Belong

A Merry and Blessed Christmas to you! If you are reading this, I hope you had a beautiful day, full of love!

I came across this little quote tonight, and thought it was just perfect. In the hustle and bustle of the holiday... shopping, wrapping presents, sending cards, getting pictures taken, seeing Santa, making food, cleaning... the list goes on and on. It's a little reminder of what the Christmas season is really about.

"Take time for quiet to just watch the beauty around you and breathe it all in."

I want to share something with you that surrounded me with a peace yesterday. Today, Christmas, I had to work. Not my first Christmas, not my last. Working Christmas is different than working any other holiday. I can't quite explain why, it just is. Something about it. I was lucky enough though, to have Christmas Eve off {comes with seniority I guess :)} And I love being able to go to Christmas Eve Church. I grew up always going as a family to Christmas Eve Mass. We would get ready early in the day, and be at church early, partaking in the music, pageant, or whatever else was needed. And then of course go up close to the beautiful Nativity scene, and put money in the "nodding boy." He was one of the shepherds, that when a coin was placed in his hands, he would nod his head as if to say "thank you." It was every kids favorite! One of my other favorite memories was always going into the church's basement afterwards and getting our brown paper sack from the Knights of Columbus, full of peanuts, apple, orange, and all sorts of candy! Then we would go home, eat a meal, get to sip wine (even if not old enough), say a rosary together as a family, and then Santa would come!! Oh, such great memories!

Anyways... back to what I wanted to share. I was meaning to say, I was so grateful to be able to go to Christmas Eve church last night. Church was so full, and the music, colors, trees, and Nativity scene were breathtaking!! It was so beautiful, but as I looked around, I felt a little alone. It looked like most other people were there with their families. And made me feel a little jealous, that I couldn't be with my family. To all be at Mass together, wear our Christmas best, and get to take pictures afterwards. But then was the story of the birth of Jesus, the joy from singing "Glory to God in the Highest," and then the homily. And that's what I want to share... but one has to understand the before (what I just shared) to know why it touched me so.

Father talked about when he was little, how he loved being the one to set up the Nativity scene in their home. How it was such a special job because everything has a certain place at the manger. The cow, the sheep, the goat, the shepherd. They all had to go a certain way, be on a certain side so they were facing/looking at Jesus. They all had to be just so, just right. All being placed in their special spot, they all belonged. Father went on to say... But WE all belong there too! We, in all our messiness, in all the different ways we arrived, We belong right next to the manger with Jesus too.  Jesus comes to us as a baby, tiny, innocent, dependent on all, in a cave with cows and sheep. Dirty, cold, dark... but He did that so we all would feel invited. So we all would feel that we belong there too, no matter what our past is. As we all gather, each of our lives have a different path. Some of us with lots of pain, some with lots of joy. Some with things, some wishing for the desires we don't have. But no matter how we arrive, Jesus wants us there. He wants us next to the manger. He wants to belong to us too. He wants to love us. He wants us to let Him love us!

So then as I reflected on this message, that we belong next to the manger too... my heart changed. I was no longer wishing I had what the others had (my family next to me in church). I was picturing myself, next to the manger where Jesus was born, singing Gloria, and thanking Jesus for letting me be part of His family. And then the Mass just got more and more beautiful! The songs, the people, the families. I didn't want it to end. After ending church with "Joy to the World," I just sat in my pew for awhile, and just watched. Just smiled, and took it all in. Families taking pictures by the beautiful trees. Hugs being given of long time friends. Little children stepping close to baby Jesus in the Nativity scene. It was really the most beautiful scene all around. So much to be thankful for! God is good!!

My family had our Christmas on Friday night, and there a moment in which my sister-in-law, was sitting on the couch and said the baby is moving. We (all my sisters and mom)... gathered close around, all wanting to put our hand on her tummy, hoping to feel the baby move, kick, anything. (thank goodness she's not a hater of physical touch-- haha!) We were so excited! And just think... that baby isn't even born yet. I was thinking of this at church last night... that excitement we had for our new baby niece or nephew, do we have that same excitement as we gather for the birth of Jesus? Just something to think about. As we gathered today for Christmas, for Mass, for celebrating the birth of Jesus... let us take a moment in the quiet "to just watch the beauty around you and breathe it all in," and to say, "thank you Jesus."

