by Claire
What a glorious day! We were out on the trail by 8 am and hiked 7.7 miles to Fern Lake in RMNP–starting at 8,165 feet and climbing to 9,503. Not bad for a family from San Antonio (elev. 809 feet). Getting out the door with so many is always a challenge but we all did great today. The weather was gorgeous and we were able to enjoy the journey that is a Colorado hiking trail. There were moments that weren’t so great…that’s a lotta hiking for adults and kids alike and DD had a couple of rough episodes…but we got through it. It took us 5.5 hours and we got in the minivan just as the rain really started coming down.
There were so many great learning and teaching moments on the trail. I love hiking for this reason and so many more! As DD got tired and frustrated and overwhelmed–boy could I identify with those feelings! Not to be TOO dramatic here, but isn’t that like life? She wanted nothing more than to quit the journey and was frustrated by every single thing we said to encourage her and support her to keep on keepin’ on. She would hear none of the encouraging words! In fact, she lashed out in anger telling us that she did not want to hike anymore and that we needed to remember that she is only 8 years old! Okay, this particular hike–in hindsight–was probably too much for her but we took it slow and let the boys go ahead without us and really worked to be in the moment and support her with all we had. Funny how it reminded me of our debt journey.
Looking back to when Steve and I first met (Nov. 2008), I picture us at the beginning of the hiking trail. We weren’t really having to talk about much tough stuff in those early days–we were energetic, excited and ready to tackle the trail! As life kept coming like the trail does–the inevitable discussion of finances came up. On our respective sides of the ledger, we were facing major uphill climbs regarding finances. I’ve shared some of that via the blog but truly each of us had our own mess. Looking back–I can see so many parallels between that time and today’s trek. Oh we definitely lashed out in anger as we tried to encourage the other that nothing we could share would change our feelings for one another…because we were overwhelmed by the very thought of giving the financial issues “life” by admitting they existed! Just like DD today, we had an answer for every single thing the other said! It was a no-win situation at the time. We had our reasons for our respective debt stories and no one was going to tell us otherwise!
NO ONE was going to tell either of us that climbing the hill of debt payoff and eventual financial stability would be worth it…just like no one was going to tell DD that getting to the gorgeous waterfalls and eventual postcard worthy Fern Lake was worth the difficulties she faced in the moment. We had explanations and excuses for every financial decision we made. It was exhausting to battle the unknown and inevitably we were making it so much worse than it would really be–once we allowed ourselves to see a path and choose to take it to a better place.
DD came around and found energy in her surroundings and reminders that she could do this and that we were there to support her along the journey. That’s how I feel these days–that I am surrounded by support and, most importantly, allowing myself to see it and receive it! Steve and I are on the same page on this journey and that was no small feat my friends! Wow! If I could take you all back to the first year of this marriage, I absolutely know that you would all be amazed that we have made it this far! Not just on the $ front of course–blending families is the hardest thing I have ever done–but we are in a very good place.
Feeling thankful overall again today–we spent $75 on our one and only meal out restaurant after the long hike. I spent $10 at a kitchen store and got my brother and his wife a kitchen gadget they actually don’t have! There is a WHOLE other blog post regarding the meal out…so much to share…but obviously this post is long enough! Thanks for reading! I am a very reflective personality every day but a day in the mountains will only take that up a notch. 🙂
Born and raised in Texas. I’ve at least driven through every state in the US courtesy of a roadtrip loving Dad.
I’m single with two children and a good parenting relationship with their father.
I am a “life is just half full of funny” kinda gal. Humor is my saving grace and I am thankful for it every single day. I have a strong Catholic faith and am thankful for that foundation.
I read a lot for a living but still enjoy a good book. I love biographies but in recent years have found the need for fun fictional books–sadly, for a long time I just didn’t enjoy fiction!
I love live theatre of any kind–from local productions to Broadway.
I love to scrapbook and pride myself in my kids’ albums.
I love being a mom but also love my career. I’m blessed to have found a balance allowing me to be at everything my kids need and want me to be at–while also having a career.
Favorite Quotes: Well behaved women rarely make history.
Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out. -James Bryant Conant
Oh, the hiking sounds wonderful! That is my favorite thing to do. We have an Arboretum about 10 minutes from my home with 1500 acres to hike. I just love it.
Your vacation reminds me of our family vacations growing up. There were 4 kids in our family and my Dad was in the Army. He saved all year and had a can in the living room that he saved all of his change each day for our trip (not sure if he saved over and above that but that’s what I remember). Anyway, we took a trip to Idaho every summer for around 6 weeks or so. We stayed with my Aunt who had a motel and my Dad worked on building a house. He drew up the plans himself and spent all 6 weeks of vacation building our house. That was his dream. I have fond memories of going with him and helping him. Anyway, the part I remember was the eating out. We rarely went to restaurants as we drove 2000 miles to Idaho (each way) but instead, we’d travel then stop at a grocery store, buy lunch and eat out at a picnic area. That’s how we did it. It’s funny to look back at all of that. My Dad finished the house but we never moved out there because my Mom didn’t care for Idaho. Anyway, my Dad died at 46 years old when I was 13. I am always amazed that he was able to raise 4 kids, take annual vacations and have no debt plus have a great career in the Army. I remember him working full time in the Army plus repairing our only vehicle (we owned one car growing up and he fixed it if it needed it). I always remember him saving for things we needed and we never went without. Fond memories for sure. On top of that, I found some checks a few years back when going through my Mom’s files helping her prepare to move. In there, were checks going back some 35 years and there were donations to Boys Town. The fact that he’d find extra money to help and support disadvantaged kids was heart warming. Makes you think about what your kids will remember about you.
By the way, congrats on the debt payoff in June. I haven’t had a chance to congratulate you yet. And no, I don’t think you are overthinking it; that’s all part of the process. You are definitely on your way.
Thanks for sharing this DM! What a great story and a wonderful reminder of what is important in this life! And to find the proof of charitable donations is awesome! Although you lost your Dad at such a very young age…what a gift to have the memories you do have. This is good stuff!
Claire – I just love this post today. I’ve been following this blog for a number of years, watching the previous blogger pass the torch over to you. I really enjoy your writing style and the stories you share with us. We are also attempting the debt payoff journey and the thought overwhelsm us daily because we know how many more “miles” we have to go to reach the goal. Our family just hiked a short 1.5 mile trail this past March and I thought our kids were going to make us pick them up with the car in the middle of the woods! 🙂 Good luck. Keep up the great (hard) work. I look forward to your next adventure.
Claire, thanks for sharing. I just love hiking too. My fave place was Cinco Tere Italy… Good memories lol.