Shale Hollow Preserve Metro Park

(Photo credit: Shale Hollow Preserve website)

     On my never ending quest to be an excellent babysitter, I recently stumbled upon Shale Hollow Preserve in the Lewis Center area.  I've taken the kids I watch to Highbanks and Alum Creek Dam, and they love exploring around and wading in the water.  But Shale Hollow Preserve is a brand new metro park and I was eager to see if it would meet the kids' standard for a good park.

     The park is located off of US-23, across from the Kroger and tucked back by a boat storage company.  I had seen online that it had some streams, so I was hoping it would be fun for the kids, who love water (RELATED: Babysitting and Boat Making).  There was a small parking lot in the entrance, surrounded by a grassy prairie area with a path that looped left and right.  We went left, down toward the woods and enjoyed a nice stroll among the large trees and green foliage.  We soon came to a stream and the kids eagerly looked at me, "Can we go in?"  I nodded, because I was thinking the same thing, and we wandered along the creek as we skipped stones.  We were discussing who had the stone-skipping record when we came to a clearing area that had very clean bathroom facilities and a picnic area.  Inside the bathroom, there was a map depicting the main loop (which we had just walked on) and the "off-trail exploration area" that was just beyond the clearing.
     I was so impressed with the exploration area!  It was perfect for kids.  There was even a small scavenger hunt that directed the kids from one area to another, giving clues in boxes.  At the fifth box, there was a nature stamp and a small booklet where kids could sign their name.  Although the stamp ink was dried out, I was still pleased with the scavenger hunt and the kids loved looking for the next clue-- such as "near a row of benches," which led them to an area with log pews by a campfire).
     After the scavenger hunt fun, we meandered along the creek, skipping rocks and looking for the perfect walking stick.  The creek seemed to be a very long one because we walked along it for at least half and hour and it still continued on.  It was flanked by a large, shale cliff on the left and beautiful rolling hills on the right.  The stream ebbed and flowed over the shale rocks and created many little waterfalls and deeper pools of water that the kids loved splashing in.

     All in all, I was very pleased with Shale Hollow Preserve.  The creek was a hit with the kids, the scavenger hunt provided a lot of fun and the trails and facilities were well maintained.  At first, the children were upset it wasn't the kind of park that had a playground, but they decided that it was pretty awesome by the time we returned to the car.  I would highly recommend packing your own picnic lunch and heading out to Shale Hollow Preserve.  It is a neat little park that is undiscovered, and an excellent location for childhood exploration and creativity.  Something tells me it won't be undiscovered for long.

(Photo Credit: Shale Hollow Preserve website)

 Check out my articles on other fun, free things to do with kids.  Whether you are in the central Ohio area or not, I've got plenty of ideas HERE!