We belong at the manger too. 

"Holy is His Name" -- so perfect for this special day.
(and thanks to my Fab sister for her incredible lettering!)--- Etsy shop soon! 

Loving my new camera with these closeups!! :)

The most delicious cinnamon rolls!!

Yup... talked them into a picture again (or maybe forced!) lol :)

Got to change up the pose somehow! ;)

No matter what... we will always be family.

I stopped at church tonight after work just because. It was beautiful... so peaceful, silent, calm.

One more thought...
"She (Mary) treasured all these things in her heart" -Luke 2:51.  I can't help but think how Mary's "yes" to God with so many unknowns, so many uncertainties, brought Jesus to all of us. To show and share with us love, grace, peace, and mercy. May we always remember to pause and "treasure" the joy, peace, and love that Jesus brings us, not only on Christmas but on every day we let Him into our hearts! And I pray we can grow in trusting in His plan, just as Mary did. Let us ponder the beauty and awe of the birth of Jesus. Let us see Him in the holiness. And know....  Holy is His Name.

Oh Baby!!

Just a little happy moment to share....

When two families can come together, and then all of a sudden you have 9 sisters instead of 4.... it's a very special and beautiful gift!!!

Oh Baby... Is there going to be 11 girls?? Or one boy to get loved by so many aunts!! :)

With the beautiful mama!! :)

My sister in law and brother are going to have a baby in February, and we are all so excited!! It's going to be the first niece or nephew on our side of the family!  The first baby. This baby is going to have 9 aunts to give it soooo much love!!! I just can't wait!!  We had her baby shower a few weekends ago, and it's so fun when "All my sisters and me" get together!

In God we Trust

Well if you haven't heard... We have a new President.... Mr Donald Trump.

I, with millions of others, cast my vote yesterday, what I felt was right with my conscience. When I walked out of the poling place, I couldn't help but think about the first time women voted. The first time Americans voted. I felt a pride of being able to vote.. I can't imagine what those first people felt. It's pretty incredible what we have when one thinks about it.

Then comes the watching and waiting--- as I tuned in to some of the election process last night, I picked up a theme from the reporters... No one thought he could win. No one thought he would win. He took everyone, including myself, by complete surprise, and he won by more than a few electoral votes.  I was just waiting for the moment when Hilary's numbers would start rising. But that never happened. And quite honestly, I was still surprised this morning, when I looked at my phone, and it said Trump was going to be our 45th President. It is done. He won fair and square. But I know there are a lot of people very upset, very sad, in shock. I am personally disappointed in Nebraska as a state, to say yes to having the death penalty reinstated. That it's okay for us to decide when people should die. Hopefully it won't take away the need for change to our criminal justice system instead.  But what makes me more sad, is the hate, the anger that is going around out there in person and through social media. It just saddens me. We have a great country. We, the people, are what makes it great! Not some person that gets to call themselves the president. Sure, the president is very important... but he's just one person. Our country is made up of millions of people. Millions of great people. Not everyone is bad. There is so much goodness around. Just look-- find it everyday. Be a part of it everyday. Be that kindness and love that everyone is so desperately searching for. I think Saint Mother Teresa says it best, "What can you do to promote peace? Go home, and Love your family." A friend also said today, "Love is free. We don't have to cast a vote for love, we can give it away daily. Everyone of us has enough love in us to power this country. Love you brothers and sisters, no matter who you believe they voted for." So what is done, is done... the four years haven't started yet. Have a little faith. Give the guy a chance, give the House and Senate a chance. Don't start pointing fingers. I'm pretty sure that no matter what sex, race, religion, etc.. we all want the same and that is peace, kindness, and love to each other. A safe place to live and grow. Equal opportunity for all. And that freedom that we are so blessed and grateful to have! We can still make a difference. Be that water of grace.

