Lindsey-isms

You can call me Fluffy-Tuff.

I like the color white, but I don’t like butter.

Oh, you know.

Art

Macy and Natalie drew these pictures for VBS last summer. Aren’t they great?!

How the kids describe themselves

Earlier this morning, we were sitting at the table drinking smoothies and Hudson tried to puppy dog Natalie with a huge purple mustache. She laughed and asked him to sit down little dog as he pressed in for the purple lick.

This got me to thinking what the kids called themselves when they were younger… and how it fit their personalities to a t!

Baby Tiger Natalie. We got many the look in stores when she would ask me a question that started with Mommy Tiger and I would answer her as Baby Tiger. Natalie is vivacious, loud, and always playing. She also loves water.

Kitten Lindsey. I love kittens, and this animal certainly describes Lindsey well. She loves a warm lap, wants to be petted, and rubs up against you- all on her terms. Did I mention her pink little nose? But don’t make her mad, because claws will come out!

Puppy Hudson. Little Mr. Rough and Tumble with those huge nut brown eyes that melt any heart. Hudson plays hard until he crashes- normally anywhere except his bed. He loves to roll around on the floor and occasionally drools. He has a loud bark,is known to whine, and has sharp teeth!

Now that’s a snake!

Hudson found this snake just about to creep across our back door. He told me he saw a snake and I didn’t go check until he practically pulled me over. Thank the Lord it wasn’t a rattler (that was later in the summer). King snakes are good guys, and we hope to see this guy next summer!

Recess

Yep, we take them, too!

Waterfall Adventure

We had a great time last Friday, when Jon took us up the Rogue River for a family adventure. Starting out on Highway 234 we stopped at several waysides to watch the mighty (and muddy) Rogue cut its course across the land. We continued further on, reaching Shady Cove and a clear Rogue River! Around Elk Creek we stopped at a picturesque park and picnicked. There the Rogue slowed it’s flow and turned into a deep green with blue boarders. We laughed as Jon bounced us on old rickety picnic benches and watched some beautiful species of duck with their rumps high in the air as they forged for food. Macy asked me, “Mom, where’s Nature’s Playground that you said was here?” I spread my arm wide and said, “Here!” And off they all ran.  Jon and I even saw a fish jump completely out of the water. Again we piled into the car and headed to Prospect to see the much anticipated Mill Creek Falls… we were not disappointed. We hadn’t walked 2 minutes on the trail and we had the girls stop and listen to the rush of water. The fall was spectacular! We stood high on a ravine and must have looked down a hundred feet to the Rogue raging below. Back tracking we came to another trailhead: Avenue of the Boulders. Even Mill Creek Falls could not prepare us for the absolute thrill of the boulders. Class 5 rapids surge and pulse through huge boulders- complete white water. We were able to climb many boulders on the trail and what fun! At several points Jon hoisted the kids up to me and at others, we slid down the colossal rocks like slides. Jon and I took turns getting near the water. As I looked down at the white mass of foam and turbulence I knew I was safe and would not fall, yet the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end and I could feel my heart beating rapidly.  One slip and you’d be through. It was an awe-some thrill! Sadly, the batteries were out in the camera, so I don’t have many pictures, and the ones I have still don’t come close to seeing this is person. We had an amazing day, and of course, it ended in ice cream. :) We can’t wait for our next adventure!

A creek coming into the Rogue River near Gold Hill.

Our picnic area on the Rogue River.

Lindsey at the picnic area.

On the path to Mill Creek Falls.

Along the path to Mill Creek Falls.

Looking up toward the Avenue of the Boulders from Mill Creek Falls.

Mill Creek Falls.

Kayaking Anyone?

Avenue of the Boulders. (just a slice)

Praise Ye the Lord, Hallelujah!

Easter

This is my favorite holiday. This year more than ever I have reflected on what was really accomplished and what it means for me personally. In school we read a wonderful book, Journey to the Cross. It starts on Good Friday and each chapter is one step Jesus took toward the cross. The girls retained so much and woke up with praise on their lips that Jesus had risen.  We did not attend church as Hudson was sick, and it was very wet outside so we had a indoor egg hunt. This year I made resurrection eggs for the kids. There are twelve eggs and each egg holds a scripture verse and a symbol. Jon read each verse as it was opened and then hung it on our Easter Tree. We really enjoyed it! Then we had a small feast and took communion before Jon had to work. My parents came over later and we enjoyed spending time with them, as always.

Cookies by Hagels

Macy and Natalie took their home economic assignment very seriously- bake cookies without adult assistance. They did an excellent job! They followed the recipe with only a minor glitch (was that one teaspoon or one cup of sugar?) and they tasted amazing! What did they make? Cranberry Pecan cookies. Yum! I’m so proud of my girls!

Spring Break

Spring Break whizzed upon us, abounding with joy and sunshine. The girls and I traveled over to the ever beautiful Oregon Coast to spend several days with the ever beautiful Nana (some things just go together). As always, our time was spent with laughter and tenderness and a good deal of sand!  One afternoon I dozed off with the warm sunlight upon me as I dreamily listened to the waves crash. We let the kids play in a small fresh water stream and explored the ever changing beach. We found all sorts of amazing critters- crabs, shells, seaweed, and even a shark pod! I took the girls to the boardwalk where they indulged in ice cream- you can’t see it in the picture but it was mighty windy and the girls were very cold! Hudson fell and split his lip open on his teeth. Somehow, all is more bearable when the glorious blue extends as far as the eye can see beyond you.

 

Escaping from bed

I couldn’t resist laughing as Hudson ‘subtly’ dodged a nap!

Happy Birthday Macy! 8!!

Wow, where did the last eight years ago?! Apparently somewhere, because now they’re gone and sweet Macy is a beautiful young lady. She had several birthday options to chose from and selected a sleepover. It’s our first slumber party, and even I had a great time! It was really fun to watch the girls interact and it felt like it wasn’t long ago that I was in her place. The girls made pizza, played, watched a Shirley Temple movie, and GIGGLED! Macy also opened their presents and presents from Natalie and Lindsey. Jon picked out a beautiful chocolate cupcake cake that looked like a sparkling pink flower- the frosting tasted like marshmallows! YUM!

Donald came the next morning- what a fabulous surprise! Macy opened her cards and gifts, we ate more chocolate cake, and then played disc golf at Tom Pierce Park. Donald also brought his room-mate down, Kelley. Donald and Kelley worked together sorting mail on their second Iraq deployments. He was really nice, and the girls loved him because he played the Wii with them. Dad took us out to dinner, Si Casa Flores, and it was yummy as ever. Macy got to wear a sombrero and half the restaurant sang Happy Birthday to her. She seemed to not notice as she devoured another piece of chocolate cake!

Me and My Little Man

I overhead Dad talking Hudson in the mirror several days ago… You look more like a Worthington than a Hagel! We finally did it, Dad- and he’s just as stubborn as a Worthington, too!