Submission and Obedience

     Wouldn't it be great if we could all just run around doing exactly what we want?  I would start with running every red light and clearing every shelf at my local Dick's Sporting Goods.  But...if you decided to run every red light too, we might have a problem eventually.
     When I babysit, I frequently get the line: "But I don't want to!!!!"  Sometimes, I respond with an eloquent and gracious comment.  Other times, I respond by saying, "Well, it's not all about you."
     Yet, I'm a huge hypocrite when it comes to getting what I want.  I turn around and whine like a five year old when I'm interrupted at dinner or someone ate my last frozen yogurt bar (RELATED: Frozen Bar Face Off).  In fact, the concepts of obedience and submission have been on my own backburner for far too long.  I've tried to dance around the subject of obedience.  After all, my plan is much better than the plan of the creator of the universe, right?  Uh.... ya, that's where I get a little red in the face.
     And yet, it is true.  I walk around like I know better than God, and He needs to be following my orders.  Yikes!  It is then that I sheepishly remember verses like Psalm 18:30: "As for God, His way is blameless (NASB)."  Or how about James 4:7, which says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you (NKJV)."
     These verses, along with others, don't leave much open for interpretation.  We are to submit to God because His ways are much, much better than ours.  We are also to submit to the authority He has place in our lives (Romans 13:13).  And while this provides a sense of relief that it's off our shoulders and we can trust God with matters in our life, it tends to make me a little anxious.
     In fact, I was struggling with this very issue on Saturday night when I cracked open my Bible for some time with God.  "It makes sense," I rationalized to both myself and God, regarding a poor decision I intended to make.  
     I reassured myself with every page I flipped to get to my bookmark.  "I know much better and I know this is the right decision.  Plus, if these people are actually correct, then I can just obey later and it's all good.  And in the end, you will forgive me anyway if I am wrong.  But I'm not.  I'm right.  I'm right, God, so it's ok to disobey." 
     As soon as I finished this mini pep talk in my head, I began to read where I had left off the night before.  Sure enough, James 4 was on the docket and I starting reading about the importance of submission.  I quickly decided that reading some of the Psalms would be  "more encouraging," but not before I got a good dose of correction from God.  I was wrong.  Flat out, 100% wrong.  Even if I'd been correct about the disputed matter, which I wasn't, I would've been wrong.
     Why?  Because God's word makes it clear that we are to submit in obedience to the authorities God has placed in our lives.  Now, there are special circumstances where we are instructed to disobey, but in my situation, that wasn't at all the case.  James even references Proverbs 3:34, saying: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (NKJV)."
     What is proud about disobedience you may ask?  Well, it assumes that we know better than God, for one.  In essence when we disobey God's instructions or the instructions from authority He's placed over us, we are saying: "You don't know what is best, I do.  So, instead of listening to you, I'm gonna do this my way."
     Yep.  That pretty much sums up my experience the past few weeks.  I kept trying to surrender control to God.  But all the while, I was telling Him that He had to do things the way I wanted.  I wanted to be free from trying to control everything, but I didn't want to take the path He had for me.  Thus, no freedom for me!  But when we recognize the pride behind disobedience, when we see it as the sin it is, we take the first step towards coming into alignment with Christ.  For me, it meant a serious heart talk and a lot of writing.  After that, we need to repent.  We need to turn away from the disobedience and choose Christ.
     It is super hard to do that, believe me.  But be encouraged friends: God will bless your obedience!  His plans are much better than ours, remember.  So when you choose to lay down your will, be ready to pick up all the blessings He has in store for you!  Plus, you will find a deep communion with the Father when you are living in obedience rather than disobedience.  When we come into alignment with Him, we allow His spirit to flow and His love to pour out of us.  This doesn't mean that turning from disobedience will be easy, but it does mean that the more we choose to do so, the better benefit we will see!  
     Take a step with me this week and identify and area of disobedience or lack of submission in your own life.  One thing that helps me is writing a little sentence or short paragraph every day about how I'm doing with my obedience and what I am praying for regarding the struggle.  Join me in seeking more of God and less of our sinful nature.  And like I said before, be ready to pick up all the blessings and abundance of Christ that will come when you lay down "me me me." (RELATED: Are You Spiritually Face Washing?)

10 Ways to be Awkward on an Airplane

     Inspired by my recent trip to St. John, as well as my other summer travels (RELATED: Off to Eugene), comes a sequel to the ever-popular "10 Ways to be Awkward in the Gym Locker Room."  We're taking it plane-side people: 10 Ways to be Awkward on an Airplane.
     I've contemplated, observed and creatively-brainstormed.  So, here's a list that will give you a chuckle in the least.  My hope is that some daring reader out in the blogosphere will get some guts and put my post to the test.  If your long flight needs a little excitement and you've read through Skymall Magazine three times already, give my list a run for its money.  The ideas are bound to keep jet lag at bay and keep the flight crew on their toes!

