The Weekend from Heck! Plus Fun Contest!
Before I get to my weekend from heck, just wanted to show off my very clean scrapbook room. It doesn't always look like this but I had a film crew come in to make the latest Creating Keepsakes DVD so I had to massively declutter. The DVD is based around my book "50 Moments that Matter Most" which outlines the most important things to capture in your scrapbook pages.
Here is Marci Leishman, my right hand woman, with me on the day of the shoot. (The blue cloth and metal poles on each side are part of the production crew's equipment.)
I also did two segments with each of these amazing women. Both are simply wonderful scrapbookers but more importantly they are exceptional mothers who have overcome big trials. Tiffany Fairbanks (on the left) battled breast cancer and MS all while being pregnant with her fourth child! She is a survivor and so full of life. Jen Gallagher (right) lost a 12-year-old son to cancer just two years ago. She talks about now it's about the little things when she scrapbooks. Love these two gals!
Okay--before I get started please be prepared for a long story! Also, read to the end because I have a fun contest awaiting you!
My hubby decided to take just the boys on a father-sons weekend down to Lake Powell which is about five hours away from here. Kade will be missing our annual house boat trip down there in two weeks because he's going on a three week church history tour across America with about 100 other kids his age. He'll also be off to college, then on a two-year mission for our church so it will be three years before he'll go back to the lake. And--it's his favorite vacation spot ever. If you ever get a chance to go, it'll take your breath away. The lake is surrounded by canyons and red rock formations. Collin invited a couple of friends so there were just five people going. Steve decided to take our fifth wheel trailer (40 feet long--it's a beast) and the ski boat. At the last minute, mine and the girls plans got canceled, so we got talked into going as well. That left me or Kade to tow the boat while Steve was towing the fifth wheel. However, I really was too nervous to drive it so Kade did a great job all the way down and back.
We camped right on the lake on a beautiful red sandy beach. I was in heaven surrounded by my family and friends. The first night we got there, the weather was gorgeous. However, it was too late to take the boat out so we missed the warm weather.
Then disaster stuck. It started to rain, and rain, and rain, and rain. The next morning we stayed inside until the rain died down. We were able to go out on the boat for about an hour.
Here we are in the boat--battling the rain. We look a lot happier than we were--it was wet and cold and miserable!
The dog was happy until she fell in the water!
This brought a smile to my face--someone had made a TP in the middle of nowhere on the shore--complete with pine needles for a mattress. (It made me grateful for our trailer--can you imagine sleeping in the pouring rain in that?!)
The sun came out for about an hour. Long enough for us to take a really fun hike. Just had to show off my hubby. He's lost 37 pounds!
We got back in the boat, the sun went behind the massive dark clouds and the kids attempted to go tubing in the very cold water. I love this photo of Sage and Collin. However, the ride was short lived because of the hole in the tube and the massive amount of rain that started pouring on our heads!
We went back to camp only to discover the boat prop was damaged and that there was a small river running through our camp which provided a swampy, messy, dirty mess to walk in. There was nowhere to get cleaned off, so all the red, sticky mud just had to come into the trailer. Imagine what it was like with eight people under one very small roof with this mud everywhere. And--I forgot to mention how horribly dirty and muddy the dog was!
Okay--so we played lots of games and read lots of books and ate way too much junk food and watched a movie or two while waiting for this thick, cold rain to go away. This went on for two days. When the lake started rising almost to our trailer and the road disintegrated before our eyes. and we started running out of water, bread, snacks, cereal etc. (because we were in the trailer so much), we knew something had to change. We pulled the boat out and got it to safe ground. But the trailer was another matter. Steve's truck almost didn't make it in the slimy mess and he knew there was no way the trailer would come out in one piece in that type of weather. So--the only thing he could do was hope the rain would quit and the sun would come out before the trailer was history. Brecken stayed behind with Steve and the rest of us headed for home--tired, dirty and a little disappointed at how the week had gone.
After six long hours of driving (we took a wrong turn and ended up going the long way home), we were on the interstate just ready to get off the exit by our house when Kade was pulled over. I won't bore you with the details, but yes--Kade got a ticket with me sitting right next to him (the officer felt like he had changed lanes too quickly while towing a boat). Yes--I felt like Mother of the Year--my son getting a ticket with me sitting right next to him the the passenger's seat! I hadn't even noticed that he changed lanes too abruptly! I was just so thankful I wasn't driving while pulling the boat! What a great ending to a wonderful weekend!
But wait--there's more. The sun finally came out the next day making to possible for Steve to get it unstuck from the mud and water (our prayers were answered). But--when he tried to close it all up, there was a loud popping sound and the mechanics in the trailer simply quit working. Somehow he manually got it all closed up and was able to travel home.
Last night as I pondered over the past weekend, I did have an attitude of gratitude. Everyone was safe. Nobody was hurt. We did have some quality family time (not as much as we would have liked but at least it was some). And the outcome could have been a lot worse. What's the big deal with a highway patrol ticket, a broken boat and trailer, mud still everywhere (it's even stained on the clothes that have been washed), etc.? There is a quote that says something like this: "Tragedy plus time equals humor!." It is true--we have been laughing a lot over these past few days.
Okay--thanks for reading. Now for the fun contest.
Creating Keepsakes recently released their latest and greatest book, Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking, and I LOVE it!
It has more than 180 ideas for saving time and money, multi-photo designs, plus all pages can be created 20-60 minutes.You can check it out here. In fact, here is a coupon code you can use between now and May 31 for 15% off your purchase of this special issue: QEYB-5778-ULYB. (Note: It's not valid if combined with any other discount offer.) Feel free to share it with friends!
I have two extra copies of this issue that I'd love to sign and send your way. Just send me a happy thought that will make me feel better about my weekend and I will randomly choose two by Wed. night at midnight (May 27th).
Hope you're having a happy May and that the Memorial Day weekend was good for you. I forgot to mention that we went to the cemetery last night and put flowers on our loved ones graves--always a highlight of the year!
Sincerely,
Lisa
Here is Marci Leishman, my right hand woman, with me on the day of the shoot. (The blue cloth and metal poles on each side are part of the production crew's equipment.)
I also did two segments with each of these amazing women. Both are simply wonderful scrapbookers but more importantly they are exceptional mothers who have overcome big trials. Tiffany Fairbanks (on the left) battled breast cancer and MS all while being pregnant with her fourth child! She is a survivor and so full of life. Jen Gallagher (right) lost a 12-year-old son to cancer just two years ago. She talks about now it's about the little things when she scrapbooks. Love these two gals!
Okay--before I get started please be prepared for a long story! Also, read to the end because I have a fun contest awaiting you!
My hubby decided to take just the boys on a father-sons weekend down to Lake Powell which is about five hours away from here. Kade will be missing our annual house boat trip down there in two weeks because he's going on a three week church history tour across America with about 100 other kids his age. He'll also be off to college, then on a two-year mission for our church so it will be three years before he'll go back to the lake. And--it's his favorite vacation spot ever. If you ever get a chance to go, it'll take your breath away. The lake is surrounded by canyons and red rock formations. Collin invited a couple of friends so there were just five people going. Steve decided to take our fifth wheel trailer (40 feet long--it's a beast) and the ski boat. At the last minute, mine and the girls plans got canceled, so we got talked into going as well. That left me or Kade to tow the boat while Steve was towing the fifth wheel. However, I really was too nervous to drive it so Kade did a great job all the way down and back.
We camped right on the lake on a beautiful red sandy beach. I was in heaven surrounded by my family and friends. The first night we got there, the weather was gorgeous. However, it was too late to take the boat out so we missed the warm weather.
