A Hike to Remember

People say that, when faced with death, your life flashes before your eyes. I had a similar experience this weekend, but rather than being faced with death I was faced with Life....

As many people do, we got to celebrate Thanksgiving twice. Last weekend we went to Louisville and had a weekend celebration filled with family, friends, and a lot of fun. We got to visit with great friends, watch the horses run at Churchill Downs, date night to see Breaking Dawn, a little shopping, and then Thanksgiving dinner with my mom's family. It was great to see my Mamaw visit with all 10 of her Great Grandchildren. She was so happy:)

Our Thanksgiving celebration continued this weekend when Steven's sisters and their families came from Cincinnati. Bradley and Kendall could not wait for everyone to get here. We were so thankful for the beautiful weather, which allowed the children to enjoy the trampoline, swing set, and new tree house. I even got to play a little football with the boys! There were so many things to be thankful for, however, at the end of the day on Thursday I found myself feeling very down.

For some reason, while thinking of all of the wonderful blessings I have in my life, I also thought about all of the things that I wish I could change. It started with the baby weight that I am carrying like an inner tube around my waist. I know, Jacob is only 12 weeks old and it is going to take time and effort to lose the weight, but my clothes don't fit, so that is just not something that makes me feel happy. Next I thought about our un-sold house (that's probably not a word!), and the YEAR that it has sat on the market. I am very thankful for our parents who have provided us with so much during this time, but I am beyond ready for us to have a home of our own again. Bradley is so confused that he said he want our next house to be with Aunt Julie. I told him that our next house will be just us! Then I thought about the fact that, for the first time in seven years, I do not have a full time job outside of the home. Of course being a wife and mother is a full time job, but unfortunately I do not get a paycheck for that. I am working a few hours a week, and I love what I am doing, but it's not the full time pay that I have grown accustom to. So, after all of these thoughts, I went to bed under my self-created dark cloud.

Saturday morning we had decided to carry on our tradition of a Thanksgiving hike. This started last year when we did a family hike to the top of Knobby Rock. This time we decided to hike Bad Branch Falls. Unfortunately, Steven woke up sick, so I would have to rely on the rest of the family to watch Bradley and Kendall while I packed Jacob. We could not have been blessed with a more beautiful day, clear skies and 63 degrees! As we hiked our first mile to the falls I was more worried about the safety of my kids, and took little notice of the beauty that surrounded me. We finally made it to the falls. As I stood there, taking in one of the most beautiful sights I had ever seen, my life flashed before my eyes. Not in the face of death, but LIFE. The self pity that I was feeling previously was gone. I was overcome with emotion. Every wonderful and amazing blessing that I have filled my heart. God was there, right in front of me, reminding me that he has given me everything that I NEED in my life. The picture above shows the falls, however it does not even begin to capture the true beauty of seeing it in person.

Our mile hike back to the car was very different, because I was very different. I did not worry about Bradley and Kendall because I knew that they were safe. I held Jacob so close and I took everything in. I breathed in the fresh air and felt the sun on my face. I watched every small stream flow from one rock to another. I let my heart smile! I will lose this weight, but for now it is a badge of honor, and I have a very healthy baby boy to show for it. We will sell our house, but for now I will be grateful for everything that our parents have provided for us. I will get a full time job, but for now I will work to be the very best wife and mom that I can be. I will continue to follow this journey with my eyes open and my hand in God's hand. I will also remind myself of these things everyday. I have so much to be Thankful for!

This is one Blessed Family!