1. Do some final prep for your beachside vacation and use your tray table to paint your nails...and toenails.

2. Grin at your seat-mate.  No blinking.  No looking away.  Just stare right into those eyes until the dude/lady gets so creeped out that they request a seat change.  That means you've won! (Bonus points if you look like Nicholas Cage)

3. Put in your headphones and, GUYS: Softly sing some Celine Dion, GIRLS: keep them guessing with a few lines of Jay-Z followed by some Bob Marley.

4. Pull out a banana and either, A.) Begin mashing it with your knees or, B.) Peel it and promptly throw away the banana and eat only the peel.

5. Ask your seat mates to be your "accountabilibuddies" and help you avoid licking the elbows of other passengers during the flight, a deep inner struggle of yours.

6. Begin yipping like a dog when the jet engines fire up, slowly increase your pitch and volume as the plane zooms down the runway.  As the wheels lift up, cease barking and give one long moo.

7. Ask your seat mates if they would like to see pictures of your "little babies,"and proceed to flip through an extensive mini photo album of elm saplings and small ferns.  Here's the creative challenge: each tree must have an Italian name.

8.Inform fellow passengers that you are indeed a certified Zumba Mime.  Superman-jump into the aisle and begin leading an exercise class full of dancing and invisible ropes.

9. Ask a seat mate to switch seats because you are extremely uncomfortable wtih your seat's proximity to the (imaginary) planet, Tifgorn.  Wait two minutes and then ask to move back.  Tifgorn just migrated across the galaxy and you're uncomfortable again.

10. Begin reading a Dora the Explorer book, all the while pretending that you aren't.  Let out an exhilarating "Swiper no swiping!"  Then, glance around and lower your head in shame.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     So, who is willing to risk their reputation for the comedic relief of airplane passengers worldwide?  I know I'd crack up if someone did this on my next flight.  If you aren't brave enough to try any of these though, have you seen any crazy stuff on airplanes?  Comment below!  I'd love to hear your airline stories!

Enlightened Ice Cream Bars vs. Yasso Greek Frozen Yogurt Bars

     Somehow, I've made it this far without mentioning my deep love for Yasso bars.  I've made it clear that I love greek yogurt (RELATED: Quick Snacks for the College Health Nut), but I'm guessing that the lack of freezer space in my college dorm room led me to leave Yasso bars off the list.  These things are delicious: 80 calories of protein and healthy fats that come in many amazing flavors. 

     Bear with me though.  I'm going to be a little unorthodox.  In case you haven't noticed, this post isn't titled "Food Review of Yasso bars."  See, while I am a diehard Yasso lover, I also found these new bars by Enlightened that I've just go to share.  While my parents were gone for a second week on St. John, I did a heck of a lot of grocery shopping.   After wandering the aisles of Kroger for an hour, I came to the frozen food for my beloved Yasso bars.  To my dismay: They were fresh out of every flavor but one that my family doesn't like as much-- chocolate raspberry-- so I grabbed some Enlightened bars.  They were less expensive and pretty comparable, so I figured I'd give them a try.  It sure beat running to another grocery store for the Yasso bars.  Anyway, when I finally tried one of the bars that night: I was shocked.  It wasn't just good...it was GOOD!  My Yasso-obsessed-mind was confused and my taste buds were rocked. So now, the question becomes: Which is better?!  

     This simply isn't a fair question though!  They are both heaven in my mouth.  Rather than sway you one way or the other-- because I don't quite know myself-- I'll just present the facts and you can go out and try these two delectable treats for yourself!

Yasso Bars

Flavors: 

chocolate fudge, mint chocolate chip, dark chocolate raspberry, sea salt caramel, peanut butter cup, raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, vanilla bean, mango and coconut

Nutritional Information*:

	Fudge	Blueberry
Calories	100	80
Protein (g)	7	6
Sugar (g)	13	12
Carbs (g)	17	15
Fat (g)	0	0

*Nutrition varies by bar, but all bars have 6-7 g of protein and 80-100 calories

Price:

These bars are the more expensive of the two brands.  At full price at Kroger, a box goes for $6, which is an awful lot!  I found coupons the last time I bought some (buying groceries for the family), but that isn't usually the case.  However, Kroger has had a digital coupon for them lately, so hopefully that continues.  It helps me rationalize my extreme addiction to these things.