Then disaster stuck. It started to rain, and rain, and rain, and rain. The next morning we stayed inside until the rain died down. We were able to go out on the boat for about an hour.
Here we are in the boat--battling the rain. We look a lot happier than we were--it was wet and cold and miserable!
The dog was happy until she fell in the water!
This brought a smile to my face--someone had made a TP in the middle of nowhere on the shore--complete with pine needles for a mattress. (It made me grateful for our trailer--can you imagine sleeping in the pouring rain in that?!)
The sun came out for about an hour. Long enough for us to take a really fun hike. Just had to show off my hubby. He's lost 37 pounds!
We got back in the boat, the sun went behind the massive dark clouds and the kids attempted to go tubing in the very cold water. I love this photo of Sage and Collin. However, the ride was short lived because of the hole in the tube and the massive amount of rain that started pouring on our heads!
We went back to camp only to discover the boat prop was damaged and that there was a small river running through our camp which provided a swampy, messy, dirty mess to walk in. There was nowhere to get cleaned off, so all the red, sticky mud just had to come into the trailer. Imagine what it was like with eight people under one very small roof with this mud everywhere. And--I forgot to mention how horribly dirty and muddy the dog was!
Okay--so we played lots of games and read lots of books and ate way too much junk food and watched a movie or two while waiting for this thick, cold rain to go away. This went on for two days. When the lake started rising almost to our trailer and the road disintegrated before our eyes. and we started running out of water, bread, snacks, cereal etc. (because we were in the trailer so much), we knew something had to change. We pulled the boat out and got it to safe ground. But the trailer was another matter. Steve's truck almost didn't make it in the slimy mess and he knew there was no way the trailer would come out in one piece in that type of weather. So--the only thing he could do was hope the rain would quit and the sun would come out before the trailer was history. Brecken stayed behind with Steve and the rest of us headed for home--tired, dirty and a little disappointed at how the week had gone.
After six long hours of driving (we took a wrong turn and ended up going the long way home), we were on the interstate just ready to get off the exit by our house when Kade was pulled over. I won't bore you with the details, but yes--Kade got a ticket with me sitting right next to him (the officer felt like he had changed lanes too quickly while towing a boat). Yes--I felt like Mother of the Year--my son getting a ticket with me sitting right next to him the the passenger's seat! I hadn't even noticed that he changed lanes too abruptly! I was just so thankful I wasn't driving while pulling the boat! What a great ending to a wonderful weekend!
But wait--there's more. The sun finally came out the next day making to possible for Steve to get it unstuck from the mud and water (our prayers were answered). But--when he tried to close it all up, there was a loud popping sound and the mechanics in the trailer simply quit working. Somehow he manually got it all closed up and was able to travel home.
Last night as I pondered over the past weekend, I did have an attitude of gratitude. Everyone was safe. Nobody was hurt. We did have some quality family time (not as much as we would have liked but at least it was some). And the outcome could have been a lot worse. What's the big deal with a highway patrol ticket, a broken boat and trailer, mud still everywhere (it's even stained on the clothes that have been washed), etc.? There is a quote that says something like this: "Tragedy plus time equals humor!." It is true--we have been laughing a lot over these past few days.
Okay--thanks for reading. Now for the fun contest.
Creating Keepsakes recently released their latest and greatest book, Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking, and I LOVE it!
It has more than 180 ideas for saving time and money, multi-photo designs, plus all pages can be created 20-60 minutes.You can check it out here. In fact, here is a coupon code you can use between now and May 31 for 15% off your purchase of this special issue: QEYB-5778-ULYB. (Note: It's not valid if combined with any other discount offer.) Feel free to share it with friends!
I have two extra copies of this issue that I'd love to sign and send your way. Just send me a happy thought that will make me feel better about my weekend and I will randomly choose two by Wed. night at midnight (May 27th).
Hope you're having a happy May and that the Memorial Day weekend was good for you. I forgot to mention that we went to the cemetery last night and put flowers on our loved ones graves--always a highlight of the year!
Sincerely,
Lisa
306 Comments:
Lisa,
Sorry to hear about the rainy & messy weekend you and your family had. On the bright side, you were all together and managed to find some fun in it all. Here's to brighter days ahead!
Trina
We have a year old cat on our farm yard and we could tell by looking at her tummy that she was going to have babies.
Our cats are not house cats because they are farm cats, but this cat always was sneaking into the house to be loved by my three year old.
Long story short...prior to going to church on Sunday we noticed she dashed into the house and ran straight up to my daughter's room.
SHE HAD TWO KITTENS in my daughter's closet!!! We thought her tummy looked rather empty and thought she lost them in the grove...nope! Two kitten now named George (Curious George) and Darth Vader!
Lisa, In our RS this year our theme is Enjoy the Journey. I had a friend remind me of this as I sat and cried to her over all the stresses that I was having. She reminded me that they would soon be over and that I needed to "Enjoy this Journey" that I was going through (a senior graduating, the all night party, football luncheon, out of town guests, mission papers....etc...)So, I hope that you enjoyed the journey...mud and all!! (Next time maybe you should have had a mud masked facial party!!)
Hi Lisa! That was quite the story. Sometimes vacations can be more work than fun. My happy thought is to realize that you are laughing about it now, and it will always be remembered as a family time...it is still a beautiful memory!
HI Lisa
I just am at the tail end of my first miscarriage this weekend. I am a mother alot like you that is grateful every day for the blessings of family and children. I have learned through all of this that the sun keeps coming up everyday and we are so so blessed even through the "hard" times. The Lord doesn't make mistakes, he teaches. Love ya tons keep smiling Kristen
Here's a happy thought...my favorite Mother's Day gift wasn't my new bike so I could ride through town with my girls on their bikes or the creative "coupon books" each daughter thoughtfully made for me. No, my favorite gift was the improptu family photo we took in our backyard. (thank goodness for tripods and timers) The lush green of the grass, with the pink flowers and our springtime outfits provide me the best Mother's Day present...photos of me with my loved ones.
Susan in MD
May you always have sand in your toes, sunshine on your face and a family that you love. That is all that matters in life!
Mary
Hear is a happy thought: after the rain, a rainbow will surely appear! Sorry your weekend didn't turn out quite like you had hoped!
I love the thought by President Monson in last October's General conference. "Enjoy the journey!" From all the stories that I have read about your family I truely get the feeling that you know how to enjoy the journey even when things don't go as smoothly as you would like.
Natalie
Chino Valley, Az
Lisa--You always come out smiling... no matter what. Just think... this will be a great opportunity for scrapbooking and just copy your blog-- the journaling's here! Hang in there. There's only UP from here!
Love,
Carol G in Northern California
Lisa you are one of those gals that when given lemons you make lemonade. And you are right at least you had family time. I always say that our Heavenly Father has a reason for everything and sometimes it is a way of humbling ourselves to truly being thankful. Like the little tepee it could always be worse. Chin up and stay positive!
The books looks fantastic. Hugs, Bobbi Jo
Hmm...your weekend was better than childbirth? I have that on the brain being 8 months pregnant.
You're always so positive! You could have told the story is such a different way- whinning and complaining... thanks for keeping perspective- helps me too!
We had a great weekend at our cabin in Island Park Idaho. We love to ATV, this is our son's favorite thing to do at the cabin, only this year it was different as he is serving his mission. It seemed a little strange riding along the trails without him, but wonderful knowing he is doing a great work.
Cherish the times with Kade, because the mission comes really fast!
Jenny C.
P.S. I really need to get to Lake Powell, I haven't been there since I was a teenager, I used to love it there. It was fun reading about your adventure rain and all.
