Pressing in...

The last few weeks have been excruciating. Like heart-stopping, can't breathe, drowning in the ocean, horrible. 

We had known my dad was sick. We just had no clue how sick. He went from bad to worse over night. So many days and evenings have been spent in an ICU waiting room, praying, hoping, believing, that things are going get better. 

I don't even know how I've survived but not for grace. I went from angry to confused, from confused to frustrated, and from frustrated to just being. As the shock has worn off I've been able to cling to the Father and rest in knowing that "all things work together for good."

It's hard to feel so helpless. I know the prayers of many are all that is keeping me afloat. Cancer is horrible. It's no respecter of persons and it devastates families. 

But in the midst of all of this I still have little ones to raise, and educate. I've been all the more thankful for our basic philosophy of education during this time. It allows us freedom and flexibility. Even more it allows us to be together.  

I'm thankful for my family and all the help that they've given me; and for friends who have watched my children in a hospital waiting room and cafeteria when I know there were better things they could be doing. 

It's been hard, but we're blessed. At times I want to run away, but instead I know I must press in. I know this fight is really only just beginning and everyday must be viewed as a victory. 

Today we ventured out to one of our favorite spots. We got stuck with cactus spines, and witnessed the majesty of our creator. Which pretty much sums up the last few weeks. 

Life's not all flowers and sunshine. Some times it hurts. But through it all the Almighty still reigns. 

Think Spring

It's almost spring time here and we are seriously enjoying some much needed warmer weather. It's been awhile since we've been able to get out and really go exploring.  I've been researching different locations near us so that we could find some new hiking spots and found this beauty! It's a pretty long trail, 3.5 miles. We didn't hike the whole thing because we got there later than we had planned and didn't want to get stuck out there in the dark!

This particular trail is a nature preserve and houses an old mine and steel yard. Which will give us lot's to cover in the coming weeks! 

Early into our hike we discovered these mushrooms. I think they are false turkey tail mushrooms, but if anyone knows for sure could you let me know? These prompted a yummy lesson on mushrooms this week which was a lot of fun. 

The trail was gorgeous and I don't even think my photos can do it justice. It was just so peaceful. At one point we stopped and it was just completely silent! I've got four kids, I didn't even remembered silence existed! I made everyone stop to just listen. 

It was nice to see peeks of spring popping up all around. I am beyond ready for warm weather! The better the weather the more adventures we can go on!

Although we were quickly reminded that winter isn't over yet when we got to this frozen lake. It seemed to be frozen solid, the kids were throwing sticks and acorns on to it an they just bounced off! 

Once we began heading back to the car we realized that we almost missed the mining and steel mill part of the preserve because it was off the long trail. But it was pretty cool once we found it. 

All in all we had a great time and we'd go back again. The hiking trail wasn't too difficult and it was beautiful!