My take:

My favorite Yasso bar has to be either raspberry or sea salt caramel.  It just depends if I'm in the mood for a fruity bar or a different flavor, but I can't say I dislike any of them.  However, I haven't been able to find the elusive mango or vanilla bean flavor.  Every flavor I've tried is extremely smooth and melts in your mouth after a couple of minutes to thaw.  Perhaps it is just me, but the blueberry flavor always seems to fall off the stick for me though...which is a tad weird, but it tastes just as good with a spoon.  My only negative about these bars is the price.  I've found coupons online, like the one HERE, but they are usually around $6 a box.  That's a lot for only four bars.  When I'm at college, maybe not.  When I'm at home: I have one every single day :)

Enlightened Ice Cream Bars

Flavors: fudge, coffee, orange cream, peanut butter and toasted almond

Nutritional Information*:

	Fudge	Peanut Butter
Calories	70	80
Protein (g)	8	9
Sugar (g)	3	3
Carbs (g)	14	15
Fat (g)	2	2.5

*Enlightened Ice Cream bars do contain erythritol, which is controversial in the healthy food market.  They also have a few ingredients on their list that I've never heard of, which can be a red flag.  If you are one who is very sensitive to what is in your food, this is something you will want to research further.

Price: 

Enlightened Ice Cream bars are about the same price as the Yasso bars.  They've been on sale lately though because they are quite new.  I'd be interested to see how the prices compare over time.

My take:  What gives?  If you look at the stats, the Enlightened Ice Cream bars look like they are leaps and bounds above the Yasso bars.  Here's the thing though: the ingredient list for the Enlightened bars is a little iffy, and they are a bit smaller than the Yasso bars.  I do love them though.  I've only been able to find the peanut butter and fudge flavors, but they're both delish!  They definitely have a creamier texture than the Yasso bars, but then again: They don't have the fruity flavors that Yasso has.  They also don't have any iron, while Yasso bars have 2% of your daily iron needs.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Overall: 

With the price and nutrition to be pretty comparable, I would say that the debate lies in what flavor you are looking for.  The Enlightened fudge bar beats the Yasso fudge bar hands down.  But the fruity flavors of the Yasso bars and the Yasso sea salt caramel are pretty amazing themselves, plus they are a bit larger than the Enlightened bars.  In the end, I'd say you can't go wrong with either.  Both brands give you a great dessert that is loaded with protein, calcium and taste.  Try both the next time you hit the store.  Let me know which you like better, or if you prefer a different brand!

