I don't usually consider myself a vain person. As a mother, I don't have a whole lot of time to be meticulous about my appearance. I don't generally wear make up and most days I just put my hair up in a ponytail or bun. I've become mostly a jeans-and-a-t-shirt girl too.
However, on Sundays I do try and put some effort into how I look. It's the only day of the week that I get to dress pretty. I apply minimal make up and attempt to make my hair look nice. That usually means I enlist the use of my trusty flat iron. You see, I've got this sort of frizzy, sort of wavy hair that is a little hard to control. I've learned over the last few years that the flat iron is the best way to tame the mess. Therefore, I LOVE my flat iron!
Today I woke up and started getting ready for church. I went into the bathroom, plugged in my beloved flat iron and turned it on to let it warm up while I got dressed. By the time I sifted through my "Sunday Clothes" and decided on my outfit, I had just enough time to do my hair and apply some simple make up. I clipped my hair to start the ironing process and reached for my flat iron... this is when I discovered it wasn't on.
At first I thought I must have pushed the button the wrong direction and turned it off instead of on. So I flipped the button back to the "on" position. It didn't go on. Next I decided the GFCI outlet in the bathroom must have been tripped, so I reset it... Still nothing. Then I tried resetting the plug on the flat iron itself... nope.
Now at this point I start freaking out. I glance up at my reflection in the mirror and the panic starts to set in. I didn't dry my hair last night after my shower and went to bed with it slightly wet. It's all kinked in funny places from sleeping all night. I can't show my face in public like this!
I start to pray... "Really God? TODAY? Please let this thing go on! Please don't let me go to church like this!"
I bang on the flat iron, the indicator light flickers and goes off. "NOOOOO!!!!!"
Finally I gave in and got my hair wet and redried it in an attempt to make it straight. It worked... sort of.
On our way to church I was contemplating what God was trying to teach me here. While I don't consider myself a vain person, I obviously wasn't concentrating on preparing my heart to worship Him this morning. I learned that sometimes even I struggle with vanity and though it's only a small issue with me, it's still an issue.
I went to church and was blessed by a wonderful worship time with my beloved church family. And you know what? Not one of them said a word about my hair!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Banister's First Road Trip #9 (Final installment)
We took the trip home in one day. It was a 10 hour drive once we made all our stops.
We stopped at the rest area in Weed, CA. One of the nicest rest areas I've ever visited. And of course, the kids won't get the hillarity of this pic until they're MUCH older!
Mt. Shasta was very beautiful!
Daniel almost got left along the side of I-5. He was making us crazy the whole trip. At first it was fighting with Taylor, so at our next stop we moved him so he couldn't touch his twin. Then the sun was in his face. ARGH! He made it home... just barely!
We stopped at the rest area in Weed, CA. One of the nicest rest areas I've ever visited. And of course, the kids won't get the hillarity of this pic until they're MUCH older!
Mt. Shasta was very beautiful!
Daniel almost got left along the side of I-5. He was making us crazy the whole trip. At first it was fighting with Taylor, so at our next stop we moved him so he couldn't touch his twin. Then the sun was in his face. ARGH! He made it home... just barely!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Banister's First Road Trip #8
Did you know that Corning, CA (just north of Chico) is the olive capital of the country? I didn't, but we soon found out.
We visited the Olive Pit where we discovered the amazingness that is the jalepeno stuffed olive!
No trip to California is complete with out a visit to In-N-Out! It was our first time. That's what I call good eats!
Before we left, Eric's sister took us to her favorite duck pond. The ducks saw us coming and were already swarming the banks by the time we got our cracked corn out. There were so many ducks. They were so tame they even ate out of our hands!
We visited the Olive Pit where we discovered the amazingness that is the jalepeno stuffed olive!
No trip to California is complete with out a visit to In-N-Out! It was our first time. That's what I call good eats!
Before we left, Eric's sister took us to her favorite duck pond. The ducks saw us coming and were already swarming the banks by the time we got our cracked corn out. There were so many ducks. They were so tame they even ate out of our hands!
Banister's First Road Trip #7
Our plan for Chico was rest and relaxation. We'd been loading and unloading, setting up and tearing down and driving, driving, driving for days. We were ready for a break!
Chico is home to several great parks and lots of good bike riding paths. We couldn't resist the parks and no vacation is complete with out a great bike ride through town!
Eric's Dad took us to a fantastic hot dog place for lunch one day.
We went swimming EVERYDAY!
Of course we had to go to a baseball game while there! The Chico Outlaws are a minor league baseball team. There was great food at the game and the weather was perfect!