CONGRATS on the shoot! Your scrapbook room makes me drool. seriously, i die!
Those ladies were very inspirational, no doubt! Everyone's struggling and overcoming battles daily, it's great to grow and learn and find gratitude in other people's stories. :)
Your trip looks like a blast. I'm a firm believer that regardless of the weather, the location or what happens, when you're amongst family/friends... aka the ones you love, it's all that matters.
:) Make joy in everything you do!
Thanks for the great giveaway too!
It's probably hard to appreciate it now (like a lot of things), but that will probably be the most talked about and most memorable trip your kids will remember and talk about for a long time to come!!! Glad all was safe and that you were able to get the trailer out!!!
Lake Powell is a great place! Our family trips never go as planned either, but I guess those ones are sometimes the most memorable! When you look back on them, you can't help but laugh! Thanks so much!
Your kids will be telling those stories from that week to each other forever!
Happy thought - you all came home without injury and everything else that happened is just "stuff" that can be fixed. Sounds like everything that happened made for a very memorable weekend. One you will look back on in time and laugh about!
Love your positive attitude!
oh my word! what a week indeed. But you know, it's always best to look at the bright side of difficulties, which it seems you did.
here's a happy thought for you, we are blessed beyond what we could ever hope or imagine compared to the rest of the world. we live in a wonderful country that for the most part still fears God. we are not taking any away vacations this year only stay-cations due to financial strain. but through this tough lesson for our boys, they are learning the importance of stewardship and good choices and that you can have a whole lot of fun and stay in your own neighboring town/community.
WOW what a story! Sorry you guys had such a rough time but like you said you were all together and everyone is safe! You are so positive!
PS LOVE your scrapbook room! To die for girl!
Thanks so much for the giveaway!!
Have a wonderful, restful week!
you can tell yourself that when you return, the weather will be gorgeous. Think of all the fun times you'll have with your family this summer. I know your a summer mom--and that will make you smile. :)
Lisa, it just goes to show you that
things for the most part don't go as
planned. It is definitely how we handle the detours. Sounds like laughter got you through it. I have
a daughter graduating this weekend and
she will be gone all summer and won't
be with us on vacation. Even though
Kade got a ticket, I will bet your
time spent with him in the car was
wonderful even if very ordinary. I will be soaking up this last week
of ordinary moments with my dd.
I would love a copy of book. Thanks,
How many "perfect" Lake Powell trips have you and your family been on? Which one do you think they'll talk about 20 years from now at your family get together? This one, and the one where your friends daughter climbed out of the houseboat in the middle of the night! Frightening times(that end well)and vacation "adventures" that aren't too traumatic make the best stories. We are getting ready to go on vacation tomorrow, and I hope we have good stories to reflect on in years to come.
Nina
Lisa,
You are so cute. I love how you find the positive in everything you do. But then, how can anything be bad when you're with your family that you love and will soon be changing as you have previously posted.
I think this vacation with your family- rain, mud and all will most likely be one you will talk about and laugh about for many years to come.
There are many people out there that don't have families to love or love them back like you do. You ARE truly blessed.
Thanks for sharing your story, it was very entertaining.
Andrea~
P.S. I would love to have your autograph...especially in one of your books...hint hint wink
After I quit chuckling over your post, I thought: Like many stated before me....you spent the weekend - albeit rainy weekend - with your happy and healthy family...that's all the pleasure you can ask for!!!
Last week I forgot to take my camera to my nephew's last soccer game. When I said that aloud, he said--don't you have enough pictures?!
Love good pictures and good memories. Even with all the things that happened, you'll have a great memory!
Wow! what a weekend.Just remember the quality time spent together. Everyday with our family is a great day.
That sounds like a rough weekend, but you're right, a ticket is so minor (sounds downright questionable), and you are all safe and sound, and that's all that matters.
I just want to say that my girls marched in our town's Memorial Day parade this weekend. I walk with the band as both a chaperone and the official band photographer. There are three small cemeteries in our town, and the parade stops at each one to pray and to read the names of those from our town who lost their lives for our country. It's truly humbling to be a part of that. Look at the freedom that we have and the wonderful country that we live in. We never should take that for granted. I'm glad that I slowed down on Monday to think about the true meaning of the day. We all live wonderful lives. We need to take a deep breath and be thankful and appreciative for what we have!
P.S. Your scrapbook is gorgeous!
Lisa - It rained here in Denver quite a bit too! Never even made it outside all week-end, so at least you got a few moments in the sun!
You made a ton of memories!
Jeanne in Denver
Oh Lisa, what a trip. But a happy thought regarding the weekend is that you and your daughters weren't originally going to be on the trip and then you were able to go. So it might not have been a perfect trip, but you were able to share one more memorable time with your son before he leaves for his trip and college. And you will be able to look back at it and laugh for years. :)
Vicki A
The best news is that you CAN laugh about it later. Like last summer when I went to spend a week at my sister's, and there was a surprise storm, and a huge tree fell on top of my car, with me in it! Seriously, I can laugh about it now! I just don't park under trees anymore. Ever.
This too shall pass is one of my all time favorite things. When life get's a little bit hard I try to remember this. I also love the fact that my little kids can come up and say just one sweet thing and my whole perspective on life changes and that is...... I love you mom!
Glad to hear everyone (and everything) made it home in one piece. This is one family vacation that will not be forgotten any time soon!!!
I think this weekend was a just a weekend of random events, like the AC compressor going on in my car in Barstow, California. Yes we drove the rest of the way to Disneyland and all the way back to Salt Lake without AC. But my happy moment was seeing my kiddos having the time of their life at Disneyland.
Hi Lisa,
I am glad you all made it home.
Here is my happy thought we got this e-mail from our church and I am going to sign up for it.
*Have you ever dreamed of being one of the Klement's Sausage Racers??
Well, here's your chance.
The Special Olympic Summer games is looking for volunteers to wear the sausage costumes for one hour time slots, during their summer game events on June 5th. This is a great way to serve others and have a blast doing it.*
How fun is this going to be. I am really excited to do this.
My happy thought If you can make just one person smile it is all worth it.
Thanks..Shannon
Stevens Point, WI.
Hi Lisa~~
One of my favorite quotes of yours is "Find joy in the journey." You certainly are a living testimony to that. Despite the trip not going as planned, you still made the best of it, and spent precious family time together.
And as you have said so often that children grow up so fast (they do!), the same thing goes for Kade's time away from you. It will fly by so fast and before you know it, he will be back. You and Steve have done a phenomenal job raising your children, and you have given them roots...now it is time to give Kade his wings. My happy thought is simply this quote by Toby Reynolds: "To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe." Kade is going to begin his journey of accomplishing great things, and it is all because of you and Steve!
Hugs to you and thank you for ALL you do for everyone!
Michele
i know it is sad and hard to let kade go but think he is doing one of the best things in life he will ever do....serve our Lord for two years! what a wonderful young man you have raised! and to be able to trust him driving more than yourself with the boat in tow is wonderful in itself!!
hey lisa, just think that now, you'll never forget about your weekend! plus, you'll have a great story to tell all your friends!
My oldest son is graduating from high school in less than two weeks. My happy thought is being able to spend time with him while he's still around. We're trying to squeeze in family time too.
Despite the rainy weather it looks like you guys had fun!
You scrapbook room is gorgeous! Where can I get one of those!
Here's to sunny, beautiful summer days! (P.S. It's pouring in PA right now)
Thanks Lisa!
I love your scrapbook room.
Glad that you had safe travels. I am sure that it will be a vacation that is talked about for many years.