So I'm just going to say it... I am not a fan of Trump. There is a lot about him that makes me nervous. He's not my number one pick. But I have never and will never support Clinton. That's who I am, and I am comfortable with saying that. Someone who thinks that it's okay to destroy Human Life... I just can't live with that. If you can, then okay, I'm not going to hate you because of it. But know my mind will not change when it comes to life. When I think back to when all this was starting, when Trumps name started to be thrown around. I asked my brother-in-law (who's pretty up in this politics stuff-- in a very good way), if he thought Trump would make it. And he said no. But he said, if he would by chance be elected... then maybe it wouldn't be so bad. As then it would force the House and the Senate to do their job, and do it well. Trump's a business man, and I have to have faith that he will get the right people in there to help him. Here is a letter from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

I read something by Mel Robbins today. When explaining to her children why so many would chose Trump, she said, "Americans felt forgotten. Forgotten by the media, the elites, the government, by the world as it changes, innovates, and evolves. Trump represented hope to them." They wanted change. Maybe we can help others not to feel forgotten. Practice the corporal works of mercy a little more.... (Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Shelter the Homeless, Visit the Sick, Visit the Prisoners, Bury the Dead, Give Alms to the Poor), and maybe those who feel forgotten, will feel a little more loved instead.

Just remember, God is in control. God is the true King of all. We need to trust. We need to put all our worries, our anxieties, our fears... lay them at the feet of Jesus's cross. Trust that He always has and always will be with us and take care of us. Have faith. Trust. Have courage. Be strong. Just like our United States motto says, starting back in 1956, "In God we Trust."

Lastly, don't stop praying. Just because the election is done, doesn't mean our prayers stop. Our country, our government leaders need prayers all the more. From the blog of Life Lived Beautifully, "I think St Paul would tell us to get on our knees, cry out to God, and pray for His people to rise up and love others radically. I think he would encourage us to flourish and thrive even if a season of persecution was upon us-- after all, he rejoiced in prison and his sufferings. So we pray. We seek God's face and listen to His voice." 



A prayer that the Archdiocese shared today that I will share with you.

PRAYER AFTER AN ELECTION

God of all nations,

Father of the human family,

we give you thanks for the freedom we exercise

and the many blessings of democracy we enjoy

in these United States of America. 

We ask for your protection and guidance

for all who devote themselves to the common good,

working for justice and peace at home and around the world.We lift up all our duly elected leaders and public servants, 

those who will serve us as president, as legislators and judges,

those in the military and law enforcement.

Heal us from our differences and unite us, O Lord,

with a common purpose, dedication, and commitment to achieve liberty and justice

in the years ahead for all people,

and especially those who are most vulnerable in our midst.

Amen.

Sundays

Yesterday, Sunday... was a beautiful day. It was great, relaxing. Why you ask? Sundays happen every week. Well, with my job as a nurse... I work many of those Sundays. I hardly get a Sunday where I can just enjoy the day. Take in the beauty of the day.  It was perfect. I loved enjoying the nature, God's creation. the sun, the birds, the leaves falling. I loved this fall day. And I loved watching all the people out and about too... all the families taking the day to be with each other, to find joy in each other. Thank you Jesus for creating Sundays. It's like that country song by Craig Morgan, "That's What I Love about Sundays."

That's what I love about Sunday:

Sing along as the choir sways;

Every verse of Amazin' Grace,

An' then we shake the Preacher's hand.

Go home, into your blue jeans;

Have some chicken an' some baked beans.

Pick a back yard football team,

Not do much of anything:

That's what I love about Sunday. 

Here are some pictures of the beautiful day! So grateful for this much needed day! :)

In the serenity of the day... 

Around beautiful ConAgra park.

The colors on these tress... a friend recently told me, "God could have just made the leaves wilt and fall off, I'm so glad He decided to make them change colors first!!"

Pedestrian Bridge

Missouri River

Decided to take a stroll into Iowa! 

This is my absolute favorite spot in Omaha... the reflection of the lights on the water, the trees... ahhh.. I love our little city of Omaha!!

