"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find resources of strength that will endure as long as life lasts." ~Rachel Carson

Chris and I were blessed enough to spend one year living in the beautiful town of Pine Mountain, Ga.  We spent most of that year hiking.  It was an incredible experience that neither of us will ever forget.

"You need special shoes for hiking - and a bit of a special soul as well."  ~Emme Woodhull-Bäche

"God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars." ~ Martin Luther

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." ~ Albert Einstein

"Reading about nature is fine, but if a person walks in the woods and listens carefully, he can learn more than what is in books, for they speak with the voice of God." ~George Washington Carver

"Nature is too thin a screen; the glory of the omnipresent God bursts through everywhere." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"My father considered a walk among the mountains as the equivalent of churchgoing." ~Aldous Huxley

"I dream of hiking into my old age."  ~Marlyn Doan

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."  ~John Muir

"We live in a fast-paced society.  Walking slows us down."  ~Robert Sweetgall

"An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day."  ~Henry David Thoreau

"There is nothing like walking to get the feel of a country.  A fine landscape is like a piece of music; it must be taken at the right tempo.  Even a bicycle goes too fast."  ~Paul Scott Mowrer, The House of Europe

"Walking gets the feet moving, the blood moving, the mind moving.  And movement is life."  ~Terri Guillemets

"If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking.  Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk."  ~Raymond Inmon

Just a typical night at home

This is why I love Chris so much.  This is why I married him. 

Last night while he was rocking Greyson to sleep we were having a conversation about potty training.  Chris:  "I knew a guy in high school that was still crapping in his pants." 

Chris said he liked it much better when I just played on FB. :)

Things not to say to your wife....

....who just had a baby...

Chris and I were recently sitting on the couch reading an article about an incident where two babies were switched at birth for about 8 hours.  Me:  "I would not be able to control my emotions if this happened to me."  Chris:  "You cannot even control your emotions now."  Thanks, babe.  I love you too.  Of course he retracted and said that is not what he meant.  Uh huh.  Suuuuuure.  Of course I almost cried when he said it, but I would not allow my "emotions" to get the best of me.  No way- no how. 

I guess we are even though because I did say he had Fred Flintstone feet (he does) and that his pinky toe looks like it was supposed to be a finger (you will have to see for yourself).

*Giggle*

Ok, my Mom is known for her hilarious text messages.  We (Jess and I) often get texts that have to be decoded because Mom leaves the predictive text on.  Others are just plain funny.  Yesterday I was having a yucky day and this is what I received: 

"I had a man offer to help me get my groove back yesterday...I asked was it obvious I had lost it?"

Yes, this lifted the "I strongly dislike some people" funk I was in, and I went to bed with a big giggle in my heart.  I love you, Mom!!!

All in a Name

I have no idea how to blog- just wanted to throw that out there right from the start so you will not have high expectations or be highly disappointed when you finish reading my thoughts.  So I figured my first post should explain the title of my blog.  All growing up my nickname was Monk Monk (and still is).  I am pretty sure my Mom started this loving moniker.  I am also sure at some point I thought this was actually a part of my name.  I have always associated this name with love and happiness.  It is a part of me.  Up until 4 months ago this Saturday that was me- just Monk Monk.  On March 23, 2011 a precious gift from God came into my life.  Greyson Alexander Keene has provided me with a new label: Mommy. :)  Equally associated with feelings of love and happiness, but on a whole new level.  Anyways, back to Monk Monk- Jess (my little, but much taller than me sister) grew up calling me this as well.  We would be in Walmart and Jess would say something and attach Monk Monk to it.  People would look at us so strange.  I would shoot mean looks back of course.  Now looking back I wonder:  were they giving the strange looks because she was calling me Monk Monk (or just Monk for short) or because they thought she was calling me Mom???  Hmmmm.....Anywho- I cannot wait for the day Greyson can say Mommy, Mom, Mama or whatever he may call me.  I know the same sweet emotions that I feel when my Mom still calls me Monk after almost 30 years will well up inside me and make me smile with pure love.