Live a Meaningful Life

I was just browsing through some old pictures and took the opportunity to laugh and think about some treasured memories.  I thought I would share some with you... Sometimes plans just do not work out like we hoped! Those large wormy things that are tagging along on the shirt--just beware!!! They will urinate and leave the shirt reeking-so much so the child must remove his shirt while completing the rest of the 1 mile + hike! The great fish rescue--one day when we were at the Ocoee, a large amount of small fish got caught on the rocks when they cut off the dam.  Our boys couldn't bear the sight--so the great rescue began (notice Jackson's hand) Just in case you ever wonder--Johnny does as any great daddy would do: Demonstrate the dangerous task prior to the children trying! We have this running joke with John Gannon about him being part goat.  Really, he chews on all of his sleeves, pencils, anything in sight! Who decides randomly to stand up ...

As the Cox tradition goes...we decided very spontaneously on Tuesday to take a trip to Chattanooga on Wednesday and then off to a cabin in the mountains of Copperhill, TN Thursday-Sunday.  The added bonus--our friends were going with us! So...our first destination-our favorite city, Chattanooga, TN--the wind was terrible which made the cold biting for the boys, so they decided to take advantage of the heated water and TV with channel selections (which is a treat for them)! On Thursday, we were off to the Ocoee river!  We watched as Johnny got ready to hit the rapids.  And then we were off to do our business--which includes hiking and making imaginative play scenes in the rocks.  Occasionally, I see a picture of my boys that I just love...this is one. We stopped and made it on the way to the car to travel to our next play location at the end of the river! John has a hat on and is carrying a bag--two of his trademarks. Jackson has his head turned sideway...

For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while you know that I have mentioned or talked about minimalist living.  I am still captivated with the thought and ever so often start a small project that helps us take steps in that direction.  After each one, I am left feeling great and in search of the next project.  The latest projects: The dresser--I cleaned my side out--threw away, gave away, and took to charity; The result...I can now freely open all 5 drawers--without cramming stuff down before getting them to close all the way.  I can see everything I own in them. I no longer have an entire drawer of socks! I now own 4 pair of ankle socks, 2 pair knee socks, 4 pair warm/fuzzies, and 3 pair of wool socks. What is the best part of this dresser project--I have an empty drawer!!! (Just a disclaimer--now that the secret is out of the bag-I am sure Johnny will discover it--I have been keeping it a secret...he has a tendency to fill all the empty spaces wi...

Yesterday afternoon/last night, we initiated an unplanned "work" session at the church.  We just completed an addition to our shed (our gathering place) and had some work done inside--needless to say--a mess needed cleaning.  Our gracious shed host and hostess  :) had been working all morning cleaning, sweeping, moving...trying to get things back in order. When we arrived we realized there was lots of tasks that needed to be accomplished but would only be possible with the help of others...so we sent a text out to our small groups... Pause this story for a moment...I am not sure about you, but to be honest, I have never looked forward to a church workday or night--much less an afternoon and night.  I have attended many--only out of pure dedication to get a task done.  I can honestly say I have never left one and thought, "I really enjoyed that."   Back to my story--a little after the need was sent, people started showing up to help. 12 adults and 11 ...