Life, Liberty, & Happiness

I debated about whether or not to write about this... the big "E" word, that everyone cannot wait for the day to pass. To be able to move forward, to start working with whatever the result will be. Yes.. that big day is tomorrow. Election day! And I decided to say a few words. Or at least share some words that others have shared with me, that has helped me not be so anxious about this election.

Yes... about 2-3 months ago, I started to realize.... wow, this is who we have to vote for... Candidate A & B. You got to be kidding right?! I became very anxious about this. About what could come if either one of these candidates became elected. And all the negative thoughts went constant through my head. Someone asked me, "What would be the worst thing that could happen?" I thought on that... and responded... "Losing the freedom to worship my Catholic faith." And I am still a little nervous about some of those thoughts. But over the past months, I have prayed a lot about it. For Jesus and Mary to protect us, bring me peace, and help the right candidate become president. I learned from St. Faustina and St. John Paul II to trust more. I repeated to myself many times, "Jesus I Trust in You." And I honestly believe that has helped take the anxiety away from me. I have come to the realization that yes, Jesus is with us, and will always be with us, and will help us no matter what happens. If we are faithful to Jesus, He will be faithful to us. Hold on to that... it has helped me. And just keep praying. :)

Below is a homily that our priest, Fr. Stillmunks, had a week ago. He talked at all Masses, and I am grateful that our church recorded it, and want to share with you what he said. It's so good!!
A few take-a-ways....
1) We NEED to vote!! It's our moral obligation and DUTY to vote! There are many other important topics besides President that you can vote on. Educate yourself and vote!
2) We have to vote Against the Intrinsic Evils (Abortion, Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide, Embryonic Destructive Research, Genocide, Attack against Human Dignity)... it's a must! We not only have our earthly citizenship responsibilities, but we also have our heavenly citizenship responsibilities. Our duty to defend life. Our ability to respond Yes to Jesus when He asks us how we followed him.
3) Pray... Pray...  This gave me the most hope. Jesus and our Blessed Mother are so powerful. Beyond our understanding and comprehension. Miracles can and will happen. Look at the conversion of Russia. Of Poland. We, as a Catholic community, may become smaller as freedoms may be taken away from us. But as I'm reading about Pope John Paul II right now, and all Poland as a Catholic community went through when it was ruled by communism (it's awe-inspiring to me, as so much of what the communist govt regulated, laws--is completely happening now Again--- you would think we could learn from the past)  But even with all of that.. it is giving me hope. That things may get worse, more than likely will get much harder. That the church may get smaller. But there is still going to be strong people, strong Catholics out there all over the world, that will defend this faith, defend this freedom, defend what we most strongly believe in! And the Catholic church will become stronger!

One more thing... I dare you to make a difference. I dare you to take a step. I dare you to make history. 192 years since this was done. I dare you... to vote for not the lesser of two evils. But for a candidate that your conscience can be okay with. That your heart can be okay with. Write him in even. Be the difference. Be the change. If a third candidate could take away enough electoral votes to prevent Candidate A or B from gaining 270 electoral votes... then the House of Representatives would decide the tie breaker. This hasn't happened since 1824! And it has been 1968 since a third party has actually won electorial votes. BUT.. don't let that stop you! Don't let that discourage you! Amazing things can happen. Look,... the Chicago Cubs made history by ending a 108 year drought of winning the World Series. Maybe it could be the same? :) Just a thought.
With that being said though.... there is a lot at stake in this election. Some people said it's just four years. But I say.... no, it's much more than that! The person that becomes president will make changes, it's a part of life.  It goes with the job. And some of those changes and decisions will take effect for years to come. There is a big chance that 4-5 new Supreme Court Justices will be chosen within the next four years.... and they have so much power of the laws of our land. They decide what follows the constitution and what doesn't. Look back to 1973... Roe vs Wade... the Supreme Court legalized abortion and 43 years later we are still trying to overrule that. So what I'm saying is basically I don't know what's right.... but I need to trust that God will take care of us. He is mighty and good and nothing escapes His control. Hold on to that peace He only brings. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." -John 24:26

Lastly... let's not forget the Founding Fathers... the ones who started this Great Country. The ones who fought for the freedom we have today, believing in the "Supreme Judge of the World" and trusted "with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence."

