Sunday, August 7, 2011

Attack of the mosquitos and a mouse

We, my family & I, just returned home from what was supposed to be a leisure hike at Carlos State Park, but instead turned into an attack of the mosquitos. (sounds like a movie title) Our adventure went a little something like this...

It's a beautiful sunny day in Alexandria, low 70s with a slight breeze. A perfect day to take in Carlos State Park. We loaded up the boys along with some snacks and drinks and the double stroller. We began our journey with not a care in the world--didn't even check the time nor grab a map. We were just excited to have some family time and take in the lushness of the park. The trail started out great, we were admiring the lake, and the landscape and Logan was collecting sticks. Logan instructed me to take pictures of any animals that we see. As we got further into the trail, the shadier and moist it became. As you know, certain annoying critters love this type environment. (This is the part where the mosquitos begin to attack.) We start to walk faster and are trying to keep the mosquitos off of the boys. Did I mention that we neglected to bring bug spray with? Walking and swatting flies was not working. Thankfully we had brought a blanket with for Shane, so Logan draped the blanket across Shane and his legs to keep the flies out. Josh and I decided that we should start to run. We honestly had no ideas how far it was to the end, but all we knew was that we wanted out.

By this time I really had to use the bathroom, if the bugs weren't so bad I would have stopped and gone on the trail. I, however, didn't want the bug bites and Josh said he wouldn't wait. As Josh is running with the jogging stroller and I'm carrying our camera I can't help but start to laugh. Up we went, down we went, things were falling out of the stroller because of the rough terrain. I could feel my bladder a swishing' and a sloshing' and I envisioned myself not making it to the bathroom. Finally we came to the road and we knew it wouldn't be long to a bug free zone.

I hurried to the bathroom and just barely made it, but I made it! I was dripping in sweat and was relieved that our time at the park had come to an end. As I walked towards the vehicle with no more worries a mouse ran out in front of me and almost touched my foot. I jumped and screamed for my life and then took off running (again). My heart was pounding and I felt like I had the he-be-jeebies crawling all over me. Josh was laughing and couldn't believe I was that scared of a mouse. So needless to say I went out with a bang!

So there it is folks, our adventure at Carlos State Park! We are now safe and sound at our house and the boys are sound asleep in their beds. Learn from our mistakes, apply bug spray before hitting the trails!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Lucky in Love

I've always wondered why I was so lucky to the meet the man of my dreams at the young age of 19 and to be married a month after my 22 birthday. I've wondered why I was so blessed to be able to conceive so easily and to have two healthy boys. I am forever grateful to the Lord that he has blessed my life. I've pondered these questions because I have dear friends who's hearts desire to be married and to have a family, but haven't met "the one" yet. These women love the Lord and life their lives for HIM; just like myself. I know that the Lord has different paths for each of us and that his timing is perfect, but it doesn't always seem fair.

Tonight, however, my heart is rejoicing for a couple of my single friends. The past couple of weeks they both have gone on dates with quality guys. I am so excited that they have met good men. I was at a wedding a few weeks back and the father-of-the bride gave a speech and said that he has prayed that his daughter would find a man that was good, godly and a gentleman. I now pray these things for my single friends and that my boys can be those three things for their future girlfriends and one day wife. I'm excited that the Lord is giving them a glimpse of hope that there are still "good" guys out there. I can't wait to share in their excitement of meeting someone new.

So if you, like my sweet single friends, are still waiting for "Mr. or Mrs. Right" keep trusting in the Lord with all of your heart. The Lord may just catch you off guard and surprise you with someone interesting. Remember, God is good all of the time and He gives us the desires of our heart!