The New Challenge ( biking)

One of my goals before I turned 45 was to start bike riding….. I have begun! I biked a few times on the beginner trail and it felt really good. It’s a one mile ride. I took my time and enjoyed the trail, the trail is very narrow with some steep hills and tree branches sticking out which can smack you in the face. So I was very careful.

I took my kids out with me, but two of them did not enjoy it as much. So, only Josh and I bike. There are some hills that we have to walk up, but soon, as I continue, I will ride up them without trouble. I haven’t figured how to change the speeds yet, while, I mean, on the time I’m supposed to.

I have been biking at least two miles, still on the beginners trail but increasing the time. My Pastor asked if we wanted to bike the other day, he wanted to start biking. Of course I said, “yes” thinking I was a pro. We went on the beginners trail and he took off, I tried my best to catch up, boy was I pooped. I never went that fast before. We went for 2 miles, up and down, smacking branching, falling, and walking up the hills… don’t’ get me wrong, I had a blast.

So, I figured that I am going to try to bike everyday and get real good at it, ride up the hills without stopping and increase my speed. I know I can do it, I have to stay focused. Yesterday I went out and on the first mile I had to walk up some hills, but the second mile I got better.

The funny thing is I’m working out but still not losing the weight, what am I to do? Anyways, I will keep it up, maybe one day it will drop.

Blue Canyon Hike

This hike was short but nice, one mile and it took me 25 minutes to hike. There was a lot to see, these trails are for bikes too! So lots of bike things, I don’t know what they are called, but a little scary to me.

Roman 11:15-16

For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? For it their is holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root is holy, so are the branches.



This pictures were taken with my cell phone, sorry!



The hike was very easy for me, so I would say it’s defendantly for beginners. I ended up hiking some of the Texas Sunset too. I like to get in at least 50 minutes of exercise.

Tonight was such a beautiful day, the bikers, joggers, and hikers were out doing their thing. I really got excited watching the bikers; hopefully I can ride one day. I remember when I was young with the 2 children; I would get the kids and put them in the trailer hitched to my bike and ride all the way to the beach. What fun! By the time we got there the kids would be fast asleep and I would turn around heading back home.

I’m not sure which trail I will do next, but I like what I’ve hiked already.

The Hike on Texas Sunset Trail

The hike I took was great! It was a 45 minute hike on a trail called Texas Sunset. It felt really good to go out and finish the trail. I want to accomplish all the trails, Ranger, Blue Canyon, Crooked Tree, Copperhead Ridge, Man Bites Dog and S.O.S 


I need to stay active and sitting down crocheting all the time might not be all that good for me. Don’t get me wrong, I like to crochet and it really helps me relax, but relaxing all the time might not help my butt!

I’m going to be 45 in a few months and there are things I want to accomplish before my birthday. I want to lose 15 to 20 pounds, hike these trails and start mountain biking.

LORD, if it’s your will please help me to do these things. Oh, I need a mountain bike, helmet and pads. Only you can provide these things. Please give me self control with food and give me the strength to hike. Thank you Jesus, I know that if I don’t get these things, it’s because you have a good reason.

So, off I go for another hike!

I didn’t realize what trail I was on because I was going the wrong way. I turn back and saw the blue arrow.

Big Cedar Wilderness Trails

List of Trails in order: Posted levels of difficulty are will range according to each riders skill.

Texas Sunset (blue...this loop starts just to the left of kiosk) Intermediate - Advanced

Ranger (white) Beginner - Intermediate

Blue Canyon (orange inside of white) Beginner

Crooked Tree (green) Beginner

Copperhead Ridge (yellow) Advanced

Man Bites Dog (red) Intermediate-Advanced

S.O.S (red) Advanced

Sorry, I took these pictures with a phone camera.

Weekend Adventure

Then God said, "Let there be light", and there was light. Genesis 1:3

It’s great to go out on an adventure with my family, especially when the weather is so nice. These last few days here in Texas has been like spring, but in January. Sunshine, blue skies, warm temperatures and cool nights, I love this weather! Let’s see how long it will last, I heard that it may rain tomorrow.



Right in our back yard



We decided to go and explore our neighborhood. We have a creek behind our home, so off we went. There’re many fish pools, so of course my hubby was happy. I have a little fisherman (girl) that loves to fish with her daddy, sometimes she is the only one that catches fish, but on the other hand, my son loves to skip rocks.

It's this big and this long!

As we continued to hike, we found a fishing lake with a walking path. It was so nice, well my husband and the kids went on to explore, Brook and I decided to walk around the lake, we need to get that exercise in. We had seen other families out spending time together, fishing, riding bikes, and hiking. I was excited that it was right in my own back yard or up the street around the corner.

My little brown button was content in her mother’s arms. Brook had bought a sling just for the hikes; Jayla was all snuggled up and fell fast asleep. I’m really going to miss them, but very thankful to have this time with them. Monday (today) my girls take off back home. I love you my babies!



My Brown Button

 The kids really enjoyed our adventure and I know that they will always remember, I think next time we will bring the fishing poles, some skipping rocks, a packed lunch for a picnic , and Jade… then a nice walk around the lake for me.

We found another place to enjoy!



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The Hike at Windmill Hill Preserve

I haven’t hiked these trails in such a long time and it felt so good when I did yesterday and today! I know these trails real well. I used to hike them almost every day. My daughters and I decided that we will hike them every day this week. We do need the exercised, since this past week we didn’t do anything.

Brook and I want and need to lose weight. Jade on the other hand just wants to be fit. We both have baby weight to lose, Brook had her baby 4 months ago and I had mine 8 years ago. I know what your going to say, “8 year to lose the weight?” Yeah, I’ll blame it on my babies!

