Song: You Are My Strength by Hillsong
Grateful that we can find strength in a living, loving, and gracious Savior. He brings hope and light into our life as well as into the lives around us. Look to Jesus for comfort and strength each day.
You are my strength
Strength like no other
Strength like no other
Reaches to me
You are my hope
Hope like no other
Reaches to meIn the fullness of Your grace
In the power of Your name
You lift me up
Unfailing love
Stronger than mountains
Deeper than oceans
Reaches to meYour love oh Lord
Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness
Reaches to the skiesTravel & Vacation: Alpine Visitor’s Center & Trail Ridge Road (Colorado Rocky Mountains)
We just came up that road
It was the kids first time in the Rocky Mountains so we decided to take them up Trail Ridge Road. We stopped at the Alpine Visitor’s Center and the Trail Ridge Gift Store to explore and take in the views. The Alpine Visitor’s Center is on Fall River Pass at the junction of Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road. It is open daily, however, Trail Ridge Road is only open usually May to October due to the large amount of heavy snow it gets during the winter months.
At the Alpine Visitor Center you can see amazing views of the tundra. There are some educational items to look at in the visitor center as well as a bookstore, gift shop, and snack bar. The snack bar at the Alpine Visitor’s Center is the only restaurant in the park so if you need something to eat this is where you need to stop.
The Alpine Visitor Center is along Trail Ridge Road. Trail Ridge Road extends from Estates Park to Grand Lake. It climbs up over 11,000 feet and has 11 miles where the treeline ends. At the treeline you will often still see snow in the summer time, trees twisted from the winds and more. Along Trail Ridge Road you will see evergreen forests, tundra with no trees in sight, wildlife, wildflowers, and probably even some snow all from your car. As kids we used to go up past the tree line in the summer time and have a snowball fight in our shorts and tshirts. Which is fun for awhile then everyone is heading quickly back to the car to defrost.
Neat Activity for Kids: On the way up my Aunt and Uncle put a sealed bag of potato chips between the girls seats. We didn’t say anything to them other than we are sitting the chips here so they won’t get crunched before our picnic. As we made our way further up into the mountains the bag began to inflate. The girls noticed about halfway up that the chip bag seemed to be growing larger (like an expanding balloon). We didn’t make a big deal about it, but before we reached the top we heard a sudden “pop” in the car. The girls immediately insisted that the potato chip bag had burst open. Why do you think the chip bag expanded and popped open? When packaged the bag of chips are sealed air tight to help preserve the chips longer. When you go to higher altitudes the air is thinner which means there is less air pressure on the outside of your chip bag, however, the air inside the bag remains at the original higher air pressure. This causes the chip bag to expand until the pressure both on the inside and outside of the bag are the same again. Sometimes, like in our case, this will cause the bag of chips to actually explode or open when traveling to higher altitudes. It is a fun activity to do with the kids (especially if you don’t say anything to them before hand). They thought it was awesome!
Wonder what animal lives in this cave….
Looking out over the mountains from the Alpine Visitor Center. As you can see from this picture there are no trees on the mountains because it’s above the tree line. You will also see there is still snow even though this picture was taken in July.
This area gets a lot of snow. Even in the summer there is still snow sitting on this mountain.
Rocky Mountains and it’s amazing natural rock displays
A stop at the Alpine Visitor Center
Beautiful green valley below the bare mountain tops
It was colder up higher and still had areas with quite a bit of snow on the mountains around us.
As we were looking around at the Alpine Visitor Center it got dark and cloudy outside. Only a few minutes later we were getting hit with a rain storm. It rained part of the way back down Trail Ridge Road, but after awhile it was bright and sunny again.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Recipes: Easy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
We like asparagus in our house. When it is in season we have it more often, but loved to have it every once in awhile even out of season. This is a super Easy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles recipe! It only requires 3 ingredients too!
If you like bacon and asparagus you will probably like this recipe! Our kids think this recipe is great. For another bacon wrapped asparagus bundles with more ingredients – Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles.
Easy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
This is a super Easy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles recipe! It only requires 3 ingredients too!Servings: 4 peopleIngredients
- 1 bundle Fresh Asparagus
- 12 oz Bacon Center cut is best
- 1/4 cup Italian Salad Dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Rinse and trim the ends of the asparagus. Remove any hard stems on the asparagus stalks too. Generally, the smaller the asparagus stalk the better because it is more tender.
- Divide your asparagus up into equal piles (3 to 8 stalks). Pick the number of bundles you want to do and divide it up as equal as possible.
