God's Outdoor Sanctuary

Psalm 36: 5-6a - "Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains..."


When we go to Estes, we always stay at Annie's Mountain Retreat, who has several cabins to choose from.  We always stay at "The Carriage House," just outside the RMNP.  (Blessing #735)  It may be the closest I ever come to owning a cabin in the mountains.  (Click on the link above and check out all the photos inside our cabin.)

Our  "home away from home" is up these stairs.  (The bottom level of the cabin is used for the owner's storage.)  Inside the cute little building at the bottom of the stairs is our hot tub, which came in very handy after our really long hike through the mountains. (#736)

There's nothing better than waking up to the sounds of nature in the mountains. (#737) The wind whispering gently through the pines, forcing the fresh scent of pine through our open cabin windows.  The birds singing, hummingbirds chirping, and other sounds I didn't even recognize, all came together to create the best worship experience last weekend.  That's what last Sunday was like for me.  It was a perfect Sunday. in God's Outdoor Sanctuary. 

After taking in the brisk breeze of the mountain air on the deck of our cabin, and coming face-to-face with a hummingbird that thought the blueberry in my bagel was for him . . .  

. . . we found a bicycle built for two and zipped around Lake Estes, the Golf Course, and wherever my leader took me. (#738) I've always wanted to ride a tandem bike, but it's a little harder than it looks.  Chad likes to go fast down the hills.  I suppose because it makes me scream. 

Our friends Tracy & Shelly were in Estes Park over the weekend also. (#739)  (They stayed in Annie's "Romantic Cottage" next to the Big Thompson River.)  It's always a blessing, hiking the mountains with friends who love the Rockies as much as I do.  We took Matt & Lori's advice and hiked to Alberta Falls.  It was beautiful!  I love the sound of the roaring mountain water, rushing over the rocks and boulders down the mountainside.  (#740)

This is where we ate our picnic lunch, on God's patio.  Sitting on rocks, inhaling the crisp air infused with the scent of pine.  Everything tastes better in the mountains. 

Shelly & I took every opportunity to peak over the edges at the falls, while the guys waited patiently for us.  

After leaving Alberta Falls, we continued up the mountain to Mills Lake, located in Glacier Gorge.  It was a 2.5 mile hike (one way), and gave us a great view!  The elevation at Mills Lake is 9,940 feet, and it was pretty chilly up there with the wind coming over the mountain.  But the sun was shining, and the view was spectacular. (#741)

That's Tracy in the red jacket on the rock.

Instead of going back the way we came, I suggested that we take the trail over to Lake Haiyaha, then to Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, and Bear Lake.  The first part of our hike was great.  The second half . . . not so great.  The trail was laden with snow, ice, and steep slopes. 

We had to hang on to trees and rocks so we didn't slide down the icy slopes.  In a couple places, we had to sit on our bum and scootch across the icy snow.  It was treacherous!  But we didn't think it could be too bad since we met a guy with his pregnant wife and little kids coming from that direction.  I have no idea how on earth they made it across that trail. 

Notice Chad's forced smile?  He was not happy about the path his mountain-hungry wife suggested for our group.  It was too late to turn around and go back, so we forged ahead.  Around every corner, the trail got worse and worse.  And then it started to snow on us.  We came to an opening on the trail and noticed our destination far below.  I zoomed in to see the lakes we needed to walk past in order to find our parking lot again.

 

We took the second picture (above) looking back at where we had just come from.  You can barely see the basin with Mills Lake in the far distance.  I'm not sure, but I think we hiked about 8 miles that day.  When we made it to the bottom of our mountain hike, we were so cold and tired that we snapped a quick photo and went to the car to warm up.  We all prayed for God's protection more than once, and He kept us safe the entire time and no one got hypothermia.  (#742)

We came off the mountain, down to the Morraine Park area, and noticed several cars pulled off to the side.  We slowed down and noticed some idiot taking a close-up shot of this big elk.  We were just sure this elk would charge him, and the elk even backed up a step as if to get a little momentum and then took 2 quick steps towards the dude taking his picture and then stopped.  We didn't get a good video for YouTube, but at least the guy without a brain safely made it back to his car.  (#743)

It snowed on us while on the mountain, but as soon as we got down in elevation, the sun was out, as you can see from the photo above.  Our legs were a little like jello, but not enough to keep the guys from grilling steaks for supper.  We found the game "Horse-Opoly" in our cabin, so we settled down in the big comfy couches and enjoyed a unique version of Monopoly before our eyes were so sleepy they couldn't hardly stay awake.

It was a great day, and I really wished I had my pedometer on for our hike.  But maybe it's best I don't know how many steps we took.  We burned a lot of calories, that's for sure.  And our blood pressure was a little high at times. Next time, we'll know not to hike on the back-side of the mountain, which doesn't see a lot of sunshine.  At least not in May.  I'm having withdrawals this week, wishing I was still in the mountains. 

