the couch. I stopped searching for God's will and began following my own path.

But at some point you look around and realize that what you are doing just isn't working. You see exactly how far away that path has led you from God and exactly how lost you really are. You come to the end of yourself and cry out for help.

The good news is that God is always there - loving you and patiently waiting for you to return to Him. Not to condemn you, but to forgive. To comfort you. To give you strength. To light the path and show you the way.

It's not about the church you attend. It's not about doing certain things or following some set of man-made rules. It's not about you at all. It's about His mercy and grace. It's about what Christ did up on the cross for each of us. It's about God's love and greatness.

When you realize that He has the answers you have been looking for; that is the moment you see the light and find your way out of the darkness. That is where you move past the doubt and find your faith.

Good Week!

2013-06-03T00:00:00.000-04:00

This was a very good week. I did well with all my goals and feel good about that! Gives me good motivation and keep working toward the final goal of being fit and getting back to a healthy weight.

Drink the recommended amount of water each day: Every day except Thursday. Thursday was a lot of running around grocery shopping, going to orchestra concerts, etc so I came up short on the water goal.
Exercise at least 3 days this week: Made it to the gym 4 times! Go me!
NO soft drinks: Check!
Prepare to start juice fast next week: Getting there and should be starting 3 day juice b the end of this week.

And my pushy sister will be happy to know that I have an eye appointment this morning. So there!

Now on to a new week (and a new month!) I am SO ready for it!

This Goals For This Week:

Exercise at least 3 days
NO soft drinks
Drink recommended amount of water each day
Have a healthy breakfast each morning
Complete 3 Day Juice Fast

The Song In My Heart

2013-06-02T07:29:00.000-04:00

Here's my heart Lord,
Here's my heart Lord
Here's my heart Lord,
Speak what is true

‘Cause I am found, I am Yours
I am loved, I'm made pure
I have life, I can breathe
I am healed, I am free

‘Cause You are strong, You are sure
You are life, You endure
You are good, always true
You are light breaking through

Wisdom From Oma

2013-06-01T23:30:00.000-04:00

You know you're in real trouble when you use the allergy eye drops - and absolutely nothing happens!

A Spirit of Gratitude: June 1

2013-06-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

My family

The last week of school

Watching the Grand baby eat ice cream in a cone

Being overwhelmed by the love of Jesus Christ!

Completed To-Do lists

Friday Pinterest Wannabe Fashionista: Week 2

2013-05-31T00:00:00.000-04:00

This weeks attempt at copying an outfit I have pinned using items from my own closet.

The Original:

Striped top, colorful cardigan, jeans

My version:

Striped top, colorful cardigan, jeans

Do you try to recreate looks you see on Pinterest or elsewhere? Share your link down in the comments!!

15 Years Ago Today...

2013-05-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

15 years ago today I gave birth to a beautiful little baby boy. Today that boy is taller than I am; but in my heart he is still my "little boy". I wrote this post last year for his birthday, but it's still as relevant today as it was a year ago. Happy Birthday to my Little Man!!

Back When You Were Little

Back when you were little - I used to take afternoon naps with you; your soft head under my chin.

Now - You don't take naps, and you stay up later than I can keep my eyes open.

Back when you were little - You had the cutest chubby little legs, complete with little Michelin man rolls on the thighs.

Now- You are taller than I am.

Back when you were little - People used to comment on your adorable little cheeks

Now - Those cheeks are showing the first fuzz of facial hair.

Back when you were little - You used to come running to show me every little treasure you found and share every part of your adventures.

Now - You are the king of one syllable answers and grunts.

Back when you were little - You used to like my singing and would sing along with me.

Now - You roll your eyes when I sing in the car and beg me to "Please stop"

Back when you were little - You used to plead with me to rub your back while we watched TV or read a book

Now - Ok, maybe some things still haven't changed.

Back when you were little - You were my sweet little boy. The cause of my first gray hairs. The tiny little male child I loved with all my heart.

Now - You're not so little anymore. You're growing more and more independent. But you still cause me new gray hairs. And I still love you just as much as I did back when you were little.

In Weakness

2013-05-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Recently our small group at church was having a discussion about strength in weakness. A line of conversation sprang up about how we find how strong we are in our times of weakness and how even our weaknesses can be strengths in some situations

But as I considered it later, I began to feel that in chasing that rabbit we were missing the point somehow.

It's not about how strong WE are in our weakness. It's finding GOD'S strength and learning to rely on Him in our times of weakness and hopelessness.

I truly believe sometimes we have to come to that point of where we find the end of ourselves. Where we have no strength left and are completely over come with our weakness. Where we give up. Where there is absolutely no other answer.

That's the place where we really learn that the only answer is God. And we realize that we have to lean on Him for everything. It is only in those times that we can catch a glimpse of how small and weak we are and how BIG our God is. How great He is in our weakness. It is here that we find our full dependence and learn to trust.

This is the place where our faith grows strongest. In weakness.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:25

Picture Memorial Day

2013-05-28T12:33:00.001-04:00

The family had a quiet weekend, with lots of outdoor chores getting accomplished and some relaxing fun along the way. I could describe our Memorial day for you, but I'll just let a few pictures speak for themselves.

A beautiful sunshine filled Memorial Day

Two of my favorite guys

The peonies are in bloom!

Cooling off in the creek

Is it just me - or does anyone else see the bird?

Grand baby and his mommy taking a walk

Keeping On, Keeping On

2013-05-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

Another week, come and gone. I can't say it was a great one as far as my health and fitness goals. Not terrible. But there continues to be room for improvement. See for yourself -

Drink the recommended amount of water each day: I am drinking more water than I used to. But I'm still not getting the recommended amount most days.
Exercise at least 3 days this week: you know what they say - 2 out of 3 ain't bad.
NO soft drinks!: Check! Yah me!
Make an appointment for an eye exam:
Plan for 3 day juice fast: I think is going to start next week. Got to get through the male offspring's birthday weekend first.

I refuse to beat myself up for not getting each goal perfect. Rather to brush myself off, and move ahead. It's a work in progress, right?

This week's goals:

Drink the recommended amount of water each day
Exercise at least 3 days this week
NO soft drinks
Prepare to start juice fast next week