A Momma’s Muse: July 2013

"On the road again

Just can't wait to get on the road again

The life I love is makin' music with my friends

And I can't wait to get on the road again

On the road again

Goin' places that I've never been

Seein' things that I may never see again,

And I can't wait to get on the road again."

Eastern Kentucky Mountains...so close together the fog touches mountain to mountain. The Kudzu consumes the mountains in it's forever growing greenness. The mountains...they're mystical and majestic...they're HOME.

We were on the road again. But this time, the long journey would take us to the mountains-to my hometown of Pike County, Kentucky and The Breaks Interstate Park located in Kentucky and Virginia. We were going camping with the family! If you recall, last year I blogged about taking a trip to Tennessee to see family and accidentally locking Baby Girl in the car (Road Blocks). That was a fun trip ; ) Well, this year we decided to meet in our hometown...the place where we all were raised during our elementary years.

The trip took a total of 7.5 hours but we split it up into two days, stopping to see The Hubs family along the way. The kids did awesome for the most part. Baby Girl watched a lot of t.v. in the car and of course Baby Boy slept ALOT!

We didn't really rough it this year. Since my sister and I both have babies under 6 months old we decided to rent a cottage instead of tent camping. Maybe next year, I'll be brave enough to try tent camping with the kids...hmmm let me think about that...NAHHHH!

My cousins brought their camper and so that's where we fellowshipped and grilled out!

Potty Training at It's Best!

Great Grandparents with their Great Grandkids

The Hubs and Baby Boy

During the week we went to the water park and took the kids paddle boat riding and fishing. They LOVED it! The whole trip was so exciting. I always enjoy getting to see the kids reaction to new things : ) We grilled out every night...pulled pork smoked by the awesome Cousin Charles, hot dogs and chicken and dumplins' by Sister V and MML and grilled chicken, new potatos and fresh green beans. Every day felt like a celebration of sorts...probably because we don't get to see each other often and when we do, it feels like "old times."

Back in the day, all the cousins used to spend the night together and make home movies late into the night. We would laugh and laugh and laugh! Now that we're all grown up and live far away, we enjoy the small amount of time we do get to spend together.

"Momma Mayhem"

Grandparents Bottle Feeding Both Cousins

"Cousin Lovin"

The day that we went home, I was walking to the car when I heard my favorite bird singing- the beautiful Wood Thrush. The Wood Thrush lives deep in the forest and is rarely seen but has a very melodious song. It's almost mystical. If you don't know what I'm talking about click here. Because of this, it's song is treasured. This reminds me of family. We rarely see each other but when we do, the sound of our fellowship and laughter is treasured. The quality time we spend together is missed when it's gone and the love that we share is always present.

Faith and Family are the only constant attributes we have in our life. Don't take for granted your loved ones and relish the time you have with them. Until Next Year Family!

Kim

It's finally getting easier! I knew this day would come and that it would take a little while to get there but yes, thank goodness...drum roll please... Baby Boy is sleeping through the night and Baby Girl has finally accepted the fact that she is a Big Sister for-everrrrrr!!! (No more tantrums)

This has helped my sanity tremendously : ) I have to admit, becoming a mother of two has been one of the toughest things I have had to go through but like everyone said, "It will get easier." And it has!

Someone once told me that to become a mother means you have to "die to self." At the time, I had no idea what she was talking about but now I know. It means sacrificing what you want so that your children can have what they need. It means no makeup and hair but instead dress-up with a princess. It means no hours and hours of "internetting" but instead cuddled up with your kids watching Bernies Bears (aka Berestein Bears). And, it means no more night time reading of books such as, "Fifty Shades of Grey." But instead night time reading of "Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?" Like my mother said, "Anybody can be a mother...but if you want to be a good mother you will have to sacrifice for your children."

Here are some pictures and videos from the last 12 weeks for you to browse through. I hope you enjoy! Comments are appreciated...as I'd like to think I didn't give up my afternoon nap to blog for nothing ; )