I Got Hit By a Car

     My, that sounds pretty dramatic doesn't it!  "I got hit by a car" is open to so many interpretations.  Was I driving?  Was I running?  Most importantly: What the heck was I thinking?
     I'm fine honest, and I chuckle to think I got hit by a car yesterday, but yes: It did happen.  I was riding my bike back from the gym and the driver of a lawn care company truck didn't see me.  I was literally around the corner from my house when I saw the truck coming super close and frantically tried to get as close to the curb as I could.  In an instant, I realized that he didn't see me.  I also realized that there was a trailer on the back of the truck.  But by the time I registered that I should jump from the bike to the grass, I was already struck and laying on the road.
     For a minute, I really though it would run over my head and that would be the end of me.  It was pretty freaky!  Then, I thought I would break a bone.  But, as the trailer cleared and I began to scream, I realized that as bloody as I was, I was ok.  God's protection was all around.  Though I landed on my shoulder and ripped a whole in the back of my jacket, I didn't hit my head.  Even though my knees were dripping blood all down my legs, I could move everything just fine.  I took a few seconds to childishly scream "ow! ow! ow!"  Then I realized I should probably tell the panicked driver standing over me that I was ok.  "I'm fine," I sobbed to him.  "I'm ok."
     It's not too exciting of a story after that.  Some extremely kind neighbors came over and sat with me while we waiting on the medics. A police officer came and took a report, citing the driver with a ticket and giving me information so I can get my bike fixed.  They checked my vital signs and asked me all the standard concussion questions, although I assured them I didn't hit my head.
     After I profusely thanked the neighbors, medics and police officer, I walked over to the driver.  I told him the truth: I know that mistakes happen and it could've been anyone.  "God was protecting me, and He was watching over me," I told the man, who had tears in his eyes.  After my incident hitting a mailbox two years ago, I know how freaky it is to hit something or someone and realize it was all your fault.  I remember wishing with every fiber of my being that I could rewind time.  But I couldn't then, and the driver who hit me could either.  So I let him know that he didn't have to.  I was ok, God was (and is) good, and all was forgiven.
     Once the police officer gave me the ok to leave, I grabbed my wounded bike and walked it up the hill to my house.  "Um...I just got hit by a car," I texted my older brother, knowing it was the perfect leverage to get him to come over and hang with me :)
     So yes, I got hit by a car.  But I was just a little bit sore this morning and had no problem going for my run.  Ya, I could do without the pain and fear that went along with the crash, but it is a pretty cool story and I do have some pretty sweet "battle wounds."  Besides, I got a nice evening with my brother.

The First Glimpse of St. John

     On July 13, our family packed up and headed to the airport to begin our grand adventure on St. John, USVI.  St. John is located below Puerto Rico and in the Caribbean.  Thus, it was my perfect island escape, and a real chance to rest and relax for the week (RELATED: Island Rest)!

     Because of ticket-booking confusion, the five of us kids flew separately from my dad and Teresa, my stepmom. Our flight was originally at nine a.m., but got bumped back to 10ish.  There was a real possibility we wouldn't make our connecting flight in Charlotte, but we pulled a "Home Alone" and sprinted through the airport, receiving annoyed glances from our fellow passengers when we finally found our seats.  The plane was seriously being held just for us!  Rather than receive their scowls, I chose to lavish in the special treatment and widely grinned as I found seat 21 (RELATED: My Journey to Eugene).  Perhaps, I reasoned, I could sign autographs while we taxied to the runway.  But something told me the line would be pretty short...

     Anyway, the island of St. John does not have an airport, so we flew in to St. Thomas and were greeted by my dad and Teresa-- who were extremely grateful we made the flight!  The small airport was basically open air, and I immediately tossed my sweatshirt in my bag and pulled out my sunglasses: It was beautiful!  I soaked in the much needed sunlight and sea breeze as we taxied to the marina where we would catch the five thirty ferry to St. John.  It was only four though, so we grabbed some drinks and found a spot at Tickles Dockside Pub to watch the ill-timed (for our family) Fifa World Cup Final between Germany and Argentina.  The family ordered some food to tide us over until dinner, but I grabbed the turkey sandwich I'd packed that morning.  I figured the lunch meat wouldn't be good much longer anyway, and I'm all about instant gratification when it comes to hunger!  I also bopped over to the small grocery store next to Tickles to grab another snack, where I was formally introduced to one of the greatest crimes in the Carribean: The food prices!  Oh my goodness: a jar of peanut butter is literally $10 and forget about finding a deal on fresh fruit and vegetables.  I purchased a small cucumber that just happened to be $2.  It was a good thing we had packed a giant suitcase full of snack bars, cereal and other non-perishable goods that we'd bought at home.  That saved us quite a bit of money, but I will warn you, fellow travelers: allot a good chunk of cash for food expenses when visiting the Carribean.  Be prepared to spend $25 on your shrimp salad that would be $8 in the states.  Believe me, and be all the wiser.