You always have a way of seeing the blessings.
Goodness, the saying when it rains, it pours certainly applies to your getaway! At least you were able to spend some time together as a family and some precious mother-son time on your drive. At least you'll have something to look back on and say - remember the time that it rained & everything was muddy & such a mess?
Lisa,
My family had a similar experience on a weekend outing about 28 years ago! To this day, we talk and laugh about it at family gatherings. This too shall pass, but not without it bringing years of talking and laughing about it!
Lori
Just remember the awesome time spent together with your family....they probably wont remember the skiing anyway, but they will remember hanging out togehter, eating cereal in your trailer! It's the little things that really matter!
One of my dearest friends, Carrie, is a single mother of 2 small children which she adopted. Her daughter who's 5 had a little mishap a few years back in swimming lessons where the teacher held her under the water for a little too long and ever since then, Ella has been scared to go swimming. I finally convinced her to let me take Ella swimming in our pool. When Ella first got in she had to have floaties on and a ring and still had to stay on our large step. Within an hour and a half, she was jumping off our small waterfall(holding onto hands) and swimming with just her floaties. Carrie was so happy and amazed by her daughter. On the way home, she called me to thank me for a special day saying that her 2 kids have been talking none stop since they left my house saying things like "hey mom did you see my jump in the water." I thought this was just a sweet story about someone so dear to my heart and how when you want to do something, you do it even if it scares you a little.
Laura
Goodyear AZ
It is funny to read your blog today! You will laught about it soon enough! We have been to Lake Powell and it is amazing!
We spent the week and weekend at the beach and had great weather but one day!
Cannot wait to buy the new book! Love 2 page spreads and it says it has a lot! Let's hope!
Katie from South Florida
What a wonderful, fun weekend!!! And that is what is seems you felt after it was all over. Remember, life is 10% what happens to us and 90% our attitude about it and you and your family ALWAYS seems to have a great attitude and can turn even tragedies (the losses of some close friends this year) into meaningful experiences. The best to all the Bearnsons!!!!
We have been having beatuiful warm and sunny spring weather here in Wester NY - until this week that I am on vacation from work (a staycation). The much needed rain is coming down. So I decided that I am happy for the cool rainy days because my new plants in the garden will enjoy it and I can do some scrpapbooking instead of lawn mowing while I am off.
I feel down easily sometimes when I consider all I feel I've been through at a young age and it tends not to feel "fair"! However, I have an aunt (my mother's only sister) who had a harder life than just about anyone I know. Before she passed last year, she never ceased to have a smile on her face and I never knew a moment when she was not helping someone else, despite her legs having been amputated years ago, despite the arthritis in her hands and the visual impairment in her eyes. While I was recovering from open-heart surgery about 5 years ago (I was 23), my aunt sent me a picture of a bird, sitting on a fence post half-buried in snow, singing it's little heart out. She told me it's so easy to get down when trials come, but that we can still choose to sing! It would have sounded preachy from anyone else, but from her it was a love note, and a reminder to be grateful I was alive and to remember my many blessings! Whenever I have the tendency to feel down, I try to think of the bird singing on that post. We have to keep singing (or laughing) don't we??
Even though all of that happened, like you said..at least you were all safe and you were able to avoid a huge tragedy like your neighbors recently had. Grateful for small mishaps in tiny doses!!! I am glad that you still had a great weekend..and you were making memories..!!!
I try my hardest as well to look a bad situation with a good light. Just the other day, my husband and I were dealt some horrible words from his mom and sister. We could have chosen to fight back, but decided that we would take a better road, and ignore it and not take a nasty level, as they did. It is sad that we probably won't speak to them again, but in a light we don't want that kind of meaness and negativity and manipultiveness around our children. So it made me feel bad, it has been a long time coming and we knew it would come to this one day eventually.
So I am glad to not have this negativity around my 4 boys.
However this situation made us look into moving, and it has come up at my husbands work that he might have a chance to move to Texas in a few months (we live in California now). We would love the change and it is a great opportunity for him at work.
Love the announcements.
Have a great weekend.
Nicole M.
I'm sorry your weekend was so miserable, but I'm glad you are thankful to family time! I was blessed this weekend by having my oldest daughter home. She lives in Seattle & came home just for the weekend. We had a family picnic, church on Sunday and spent quality time together.
I choose to count my blessings instead of the rainclouds!
Well, it definitely could have been worse! At least it did finally dry out, and you guys did get home safe and sound.
Oh, wow! That was a comedy of errors if ever there was one! LOL! At least you are able to stay positive about it. Plus, you know for SURE that Kade will NOT forget his most recent trip to the lake! LOL! Oh...and I am curious about your DVD, as I have that book and I love it!
http://failblog.org always puts a smile on my face. It's just silly!
The joy of the Lord is your strength, Lisa. I appreciate so much the positive attitude you have had throughout this whole ordeal. You took the opportunity to be together...and together is the best way to get through difficult/challenging times. Like a rope...the stands (individuals)woven tightly together make the rope(family) stronger. You are wise to already look back and laugh and realize the wonderful lessons God has for you in the weekend.
I applaud you!
Lisa,
My family had a very similar experience on a family weekend about 28 years ago. To this day, we talk and laugh about it when we get together. This too shall pass....leaving you with great memories to talk about for years to come!
Lori
Happy thought - You're healthy, your kids and husband are healthy and all home together right now. You have money in the bank, a house over your head and food on the table. That about covers all that's necessary! You are Blessed!
Here is a happy thought...
my almost 2 year old son wakes up in the morning and wants to snuggle in bed with mommy. he gets close,pulls himself even closer to snuggle. he gives me the biggest, happiest smiles ever. sometimes he even gives a sweet baby laugh too. its a great way to start the day.
I love your room, looks GREAT! Growing up, my family always had stories like this. No matter what we did, something bad would happen. My mom would call them "adventures". But now that we are older, the adventures are what we remember most!
...a couple happy thoughts. may has been good for me. My dad turned 80 and we had a big b-day party for him with family members coming from neighboring states to help him celebrate.I also got to spend Mother's Day with my grown son for the 1st time in 9 years.
Life is good :)
WOW!...what a weekend!....hmmm...a happy thought?...trips like this past weekend will be something that you will always remember and smile cause it happened with your family!...you will all laugh about it!...
your scraproom looks awesome!...
Loving Family in the best times, worse times, happy times, sad times, stressful times and calm times. Cherish all times. Family is what really matters. Smile!!!
Happy thought for you today--- be thankful you are not potty training your daughter at the same time she's transitioning into a big-girl bed. Mommy bit off more than she can chew this holiday weekend-- so now I'm tired and busy doing messy laundry. I hope that your week (and mine) improves!
Heartfelt thoughts to your two friends who have endured and survivied more than just a weekend of mud and rain. No serious injuries or damages to your property and you've shown that laughter truly is the best medicine. This will certainly be a trip Kade will remember and recall when he is away from hoome. Colleen
What a dreary weekend. At least you were surrounded by your husband and all of your kids. As you well know, with Kade leaving for a 3 week trip. They grow fast, and it won't be long until you will be having fewer and fewer kids on your vacations. So, I think you should feel blessed that the 6 of you were together, and though it was rainy...you created memories, and have that to scrap about.
I would love a copy of your book. I love your insights, and I will miss you on QVC.
We go tent camping every year only at "primitive" sites (no electric and you have to walk to get your water!) Something crazy always happens that seems horrible at the time (like a rat in the woodpile or our golden retriever getting bit and his face swelling up to look like a St. Bernard or a terrible storm right while we were packing to go home!) But you know what? Those are some of our happiest memories because the family was all together and we laugh about those trips all the time now!