But there is a bright side of leaving the mountains . . . The 3 bright smiling faces waiting for us back home.  (#744)

Rocky Mountain High

Chad & I went to Colorado over Memorial Weekend. (Blessing #729) It's always risky when he takes me there, because he knows I may not climb back into the car to come home. 

I usually check out the local newspaper to see if there are any social studies jobs open in the area.  Not that it does me any good, as Chad doesn't quite share my passion about the Rockies.  He enjoys them, but doesn't think he could ever live there.  (sad face)

I keep praying that at least one of my children will attend college in Colorado, in the hopes that they'll find jobs there and stay . . . giving me a place to visit often.

We stayed in a B&B at Fort Collins Friday night, and enjoyed wondering around in the historic downtown area. (#730)  Bisetti's is an AMAZING Italian restaurant downtown, and their food was awesome!  They've been voted the "Rocky Mountain's Best Italian Restaurant" since 1996.  We went on a scenic drive around Horsetooth Resevoir, which was beautiful.  So was the sunset.

On Saturday, we drove up to Estes Park.  The drive along the Big Thompson Canyon is my all-time favorite drive. (#731)  We open the windows and let the mountain air inside.  My eyes travel back and forth from one side of the canyon to the other, trying to take it all in.  I always offer to drive so Chad can enjoy the view, but am thankful he never takes me up on the offer.  His favorite part of the drive is watching my reaction to the ginormous rocks, the fast-flowing river beside us, and the canyon itself.  I just can't get enough of them. 

   

We arrived in Estes before our cabin was ready, so we drove up Trail Ridge Road, the highway to the sky.  (#732) The wind was pretty fierce, but we did manage to hike on the "Rooftop of the Rockies" a little ways before turning around to warm up in the car. 

I love the view from every corner and turn.  These majestic mountains have God's handprint all over them.  (#733)  

Surprises of wild flowers, growing fragile, pop up in areas that seems impossible for growth. (#734)

There was a haze in the sky, caused by the fires in New Mexico.  And the next morning, we noticed that our car was covered in little dots of ash from the fires.

Even though the winter snowfall was far less than normal, there was still quite a bit of snow, as you can tell from the drift Chad posed next to.  I remember taking my photo on this same curve when I was a little girl.  Whenever my dad got enough rain to shut off the irrigation wells, we'd head to Colorado, South Dakota, or KC.  My favorite was always Colorado, but that's no secret.  Maybe we can retire in Colrado some day.  There's always hope.   

Saying "Good-bye" to Middle School

I remember well, the day Jenica started Middle School.  She seamed so young, and I wasn't sure she was ready.  I wasn't sure I was ready.  But we both did fine, and here she is walking into that building for her final day of 8th grade classes.  To celebrate the last day of school for the 8th graders, several parents organized an end-of-the-year cookout for them (Blessing #725) and here are a few photos from the party.

Jenica & Ali 

Jenica & Jillian quickly found each other in the crowd. 

Jenica, trying to be taller than Ellie.  Sorry, but it'll never happen, honey.

Jenica & Bailea. 

Bailea moved away in 6th grade and her family moved back in time for their 8th grade year.  Such a blessing for Jenica to have her buddy back in town.  (#726)

Reece, Caden, Ellie, Zach, Jenica, Maddy, Bailea

 

The final day of school was pretty special.  (#727) They played a bunch of fun games, followed by an awards ceremony and 8th grade slide-show.  Each student received a big envelope full of notes of encouragement, congratulations, and reflection from teachers, parents, and others who care about our kiddos.  It was pretty special for Jenica.  None of the students knew about their letters in the envelope.  Jenica opened it up and right away noticed a letter from her daddy.  Such a sweet, touching moment.   It was so hard to write our letters to Jenica, because it became so emotional for us.  It actually was therapeutic for me, as I released her once again into God's big arms . . . and now, into the reality of her high school years. 

The 8th grade class at their final middle school dance.

Yesterday was the last day of school here in town.  I picked up Jillian first, and as she reached the car, she had tears streaming down her chubby little cheeks while saying, "I'm going to miss first grade."  Another little girl was sitting on the curb, waiting for her mom and overheard Jillian's comment.  She walked over to us, bent down to Jillian's level and said "I know how you feel.  I'm really going to miss third grade too."  Awwwww. . . melt my heart.  (#728)  After a few moments of hugging Jillian, we climbed in the car and drove to the middle school to help with Jenica's cook-out.  It was a day full of joy as we took in all the blessings showered down on us from above.  