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

JPII

"Do Not be Afraid"--- words by Saint John Paul II. And what a great reminder of Jesus's love for each one of us on JP's feast day!! I kinda like that his feast day happens to land on my half birthday! :) There is so much to learn from him... I'm excited to start reading a book called "Saint John Paul the Great. His Five Loves" I've been told by an old friend it's so good!! But in the meantime check out this YouTube video.... It's so great! Gives me chills some, and just a wow! I didn't realize how much suffering he endured also. And look at how God used him.... Saint JPII pray for us.

"I plead with you-- never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never becomd discouraged. Be Not Afraid." ~Pope John Paul II

Grand It Is

It is called Grand for a reason. People say if you have the chance- go see it, for a reason. People say pictures don't do it justice, for a reason.  People say it's a spiritual encounter, for a reason.

When one of my best friends and I realized one night that we randomly had the same FIVE days off.... We just HAD to go somewhere!!! We couldn't just let that opportunity of the same days off, go to waste!! So after taking a few days debating where to go... We booked our flights to Phoenix!! We had just a few short weeks to figure all the details out! We were going to see the Grand Canyon!!! And we couldn't wait!!! It has been on both of our bucket lists for some time!  I wanted to share our amazement of the Canyon, of Arizona in general. There are lots and lots of pictures... but I'll try to pick out the best. And try to share our favorite moments. :)  A few things I would probably change if I would do it again... would be to fly into Phoenix and fly out of Las Vegas, or vice versa. That way one could go through Zion National Park and see Hoover Dam.. but then one would only get to see the Canyon once. Also... I would recommend to book tours, hotels, any activities in advance. They fill up fast!

Here goes...  Enjoy! :)

"Nothing compares to the stomach ache you get from laughing with your best friend."

We arrived in Arizona early morning, and once retrieved our luggage and signed all the paperwork for our rental car, we were off! We wanted to go hiking in Phoenix first before heading, as I was told from multiple friends that it is well worth it! And we were so glad we did! Of the entire trip... this hike was in both of our top 3 memories!! It was a hot, hard, steep hike! But so fun, and so beautiful. We basically had to find our own trail through the rocks, loved the cacti, and seeing the city around us. And had fun watching out for little lizards all around. It was the perfect start! :)

All set.. Arizona here we come! :)

We were a little nervous about this "double blacks" hike! but so excited! :)

It's looks like the open mouth of a fish! :)

So steep.. grateful for a railing here. 

Oh hey there, little lizard! 

Love the sun beams! 

Loved these cacti!

Tranquility. Peacefulness. God's world...

We DID it!!! :) Super Women!!

After our super fun and hard hike, and legs shaking... we were off again... To the Grand Canyon!! With our research, we found that it was highly recommended to take a road a little less traveled and go through the Red Rock Country, in which we'd go through Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona. And the recommendations were right...we were sooo glad we took that route! It was stunning! Highly recommend if you ever travel that way! Plus they are super cute little towns, kinda like the little towns in Colorado around the ski resorts. We did have a little hiccup in our trip, as there was a brush fire, that ended up starting a vehicle on fire. We were at a standstill for almost 2 hours. Thankfully, we don't mind being sweaty and smelly with one another, and can talk and talk and talk! ;) Plus it was kinda fun to meet some of the other people around us waiting. Thankfully we were closer to the accident... as later we found out the traffic was backed up 12 miles and there was no way to turn around in this desert. So it could have been a much longer wait.

Road block fun! :)

Cacti EVERYWHERE!!

Pictures don't do this color red any justice!!

Red Rock Country!

Scenic view Ahead... YES, we are stopping for pictures! :)

Thank God for the Selfie Stick! :)

Our view of Sedona for supper!

Had the yummiest food and drinks!

After our long delay, and Sedona views... we finally headed toward our destination of the Grand Canyon!  We drove in the dark, through tiny, CURVY roads... honestly, we couldn't go much faster than 10mph around the turns. It was quite the drive! But we made it to our hotel that night in Tusayan, AR (10 min drive from canyon) and was sooo excited to wake up early the next morning to see this thing called Grand that everyone was talking about!!

