Think on These Things

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Anti-Perfectionism

KIDS, KIDS EVERYWHERE

GREEN BEANS AND TOMATO SAUCE IN THE FREEZER

OUR LAUNCH PAD BY THE BACK DOOR

LAUNDRY WAITING...

LAUNDRY WAITING....

MY DESK WAITING....

PEACHES AND PEARS WAITING....

TABLE BY THE BACK DOOR

DISHES WAITING...

I often read inspiring blogs full of luscious photos. Their authors are super creative and can craft, sew, garden, cook, decorate, organize, clean, raise kids, devotionalize, etc. When I look at their posts, it's like a little escape from reality.

I'm not comparing or anything, but sometimes a niggling thought in my mind says, "Why does everyone project an image of perfection?" With all this time on the computer, when do they fold laundry, pay the bills, do dishes, or PLAY OUTSIDE?

So here are some pictures of what I face in my domain. I'm just putting it out there that reality doesn't look good on a magazine cover. Relax! It's just my sarcastic sense of humor!

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Westward, Oh

We started our school year with a trip along the Oregon Trail in Nebraska.

Here we are at Ft. Kearney.

We started with 9 in our wagon and ended with 8.

I guess Auntie Lizzy "saw the elephant."

No, we're not there yet.

You never know what characters you'll meet on the way.

Photo op at the "Getaway" Arch

(read as such by my sometimes dyslexic reader)

This is the display at O'Fallon's Bluff near Sutherland.

Looks like we forgot the bonnets.

Westward, Oh! Part II

The third day we climbed Courthouse and Jail Rocks in Bridgeport.

These are the wagon ruts at Brule, NE on California Hill.

You can follow them all the way until they disappear into a cornfield.

Ash Hollow was a big disappointment because they are all shut down for budget cuts.

There is a lovely, shady spot for camping and picnicking...if only it were allowed.

But the pump still gives cold, delicious water.

Chimney Rock now has a nice little visitor center with art, kids activities, and a bookstore.

Here is the tunnel up on Scottsbluff. Our little band of pioneers hiked the entire thing in 100 degree weather. Jason said it only took him 35 years to get to the top.