I feel your pain. We were at Lake Powell this past weekend as well camped on the beach with our four little kids in tents. It rained and rained and rained....we still managed to have a good time, but it was trying at times :) Glad you got the trailer home ok. I know the road in Page, AZ was even washed out and caused some major issues. It was a ton of rain.
What a great story to scrapbook! Often the worst experiences have the best memories, if we let them. Finding joy in the midst of troubles is difficult but worth it! Good for you guys!
See all the more reason to be happy about taking a leave of absense from QVC!! lol Lots of fun muddy rainy vacations to be had. As you said at least you were all together.
Hey Lisa,
Your weekend sounds better than our weekend. We got to take our first of what seemed to be an eternity-long ride, in an ambulance to Children's Medical Center with our 7 yr. old son in respiratory distress (who we didn't even know had asthma)!!!
He's much better now (and he may not have asthma...time will tell) but I'd trade you the flooding cold rain, the mud, the muck and the mire with the family than the experience we had!!!! :D
p.s. I did get a couple of pictures for future scrapbooking thanks to my phone(that was another story...it was almost dead when the whole thing began!)
Ay! Ay! Ay!
God is always with us!!!
P.S.S. Children's Medical Center in Dallas R~O~C~K~S!!! And so does your scrapbook room!!!!!!!!
What a great minibook scrapbooking those pics from that weekend would be! A cool going-away gift for Kade, too.
It's great that you can turn the not-so-good times into great times, with many happy memories. You truly kow how to be grateful in any situation. Your true faith, beliefs, and morals are showing! Watch out! You are certainly inspirational to all of us!
This will be one weekend that you all won't forget for a very, very, very long time, I'm sure!!
Take care,
Leslie
I LOVE your craft room
Vacations always have it's ups and downs.
Sit back and be thankful your home safe and can laugh about it later
Thanks be to God
I would love to win a copy of the new book.
Thanks for the chance.
I've always felt that each day is what you make of it. Even with the bad luck you had on the trip, you managed to make the best of a bad situation and not dwell on the negative.
My happy thought for the day is that I have a ballet class to take in the morning. It's grueling, tough and humbling but it's also one of the most joyful things I do in the course of a day.
Anytime away spent with family is always fun!! Enjoy it!!
Our weekend was spent at a 3 bedroom cottage with 17 people. The first night the kids (6 under 10 yrs)finally fell asleep at midnight. Two of the girls woke up a 2 AM and wanted to play, but were convinced to go back to sleep. Then at 4:45 AM my neice and her new husband arrived. They drove through the night to get to the cottage from their honeymoon! Of course this woke up the kids and half the parents!!!
We were so tired but it was great to see all the cousins enjoying themselves being together!
Laughter doeth good like a medicine... You just needed a good dose of laughter...
Sounds like you have more to journal about now:) That will make a great page with family bonding at its finest!
Tammy
Sorry about your trip. I had to call a locksmith to come unlock my bedroom door (who puts a key lock on a bedroom door? I rent so not I) but before I could change the door knob my son shut it again which caused another call to the locksmith. My son looked at me with the look of Oh I am in so much trouble. I just shook my head and laughed because if I did not laugh I would cry. The door knob has been changed but not until I took some pics for a very funny page.
We had beautiful weather this weekend, so I can't relate, but at least you had a "roof" over your head! Just think what it would have been like if you tried to camp in tents!
Hi Lisa,
The quote on my calendar for today reads..."Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% what you do with what happens to you." I thought it summed up your weekend. Sounds like you did just the right thing...laugh and not take the mud too seriously! :-)
Hi Lisa - glad to hear that you survived your weekend! Actually, I would think that sitting beside a woman who battled cancer and MS and another woman who lost her 12 year old son would make you realize how wonderful your weekend with your family really was!!!
Memories! These are the kind of moments you will always talk about...
:)
This type of vacation is easier to remember than when everything goes so easily. Challenge brings you together and bonds you like no other. Years from now, the kids will retell the stories to their kids and they will come running to you - was that true Grandma and Grandpa? And you will smile and just say, yes - I could never get that red dirt out of the clothes, but we played alot of games and ate a ton of cereal!
{smile}
I just think you are so LUCKY to have a Happy, Healthy family
(and Hunky Husband, Lisa your husband looks GREAT).
Enjoy the moments together because as we know they will be fewer as the kids get older.
oh, feel better!
"Red sand" is THE new, hot fashion color! So you'll be perfectly in style as you wear your vacation clothes! Gotta love Lake Powell!
Wendy--Fruit Heights, Utah
Lisa,
Sorry to hear about your rainy day troubles! Wow!
Only a similar but much lest devastating scale to yor story--We just purchased a new boat and it was delivered last Fri. only for it to rain incessantly for the whole weekend! We were so bummed but are looking forward to better weather this weekend.
When things are trying and difficult for me I always like to remind myself of "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" -Phil. 4:13
One of the reasons I love your blog is that even in not so great times you seem to find the joy and humor in most situations. I am sure this will be one of the weekends you will talk about in future years as a "remember when" and it will be ten times muddier and crazier than it actually was. :)
Here is my not so random thought. I do have an attitude of gratitude tonight. My 6th grandchild was born today by C-section. Healthy,robust and he will be wonderfully loved by his super family, including big sister and big brother.
I am glad you had a good weekend with your family,and just think everytime you look at that mud stain you can look back on a great last family trip before Kade is off into the big world.
A copy of your book would be fabulous.
"Expect that through the right lens all our encounters will appear full of thunderbolts and instruction. Every bush will be a burning bush."
Gregg Levoy "Callings"
The first thing I thought was wow... you have some great photos AND a story to tell!!!
We had a miserable time camping several years ago, and you know every summer we all talk about it and laugh and enjoy the photos!!
I don't think I had ever been so miserable as I was on that camping trip! Yet, it is the one trip we talk about the most!
Hope your week goes well!! Thank you for sharing.
I have a few happy thoughts:
Fresh, Clean, Dry Sheets.
The smell of freshly popped Popcorn.
When your children say, "I love you Mom."
Chocolate (insert your favorite kind).
Wild Flowers.
These all make me smile or hungry!
Susan M.
I can really relate to your camping experience. We spend a lot of time in the summer camping with our boys (and extended family). We have a tent trailer so needless to say - any rain, mud, etc. is a real battle. We don't even have a shower inside the camper - only a toilet and sink - so cleanup can be a real trial. Imagine camping with your husband, two small, dirt loving boys and the family puppy (German Shorthaired Puppy). It is fun - but very challenging at times.
One of my favorites was last summer. At the end of the camping trip, my husband has to carry the sewage tank for our toilet to the dumping station. As he was performing this task, the entire station (hose & base) fell over on top of him. The boys and I got a real giggle out of this once we saw that he was alright - quite funny watching him juggle sewage and falling equipment. He actually came out unscathed - not a spec of dirt:o)
Camped all through my childhood with my family in our motorhome - honestly some of the best memories I have. I think that your trip will ultimately be a huge success - one you talk about for years to come!!
Hi Lisa - My happy thought was also spending time with our family this past Memorial Day weekend. As educators it is hard to get away during the school year, but our 10 year anniversary is this coming Saturday and we couldn't think of a better idea than taking a get away weekend with our 5 yr old and 2 1/2 yr old. The only not perfect part was having to come home- everything else was divine - sorry the weather did not cooperate for you :(.
We were in Arches National park with elderly parents. We were doing a hike that was relatively easy--one they looked forward to all day. Then it started to downpour! We were all totally soaked. We will all remember it forever!
