The Road Less Traveled

Ocotillo - only has leaves for a day after a rain, and they were in bloom!

Arizona Highway 88 has a section of road called The Apache Trail which a friend of ours recommended us to explore while we were visiting the greater Phoenix area.  We set out envisioning a leisurely drive into Tonto National Forest (amazingly a lot like a desert) hoping for some picturesque views since the road seems to wind around the Superstition Mountains.  As we drove along toward Tortilla Flats, an old mining town and supply junction, we commented on all the cactus plants, the interesting rock formations, and the beauty of Canyon Lake.  Had we stopped our tour at Tortilla Flats, we would have felt satisfied with our excursion.  But this friend emphasized driving BEYOND Tortilla Flats PAST where the pavement ends. 

AZ Hwy 88 - Yup - thats really the highway!

Okay, this is a state highway - does the pavement really end?  Why, yes it does, and it becomes single lane to boot!  A few more guard rails would have been appreciated, as the road literally hangs on the cliffs of the Fish Creek Canyon, but we were rewarded with magnificent views of this vast country of ours.

Saguaro Cactus - only grow a few inches a yr.
yet this guy is probably over 40 ft tall!

Who knew such a variety of cacti existed, and that Red Gum trees (by the Salt Creek bed) could be so massive?!  Our timing was perfect as the plant life seemed to be in full bloom.  Of course pictures do not do justice to the richness of color or vastness of  space, but I tried.  If you ever find yourself in Phoenix with a little extra time on your schedule, take this day trip, you will not be disappointed!

For additional information check out: The Apache Trail

Swoosh - Time Flies!

It's hard for me to believe that it's been 21 and 19 years since these two little blessings arrived in our lives.  It has been a whirlwind of activity every year since!  When I held them in my arms as newborns, I sat mesmerized by their precious little faces.  I would look at the clock and think, "Where has the day gone?"  As time marched forward, so did they - at record speed.

As I chased these toddlers around the yard, pretending to be some imaginary something, it took all my energy to keep track of them, and keep them safe from moving vehicles (ahhemmm both Sarah and Eric), corners of tables (Eric), curling irons (Sarah), etc.  Then in a blink of an eye they were riding their own bikes, reading their own books, even riding the bus to school!  Each day ended before everything that needed to be accomplished had been completed.






The next thing we knew, our weekends were filled with games and treats, lost water bottles, or missing team socks....all the while it seemed like time was barreling forward.  What we didn't realize is that right before our very eyes these precious bundles had transformed into wonderful unique individuals following the paths their hearts and minds presented.

So here we are, with a 19 and 21 year old in what seems like a few moments of time.  Unbelievable really.

The thought for the day is to make the most of each moment with your child, because their childhood is really a blip on your life's screen.  We love you both, Eric and Sarah!  Happy Birthdays!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

What a lovely day, especially because the grass is already green, daffodils are in full bloom, and my family is ALL TOGETHER for the first time since early January!

With St. Paddy's day in mind, Kevin and I donned our green sweaters for our family night on the town. The weather could not be any more beautiful, and it looks like it's going to continue for Sarah's entire Spring Break - and what fun she will have getting her hair cut, going to the Dr. and updating her CPR certification. Oh to be in college again!

Kevin and Eric took a quick trip to Texas for a visit to yet another university on Eric's engineering accepted list. They enjoyed watching the first two days of the NCAA tourney together but did determine that Eric would not like to be an Aggie - only time will tell where he will be next year. We are proud that he has so many options!

Enjoy the day!

Happy Leap Day!

"Found time" is a great thing - it motivates me to do a bit extra. So today, in honor of February 29th, I decided to pay attention to all the little things. It sure helps to appreciate life and all God's creations when He sends a 65 degree sunny February day our way.

The animals have sure been soaking up some rays, and rolling around in the mud! After all the regular chores, I spent some time in the yard cleaning up after the winter, and preparing for spring plantings. It's hard to believe it's only weeks away.

This evening marks the end of Purdue's season at Mackey. Looking forward to Senior Night with my hubby, and rooting the Boilers on in post season play. Now I'm off to meet my very first friend (circa 1965) for lunch. Just another extra on this Leap Day! Hope you have a great day!

Oh the fun we have.....

Not so many years ago as I headed out for work, I came around the corner only to discover that my truck had been transformed into a "Happpy Birthday Vehicle" that certainly would not blend in with any other vehicle on the road that day. (Wish I could find a picture for you, but...)

As the years pass, our group of friends continue these ridiculous escapades. With one of the ULTIMATE RING LEADERS turning 50, we had to make it count. Here's what has been done in her honor so far -

Multiple t-shirts produced with her image (albeit a goofy one) and distributed to her Indy Adventure Boot Camp morning pals to wear. She was surprised, and a bit angry, but we kept reassuring her that she is LOVED!

Of course, this was not the only "loving" thing that occurred....confetti kept appearing in odd places, single roses were methodically delivered to her door, and she even arrived home tonight to find this 8 foot tall number adorning her front porch:

Now is a good time to mention that she DESPISES colored flashing lights preferring only the boring clear lights in the yard. It really does look spectackyular from the road!

...and this is just her birthday eve!

Oh the fun we have. Enjoy your friday, and give a hug to your loved ones!

Happy Birthday KATE! We love you!!