     Around 5:15, we boarded the ferry and waited as our luggage was loaded.  We snapped some pics and we found our seats.  All the while, we stared at Tickles in silent agony, hearing the cheers and boos from the World Cup fans at Tickles.  Suddenly, we heard a tremendous amount of yelling.  The restaurant went wild!  I impatiently tried to load the internet on my phone, desperately trying to figure out who scored.  It was Mario Götze, of Germany.  I had wanted Argentina to win the game, but realized that by that time, when we'd actually loaded the score, their were less than five minutes left and it looked hopeless for Argentina.
     Upon arrival at the Westin, our concierge confirmed the fact first thing: Germany had won.  I suffered a momentary blow, but can't say I was too invested in an Argentinian victory.  After all, my bracket was done for long before the final, and I was far too busy looking around the resort to really care about the game then.
     The Westin St. John Resort is one of two resorts on the island-- the other being Caneel Bay-- and it definitely lives up to its stellar reputation.  We were greeted with a white sandy beach and tropical lemonade.  The staff offered to take us to the room on a golf cart-- which were all over the place on the resort-- but a couple of us opted to walk to the room, in order to check out the resort.  The pool area was complete with ample chairs and umbrellas, free books to check out, a poolside bar and a restaurant area overlooking the bay.  The landscape was pristine, and the lounging iguanas made it all the better.

 We passed the large and well-equipped resort gym before we made it to our villa that was tucked back amidst the palm trees.  We were so blessed: It was an amazing place to stay for the week.  We had 3 bedrooms and a pull out couch in the living room.  The atmosphere was so relaxed and the size of the villa allowed for us to have our own space, but be close enough that we really bonded and had a lot of fun together.  Plus-- the biggest perk of the villa-- we had a private pool, hot tub and grill area in our gated courtyard!

     By that point, it was pretty late, so I headed to workout before the facilities closed and then we took a quick trip to the grocery to get some pizza for a quick dinner.  After a full day of travel, we were all exhausted, not too concerned about missing a night of the "island-fare" at that point.  Although, I did get frozen tilapia rather than pizza.  What can I say?  I do LOVE seafood (RELATED: My Favorite Foods).  We had a great dinner together, planning and discussing the next day's events.  But we all crashed pretty early and I for one was extremely grateful for the heavenly bed with six pillows and soft, light bedsheets.  Before lights out, I told God one more time just how thankful I was for the chance for such an amazing adventure.  "Help me rest in you God," I whispered, "I really want to get all I can out of this week, so open my eyes to what your doing.  Help me trust you."  With that, I dozed off to sleep, ready to begin the awesome week that was ahead!
(RELATED: Photo Recap of My Vacation to St. John)
(RELATED: Visiting Indianapolis)
(RELATED: Hiking to the Base of Engineer Mountain)

Stay tuned as I journey through my vacation to St. John and share my pictures, reviews, stories and adventures from the trip.  It was definitely an unforgettable trip and I can't wait to share it with all my readers!

 

A Photo Recap of My St. John Adventures

     In depth posts, reviews and awesome stories are in the works.  Until then, take a look at my favorite photos from my family vacation to St. John USVI last week:

 We went to St. Thomas last Tuesday to experience the island and take a trip to Blackbeard's Castle.  Here's a view from the castle grounds.

 These were the kayaks we used for our EcoTour on St. John.  It was an awesome experience that involved kayaking, snorkeling and hiking.  Stay tuned to hear all about it in my next blog post!

 One of my favorite memories of the trip was hiking up Ram's Head, a favorite trail of my late uncle who passed away from cancer a couple years ago.  It was an awesome opportunity and a chance to remember and honor Him.  

 This was me, on the last full day. Me and my tan little feet did not want to budge from the beach!

I had an amazing time bonding, laughing and exploring St. John with my awesome family.   They are truly a blessing and I loved every bit of the past week with them!