Live a Meaningful Life

We have only been in the forest a month but have already met some of the coolest people. Some just smile and wave, others choose to chat and make personal connections with us. Johnny and I were discussing it the other day and decided it would be neat to do a "Faces of Thunder Rock" series of posts every once in a while. I already have the pictures for 3 and will have more by the weekend.  So, here it goes! Meet Corey. Due to an accident some years ago, Corey is disabled and wheelchair bound. But let me tell you, it does not slow him down a bit. As a matter of fact, he has decided that he is going to start a blog and share adventures that are friendly to people with disabilities. He was at our campground to see how friendly it was to those in wheelchairs (bathrooms, trails, etc.). He is gathering data this summer within a 75 mile radius of Cleveland, TN, and then hopes to be able to expand the area he explores and the adventures he engages in. The boys enjoyed meet...

A few weeks ago, we had our first of many MS visitors--Bode. The three boys had a blast in the forest and river! Memorial Day Weekend our neighbors from Blue Springs, the Johnsons minus 2, came to visit. Jackson and Wyatt played almost every single day for years. Seeing them smile, run around, and play was such a treat. As a bonus, I got to hang out with Tawana. Adult conversation during the day while Johnny is at work...priceless! And of course, no Johnson visit would be complete without Mylan. She was a little upset that my freezer wasn't stocked with popsicles!  Such sweet memories were made!  And of course, a little sadness as we wished our friends good bye for while. Guess who else came for a visit? Granny! I had to be in New Hampshire May 20--25 so Granny came back with Johnny and stayed Thursday night through the next Tuesday. I am so thankful she takes time to invest in a relationship with these guys! More priceless memories! W...

  I can't wait to tell you the story of this picture! But first things first. Our week started off with more biking, hiking and exploring. We have ridden this trail almost daily since we have arrived. It goes from our campground to the White Water Center that commemorates the 1996 Olympics. The kayaking events were held on the Ocoee River that year.  The bike trail follows the river, and we absolutely love the view of our playground!  There are calm peaceful stops.   And there are action parts, full of untamed power.   On Friday the boys wanted to return to Smiley's (their favorite swimming spot). The water is freezing by the way and the temperature is warm--not sweltering!  Looking at this, makes me shiver!  While the boys explored around in the water...  Johnny and I did what all great parents do. We found a nice warm rock, relaxed and chatted! One of the things I have had a hard time doing is gett...

Since we have arrived, I can say that one of the most refreshing things about this move has been the slow pace of life. My only obligations: checking in on my online class and making sure the bathrooms here are ok! Having time to sit without a constant to-do list swirling in the brain is a gift I do not want to take for granted. I sat for an hour in the grass today, and the boys and I created scenes with lego and cars. I was fully present.  As for activities, we have been biking and doing just a dab of hiking almost every day. This was from our journey yesterday. We have already met lots of neat people from several places, including FL and Puerto Rico We sleep with the windows open to hear the water rushing over the rocks and feel the crisp morning air of the mountains. This is what I see when I look of our windows. I love sitting on the rocks along the river as I sing, pray, and read.  We visited another church last night. I tell you, I am getting some nu...