Go Take a Hike

The weather was nice Sunday so we decided to take a hike in the afternoon. Being inside all winter makes us crazy, and we all needed to breathe fresh air and soak up some nature. We went to the river, of course, and the guys fished. I took the camera and got a few nice pictures while we were out. Blake caught a really nice trout and hung another good one but lost it at the bank. The waterfalls we hiked up to were mostly frozen over, it looked so cool! The trail was frozen over at the falls so only the guys went all the way up to the falls. We will definitely make this hike again in spring.

Chattooga River

Blake's nice trout

Kings Creek

Kings Creek Falls

~Tara

One Year

Today marks one year since Nana passed away. It's been the fastest year really. We have managed to make it through all the "firsts" without her. First birthday celebrations, first holidays, and lots of regular days just waking up and remembering how she's not there to hug or talk to, which can send you right back to day one. I am so glad we know Nana is in heaven. I am happy that my kids understand that and follow after a Savior who loves them enough to provide a way for them to experience heaven with her one day. I am thankful that we can remember her and be happy about having the time we did have to spend together and for the kids to have loving memories of her. We never know what God has planned for our lives or how long he will give us to live them, but we can know that God works all things for good, he is always loving and will help us endure hurts and hard experiences when we allow him to. He has brought us through this year and has used it for His glory. I can't help but think about Gary and Lib and how happy this day was for them, even when it was our saddest. God used our family to help another family. What greater honor that to be of useful service to the King of the universe! I am amazed at what medical technology can do, but I am more amazed at what God's power can do.

~Tara

Banjo

Blake had his first banjo lesson last night. He started to ask about getting a banjo around Christmas so I suggested he take a few lessons to be sure he would like playing the banjo. He has never made an attempt to play any musical instrument so this is a new endeavor. My dad's side of the family is very musically talented and most of my uncles and my grandfather can play some type of bluegrass instrument. I grew up hearing my grandpa pick the banjo and he had a long standing tradition of holding bluegrass jam sessions every Saturday night when he ran Cuzzins store. It was always a packed house and people spilled out into the parking lot and around the gas pumps to play and listen. I wish Blake had the opportunity to experience that and to have had the chance to play with grandpa. He mentioned that he wished whoever inherited my grandpa's banjo would let him have it, fat chance there buddy!! I am proud of Blake for trying new things and broadening his horizons. He's always been on the adventurous side.

~Tara