Chico is home to several great parks and lots of good bike riding paths. We couldn't resist the parks and no vacation is complete with out a great bike ride through town!
Eric's Dad took us to a fantastic hot dog place for lunch one day.
We went swimming EVERYDAY!
Of course we had to go to a baseball game while there! The Chico Outlaws are a minor league baseball team. There was great food at the game and the weather was perfect!
Banister's First Road Trip #6
After our fun-filled three days in the Redwood Forest, we had to "load 'em up and move 'em out". Our next and final destination was Chico, CA.
Of course, the day we need to pack all our camping gear up nice and tidy because we won't be using it anymore... it's raining. Eric and I work like a well oiled machine when camping though. So despite our wet weather, we got everything packed up fairly quickly and were on our way.
We took Hwy 101 south until we hit Hwy 299 and headed east.
Now, if you look at Hwy 299 on a map, it looks pretty curvy. When you're actually driving it, it's much worse! It's a LONG drive over the river (the Trinity River) and through the mountains (several actually). After a quick stop just outside Willow Creek where we sat in the shade for 30 minutes to allow poor little Daniel to get over his "yucky" feeling, and passing out Benadryl to everyone in hopes that they'd sleep and not puke, we were trucking along.
The scenery was beautiful, but it took all my concentration to stay at a safe speed while going around all the turns. We were pretty loaded down and the van wasn't very happy with me. I was thankful when we finally hit Redding!
We fuled up and took a quick potty break before we hit I-5 south once more. The boys were so excited that we were almost there. Once we turned off of I-5 onto Hwy 99 they were making us NUTS!
"How many more miles Daddy?" EVERY. SINGLE. MILE.
We finally arrived at "Auntie Stephanie's" house. After unpacking and having some dinner I took the boys down to the pool for a quick swim before bedtime.
I was so tired from driving all day that I don't have any pics for this post. Sorry!
Of course, the day we need to pack all our camping gear up nice and tidy because we won't be using it anymore... it's raining. Eric and I work like a well oiled machine when camping though. So despite our wet weather, we got everything packed up fairly quickly and were on our way.
We took Hwy 101 south until we hit Hwy 299 and headed east.
Now, if you look at Hwy 299 on a map, it looks pretty curvy. When you're actually driving it, it's much worse! It's a LONG drive over the river (the Trinity River) and through the mountains (several actually). After a quick stop just outside Willow Creek where we sat in the shade for 30 minutes to allow poor little Daniel to get over his "yucky" feeling, and passing out Benadryl to everyone in hopes that they'd sleep and not puke, we were trucking along.
The scenery was beautiful, but it took all my concentration to stay at a safe speed while going around all the turns. We were pretty loaded down and the van wasn't very happy with me. I was thankful when we finally hit Redding!
We fuled up and took a quick potty break before we hit I-5 south once more. The boys were so excited that we were almost there. Once we turned off of I-5 onto Hwy 99 they were making us NUTS!
"How many more miles Daddy?" EVERY. SINGLE. MILE.
We finally arrived at "Auntie Stephanie's" house. After unpacking and having some dinner I took the boys down to the pool for a quick swim before bedtime.
I was so tired from driving all day that I don't have any pics for this post. Sorry!
Banister's First Road Trip #5
Of course when you're on the coast, you MUST stop and play on the beach. Even if only for a little while!
We played on the stretch of beach on the southern end of Crescent City.
Where we had cell phone reception!
Group Shot!
We played on the stretch of beach on the southern end of Crescent City.
Where we had cell phone reception!
Group Shot!
Banister's First Road Trip #4
We stayed in the Redwoods for three nights. Eric and the boys had never been there and we decided it was a "must" for this vacation.
While we were technically camping in the forest, there weren't any "old growth" trees near us. So we went in search of them. Our first stop was the touristy one. We visited The Trees of Mystery. You can't miss it because there's a HUGE statue of Paul Bunyan in front of the place!
The tour was okay. We thought it was a bit too expensive for what it was, but the boys enjoyed it. Especially riding the Sky Trail up through the trees.
The best thing we did while we were in the Redwoods was go on a hike through some of the "old growth" forest. We got a sweet tip from one of the camp rangers about a great hiking trail. We had to drive on this tiny one-lane gravel road to get to it, but MAN was it worth it!
We saw the biggest tree I've ever seen in my life! It was absolutely amazing to stand next to a tree that was (they say) around when Jesus walked the earth. If you've never been to the Redwood Forest, you need to go. I know it sounds strange to take a vacation to see some trees, but they really are amazing. None of the pics I took come close to doing them justice either.
