My New LOVE!!

                                

This is Paxton, the sweet quarter horse I have fallen for :).

I have discovered my xanadu (thanks Mrs. Fobes). I have fallen in love with horseback riding!!! In early high school, I took a few English riding lessons at a nearby stable, but because of the time and costs involved, I had to give it up.  Ever since then, I have wished that I could either take lessons again or just plain ride with someone I know.  At our last family get-together, some of John's cousins invited us to come out and ride their horses whenever! So I have taken them up on it and am loving every minute! John hasn't ridden yet because of his knee recovery, but it is my favorite hobby as of late.  There is something so exciting about riding fast on a horse! I guess it's sort of like people's fascination with fast cars, racing, nascar, etc. ?? This is definitely my fascination!

Paxton, aka Punkin', is a mild tempered 12 year old who
loves people!

If I could ride everyday and not feel selfish about utilizing my time like that, I would.  Just wanted to share my new obsession with the blog world :). I hope everyone has something they love doing as much as I love doing this.  If not, get outside and get searching! :)

Weekend Campers

John and I went on our first camping trip together, just the two of us! As we were planning, we got so excited! The whole week leading up, we took a trip to Academy, planned out the financial part of the trip, picked out clothes we would take, etc. etc. We were basically like two little kids going on some big adventure. That's a part of marriage that I absolutely love- the fun that we have together! We have laughed more in the last few months than I have.. ever. :)

Anyway, enough gushing. Our original plans to camp at the Gulf State Park fell through. They were booked up. Guess that's what happens when you don't make reservations! Well, lesson learned and note taken for next time :).  We ended up at Meaher State park and camped outside this random fence. I have no idea why the tent campers are exiled to this grassy area outside of the rest of the park, but that's where we stayed!  It was fun though and made for alot of laughs later.

The sunset from the pier was gorgeous!! Picture credit to my awesome hubs. :)

The next day we got up early, scarfed down McGriddles from McDonalds, and went kayaking at Little Lagoon. Hope this is the first of many weekend camping getaways!

Bradford Pear Trees

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 These beautiful trees grow in our neighborhood! They are bradford pear trees and I think they are the most gorgeous thing that is in bloom this time of year.  I had to stop and take some pictures in the driveway and admire how pretty they are!! Up and down every driveway and street, lining the front of the neighborhood- it almost looks like snow is all over every branch and twig.

So, John and I decided to go for a walk this afternoon and enjoy the flowers in bloom and the sunset (well, John didn't care too much for the flowers, but I did!).  As we started our walk, we noticed a terrible smell... we thought it was garbage from someone's garbage can.  But let me report that it was NOT garbage. We sniffed and sniffed and finally realized what it was!! It was the beautiful trees!!!!! What a sad moment for me. I was in terrible awe of how something so exquisite could smell so aweful!!

Funny how the Lord can speak, even when you're not aware that you're listening.  I feel like those trees sometimes. On the outside, I may look like I have things together and all is well with me and the Lord, but inside, I stink. I am really just stinking it up in my relationship with my Savior.  Why do I do that?? I'm sure God is much sadder about me stinking than I was about the trees' stench.  The good news is, my Father is forgiving and graciously teaches me daily.  I want to honor the Lord, on the outside and the inside. Thank you, Jesus, for convicting me using bradford pear trees!