Way back in the day when we’d head to Grandma and Grandpa Lamping’s for a couple of weeks in the summer we’d usually end up spending a couple of nights at Aunt Penny’s or Aunt Peggy and Uncle Tom’s house to hang out with our cousins Billy, Chris, and Matt.  These were amongst the best nights on our trip as we stayed up all night (literally) watching horrible late night cable movies and goofing around constantly.

One of the things that took up a lot of our time was when we’d fire up the old NES – that’s right, we were old school before old school was cool.  Between Ninja Gaiden, Contra, and any of the Mario Brothers classics we would have a blast playing video games with each other.  It was pure pre-teen boy heaven, just hanging with my cousins playing games, talking stupid, and having so much fun.

Tonight the tables are completely turned.  I was working on a remodel project and then goofing around a little while Becky is working on her PhD work.  While we’re doing that in the dining room our ears are almost bleeding from the sounds of screaming cousins in our living room.  The games may be different, but it’s essentially the same as I remember as a kid.  We’ll let them stay up way later than they have any right to (sorry Diana & Kenny!) and they’ll hopefully remember how much fun they had together.

For the life of me I can’t remember any of the specific results of the games we played, but I remember how much fun we had as cousins playing around.  I’d bet that they’ll remember the same as they get older…  and that’s something I’m very thankful for!

Thanks!!!

Becky had an awesome for the boys for tonight – the trampoline park!

We all loaded up and headed out for over an hour of absolute craziness. It was my first time participating and it was so much fun! It was nonstop bouncing and jumping while laughing at how horrible I was at it. Dominic tried his best to help me but I was unable to complete a full front flip. As he put it, I just kind of fell. Regardless, it was an awesome time.

My legs are tired, I’m all sweaty, and I’m sure I’ll feel it in the morning. That said, it was so much fun I could care less. Great idea Becky!!!

Thanks!

Whew, talk about a mouthful, right?  As I tried to wrap up the day the funny thing is that these were just the tip of the iceberg!  This has been a day filled with so many blessings that it could easily end up in a huge list.  Thinking through it though there’ve been a couple of moments that have really stuck out, a couple that I’ll keep to myself, and some that may show up again in the not too distant future.

First off, I’m thankful for a gift that I got quite a while ago that I’ve used almost daily since I received it.  Huge thanks to my mom for the large Yeti mug that I almost always have in tow with me!  While I don’t think about it every time I use it today it really hit me how much I appreciate it.  I had a cup full of carbonated water that sat in the car for several hours in the sun and stayed cold the entire time!  Thanks Mom!

On a more serious note one of our past team members lost her father at the young age of 47.  Reading his obituary hit home hard as many of his interests lined up with mine and his age wasn’t that different than mine.  Hearing of his passing today reminded me to enjoy every moment that I have and to not take today for granted.  Big hugs and many prayers to her and her family through this incredibly difficult time.

One of my favorite job duties in staffing is touring client facilities to see where our associates will be working.  This means the kid in me gets to come out and enjoy a tour of a production facility to see how things are made.  In the case of today it was a our of a creamery where I was able to see how several types of cheese are made including muenster (one of my personal favs!).  Not only was it so cool to learn how all this happens it was pretty sweet to walk out with a bag of cheese curds and a bag full of great cheese from their gift shop – it would have been rude to not do some shopping after the tour, right? 😉

Lastly, I had a couple of wonderful conversations with a teammate today that pretty much spanned all aspects of life.  It was awesome getting to know them better and I’m thankful for that time to connect.  One of the things that caught me off guard was when I realized just how judgmental I’ve been towards people with differing political views.  I’ve spent a lot of time being frustrated and angry with “those people.”  Thinking about it from a shifted perspective (thinking back to the thoughts from The Book of Joy and The Shack) I realized how judgmental I’ve been and how differently I should be treating them.  Instead of insulting and hitting them with blanket statements I need to remember to love them as my neighbor (no matter how much I may disagree with their ideas), seek to understand why they feel the way they do, and help them find a better path where possible, one that is focused on inclusion and love as opposed to fear, hate, and separation.  In helping them I’ve also got an opportunity to live more towards that right path myself.

As you can see the day was filled with so much, simple joys, tough lessons, childlike curiosity, companionship, and deep introspection.  How lucky am I to have had such a full day?  It is one I’ve appreciated greatly!

Thanks!!!

Over the past weekend I came across something that was quickly added to my dream list…

Yes, that’s right, a four wheel drive camper van! How sweet will something like this bad boy be for long vacations when driving across the US and Canada? When we eventually take a summer to explore Alaska this is the type of beast that will get us there.

It sleeps two, has a kitchen, bathroom, and shower, and includes pretty much everything you could ever want on a road trip. The interior may not quite be what we’re looking for (check it out here: http://nomadvanz.com/gallery/beautiful-custom-vanz/out-of-the-blue/ )

Yessir, this looks to be the chariot I’d like to ride across the US as we catch up on the last of our National Parks around retirement age. I’m guessing there may be some pretty sweet new options over the next 18 years, can’t wait to see how it looks when it finally becomes a reality. 😁

Thanks!!!

Today’s blog is definitely not the most likely if combos, but both were amazing!

While camping with the Thums clan Becky and I snuck out for a long bike ride while the cousins all went fishing. We had a rough idea of where we were headed, but we happily surprised to find that we were able to bike through the Sandhill Wildlife Refuge outside of Pittsville. We got pretty cool 8+ mile tour of the forest, fields and wetlands. While cruising on the dirt road we saw quite a bit of wildlife including turtles, a snake, and a family of swans. It was very peaceful and chill, just what the doctor ordered.

As is the case every year we had great meals all day. Breakfast was made by Nathan and Dominic and was a tasty start to the day. Walking tacos for lunch were quite a treat as always. Dinner was something else completely as Matt spent the better part of the day prepping and smoking some of the best ribs I’ve ever had. They were delicious! Pretty sure I can skip all meals tomorrow… wait a sec, what’s that? Biscuits and gravy for breakfast? Well, I guess a little over eating isn’t the end of the world!

Thanks!!!

Today has been filled with so many blessings that I could write a blog that would go on for pages and pages. From start to finish through many successes and challenges there have been many things I’m thankful for today. Happy moments filled with joy, some difficult moments in which I was thankful for the opportunity to grow. When I weigh out all of those moments it really comes down to the bookends of the day, two simple moments.

This morning I was on the road by 5:10am. The dark slowly rose as I drove and exposed a thick fog that added a mystical feel to the scenery. I was so fortunate that this started to unfold as I drove up to Arcadia. As I rolled into Independence I had an awesome view of this…

The morning became more and more beautiful and I finally pulled over for a couple of minutes to watch the sun slowly rise over a cornfield on a side road. It was a wonderful moment of peace and solitude. I turned on some chill music and just felt at peace.

As the night wraps up we’re now chilling around the campfire. Chilling out and shooting the bull there’s a wonderful mix of symmetry and opposition with the morning. It is a simple beauty, peaceful and relaxing, yet it is a time focused on being with others instead of solitude. Sitting with each other feels great and I’m thankful for the time with family.

A sunrise in the morning, a fire in the evening… So much to be handful for in between. What a great day!