Elementary Field Day

Every year, the elementary classes have a "Field Day" at the football field.  Last year, they got rained out, so this is the first year Jillian got to experience all of the fun that Field Day promises.  (Blessing #721) 

She is usually afraid of trying new things and gets very timid when she's thrown into something foreign to her.  So I knew it would be a good idea for me to be there, cheering her on. 

When I arrived, her class was already running the 50 yd dash (over and over and over).  No one really kept track of who was winning; it was more just for fun than anything else.  Phew!  Jillian likes it when there's no pressure to win, and so do I. (#722)  However, last year she earned the nickname "Cheetah" from one of the little boys in her class.  We happened to be at a store when the little boy noticed Jillian a couple isles away and shouted "Hi Cheetah!"  That's when she gave me the 4-1-1 about the nickname.  She's FAST!

They switched stations each time Mr. Bricker unenthusiastically announced from the press box "it's time to move to the next station."  Next was frisbee.  Then, they had to dribble the ball around the cones.  I spotted my nephew Xander in the group right behind Jillian so was able to snap a couple pix of him also.

Jillian really liked the hurdles!  I think we may have a hurdler in our future!  Here's Jillian, Xander, and our neighbor Ava.

There were several other stations, but the squirt bottles were a favorite for all the kids.

Another fun surprise was when Jenica's PE class showed up at the football field to help run the stations, and Jenica found her sister!  (#723) 

All in all, Jillian had a GREAT time at her first Field Day, minus the station when she fell on her squirt bottle and hurt her side.  She didn't focus on winning, but on having fun.  That's a big accomplishment for her.  Yep.  She's making huge strides this year. (#724) Can't wait to see what 2nd grade has in store for her.

Another Coach in the Family

I've been telling Jacob for a few years now, that whatever he decides to do in his life, I'm certain it will involve working with children.  He's so good with them.  (Blessing #719)  And so far, I'm right on the money. 

He's coaching baseball for the 2nd year with a group of 13 and 14 year olds.  Last year, they didn't win a single game, but several of the moms told me their sons had the best time with Jacob as their coach.  Awwwww.....  (#720) Sure makes this mamma proud.  This is a new year, and their first game was tonight.  Some of the kids from last year moved up to a new level this year, but some of them are on his team again.  And they're excited!

Here's a picture of Jacob, giving last minute pointers to a couple of his players before the first pitch.  I'm not sure if they won or lost, because we left early.  You see, the umpires showed up late for the game before them, which caused Jacob's game to start about 45 minutes late.  And because there's still school tomorrow, we had to get home so the girls could get to bed.  But it doesn't matter who wins or loses. . . it's all about learning something and having fun while they're at it. 

14 Years Ago Today

Fourteen years ago today . . . I was having a baby!!!  (Blessing #714)

"I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted what I asked of Him." 1 Samuel 1:27

At 7:33 a.m. on May 18, 1998, Jenica was born.  It was my first and only c-section, and I don't recommend it.  However, I'm pretty certain the c-section is what kept Jenica alive during her first several hours.  It was far less stressful on her little heart than a long labor would have been.  You see, she was "lucky" enough to inherit a genetic heart condition called "Long QT Syndrome" from her daddy, which was why she got her first helicopter ride that same day.  Her QT interval was too long, and she ended up getting her pacemaker when she was just 10 days old.  For a bad situation, a lot of good things happened.  People said I was so strong.  But what they were seeing wasn't my strength.  It was clearly God's strength.  I could not have endured it (with such peace) on my own.  (#715)

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."   Philippians 4:4-7

So, today we are celebrating Jenica!  Well, actually, we started celebrating yesterday. (#716)  I fixed some of her favorite foods for supper ~ baked steak, twice baked potatoes, sweet corn, dinner rolls, mandarin-orange jello, and White Chocolate Pie for dessert.  She picked the menu.  Everyone was happy.  Even Jillian.  =)

 

Even though it was a school night, her grandparents, great-grandparents, aunt/uncle, and cousins joined us for dinner.  But it was waaaaaay too windy for fireworks last night, so Uncle Dave will have to save them for another time.

I bet you're wondering what the birthday girl requested for breakfast.  Mini-chocolate-chip muffins!  Popped a few in our mouths, and then we were out the door and headed to school.  So glad school gets out really early on Fridays, so we could get this party started!  (#717)

Tonight, there's a middle-school dance and Jen's slumber party!   The girls spent the afternoon getting all dolled up for the dance. And I got to help them fix their hair!!  It was such fun!  (#718)  The 8th graders all have to dress up (dresses) for the last dance of the year.  Not sure who started this tradition, but my daughter was less than thrilled about wearing a dress.  However, it's not quite so bad when all your friends are dressing up too. 

Merrilee, Jenica, Mariclaire, Madi, Ashlyn, Maddy

Happy Birthday, Jenica!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the
Father of the heavenly lights..." James 1:17