2 things.

Ok, there are many things in this world that I don't understand. Many of these things that I worry about it I feel into the category of just a few years ago.

What are the two things people say you are not supposed to talk about? Religion. Politics.

Why?

Is it because we are scared of what to say. Is what we say about these topics going to offend someone? Are we worried about what "people" are going to think of us?

For me, especially religion, was that I was scared of being wrong or not knowing the answer. I wasn't able to defend my faith so I, no matter what, was not going to talk about it. Not just that but I can vividly remember not wanting to say, "Jesus", "Holy Spirit", "God", in front of people because I might offend them or they might think I'm crazy. But this is what I don't get, we are so quick to say "pray for me", or talk about our Faith and Spiritually but in the same sentence can't say "Jesus"?

In today's reading, found here, Phil 2, 5-11 says,

"Because of this, God greatly exalted him
and bestowed on him the name
that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father"

I am so thankful for the trials that made me stronger. I am still weak in MANY areas but one that I consciencly work on is proclaiming and not being scared to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. My Savior. My Hero. My God. The one who gave me life and blesses me every day.

So often we want to see a sign or blessing or what something good to happen before we return to church, to God. But most often I feel like it's a trial, a death, or something really hard that brings us back. We need to see everything as a blessing and a sign from God, not just the good but also the bad.

For me, I was angry and upset with the Church (but in my heart knew I couldn't stop attending Mass)and by the work of the Holy Spirit I was transformed into not angry and confused but happy, overjoyed, humbled, and thankful that I get to wake up and breath everyday. For the gift of life, I owe God all of my time. No execuses.

This was long and if you read all of it I am truley humbled. Today is a big day. I have so much going through my mind. This election has been a long one and we will see the outcome this evening. Blessings to you and our country.

-Kathryn

a little climber.

The weather has been so nice in the afternoons and we have been soaking it up! Ryan built Annie a mini picnic table for her birthday and she loves to climb up on it! She actually likes to climb on everything! She has been hearing the "No" word quite a bit more lately. I will say it's not easy, just look at those eyes.

I love those legs!

Ms. Annie is also quite the face maker as you probably already know. She spits, smiles, makes bubbles, grins, and is one onry little girl. I love her so.

 

And a happy Friday to you all! 

Taos. Part 3.

Well it took awhile but I finally have part 3, the final day of our trip in Taos. We went to Mass at a little Catholic Church in Arroyo Seco and then headed to the Taos Ski Valley for a little hike. We attempted this hike last year but with a 5 week old and a Papa (Dad) who was having trouble breathing so we only made it about half way up. Here is last year if you didn't see it.

The Williams Lake Trial is about 2 miles up and 2 miles down. We all did great this year! I'll admit the air got a little thin but I was able to survive (and so did everyone else). Dad survived, Annie slept most of the way, Ryan had an extra pounds so he did...good, and Mom..well let's just say she's a champ and could kick all our butts up a mountain!

Self portriats before Mass! Annie didn't want to participate!

I love my Mom!

Taking a break :)

 

 

Completion of way up self portrait- and by far my most favorite pictures from the trip!

 

I love this picture :)

 

And here are a few we took on our way out of town! 10 hours to go and we were excited!

 

 

 

And that's all folks! We had such a great time and can't wait to do next year. 

rarr...says the little lion

Annie got to dress up for  Jump Start today! And judging by this face it was probably more exciting for me than her..

 

Once I put the hood back she cheered up a little (of course her little drum helped).

Since she doesn't have many teeth we won't be trick or treating so today was her day! Happy Halloween from our little lion.

 

She cheered up to snuggle up on daddy before he went to work. She loves her daddy who loves her momma.

* All pictures taken with phone.

Taos. Part 2

Here is Day 2 in Taos. I would like to start by saying that multiple times during the trip I pictured myself as a hippie mountain girl living in NM. I think my bearded husband, cute kid, and I would fit right in! But then...without going into too much detail I realized there was too much blue there...if you know what I mean.

We started our day off with coffee, toys, and a fire. So great! By 9 a.m. we were ready to hit the road. We hiked up the road about a mile and then finally hit a trail. I think in total we hiked 3 miles. Nothing too strenuous..(Ryan was lugging an extra 20 Ibs so he may disagree). We planned to leave the house around Annie's nap time in hopes she would sleep in the Ergo...we got off to a rocky start but it worked! She slept for probably 1 to 1 1/2 hours! Of course at the top of the mountain we had to let her out to stretch her legs! We then ate lunch and headed to Arroyo Seco ( about 2 miles from the house) to get the best ice cream ever. Taos Cow. I had chocolate malt oreo and mint chocolate chip (I was sharing with Annie) and Ryan had a waffle cone with cinnamon ice cream. D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S.

Then we headed to the house for naps, reading, and wine. Mom and Dad arrived in time to cook out and watch the sunset!

The lamb hat didn't last long...

 

 

I think he's asking her if she's ready to hike some more and I believe she said something like, "yes, if I can bring this awesome stick and rock!"

He is such a good daddy!

Now...I'm not sure what to say about these next few except enjoy as I am busting a move.

 



Yummy ice cream!!

All of these were taken with the little timer button on the camera. It came in very handy!

So while I was typing this post last night my computer crashed. I am hoping it has something to do with the battery but we shall see. Part 3 might be a few days...I should know the damage done sometime today.

Blessings to you on this beautiful day! One more day until the weekend!!