As you know my new year’s resolution is to lose this weight. Exercise is in the resolution plan. We hiked for 50 minutes yesterday and today. Up and down hills, I was exhausted but it was worth it in the end. I accomplished what I started. I'm looking forward to the rest of the week.

It makes it so much fun when you have others that want to exercise with you. I’m so thankful that I get to work out with my girls. I use to hike with my other daughter Megan when she lived with me, but she got married and left me. Megan, why do you want to leave me? (Big Fat Greek Wedding)

These trails are small but nice, it has trees, streams, bridges, and it is surrounded by homes. You can’t get lost! Matter of fact, I could walk to them but instead I drive. I would rather hike then walk and have cars pass me by. Plus the trails have better scenery and it’s peaceful.

Thank you Father, for such a beautiful place that I can enjoy.

All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. John 1:4

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My Trip To Oklahoma

Here I come sister

My sister is getting ready to have her first child, little James Jr. James her husband is on his way from Afghanistan right now. He serves in the army and is coming home for the birth of his baby son, he can’t wait to be with his wifey also. I thank you James, for serving and protecting us. I had the privilege to go out to Oklahoma to help my sister before he comes. YAY!


So off I went, three long hours by myself. When I left home it was snowing, but that wasn’t going to stop me. From Texas to Oklahoma it’s over 300 miles. While driving out, all you see is flat land and cows. There’s not much to see. I’m four miles away from her home and my car starts to act up, first it has power and then it doesn’t. It stops running, and off to the side of the road I go(44 highway). I’m so thankful that God allowed me to be down the street from my sisters.

I called my sister to let her know what had happened. She came to my rescue! She called AT&T road side assistants and towed my car home (her home) it sits in her garage right at this moment…. My poor sister was so was stressed, looked tired and her feet were so swollen. Her (our) friend Lindsey just left my sisters house, on her way back home from visiting, and had gotten lost. Here the phone conversation…

Elephant Feet

Phone rings

Amber: Hello

Lindsey: I don’t know if I’m going the right way, how do I get out of here?

Amber: Where are you?

Lindsey: I’m somewhere on the country road.

Phone rings, put Lindsey on hold.

Amber: Hello

Bridget (me) calls: Sister, my car broke down.

Amber: Where are you?

Bridget: I’m on the side of the road and see a sign, IHOP exit 38.

Amber: ok

Back to Lindsey

Amber: Where are you now?

Lindsey: I don’t know, all I see is a field with a bunch of cows.

Amber: You can be anywhere. I have to go my sisters car broke down.

Amber running round trying to get dressed with the phone to her ear, it’s freezing out here.

Back to Bridget (me)

Amber: I think I know where you’re at, I’m coming!

Bridget: I’ll be waiting, I have nowhere to go.

Back to Lindsey

Lindsey: What?! The toll both doesn’t take debt cards? I had to pay 50 cents to exit and still don’t know where I’m at.

Amber: Sorry Lindsey, my sister is stuck on the road, I got to go.

End of conversation.

My sister came quickly and all we could do was laugh, I love you sister. Lindsey did make it home, she was on the right road.

Today, we took Brody to the veterinarian, as soon as we walked in we smelt smoke. Black ash was falling and we were evacuated. We stayed outside to see what was causing the fire. They called the fire station and they immediately came out. The men walked around the building, nothing out there. They looked around inside and found a machine that had caught on fire. It was brought outside and we were able to come back in, and everything turned out fine. Brody has an ear infection and had to get a shot.

I'm excited to see what's going to happen next..........

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New Years Day Outing 2011

Today we decided to go out and get some exercise, some sun and fresh air. It's always good to get your family to exercise with you......but don't tell them! (hehehe)

ON PRAYER MOUNTAIN

Off we go to Big Cedar Wilderness Trials on Prayer Mountain in Dallas,Texas. They have 100 acres. The valley consist mostly of mesquite trees and cactus. It has eight loops ranging from beginner to advanced. (I got that of their website)

   

AREN'T THEY CUTE

So, my little ones brought their bikes, Dennis and I brought are hiking shoes. I really like to hike. It's a good work out. Though I didn't get sweaty, it was 40 degrees out there.  My face, hands and feet were numb. My son says "put your hand above your head and run". It didn't work!



OH MY, THAT LOOKS SCARY

  Doesn't that look exciting! Except, we forgot their helmets. So, there as no way I was going to let them ride on those ramps. The small ones, ok, but not those scary ramps. Can you imagine little Eyevy flying up in the air. 

HE WISHES!

MY LITTLE SWORDSMAN

He decided to play, oh, I mean use his imagination. at least I got 30 minutes in. Eyvette continued to ride for awhile. Now I wish I would have brought my bike, maybe next time.

HE FOUND HIS CASTLE

 They found this cool tree house, I guess the bikers made it. Josh was going to try to ride down. I knew he would back out, so I said "son go for it." Josh says "really mom", dad helps him up. Josh looks down with a big smile and says "no, I don't think so, plus I forgot my helmet." My son was never in to pain.I asked him once if he wanted to get in to foot ball and he said,"no way mom, they get hurt". I ask,"what about hockey", he said " mom they get hurt too." When he was about 5, he wanted to play soccer. They would kick the ball to him and he would run after it but them get excited about a flower he had seen and to had to pick it for me. He can use is imagination.



OH NO!



I'M WAITING PATIENTLY

 Perfect timing, it's started to get dark and we headed back home. I'm so glad Dennis knows how to fix things. I want to return and explore some more trials. It has great trials that I know I will enjoy and get a good work out.  I didn't get the work out I wanted but the kids had fun and that's what counts.

Mom and Dad I hope you enjoy the videos

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