- Lay 1 asparagus bundle in the center of a slice of bacon. Wrap the bacon around the asparagus bundle and place on a broiler pan. Repeat this step until all your asparagus bundles are wrapped. If you have extra bacon you can cook that on the pan beside the asparagus bundles if you want.
- Sprinkle each bundle equally with Italian Salad Dressing.
- Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the bacon is cooked.
Notes
GRILLING – You can also place these Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles on the grill at your next cookout! Make sure not to put it too close to a really hot spot or open flame on the grill for a long period of time. It will usually take less time on the grill to cook these bundles. Once the asparagus looks like it is starting to wilt a little and the bacon is cooked these will be done.Forget All The Resaons Why…
Flashback Friday: Fun at Home
Karlie loves hanging out in the Johnny Jump Up and playing with the toys, however, she would prefer spinning over jumping.
Today’s Flashback Friday takes us back to September 2005 when the girls were 7 months old. We spent a lot of time at home when the girls were younger. It was a lot of work to take them out every day and since they were still small they were more likely to pick up germs we tried to keep our errands, doctors appointments, and activities to a minimum at least during the first few months.
We had a lot of fun hanging out at home. They loved to play, laugh, and explore. The weekends and evenings were their favorite times of the week because Daddy was home to play with them. They love their Daddy and always give him a winning smile. He was great pitching in whenever possible with the kids. They were used to having both of us feed, change, and play with them at various times throughout the week sometimes together and other times just one of us.
Brina thinks Mr. Octopus is so funny.
Karlie didn’t see me walk into the room and I startled her. Love the expression on her face.
Brina is thrilled to be riding!
Karlie’s turn to ride now!
Brina loves holding onto your hands and standing up. She can stand for longer periods of time now.
Such a happy Karlie baby
Brina stealing water from Mommy’s cup….looks like she had some help from Daddy
Brina loves going for a ride on Daddy’s shoulders.
Karlie’s hanging out with Daddy
Karlie relaxing, smiling, and playing
Brina is all tuckered out – fast asleep with her feet are on one side of the boppy and her head on the other side
Karlie is clean and ready for bed now
Our girls – Karlie and Brina
There’s a Brina in the toy bucket! She is so proud of herself for “scaring” Mommy. Giggly girl.
Brina ready to try out the swimming pool.
Karlie looking for the toys in the pool.
Karlie – “Wow, Dad these sit ups are hard!”
Mommy reading a book to the girls. Brina is more interested in Daddy who is taking the picture while Karlie is completely engrossed in the book.
It makes my neck hurt just looking at her sleeping in this position. Brina would literally jump until she crash. This does not look like the most comfy position to take a nap in though kiddo.
They think “Little Lamb” is hilarious!
Brina having a blast!
Karlie smiling and sucking her thumb at the same time. That takes talent!
Sleeping beauties – Brina and Karlie
Life is so fun for these two little ones – Karlie and Brina!
Karlie is smiling and talking with the baby in the mirror at the Doctors office, little does she know that she will be getting a shot soon.
Karlie sitting on Daddy’s desk and “helping” him.
Giggling kiddos – Brina and Karlie
Brina and Karlie love hanging out and being silly together.
Song: Let It Be Jesus by Passion
Who do I run to when I am overjoyed or facing a trial? Is it my husband or another family member or friend or is it Jesus? Sometimes I feel like I unload on the people around me instead of taking my cares, wants, worries, joys, and everything else first to Jesus. May this song be a good reminder the priorities in our lives.
Let it be Jesus
The first name that I call
Let it be Jesus
My song inside the storm
I’ll never need anotherFor me, to live is Christ
God I breathe Your name above everything
Let it be, Let it be JesusLet it be Jesus
From the rising of the sun
Let it be Jesus
When all is said and done
I’ll never need another, Jesus there’s no otherShould I ever be abandoned
Should I ever be acclaimed
Should I ever be surrounded by the fire and the flame There’s a name I will remember
There’s a name I will proclaim
Let it be, Let it be JesusTravel & Vacation: Twin Sisters Mountain (Colorado Rocky Mountains)
Twin Sisters Mountain
The girls thought it was awesome that there was a mountain in the Colorado Rocky Mountains called the Twin Sisters Mountain! The Twin Sisters Mountain has an elevation of over 11,000 feet above sea level. The mountain can be seen from several locations, however, the twin peaks can only be seen from certain viewpoints. It got its name because at the top of the mountain there are two almost identically high peaks, therefore, it was named Twin Sisters. It had a couple other names, Tahosa and Lily Mountain, but in 1911 the Geographic Board decided to permanently name it “Twin Sisters Mountain”.