Glad that you are all safe!
Hi Lisa,
This reminds me of when the kids were younger about 11,9 and 4.
We had saved all year to rent a cabin at a beautiful lake. We were so exited ....we had never done that before. Flat tire on the way, stove didn't work when electic power went out. It rained every day for 7 day and the sun came out the last day as we were leaving. What did we do all week. Well ...we learned to quack like ducks. The lake had lots of them. We are all really good at it now. When ever we are together someone we quack and we all laugh.
We learned to make the best of a bad situation. Games, movies, singing, dancing etc.
We were together. It was something we would cherish.
Smile Lisa. Remember the TP
cheryl
I too have lost 37 lbs just as your husband has. It's a lot of hard work for sure. Losing weight is not easy.
Sometimes the best family trips are the one's that have some mishap involved. This will be a good family memory for Kade as he graduates high school and goes off into the big big world.
I'd LOVE to win a copy of the book!
Sounds like you had a perfect vacation of mishap
s that brought you all closer together. You will never forget that vacation and those are the best kinds. Congrats on the memory.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Hi Lisa,
Sorry that your plans didn't turn out the way you wanted, but we can all learn a lot from your positive view of the world. I'm glad you are able to laugh about it now -- and I hope you got some funny pictures to scrap!
Gail
On the upside, I am sure the doggie got a good bath :)
Lisa, just think about the wonderful scrapbooking layouts you can complete about this past weekend! Years later you will pull them out and everyone will have a wonderful time remembering these great memories and have a good hardy laugh!!!
You have a great attitude about your less than ideal vacation!
My happy thought is it's my birthday Sunday and for the first time in quite a few years I'm actually looking forward to it. We're not doing much, but I've been promised a cheesecake, and isn't cheesecake a most wonderful thing to be looking forward to?
Happy thought....you can always scrapbook it!!
Being with your family, even in the rain and mud, is your highlight :-) Enjoy your day...and I hope to win a copy of the book too!!!
Kelli in Muncie, IN
At least you were together with your family before your son leaves for college and someday will look back on this and laugh and laugh.
After the fact, man becomes wise but not wealthy. This is a saying I've heard my mom say many a time.
A happy thought is that summer is almost here, school is out, and we'll all get to spend more time with our children!
Jennie E
It seems like trips with a few problems are the ones we remember most, and they provide the best stories! I have camped in the rain before too, and it can certainly miserable. After seeing your picture of the little hut made of sticks, I am definitely thankful I never had to camp in anything like that - I'm sure you are too!
Here's a happy thought:
If there's sunshine in your heart, you can send a shining ray that will turn the night to day and your cares will all depart, if there's sunshine in your heart today!
LDS hymn book!!
Please don't include me in the drawing (like a good CK reader I've already purchased it) but I wanted to give you my Mom's words of wisdom when something goes wrong or not your way. "It wasn't meant to be." It may not be what I want to hear but it does remind me that not everything is in my control and good times are always ahead. Take care Lisa!!!
I'm sorry to hear that your camping trip didn't turn out quite as you expected it to! I'm sure though that it will be a trip never forgotten and I'm glad to hear that you are now able to look back and laugh!
Sorry about the rain. At least you had a clean scrapbook room to come home too.
I enjoyed meeting you at QVC. I am working on scrapping the photo you graciously posed for with me and my friends.
I would love to win a copy of this book. I've been looking for it ever since I heard about it and figured it wasn't available yet. Sorry to hear about your messy getaway but I think your happy thoughts should be that you will look back at it and laugh. (and obviously you should scrapbook it) You have some memories that you can look on and smile (even while shaking your head). You got through it and are better for the experience. I'm not sure my family would be in such good spirits. We may have gone home while it was raining :( So good on you!
I think you have enough material for a really good layout!!!
Just keep smiling!
Our family motto:
WOrk hard, Play harder!
Love the Lake Powell story! Way to look at the bright side of things. Go FIght WIn!
ADrienne
Lancaster, CA
My mom always used to tell me, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!" Now that I'm grown and my mom is gone, I look back on our "lemon" times with a lot of laughter. There was so much value in what my mom said...and practiced! And hey, if nothing else, your week will make a very interesting story to scrapbook! I hope you got pictures...mud and all!
You know Lisa, we had a weekend where everything seemed to go wrong also. The computer quit (only 2 years old), then the refrigerator quit (only 3 years old), and then we noticed a "spring" in our back yard we think created by water from the uphill neighbor's new waterfall seeping into the ground and surfacing in our yard. But, my husband and I were talking about how there are a lot of people who are dealing with a lot worse stuff than us - we're truly blessed. All this shall pass.
You are blessed with a family that loves you and a job that you love. That is a lot more than a lot of people have.
When you look back on the rough weekend you had, you will forget the not so fun stuff and remember that you were together with your family and all the fun you had.
One of my favorite memories from childhood was a vacation that my mom dubbed the same thing "the vacation from heck" but to me it was a blast...we were all together and that's what matters :)
Have a great day!
Amanda
Well, Marie Osmond once said, if you're going to laugh about it later, may as well laugh about it now!
And just THINK of the fun scrapbook page it will make ;)
My daughter graduated HS last week. As much as my heart aches to see the change in our family, I find great comfort in her pride for a job well done and her enthusiasm to be heading off to college.
TOGETHERNESS = FAMILY = MEMORIES
....Memorial Day being celebrated on the 4th Monday in May.
....Did you know an Act of Congress changed the Memorial Day
Celebration........38 years ago in 1971?
When I was a kid...it was called:
DECORATION DAY and parades were many in almost every community.
We decorated our bikes w/crate paper streamers and rode in the parade behind the marching bands and the many Service Men and Women to the cemeteries to Decorate the graves of the Service People.
It was very exciting and a very humbling day of rememberance.
I hope everyone remembered to
REMEMBER why we Celebrate Memorial Day!
Hi Lisa,
Sorry to hear about your weekend. I have a large family too and everytime we would venture out on a trip something would happen, but those are the great moments that you will think back on and laugh out loud. And it will make a great scrapbook page.
At least it is O-V-E-R!!!! Next time will be better! =)
Well Lisa, you were there for Kade's first smile, first tooth, first step, etc. Now you were there for his first traffic ticket! Lol. At least you have a weekend full of memories!
Hi Lisa! I'm sorry your vacation was not as expected, however, it seems like there are so many moments in life like that, that I have a saying on my bathroom wall right over my tub that has really kept me "right on track" during those unexpected twists in the road of life it says "LIFE IS A JOURNEY AND ONLY YOU HOLD THE MAP" As a single mom I am trying to instill that spirit in my son. You are the one who decides how that journey ends/begins and how you deal with all the points in between..only YOU hold the map. So glad that you kept smiling through it all girl! Take care and God bless your journey!
Lisa in Texas
"The Sun Will Come Out, Tomorrow!", the theme song from Annie is chorusing through my head after reading your post! Glad your weekend was safe, even if it wasn't as sunshiney as you would have liked!
This new idea mag looks perfect for me! BTW, when will this DVD you just made be available for purchase? I love your book "50 things" and a DVD to go with it would be fabulous!
My baby brother will be leaving on his mission in a month. We are busy finding tons of excuses to be together as a family. Make every moment count, even the messy ones :)
I still remember the trips from when I was a kid and things didn't go right (traveling cross country and listening to the radio announce where the tornadoes had been sighted and passing the sign for that location right afterwards!). What I don't remember as well are the times when everything did go right.
Can't wait to see you scrapbook this trip!
