Mountain Mama: Minus the Mama Part...because I know some of you just got excited when you saw "Mama"!

We headed north this past weekend to spend some time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Apparently everyone else on the east coast did too.  The roads were busy, but lucky for us we spend most of our time in the woods taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Just as we entered the GSM National Park, the sun was trying to peak over the horizon. I gasp at the sight of these beauties just around the bend. I had no clue there were Elk in the southeastern US!  Clearly they weren't phased by the cars pulling over to snap a shot.

We made our way to Newfound Gap and hit the Appalachian Trail on our way to Charlie's Bunion.  We were so fortunate to be hiking in such beautiful weather.

Another surprise awaited us as we made our way up the trail...SNOW! 

We finally reached Charlie's Bunion, spent some time taking in the views and refueled with some trail lunch.  

  The scenery made the 4 mile hike in worth the trek!

After finishing up our day hike, we headed over to a trailhead closer to a shelter where we'd stay the night. 

 Our home for the night, Mt Collins Shelter.  Are you wondering why we didn't stay in a hotel where they have central heat, running water and comfy beds?  Well that's because I win WIFE OF THE YEAR and 'roughed it' for a night in a shelter where there are no doors, no running water, no electricity, no privacy and no 'plumbing'.  But there was a lovely tarp to separate the sleeping area from the eating area, a fancy privy (out house) just around the corner and water...in Nalgene bottles.  

But we did bring one creature comfort...our little propane heater.  Cory saved the day for this cold girl!  The temp got down to 29 degrees Saturday night.

After a night filled with mysterious noises (did I mention there was a bear warning at this shelter?!?), hot flashes (thanks to my -20 degree bag) and numerous of efforts to get comfortable sleeping on a 2 inch mat...the dawn drew us all outside to begin breakfast and pack up camp.

Waking up with a little coffee.  Thank you Jesus for coffee in the woods!

Next stop of the morning, Clingman's Dome, the highest peak in the GSM National Park.  Aren't the clouds over the valley beautiful?!

We made it to the top and spent some time pinpointing surrounding mountains in the 360 degree view.  See that mountain in the distance behind us...the highest one?  We'll be spending the night up there, at the world famous lodge, in April and this Mountain Mama (minus the mama part) is pumped...electricity, bears, elk or not!

Cory says they'll have heat, beds, thick wool blankets and family style home cooked meals scheduled around the sunrise and sunset. I was sold when he said heat!

How I Got 3 Pair of Glasses for $40

You read that right...3 pair of really cute prescription glasses for $40...though 3 pair for $400 would have been a deal too.

I mentioned getting these specs back in October, my apologies for not providing details sooner!

The hubs is a big Clark Howard fan, so he heard Clark talk about getting his glasses on the cheap.  Turns out they were pretty great quality too.  When the time came last year for a new pair of glasses (my college glasses weren't nearly as trendy as I thought they were circa 2001 they used to be) the hubs pointed me in the direction of Zenni Optical.  I couldn't believe it...$9.95 for frames AND lens!  AMAZING!

All you need is your written prescription so that you order them correctly. I ordered 3 pair, all at a $12.95 price or cheaper.  Shipping was really reasonable and I got my new glasses in 2 weeks.  I was like a kid on Christmas morning waiting for them to arrive on the doorstep!

Here's a few shots of the specs...

And one creepy shot for good measure....

Neglect...Plain and Simple!

Hi!  My name is Brooke and I used to blog here. Then I got a awesome job at this really cool company.  Oh...and spring arrived...and next came summer ....the hubs and I have been busy bees!  So to sum it - up I've neglected my blog!


I promise I haven't been hiding...I've been doing this.....


Vacationing (celebrating our 2nd Anniversary!)...

Rafting the Chattooga River....

going....

going....

GONE!  That's me with the Ronald McDonald red shoe!  

Saving lives...kitten lives!  This is Willy Whitesox....he was found in the shrubs at the entrance of my office when he was just a few weeks old.  I called the hubs to see if I could bring him home and after asking if I was serious he said 'Yes...as long as I'm only responsible for playing with him.  You have to do the rest Brooke!'  And so I agreed.... (I'm such a sucker!)

Spending time in the sun....

So that almost gets us up to speed.  Hope you're having a great summer! 

Praise the Lord the weekend is near!  My weekend, though, will NOT consist of bringing home stray cats, wearing awful red clown shoes, class 5 rapids, but I might just be spending some more time in the sun!

One More Reason I Love Super H Mart

Dinner in the food court with my sweetie...

Truth In a Chocolate Wrapper

Little nugget of truth I found when enjoying some chocolate deliciousness today at work...

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Happy Anniversary to my sweet parents!

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for not only telling Kris and I how to love, but for showing us. For being a living, breathing example of true love.

Though their world was turned up upside down in 2008, their unrelenting love for one another is now stronger. than. ever! They've shown us how to stick it out through hard times and how to rejoice and make the most of the very best times. They've taught us what it means to be each others best friends and the one that you share your life with, even on the toughest of days, when you think you've given all you can give...they give a little more!

Since I was a little girl I've known that my parents wanted the absolute best for me and my sister. As I've matured as an adult, I find that I have the same desire for my parents. When Mom and I talk, I remind her that she and Dad deserve nothing but the very best. My desire is for them to have the purest love, the closest family, the truest friendships, and the strongest faith.

Here's to many more years of happily ever after!

Here Comes the Sun!

After what seems like eons of frigid rainy weather here in Georgia, I'm welcoming the 5-day forecast with open arms!

Looking forward to a weekend of catching up with good friends and family...and hopefully a little R&R too!

Photo from: Pinterest