Shortly after being named officially Twin Sisters Mountain they put in a trail, lookout station, and ranger cabin. Now there are a number of hiking trails to choose from on or near Twin Sisters Mountain. There are easy to follow trails and a variety of hikes for any level. Although there is no formal campground actually on Twin Sisters Mountain there is one located nearby at Long’s Peak Campground at 9,400ft which is open year round and there are 26 sites.
Twin Sisters Mountain at 11, 428 feet
Looking out over towards Twin Sisters Mountain
Beautiful valley between us and Twin Sisters Mountain
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Recipes: Cheese & Vegetable Topped Chicken
Cheese & Vegetable Topped Chicken
This recipe is an altered and lighter version of the Chicken Tomato Pasta Recipe. The Cheese & Vegetable Topped Chicken recipe is a lower carb version, but is still tasty and healthy. It is basically baked boneless skinless chicken breast topped with spinach, bok choy, mushrooms, and cheese. If you are trying to cut out dairy you can eliminate the cheese and it is still a great main dish.
Cheese & Vegetable Topped Chicken
The Cheese & Vegetable Topped Chicken recipe is a low carb, but is still tasty and healthy. It brings baked boneless skinless chicken breast together with a topping of spinach, bok choy, mushrooms, and cheese.Servings: 2 peopleIngredients
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts cooked, seasoned, and drained
- 1 cup Fresh Spinach
- 1 cup Fresh Bok Choy
- 1/2 cup Fresh Mushrooms
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Minced Garlic
- Sliced or Shredded Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a broiler pan and put the chicken breast on it (this allows the extra fat and/or juices to drain down and away from the chickens). Sprinkle lightly with seasoning – salt, pepper, and/or chicken seasoning. Bake until cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking. Slice up the vegetables into about 1/2 inch to 1 inch pieces (spinach, bok choy, mushrooms). Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic in a pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook them for about 2 minutes. Add the spinach and bok choy, cooking for an additional 3 minutes or until the leaves are starting to wilt.
- Place your baked chicken breasts on the plates. Top with the vegetable mixture. Optional: Garnish tomatoes and sliced or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Cheese & Vegetable Topped Chicken sitting on a layer for diced tomatoes (optional)
A Thousand Times…
Flashback Friday: Fun Times & First Shoes
Sweet girls – Brina and Karlie
Today’s Flashback Friday goes back to when the girls were 7 months old. They are growing and changing so quickly. It doesn’t take much to make them smile. They love hanging out with family and friends. A new experience was trying on and attempting to stand in shoes this month. They were not too sure about what to think about having shoes on their feet, but decided since Mommy and Daddy thought it was fun and exciting that it must be a good thing. Their little giggles make our days so much sweeter.
Being goofy – Brina and Karlie
Brina and Karlie hanging out together
Brina and Karlie talking with each other. Love hearing them gibber jabber and giggle.
Brina LOVES the “Johnny Jump Up”! She will literally jump and spin around until she crashes. It is hard keeping toys on the tray for her because she is always moving. She is all smiles when she is playing in it.
Brina hanging out with Uncle Mike
Brina laughing at her silly Daddy
Jake clipping Karlie’s toenails. Clipping nails made me so nervous so Jake was delegated to do that task for the kids the first few times. Karlie thought it was hilarious having her toenails trimmed.
Two sleepy babies in a pile. Brina sucking on her middle fingers and Karlie sucking on her thumb.
Karlie having fun playing
Brina pulling on her ear….hopefully she is just playing not another ear infection. You never knew when she had an ear infection because she typically did not run a fever with an ear infection. She still looking happy so that’s a good thing!
Karlie looks cute in this little “puppy” shirt. She didn’t mind having the hood up.
Brina trying out her new shoes and all smiles
Look Brina’s standing on her own. Way to go Brina Bee
Daddy and Brina talking
Karlie a little unsure about these things on her feet….not quite certain that she likes them yet.
Karlie – “Hey look what I can do Mom with these new shoes!”
Oh no, Karlie’s getting a little off balance. Hurry Dad and catch her before she hits the ground!
Karlie relaxing and content with life
Brina originally started covering her eyes with her opposite arm to block out the sunlight or light in the room when she wanted to go to sleep while sucking on her middle fingers of her other hand. This habit continued for longer than we preferred, but we did finally break her of the finger sucking and eyes covering habit.
Karlie hanging out with Daddy
One…two…three…tackle Brina (who was hysterically laughing at this new game).
Brina loves having fun with Daddy! She always giggled when he held her up in the air.
Karlie loves playing with toys and making them sing
Love walking into their bedroom first thing in the morning and seeing these to smiling faces looking back at me. Glad that they are happy babies that are always excited to see us.