You have a lot of great photos to scrap, and this story would make a great mini album to laugh over for years to come. You could even include the ticket! Thank you for sharing your stories so I can see it's not just me who goes through things like this!
Christine
Sorry to hear the bummers of the week! But happy all is well! Here is a nice thought for you, I love this quote:
"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things"! :-) love that!
God bless!
Vicki
My weekend kicked your weekends butt!!!!!! Jerry had a 102.5 fever, Stacy had the stomach flu, Jaxon had 6 teeth pulled, and Mom had a stroke. Glad you had a blast!!! :) Love you tons!!
God didn't send a rainbow until after the flood. We must have trials to have joy. I've learned this lesson, however not perfected it- over the last 6 months while my husband has been laid off.
Just think--every time you wear those stained clothes or see the stains on the carpet in your trailer, you'll remember the "FUN" weekend your family spent together before Kade graduated.
The best part of your weekend is that someday you will look back on that weekend and all of you will tell "tall tales" about all the things that went wrong and laugh together about it. Good times.
Sorry to hear about your weekend but just reading about your son going on a mission makes me happy! I am thankful for the young men who went on a mission and taught me the gospel! Life is WONDERFUL because of the church. Your son gets to help those who may never know the wonderful news of restoration. You should be proud that your son wants to do the Lords will! You and your family will be blessed! I can't wait for my son to be a missionary (he is 5 and the other is 8 months)
My happy thought is from a favorite childhood song, and it fits your adventerous weekend! "Gray skies are gonna clear up, so put on a happy face!" Thanks for sharing your gray skies along with how you found the bright side to it all!
Thanks for the chance of a give away on your blog.
It wont be long before you will be recalling memories of that holiday and loving them, while I dont evny you and your family I know those memories will make you all laugh one day soon.
I have three little boys under the age of 4, and today we made the trip to the doctor for everyone's immunizations. All three were due for shots, and all day have been sore, tired, and clingy. I was dreading today, but it actually turned out to be one of my favorite days lately. My husband was gone to YM tonight, and I sat rocking the two older ones, while bouncing the baby in his chair, with my foot. It was so nice to be so physically needed, and the one that makes them feel better. So just like your muddy trip, sometimes the bad things turn out to be the sweetest. Kade will definitely remember his last trip to the lake more now than if everything had gone smoothly. To have fun through all that, he'll remember what a great family he has while at college/on a mission.
What a week. ;) While it wasn't quite what you would have liked it was packed with all kinds of memories. Just think of all the layout material you have now!! Seems like everyone was involed all the way to wet dog getting a 'swim'.
Lake Powell is such a beautiful place, what different memories you'll have this time around. Sounds like there was lots of things to laugh at in a few weeks time.
Would LOVE a copy of that magazine with your signature.
While I'll miss you on QVC I totally understand your decision. Family is so so important.
~ Colleen
One of my favorite quotes was one I read on a travel message board. It made me laugh out loud. "Any trip can be turned into an adventure by proper lack of planning"...sometimes that is SO true!
Crazy week! My happy thought is just think of the story you will all tell for YEARS to come laughing about Kade's last trip to Lake Powell before college and a mission. Next time he goes and you are all together again it will be an amazing trip!
For sure it will be a vacation that will not be forgotten. Years from now you'll all be sitting around enjoying perfect time together and I guarantee that this trip will come up. Our worst family vacation is the one that is talked about the most. I cringe when I hear "Remember when mom lost it and threw our pop cans out the window"? Oh well...life is made of ups and downs and sometimes the downs become the ups.
I look at your pictures and smile.
Firstly, you spent the weekend with people you love.
Secondly, you got to take pictures and can scrap it!
Thirdly, you will all appreciate your comfy home more now.
Forth, all of you will remember that weekend forever and probably laugh at the circumstances some day (especially the "tent").
LOL! (Lots of luv),
Terri C
Just think fo the great memory you will always have of that trip. That quote will prove to be so true in the next few years. ENJOY!
These sound like the type of family outings we have! I think it makes for better memories anyday! :o)
Thanks for the laugh,
Janel
Hi Lisa - I so would love a copy of your fantastic magazine. Hope everything picks up for you from now on in - just love your tidy scrapbooking room, now that's a major positive :-)
Here is a nice quote to make you happy: "Love takes the bad with the good and makes it all very special."
Take care, Tracey
Oh, my friend Amy is in this book! I would really love a copy!
Thank goodness for FAMILY - being a "newer" mother it never ceases to amaze me the strength children can bring. You got through it together and now can laugh over it together for years to come. The memories you made!
WOW! That was quite a story! I love that you were able to come out of all of that with a positive attitude, I'm not sure I could have done the same!
Lake Powell sounds like a fabulous place, I have another online friend that does the houseboat thing every year too, I'd love that!
Thank you for a chance to win the new book, it sounds fabulous for someone like me who never has enough scrap time!
Oh and I LOVE your room!
Remember in tough times : " A SMILE is a curve that set things straight".
So sorry about your weekend. It's too bad when you look so forward to something and it turns out to be a disappointment. As you say, there is still much to be thankful for. I lost my sister in August last year to a car accident and my mother in April of this year (exactly 8 months after my sister) after a fall and lengthy hospital/nursing home stay. I am still thankful for all we have.
What a wonderful way to get all those benefits of a mud bath for free!!! Hope you get it all cleaned up and the stains out.
deb
Hi Lisa,
Sorry about all the rain and mess. However, you are right about the humor and camping with familiy, bring it on! Venture to say that this will become on of your fav trips...
Happy thought: We're on our way to Iowa for the Odyssey of the Mind World Competition. Our son's team is one of 800 teams that will be competing! Yippeee!
Wendy
Oh so sorry your your time at Lake Powell was filled with rain, sounds kinda miserable to me. But you know what, you have now made some wonderful family memories and you will all look back and remember and retell the story and laugh and laugh. Funny how looking back shifts the recollection.
Would luv the magazine, keeping my fingers crossed.
Catherine A
I work as a physical therapist and one day as I was working in the gym with a patient who was in pretty bad shape, he looked over to another man who was trying to stand in the parallel bars and commented "you know Jeannine, you can always find someone who has it worse - be thankful for what you have." His words have stuck with me for a very long time. So, even though it was a crazy weekend - it could have been a lot worse!
Lisa, remember this - - you'll laugh about this years from now. Remember the time we went to Lake Powell and it rained for days, we got stuck in the mud, and got a ticket on the way home? LOL Great family memories and it's a blessing nothing really bad happened.
Love reading your blog!!!!
Have a great day!
Kristie Lippert
www.scrappingforsoldiers.com
While it wasn't the trip you would've liked, it was probably bad enough that Kade won't miss the lake as much while he's gone for the next three years. :oD
Glad you all made it home safely!
Lisa, my daughter also got a traffic ticket, with her Dad sitting right next to her...she turned right on red at the only "no right turn on red" street in town. My husband didn't even realize it! So it happens, don't feel too bad about it! deb c.
Those are the sort of trips that will make you look back and laugh and say "Remember when.......". Then, you'll be even more thankful for the great times you have together. You have the right attitude. And remember the sweet friends who have lost loved ones now and don't have the opportunity to share even a "bad trip" with. Love you Lisa, love your blog!
Here's my happy thought but it is reality.
SCHOOL IS OUT ON FRIDAY!!!!!!!!
