Charleston and the Beach!

On our last day we decided to find Charleston! We stopped at the Battery and the Harbor to make plans and then headed to Folly Beach to catch some sunshine.

It was a bit of a drive but the sandy shores and sunshine were definitely worth it! The crew took a walk on the pier and then we went back into town to look at the Market and get dinner. The Market wasn't too full because we got there later that night but the candy shop made up for it! Got some fresh praline samples-love 'em! We finished the night at Bubba Gump's seafood restaurant. I had some shrimp cocktail-delicious!

Table Rock

The thunder was following us!



Thursday we drove about 2.5 hours to Pickens, SC and found Table Rock.
Let me preface this by saying, I didn't fully comprehend what we were doing that day. I suppose if I had actually realized that 3-4 miles one way is quite a hike, that I may have mentally prepared myself a little better. Don't worry, I survived and didn't complain too much! And it truly was a beautiful day!

We got some energy at Aunt Sue's. I had a delicious chicken philly sandwich!



Guest book at Aunt Sue's!

We found the park and decided to take the Table Rock Trail (there are a few you can choose from). We happened to choose one of the more difficult ones.

It started off lovely the road was paved, the incline was minimal to zero, and there was a pretty waterfall.


Pick your trail!

We found two big fun rocks to climb on and then it just went downhill from there.


Actually it really went uphill but the difficulty increased immensely! We really did do some rock climbing! The boys were so sweet and kept saying, it can't be much further! We kept wondering how they knew and they had reasons but I think they were just trying to help us have a positive outlook. Mind over matter right? We had to take a few breaks and they help and then 2 minutes later you are huffin' and puffin again. There were quite a few times when I really thought I was content to not finish and simply enjoy what I had so far. It helps when you have a group going though!



We made it to the summit and the beautiful view as actually past the summit. It was gorgeous!!

It took about 2.5 hours to make it up there and we cut that probably half on the time down. I say it's because I knew there was an ending in site. Going up, I had know idea where the end was! We were rewarded with a rather icy cold dip in the waterfall. I climbed behind the waterfall and listened to the rush of the water. I love waterfalls!

We didn't take as much water as we should have but the water fountain at the end of the hike was a glorious thing! Stopped at a gas station for some gatorade and headed home for a pizza dinner. Afterall, we worked off everything from Aunt Sue's ;).

In the midst of all this, when hiking a mountain, you have a lot of thoughts.
Going up the mountain, I had no idea where the end was. We don't know how long this life is but certainly can't quit at the first rock we run into or find. There were SO many times when I thought, I'm content to stop here. God wants to take us so much farther. One of our friends thought about how you find a good view and think its great! If you walk a little further, you realize there was something God had in store that was so much better and beyond what you could imagine. As for stopping and starting, I was reminded how quickly I can get worn out. Running the race is not easy, but it is worth it. And the best part? God offers rest, the whole way if you just trust Him! I also noticed how on the way up, we didn't talk very much because we were so tired. On the way down? Well that was a different story....we were gabbing, laughing, and moving fast! I realize more seasoned friends have a lot of stories to share, have seen the struggles, and are now able to talk, laugh about it, and enjoy the ride. Oh and of course we threw some Miley Cyrus in there, It's all about the climb? well yes, not about how fast you get there? Well I beg to differ that it might be about whats on the other side. The climb is important, how you live your life, but whats waiting on the other side, is vital!

Zoo!!

Spent a lovely SC afternoon at the zoo yesterday!!



We saw lions and tigers and bears oh my! There were some crazy funky birds and the gorillas seemed to be hiding.



We went late afternoon so apparently it was feeding time and nap time. By 5 o'clock the animals knew their day was done and were ready to turn in.



The gardens were beautiful and we made a few wishes and threw in some coins!

Sang a song at church on Sunday and had the quiet tears just fallin' down. It reminded us that God's love never fails. So much goes on in a day but it's a blessing to know that God's love NEVER fails.

Precious Isabear

Goodmorning! It is spring break and I am enjoying some time in good ol' SC. It is weird to be home but after being here for a few days, it is starting to feel comfortable again. I am so thankful I was able to stop home and see mom and dad before their big trip and also our precious bear dog.



It was a difficult trip as we learned that Isabear's cancer was spreading quickly. She was having trouble walking and was in a lot of pain.



I was able to say goodbye on Sunday for the last time. I really don't like goodbyes so I usually just don't do it. This time was different.



She was so special to our family. She had pip til the end and just wanted to be with us. You could see the pain in her eyes but it is never easy to say goodbye. We will always remember the blessing the sweet girl was in our lives!

Tricky Thursdays

Its not even 8:00pm and I could probably fall asleep. No this is not the first night, and no I did not go to bed late last night. It must be the tell tale signs of a teacher.

Thursdays seem to be the trickiest days. It is not quite the weekend but everyone seems to wish it is. Everyone is tired and motivation is low. Patience is thin and frankly, we all appreciate the day of rest on Sunday that is just around the corner.

All that to say, God gives us the grace to get through! His mercies are new every morning! I have been humbled quite a bit this week and reminded, in more instances than one, about the grace and foregiveness I need every day.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. -2 Corinthians 12:9

"...as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."-Psalm 103:12

Boy do I have a long way to go!

Discoveries for this week

1. Giving a student teacher cookies after tutoring or teaching is not the best idea in the world....they will be devoured in a mere 5 minutes.

2. If a little one gets hit in the nose, a. I want to cry for them and b. it will most likely bleed. And then they will say it is the worst day of their life, but not to worry because God is going to take care of it!-so true! words of wisdom from a first grader.

3. David Crowder Band put out their last cd-ok I have to admit I was behind the times on this one but they sure do have some great music!

4. Oh and Carrie Underwood-preach it sister!



It is almost Spring Break! I get to see my family and friends soon!!!

A little/big day

Today is Friday! As you probably know I have a new found love for Fridays. Today is a big day for a few reasons....
1. It is Dr. Seuss' birthday!
2. Tomorrow is the weekend!
3. In exactly one week I will be on SPRING BREAK! Can you believe it?
I am going home. Actually, I may even be going to both of my homes! I am excited to see family, friends, and be in a different place for a bit.

The kindergarten teacher came and read The Lorax to us today. It was great. I forget how wonderful Seuss books are. If you do the research about him, the story of how his books came to be is quite interesting. I would encourage you to check it out! I also LOVE the illustrations for his books-so quirky and bright!



I looked up some quotes by him and came across this:

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”
― Dr. Seuss

A View from First Grade

Our kiddos are dressing up and reporting on Famous Americans tomorrow! They also memorized a neat poem by Langston Hughes called Dreams....

Dreams

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.


Can't believe it is only Tuesday but happy almost mid-week!

It has been well said that no man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow's burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear. Never load yourselves so..If you find yourselves so loaded, at least remember this: it is your own doing, not God's. He begs you to leave the future to him, and mind the present.-George MacDonald