DAY 2, Lake of the Ozarks

On monday morning, we awoke to another nice morning.  

The kids did some playing and guitaring and blocking. 

Sarah did her best Marilyn Monroe imitation. :) 

Scott, Jason and I all went running, separately but we did go running.  :)  And when we returned we all got ready and went out on the pontoon boat for a bit of exploring.  We went out about 10:30 but for some reason, all of the kids were sleepy.  About ten minutes into the boat ride, they ALL were asleep.  

The scenery was beautiful and the lake amazing.  The houses, oh my goodness.  

We puttered around and saw the sights and gave the kids the chance to sleep.  Then headed to Paradise for some lunch.  It was the perfect location.  The kids could play with hula hoops and sidewalk chalk.  There was a BIG captain morgan and even a stage which made Joe Joe's eyes light up.  (not a GREAT idea cause then they all wanted up there...bad bad mommy!).  

Daddy let joe listen to some music.  

He's starting early I tell you!  :)  Pat Green watch out!  

I had to prove that I still could do it.  

Crissy, too, had to prove to herself she could do it.  And she could.  :) 

Even Abby had the moves.  

I think Joe was giving the side eye to all of us crazy's.  

Til he decided to help.  

Scott and his girls.  Sooo sweet.  

Joe and "grandpa" got us home safe and sound. 

The adventure of Lake of the Ozarks

We all slept well and a new day and our week dawned before us.  Right outside their back patio was a small jogging track with a REALLY big hill.  Scott and I decided to try it out.  

I don't think I can fully verbalize how much of a MOTHER EFFER that hill was!  Sorry, I don't use that language, well except, unless I do...  but still

that was at the bottom, looking up the hill.  

We had a relaxing morning of tickling and playing guitar and playing on the patio.  

and roaring

the girls took a trip to Walmart for our weekly groceries.  I found this shirt and thought of the guys.  snicker snicker. 

It took us about two and half hours to get all of the shopping done but we were set up for the week. 
The rest of the day was spent on the lawn mower, fishing and riding along in tractors. 

there was an afternoon thunderstorm which turned into a tornado watch. 

we had a furry visitor.  Does anyone know what this was? 
We rode over to the Horny Toad for dinner.  It was fantastic, a bit hectic but fantastic. 
There was lots of playing and giggling and eating with a bit of snuggling on the side.

 

 Reagan would NOT keep her eyes open.  and we sure did try.  

what a gorgeous little goofball.  

 

we're STRONG!  

Great night to a first great day! 

Journey to Lake of the Ozarks

Last year, The Stanards, the McMichaels and us went to Cedar Creek Lake which is about three hours away from each of us.  We talked about how much fun we had and how we were going to do it again. 

Well, John's family splits their time between St. Louis and Lake of the Ozarks.  With clearance from his family we were on for a trip to Lake of the Ozarks, MO.  We started talking about it several month's ago and decided it would be more fun if we could all ride together.  The investigation began for a fifteen passenger van.  

The time arrived fast and our van was rented, our menu planned and details ironed out.We were set to leave on Saturday morning but the Stanards and McMichaels arrived in Fort Worth Friday night and we set out about 7:00 am.  Six adults and 5 kids three and under.  :)  Two kids in the back with me.  Two kids in the middle with Crissy and one kid and Scott (or two kids) with Cindy in the front.  HA! John and Jason in the VERY front.  

I was attired in my dinosaur shirt and side ponytail (for joe to play with).  I'm such a good mommy... wink wink.  

We had to make one stop at Mcdonald's for lunch, of course and one stop to potty and get gas.  But, eleven hours later, we arrived at Lake of the Ozarks.  

We wondered if we were ingenious or certifiably nuts.  

Turned out we were smart.  The kids played with each other, there were books, and coloring books and movies... there were a few minor meltdowns but not too bad.  Us girls could chat and help each other and it was really nice.  

The kids immediately made themselves at home and started their rock band. 

This was the view from the balcony, nice huh?  

and at night.  

The girls decided that "summering" involved sitting on the chaise lounge with their drinks.  We liked the idea.  :) 

Our first night was pretty low key.  We ordered pizza and sat and chatted, played and "summered".  The kids all crashed and us adults weren't too far behind.  It had been a long day!  But we were finally there.  Let the vacation begin.  :) 

Memories or baggage?

My father always said that we are a product of our environment.  The people we surround ourselves with are what shape us.  My father is a wise man.  :) 

I won't even get into what he used to tell us that was complete rubbish.  Ha!  :)  He is human afterall. 

My past, really, OUR past, does in fact, shape who we are.  Our life experiences can either come along as memories or as baggage depending on if they are a positive or negative thing. 

So, I was always the nerdy kid in class.  I always wanted to be accepted, I mean who doesn't?  I always felt like I went out of my way... others might think differently.  And I did act a bit snobby but that was more a defense mechanism.  I grew up and I grew out of it, mostly.  :)  But one thing I never grew out of was the desire to please and be liked by everyone, even if I don't like them. Crazy, huh? 

Well, one year in college, I went with my roommate and two other friends to the Bahama's.  We were having a blast!  One night we went out and got our drink on and we came back and went to bed.  I went to bed early because we were supposed to swim with dolphins the next day and I was excited.  My friends, not as much.  They went out on the balcony to smoke cigarettes, drink some more and hang out. 

For some reason, they didn't close the door all the way and I woke up to them talking about me.  For four hours.  Yes, you read that right.  FOUR hours.  I listened to them talk about me for FOUR hours.  And it all stemmed from them not really wanting to go to swim with dolphins and how I would make them miserable if we didn't go.  There were other comments about how "frugal" I was and how I didn't let things go easily.  And luckily, almost fifteen years later, I don't remember all that was said about me.  I finally walked out and told them that I had heard them and of course, they felt horrible.  And eventually, we all talked and I forgave them.  In fact, I am still friends with them.  (mostly on facebook). 

One thing I haven't forgotten though is that feeling.  That feeling I had when I listened to all of my bad traits (and I know I have them... shoot, I'M human too) spelled out in painful description. 

I know that it's normal and it's human to talk about people.  Usually it's not malicious or hateful... just kind of matter of fact or petty annoyances.  And I know that was what this was with those girls so long ago. 

I can say though, that it is baggage that I carry around with me.  I know that I am still, to this day, insecure when it comes to my very best friendships.  I know that they love me.  I know that they would NEVER hurt me.  I also know that *I* get quiet and feel insecure and worry if I don't hear what's going on.  I slink back into my shell and that 21 year old girl emerges and I worry.  I stew.  I get scared that they don't like me for some reason or that I have annoyed them or...  or...  or. 

So, if you are my friends... please don't hold it against me if it seems that I always need to know what's going on.  Or if I ask you regularly... "you're not mad at me, are you?"  Or even if I sulk.  What you can do is ask me about it?   I love you guys and I can't even tell you ALL how much you mean to me.  If I annoy you or have done something, I would much rather have you tell me outright so I can change it or know about it than keep it from me. 

I recognize that this is MY baggage and no one else's...  but I got to thinking about it recently and thought I'd share something personal with you.  Hope you don't mind.  :)