Hi Lisa,
There are two proverbs that apply here, I think. One is "Every Path has its puddle." (Great LO title, don't ya think?) The other is a Burmese proverb that says, "In time of test, family is best." You guys weathered it together...and came out with a great attitude! Glad yall are okay. :)
Sorry abuot your crummy weekend! But just keep in mind the great family time you got to spend all together before it all changes. Those are the moments to cherish! You will laugh about this in a few years, as you are looking back at your scrapped layouts!
My happy thought for you is actually a thought from Marjorie Pay Hinckly. "The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache." I have this on my fridge, and it is a daily reminder. I love the quote and I love the lady!
It is what it is....This will be a memory you will never forget. You will laugh about it later. Happiness is being with the one's you love no matter what the consequences are.
Miss U on QVC!
BIG HUG!
I'd love the book.
Colleen
Stafford, TX
How do I cahnge my email adress?
Wow - that was quite an adventure!!! At least you were all together as a family! Hope the rest of your week goes better. Thanks for the chance to win. Kimberly W.
I too got my first ticket in a semi-stressful situation when it was least expected. Somehow, it made it not such a big deal. I was pregnant and not feeling well - heading home from work early. The officer who pulled me over was off-duty and looking for a way to let me off easy - but I was so miserable that I ended up yelling at him, "Just give me the #*&!*@ ticket already!" So he did!
Thanks for sharing your not-so-perfect vacation!
Eileen in CT
Now you can guess how Noah really felt while sitting on the Ark :)
Hi Lisa
Wow that was some story about your weekend. Even though it was rainy and miserable, you still made the best of it by being together as a family and laughing together! That's the most important thing and all that really matters in the end. I'm sure you'll be looking back on this weekend and laughing and remembering it fondly!
Thanks for the contest--would love to win.
Hope you have a good week!
Lori O.
Pennsylvania
Wow, what a crazy weekend you had. Sorry to hear the weather was so yucky! Just be glad the mosquitoes are not in full force yet! :)
I love the quote you shared "tragedy plus time equals humor" I'll have to remember that one! :)
That trip to the lake sure sounds like a 'comedy of errors.' I can sure sympathize, but my family had a similar vacation in the moutains of Colorado. We were miles from anyone else, ended up with only one working car for 7 adults and 2 kids and endured a large family tiff...but this was 3 years ago. Now when we look back we LAUGH so hard at all the things gone wrong. Our family ended up closer and so appreciative of the togetherness long after the frustration and petty fighting have lost any meaning. I wish you and your family the same outcome.
Bless your heart! At least they are memories you will cherish. :) For a good news/pick me up, my five year old daughter is 1 year cancer free! :) Now, four more years to go before she's considered "cured!" Each day is a blessing for sure!
You know, what we sometimes consider a complete disaster, turns out to be some of the best memories we have. In your situation, the family had to pull together to make the situation work out at all. You will have some wonderful memories of this time. When your kids of children of their own - I bet this trip will be one of the funny stories that the will tell their children, and it will be one of their top memories.
I'm going camping this weekend and hope to have better luck. I haven't had the best camping experiences myself. In fact, I really don't like it! I just go for the kids and their friends. Weather is suppose to be nice for us!
It's so nice that you were able to have a whole week with your family all together. Sorry about the circumstances. You will never forget it.
Heidi
Wow, what a weekend! I love your outlook on the situation. I too have gone to my favorite place to vacation (my husband's family's camp in Maine) and it has rained all day! It's frustrating, but at the same time, my Mother-in-Law has a saying that makes everything better: "A bad day at camp is better than a good day anywhere else." I truly believe that and hope that the next time you get to go away the weather is cooperative!! :-)
Last night I made a soccer ball decorated cake for my 8 year old. His last game is tonight and he has been asking me forever to make him one of these cakes. While my husband and older son went to a baseball game last night, he stayed home with me to help with the cake. Turns out there really wasnt' much for him to help with, but when I put him to bed he said "Mom, you did a great job on the soccer ball cake, it is awesome!". It just doesn't get any better than that!
Sometimes it seems like these kinds of events are the ones we remeber the most but they are the ones we learn from, cherish or laugh at the most! But they help us appreciate the great ones (the ones that go the way we plan them to go)!
Amanda
Logan, UT
Our family motto is "Together is the best place to be" After all your adventure I was thinking about what you experienced together and expect that you wouldn't want to be with anyone else but your family.
Sorry your weekend didn't go quite as planned. But at least you were all together and your son got to go to Lake Powell for the last time for a while, even if it wasn't the best trip! I'm sure it will be a trip to remember! :)
someone once told me that there is no better way to grow close as a family than to go camping inthe rain. you guys must be incredibly close after that week ;O)
What a vacation to remember for Kade and how nice of you all to make it memorable. LOL Just keep laughing you have a n amazing life and family and you are a strong role model for them!!! Congrats to a great vacation.
Lenea
Lisa, I know it must have been a bit of a letdown, but I am glad you all are okay, and yes, it will become funnier over time. At least you all got to be together, which I know is very important to you as a mother.
The good news is is that summer is just around the corner ~ your favorite time of the year!
I hope the rest of your week is wonderful!
You've created more memories in the banks of your childrens hearts - what could be happier??
Love, Tracy G (Durban, SA)
The most important thing is that you were together as a family. Years from now you will still all talk and laugh about this camping experience. About 7 years ago we had the same kind of experience with my mom and dad and to this day we still laugh about it. Those are the memories that families are made of.
I'm sure your kids will remember this trip more than most other trips all because of the mishaps.
amy s
Well at least all your children are potty trained!
I tried to convinced my 2 yr old that she needed to change her pull up before she got any more milk. We end up having a crying tantrum that lasted for at least an hour. She passed out naked on her bedroom floor. (I got the heavy pull off and attempted to put a new one on) I just put on a new pull up and a blanket as she napped for 2 hrs.
This will be the vacation that in years to come the kids will still be talking about and remembering via the pictures. Somehow they will forget all the horrible moments and just remember the time spent together as a family which is priceless.
Scrabook room look awesome.
Bridget
At least your weekend was not a total loss...you have funny moments to reminise about and some indoor fun with family.
When you are an old woman and your children are home for a visit, they will remember the that trip and laugh and laugh. It will be a memory seared in their minds. The fact that you were together is all that matters...
It is when families go through disaster trips like yours that they truly bond! What great stories your kids will have to remember their last few weeks with Kade! And any time at Lake Powell (raining or not) is better than a sunny day almost anywhere else! I love it there and haven't been in 8 years! I miss it so lucky you for getting to experience all of the beauty that is everywhere there!
I know that it can seem like you can't possibly get enough time with Kade before he leaves for college and a Mission, but I wanted to share a memory with you of an awful vacation that I still look back on fondly. My family was gathering for a reunion in Utah's Bryce Canyon for a a week of camping, hiking and fun. However, instead of sun and fun it rained the entire time including while the family was on a hike and many of the kids had to be carried back to camp so they would not slip in the mud. It was the summer before my sister left for college and while we spent most of the time in our cabins it still is one of my most memorable vacations with my family even though it was more that 15 years ago.
Well, you made the best you could out of that situation. At least you all were together.
((((HUGS)))) It might take a week, a month or even a year, but you will see what God's plan was for your messy weekend. Find happiness in your time spent with your family and if not in them, at least in the junk food! Here's to a better week ahead... -- Amy in TN
We love Lake Powell too - and there is always some sort of adventure that creates great memories! Last year our Houseboat burned to the 'lake' (it was out on the lake) - everyone on board got away safely and now we have a new improved houseboat and are ready for many more adventures on the Lake!!!
Everyone made it home safely - that is really all that matters! As for my weekend, my friend and I spent one day making invitations for our new party planning business only to sit back to admire our work and see that I left a word out!
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