We didn't know what to expect, with traffic, and what to all bring... so we had an assortment in our car... as we were going for mule rides, hiking, and just taking in the sites and sounds! It was going to be the best day I'm pretty sure! :)

The suspense of what was behind these trees was so real!!

Then all of a sudden.... THIS!!! THIS Indescribable MASTERPIECE!!!!

Literally there are no words to describe the Grand Canyon! The vastness of it, the colors, the depth, the ability to see 10 miles across. Gorgeous, Amazing, Incredible, Breathtaking... all are words that don't quite fit the feeling one gets. The best I can come to describe.. is an aweness about it. The aweness of God's creation. Driving through dessert, then forest... then bam, right in the middle of nowhere is THIS!! This creation that God created for US!! For US to enjoy!! For US... He made this!! It made me realize how incredible large this world is. How incredibly small we are.... yet, God truly cares for each one of US! We might be small, we might not always feel God's presence.. but He is there ALWAYS. He loves us so much! And a beautiful reminder of never to doubt the power of God. Never doubt His plan. Never doubt His love! This place, this Grand place... the aweness... just something so hard to describe!

South Rim

These sun beams....

We had a mule ride, then enjoyed the afternoon, and did some hiking in the evening. Watched the sunset in the canyon at night, then hiked back up with the beams of our flashlights! :) And then our favorite part... laid on the rocks and looked at the starts for about 45 mins! Another.. Wow... Thank you God for this beautiful world of ours that you gave us to enjoy!!! The black, night sky... the millions of stars, more showing up each minute. The falling stars, the Milky Way... we didn't want to leave.. it was incredible! Our favoritest part of our entire trip!! :)

So excited to ride our mules! :)

Our mules happened to be sisters! Perfect for us! :)

Beautiful!! 

Wearing hats was part of the rules.... 

We got these awesome water canteens for our ride! :)

BB and

Postcard Perfect!!

Enjoying an afternoon treat!! :)

Now to our awesome hike and sunset. Just to warn you... I could not get enough of this sunset... every few seconds the colors would change as the sun went down.. I wanted to soak it all in, and never, ever forget this beauty!! 

Ready to hike down South Kaibab Trail

So steep... :)

Love!!

They call it the "Ooh Aah Point" for a reason! 

CAN'T GET ENOUGH!!!

We were a little nervous having to hike back up all these steps.. but it actually was better/easier than going down. Our knees also agreed!

The way the sun reflected.. and the clouds shadows!

These colors!! So in LOVE!!

Just being....

This little light of mine... :)

Then the stars... Yup, pretty sure this was the best day ever! So much to enjoy, absorb, and just be. Just be present, just be surrounded by God, just be with your best friend. Just be! :)

The next day, we got up early, so we could be at the canyon to watch the sunrise. It was worth it! :) We also took the shuttle and did Hermit's Rest Route... we were dropped off at 9 different viewpoints along the canyon rim, to see all different views. We got to see the Colorado River quite a bit on this. And just beautiful places we would have never walked all the way too. Highly recommend. 

I was grateful there was a little Catholic chapel in the middle of the canyon village that we could go to Sunday morning Mass, where near 2500 people live that work in the Canyon. It was a perfect place to praise Jesus for this amazing experience! 

So worth getting up early!!

Sunrise!! Love!

I loved how the sun glowed off the canyons!

So much beauty!!

It was a little chilly that morning as we sat on the side, eating our breakfast, watching the sun peak above the canyon!

:)

The blue sky, white clouds, pink/purple/red canyons... it's so beautiful!!

We can touch the other side!! :)

This year is the 100th Anniversary of the National Park! :)

This... we are so little, the world is so big!!

We loved watching the birds soar.....

It was a little windy this day. :)

7,050 feet elevation!

We stopped at the Watch Tower lookout point.. the East rim of the Canyon!

Inside the tower...

Full of symbols and art!

We then headed along our way, around the canyon, through dessert country.. to Page, AZ... a few hours drive, but we had fun seeing more of Arizona. A entire new landscape that I've never experienced before!

