#4: Family Trail Ride

Me & Maya

Sundays typically follow the same pattern each week for my family: Sunday School, church, lunch, grocery shopping, gym and maybe a visit to the park if the weather is nice. I’m not complaining – I love our Sunday rituals, but one goal of this project is to help me step out of routine. So, inspired by my 40x40 project (and a great deal from Groupon) we mixed things up today and drove to Alvarado, TX after church for a guided trail ride at Rancho la Rosa.

I’m not sure if the Groupon was for a private trail ride or if the cold, windy weather played a factor in us getting one, but either way, my husband, kids and I enjoyed a great afternoon on the ranch with our guide, Eusebio. 

My horseback riding experience is very limited. In fact, I only remember two times I’ve been on a horse in my 39 years – one was in middle school when I joined a friend’s family for a week-long adventure at a YMCA camp in Estes Park, Colorado. And the second was in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico when my husband and I took a three-hour excursion while on a sales incentive trip.

But the joy in today’s adventure was less about horseback riding and more about breaking out of the norm. It was great to be less than an hour from home, yet feel like we were someplace completely different – with only farmhouses and nature in sight. 

My kids loved it, and Eusebio said both did great. In fact, he refused to believe it was Luca’s first time on a horse saying she was ‘Amazing.’ I see an expensive horseback-riding interest in our family’s future.

Experience #4 was definitely worth the crazy cold and wet weather we braved. And what a great reminder that fun diversions from the everyday can be right at your back door. I'm so happy we took time to find this one. Only 36 new experiences to go!

#3: One Day Family Mission Trip

My personal commitment with the 40x40 project is to make it as much (or more) about giving back as it is about self-fulfillment. So, when our church announced its first ever one day family mission trip, I was excited to sign up. What a fun way for our family to serve together!

Then I realized my oldest daughter had a soccer game that conflicted and since my husband is her coach that meant it would just be me and Luca, my seven year old. I considered backing out to go to the game and have a more relaxing Saturday. I was further tempted to cancel when I received an email warning to expect bees and bring poison ivy block! But Luca and I went on the mission trip, and I’m so glad we did.

The trip was just down the road to Grand Prairie, Texas to help Pioneer Bible Translators, an organization committed to sharing God’s word with Bible-less people around the world.

Prior to heading to Grand Prairie we met at the church for breakfast and a short worship service. The highlight of my day was when I closed my eyes and bowed my head for the group prayer. I felt Luca’s arms wrap tightly around my waist and peeked down to see her eyes shut tightly in prayer. What a magical moment to stand, embraced with my little girl, praying about the day of service we were about to experience.

The church provided a great tool to help families talk about the one-day mission trip. It was a two-sided card with questions and scripture. One side was called “Car Time…here we go” with questions about what you’re expecting.  It featured a prayer that Luca read/prayed for us while I drove. I asked her to record it on my phone, so click here to listen to her actual prayer. Awesomeness.

When we arrived at the site, we enjoyed talking with church friends and leaders, making bracelets and birthday cards for missionaries’ kids and learning more about the Pioneer Bible Translators organization. But our most memorable time was spent raking leaves in a small section on the grounds. For over an hour Luca and I talked and laughed as we gathered and bagged leaves. With her vivid imagination, she pretended she was having a birthday party and all the leaves were the friends she invited. She got so excited as the piles got higher. We’d move them into a bag and then she would start gathering more ‘friends’ and planning her next party. At one point, she smiled brightly and said “Mommy, I’m glad we came here. This is so fun, and I get to be with you all day.”

Luca

The flip side of the card provided by the church was titled “Car Time…headed home” and featured conversation starters to help recap the experience. As we drove away, we talked about how God worked in us throughout the day. I explained how the time and money saved through the volunteers helping allowed the missionaries and staff more time and money to spread God’s Word.

I’m so grateful to Compass Christian Church for coordinating this activity and to God for getting us there. And one of my biggest reflections from the day…anything (even raking leaves) is more fun when Luca is part of it. I adore my little ray of sunshine!

Experience #3 was a success…only 37 more to go!

#2: Detoxifying Body Wrap

Pic From the Spa's Online 

Brochure …Not me J

This was not on my original list of 40x40 experiences, but I stumbled upon a body wrap as part of a spa package I recently purchased. Honestly, I was OK with just the massage and facial included and almost simply passed on the body wrap, but then I remembered my commitment to try new things and decided to give it a chance. 

So first I drifted in and out of consciousness as I enjoyed an amazing hot stone massage. Then I was escorted to a separate treatment room where I was told to drop my comfy spa robe, hold my arms out like an airplane and stand with feet shoulder width apart. The therapist left the room so I could get ready and in position, right in front of the door of this itty-bitty room. Um…no. 

My modesty was apparent when she reentered and I was shyly waiting in the corner draped with a towel. Once she closed the door I reluctantly got into position and she smothered my skin in some mystery cream she said would rid me of all the nasty toxins in my body. Then she took what looked like a simple roll of Saran Wrap and transformed me into a stiff, clear-coated mummy.  

She then put her arms around my neck and waist, slid me onto a table, covered me in a sheet (THANK YOU) and proceeded with my facial.  Normally I enjoy the soothing, relaxing feeling of a good facial…but all I could think about was What if there’s a fire? How will I get off this table? How will I put on a robe? Even if I make it to the end of this treatment, how embarrassing will the process of removing this 'wrap' be?

I ultimately survived the treatment with no fire truck interruptions, but bottom line…incredibly awkward and didn’t see anywhere near the permanent inch loss of 14 inches promised in the brochure. I’m sure my skin reaped some moisturizing benefits, but in the future I’ll happily save the Saran Wrap for leftovers.

38 (hopefully more enjoyable) experiences to go!