While we were technically camping in the forest, there weren't any "old growth" trees near us. So we went in search of them. Our first stop was the touristy one. We visited The Trees of Mystery. You can't miss it because there's a HUGE statue of Paul Bunyan in front of the place!The tour was okay. We thought it was a bit too expensive for what it was, but the boys enjoyed it. Especially riding the Sky Trail up through the trees.
The best thing we did while we were in the Redwoods was go on a hike through some of the "old growth" forest. We got a sweet tip from one of the camp rangers about a great hiking trail. We had to drive on this tiny one-lane gravel road to get to it, but MAN was it worth it!
We saw the biggest tree I've ever seen in my life! It was absolutely amazing to stand next to a tree that was (they say) around when Jesus walked the earth. If you've never been to the Redwood Forest, you need to go. I know it sounds strange to take a vacation to see some trees, but they really are amazing. None of the pics I took come close to doing them justice either.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Banister's First Road Trip #3
We were determined to get on the road bright and early Sunday morning because we wanted to do the Oregon Caves. We loaded everything up and continued on Hwy 199 until we reached Hwy 46.
This is where we turned off to make our way to the caves. As you know, I have a hard time turning down a photo opportunity. Eric is very patient with me when I get the urge to slam on the breaks and yank over to the side of the road so I can whip out the camera. The boys are less patient though...
On our way up to the Oregon Caves, I suddenly got said urge. We stopped so I could get out and snap a few pics. After the editing, (mostly just changing the tint of the pic) this is what I got. I think the B&W makes it more dramatic. This will be printed, framed and hung in my house! I'm just that proud of it!
After my photography appetite was subdued, we continued on the very curvy steep road to the Oregon Caves National Monument.
I had been to the caves when I was younger, but this was Eric and the boy's first time. I was very excited to share this with them! We paid the fee and waited for our turn on the tour. The boys made sure they could climb the 500+ stairs on the tour.
We were all amazed by the wonderful formations in the caves. The boys enjoyed being the only ones that didn't have to duck under every rock.
After our cave experience it was onward to the Redwood Forest. We got back out to Hwy 199 and continued south into California. Everyone was so excited when we crossed the border! We took Hwy 199 all the way into Cresent City, CA.
This is where we got back onto Hwy 101 and drove about 15 minutes into the Mill Creek Campground. Where we spent the next three nights.
This is where we turned off to make our way to the caves. As you know, I have a hard time turning down a photo opportunity. Eric is very patient with me when I get the urge to slam on the breaks and yank over to the side of the road so I can whip out the camera. The boys are less patient though...On our way up to the Oregon Caves, I suddenly got said urge. We stopped so I could get out and snap a few pics. After the editing, (mostly just changing the tint of the pic) this is what I got. I think the B&W makes it more dramatic. This will be printed, framed and hung in my house! I'm just that proud of it!
After my photography appetite was subdued, we continued on the very curvy steep road to the Oregon Caves National Monument.
I had been to the caves when I was younger, but this was Eric and the boy's first time. I was very excited to share this with them! We paid the fee and waited for our turn on the tour. The boys made sure they could climb the 500+ stairs on the tour.
We were all amazed by the wonderful formations in the caves. The boys enjoyed being the only ones that didn't have to duck under every rock.After our cave experience it was onward to the Redwood Forest. We got back out to Hwy 199 and continued south into California. Everyone was so excited when we crossed the border! We took Hwy 199 all the way into Cresent City, CA.
This is where we got back onto Hwy 101 and drove about 15 minutes into the Mill Creek Campground. Where we spent the next three nights.
Banister's First Road Trip #2
After packing everything up at Honeyman, we headed south on Hwy 101. There wasn't much to see because it was foggy, but we did catch sight of the ocean a couple times as well as some seriously huge sand dunes.
Once we hit Reedsport we took an easterly direction on Hwy 38. We came across an elk viewing spot. We stopped to see what we could see. There were several very large elk eating in the tall grasses just in front of us! It was our first time seeing a live elk in person.
We continued on Hwy 38 and took a southerly direction at Hwy 138. We followed this until we hit I-5 at Sutherlin. Then we followed I-5 south to Grants Pass where we switched to Hwy 199 and followed it into Selma and Lake Selmac.
Our second evening was spent at the beautiful Lake Selmac. We took a short bike ride halfway around the lake. Dinner and s'mores were also enjoyed by all.
At about 3am we were woken up by russeling by our tent. Eric went to investigate because it sounded like there was an animal getting into our stuff. (We always pack the food away, but we did leave the cooler outside.) He stepped out of the tent and was face-to-face with a skunk! Thankfully he startled it just enough that it ran away with out stinking us out. It had been interested in our trash. Eric said he'd meant to put the trash bag in the van, but just forgot. He was thankful he didn't get any closer to the smelly little critter.
