Even though it was quite possibly the coldest Memorial Day weekend in California history, we had a great time on vacation. It was good to see our family and hang out. We went to the aquarium, family reunion, beach, and Brandon even squeezed in a muddy mountain bike ride with Dad. We only wish that we had been able to see Nick, Susan, and Lynsie. Hopefully they won't be sick next time we're in town. Enjoy the pics!
Irvine Park-- this is where our family reunion will be. When we were in high school Brandon and I went on lots of walks and picnic dates here. Once the wheels on my roller blades crumbled and I had to walk back to the beginning of the trail barefoot. Another time a goat chomped on Brandon's shirt at the petting zoo. This is also the place where Brandon and I first said, "I love you." Fun memories...
Our favorite beach (somewhere just north of Laguna). It is really private and the water is so clear. The best part is the huge tide pool. Ever since I was a little girl I have loved tide pools. Eight years ago Brandon and I had our first kiss while we were exploring this particular tide pool.
This is the hotel in Dana Point where we'll be staying for a night, just so that we can have some alone time. If the weather is good we'll do a little kayak surfing while we're down there.
Just a few more days until we're in sunny Orange County (and I can hardly wait to play at the beach and visit my family). California is always a good idea. One of these days we'll have to take Scout with us-- I'd love to take him to the dog beach.
In other news, the weather has actually been quite beautiful around here lately-- so in a way I hate to leave. It is quite possible that the summer heat will have set in by the time we get back, so I'm enjoying every bit of the mild weather while it lasts. This morning I worked in the garden (By the way, if any more plants die under the tree in our front yard I refuse to replant anything else!) and tomorrow I'm thinking of working on my tan. Oh, what a life... someday soon I'll have to return to reality (but who says I can't enjoy it while it lasts?)!
Me and my fantastic Mama on my wedding day.
I have a new found appreciation for a mama's job. Last weekend Brandon and I babysat my friend's six year old little girl. I'm not sure who was more tired at the end of the day- Logan or me. We spent the weekend outdoors at the park and pool (which instantly got rid of my farmer's tan, but also taught me an important lesson-- Always have adults apply sunblock on your back. Do not attempt it yourself or trust small children to do the job.). When we were home she was constantly throwing the ball for Scout or playing with Squirt (our tortoise). Every night she'd crash around 9 and I'd follow soon after. Who knew that parents were constant entertainers and playmates as well as caregivers, problem solvers, and nurturers?
Then this week I helped out my friend by babysitting her sweet 3 month old baby for a few days. She is super adorable, but was only exhausting in a whole new way. Eat, burp, poop (incidentally she did pee on me once when I was changing her diaper. I feel like I was inducted into a special club.), play, short nap-- repeat through out the day. Maybe I'm anemic or something, but I was resting every time she shut her eyes.
Before last week I knew that being a parent was an exhausting 24 hour job, but I had never felt it. So, here's to all the mamas out there. You deserve to be recognized for your round the clock work. I know that you get very little personal time and probably feel a little overworked and under appreciated, but the work you do is invaluable. You are doing the errand of angels. Thank you for being so fabulous, selfless, and important-- you are making a difference and are greatly appreciated and respected. Happy Mother's Day!
I have to confess that The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe has been one of my favorite books since I was a child. In fact, I think it might have been the first book that I ever read multiple times. When I was in college I discovered that it is actually part of a series and bought the whole box set. Unfortunately, since I was in college I didn't have time to read anything other than text books. Now that I have plenty of time I dug out the box and have started reading.
As I've been reading I've been once again struck by the beautiful religious symbolism that C.S. Lewis included-- so much so that I've been choked up a few times in the past 2 or 3 days. For example, in The Horse and His Boy the main character (Shasta) discovers the man who raised him is not his birth father and decides to escape the night he finds out that his "father" is selling him into slavery. The story that ensues is about his journey to freedom in the north. The journey is rife with challenge, perceived failures, and loneliness. Near the end of his journey he meets Aslan (the Christ figure) and tells him of his sorrows. After enlisting all the unfortunate events of his life Aslan explains those same experiences from his point of view. He says,
"I was the lion who forced you to join with Aravis. I was the cat who comforted you among the houses of the dead. I was the lion who drove the jackals from you while you slept. I was the lion who gave the Horses the new strength of fear for the last mile so that you should reach King Lune in time. And I was the lion you do not remember who pushed the boat in which you lay, a child near death, so that it came to shore where a man sat, wakeful at midnight, to receive you."
How many times in our lives do we complain and feel sorry for ourselves? If we would take a moment and reflect we too would see our Lord's hand in our lives. He guides us, comforts us, protects us, strengthens us, and preserves us (and most of the time we are completely unaware of it). I'm grateful for good literature that keeps me mindful of these beautiful truths.
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