This red red rock... we were so amazed, that yes, call us crazy... but we turned around to come back and take this picture! :)

Once in Page, we went out to see the famous Horseshoe Bend, and watch the sunset there. It was perfect!!

You would think we were in the dessert.... WAIT!?!!! We are!!! :)

we loved all the layers from the wind!

Amazing!!

Don't get too close to the edge!

I might just be a little excited! :)

Sunsets... pretty sure this is my absolute favorite thing God gave us! It's like a hug from Him every night!

We came back the next afternoon, because we wanted to see the GREEN color that wasn't hidden by the sunset. :)

Checking out the dam too.... holding onto Lake Powell before entering the Colorado River.

We're getting kinda good at this jumping selfie timer photos! (As long as the camera is pointing the right direction) ;)

This is one of my favorites... capturing the true moment... the true joy of friendship and laughter!!

Okay.. two more adventures yet of this trip. I hope you are enjoying it as much as I am remembering all these moments! And hope you also enjoy all the pictures! I promise... I am cutting way down! :)

We next went to take a tour of the Antelope Slot Canyon. It was amazing, the way the camera caught the light at the perfect angle! Really incredible! And then we took a kayak ride/tour through Antelope Canyon, into Lake Powell. Wait til you find out our surprise! :)

Yup... this is what we rode in... 

Thank goodness we had seat belts! :)

Kayaks and water... here we come!! :)

It was a perfect day!! :)

So the guides had us pull off to the side, and all get out. They then asked... "Who wants to cliff jump??!!" Ummm.... Me!!! Yes!!  :) I mean we are in Arizona! In Powell Lake! Let's do this!!  What could possibly happen?! They do this with ever tour. They, themselves, have done this hundreds of times. They told us how to do it... jump and flail... because if you jump and try to be a pencil right away, ones body cannot stay like that and tends to lean forward or backward. No good to land that way.  So of course I hiked up to the high part... 30ft cliff they said. And I did what they told me.. at least I tried. As you will see from the video... I didn't quite land great. Actually, it hurt A LOT!! I guarantee I either broke, fractured, or bruised my tailbone. And my best guess would be broke... because boy did it hurt... for weeks after. Even now 6 weeks later, I have to be careful sitting in certain positions. But it was still SO MUCH FUN!! :) And yes, I would do it again.. maybe just from not so high. ;) My friend, Kristina, she also jumped... she was much more scared, and we kinda did talk her into it. But she loved it and did absolutely great!!! She jumped from a 18ft cliff and said she would also do it again!  Enjoy the videos. :)

The 6 hour car ride, and 3 hour plane ride back home was a little rough, I'll just say Ibuprofen and Tylenol were my friends... but we had the greatest time! And I have a whole new appreciation for the Olympic divers!! :)

We headed back down to Phoenix, as we had to leave the next day for real life again. But we had to stop at the Canyon one more time, to watch this amazing sunset. We couldn't pass it up!

These colors.... the blues, pinks, yellows, oranges, reds... can't get enough!!

So in love with this place!! 

One more place I really wanted to go, on our way back... in Sedona there is a Slide Rock State Park. It's a fresh water creek that has been there so long, with water running through it, that the rocks are so smooth, one can literally slide down it. Like a water slide! I wanted to go there for a few hours before we had to head for the airport! The water was ICE COLD... but it was sooo much fun!!! We might have not been able to feel our legs by the end... but it was so worth it!! Plus it might have helped my tailbone feel a little better.. kind of like an ice bath the athletes take! :)

I love when pictures capture the sun like this! :)

It was soooo beautiful here!!

Did I ever say we like to have fun?? ;)

We just had to take one more!! :)

This took the most courage... just to get in the water!!

But it must have been worth it!! :)

:)

Love this countryside!!

And all good things must come to an end... but that doesn't mean the joy from them has to end. No... the memories, the laughter, the beauty, the joy can forever stay with us, in our hearts. To be gentle reminders of how much Jesus loves us! And there is always goodness somewhere!! And this Canyon that is called Grand... well, Grand It Is!!