This was our camp site at Lake Selmac.
Once we hit Reedsport we took an easterly direction on Hwy 38. We came across an elk viewing spot. We stopped to see what we could see. There were several very large elk eating in the tall grasses just in front of us! It was our first time seeing a live elk in person.We continued on Hwy 38 and took a southerly direction at Hwy 138. We followed this until we hit I-5 at Sutherlin. Then we followed I-5 south to Grants Pass where we switched to Hwy 199 and followed it into Selma and Lake Selmac.
Our second evening was spent at the beautiful Lake Selmac. We took a short bike ride halfway around the lake. Dinner and s'mores were also enjoyed by all.At about 3am we were woken up by russeling by our tent. Eric went to investigate because it sounded like there was an animal getting into our stuff. (We always pack the food away, but we did leave the cooler outside.) He stepped out of the tent and was face-to-face with a skunk! Thankfully he startled it just enough that it ran away with out stinking us out. It had been interested in our trash. Eric said he'd meant to put the trash bag in the van, but just forgot. He was thankful he didn't get any closer to the smelly little critter.
This was our camp site at Lake Selmac.
Banister's First Road Trip #1
Every summer the Banister family goes on a week long vacation. Usually it's just camping at the beach for a week, but this year we decided to mix it up.
In February we started planning for a 10-day road trip through Oregon and Northern California. Our ultimate destination was Chico, CA to visit Eric's Dad and Sister.
Eric started reserving camp sites and mapping out our route in March. We were set to leave on Friday July 30th and return Sunday August 8th. I arranged to have someone stay at our house so it wouldn't be left empty for so long. We planned out our meals and went through all our camping gear.
Our first night would be spent in Florence, OR. Then we would travel down through Grants Pass and stay at Lake Selmac so we could do the Oregon Caves. Next it was onto the Redwood Forest for three nights. Finally we would make the long drive from Cresent City, CA to Chico, CA. Our plan was to spend four nights in Chico.
The boys were so excited to leave on Friday the 30th that they were sitting in the car the second we started packing it up. Then they complained that we weren't leaving! (Which went over really well.)
Our van has never been so loaded down! We took all five bikes plus two "hitch hikers" to use on in-the-city-riding for the twins. Of course there was the normal camping gear, coolers, tents, tarps, cooking stove, tubs of food and other small camping essentials. We also had to pack for all climates. It would be cold enough in the Redwoods for pants, long sleeves and heavy coats, but hot enough in Chico for shorts and tank tops. That meant a lot of clothing for all of us. This was no "light packing" trip!
Almost as soon as we left the boys started asking how much longer we would be in the car...
REALLY?!?!?!
When we finally arrived at Honeyman State Park in Florence we'd been in the car for about 3 hours. By the time we unloaded everything, set it up and ate dinner, it was bedtime. No time for a fire cuz we were packing up and moving on first thing the next morning!
This was our site for that first night in Florence.
In February we started planning for a 10-day road trip through Oregon and Northern California. Our ultimate destination was Chico, CA to visit Eric's Dad and Sister.
Eric started reserving camp sites and mapping out our route in March. We were set to leave on Friday July 30th and return Sunday August 8th. I arranged to have someone stay at our house so it wouldn't be left empty for so long. We planned out our meals and went through all our camping gear.
Our first night would be spent in Florence, OR. Then we would travel down through Grants Pass and stay at Lake Selmac so we could do the Oregon Caves. Next it was onto the Redwood Forest for three nights. Finally we would make the long drive from Cresent City, CA to Chico, CA. Our plan was to spend four nights in Chico.
The boys were so excited to leave on Friday the 30th that they were sitting in the car the second we started packing it up. Then they complained that we weren't leaving! (Which went over really well.)
Our van has never been so loaded down! We took all five bikes plus two "hitch hikers" to use on in-the-city-riding for the twins. Of course there was the normal camping gear, coolers, tents, tarps, cooking stove, tubs of food and other small camping essentials. We also had to pack for all climates. It would be cold enough in the Redwoods for pants, long sleeves and heavy coats, but hot enough in Chico for shorts and tank tops. That meant a lot of clothing for all of us. This was no "light packing" trip!
Almost as soon as we left the boys started asking how much longer we would be in the car...
REALLY?!?!?!
When we finally arrived at Honeyman State Park in Florence we'd been in the car for about 3 hours. By the time we unloaded everything, set it up and ate dinner, it was bedtime. No time for a fire cuz we were packing up and moving on first thing the next morning!
This was our site for that first night in Florence.
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