I always try to work a few extra hours in the evenings after the kids are in bed so that I can go to field trips and be THAT mom. The cupcake baking, fund-raiser organizing and field trip mom.

Last week, I went on Julia’s field trip to the Lost Dog Trail here in town.

I was so in. Mr. and I are in the company biggest loser challenge. Perfect. I’ll get my exercising done for the day and take pictures and spend time with J and watch her interact with her friends. Perfect.

We started up the foothills. I was sure that I’d be fine…

Oh my heavens… about 1/4 of the way, my legs were burning. The rocky terrain was a little more than I had planned on. J kept sweetly checking on me. I assured her I was fine… of course.

About 1/2 way up… I was actually worried that I might not make it (2.6 miles up, 2.6 miles down)… Hmmm… what was I thinking…

I didn’t want to give up… what kind of example would that be? And… I can count this as exercise for the whole week, right?

God and I had some serious talks about this hike. It started with complete selfishness and ended somewhere between humility and thankfulness.

And about that time… we made it to the top. The Taliesin Overlook.

I could tell you so many stories…

But… the only story I really want you to hear tonight… is that I love my baby J. She is kind and gentle and thoughtful.

Take that hike this weekend… whichever one it is… the hike to the in-laws, the hike to the grocery store, the hike to the laundry room. You can do it!!