A Surprise Ending

I went back and forth on whether I was going to post about our weekend. I understand that it might ruffle some feathers and possibly result in losing readers. I am hoping that is not the case. I had to stop and remind myself that yes, I blog for extra income and to share my personal style, but I also blog to record mine and my family's life and memories that we make. This is part of who I am. 

Saturday afternoon, Ross and Logan headed to the deer lease after her doubleheader volleyball game. Landry and I were planning on staying back and getting things "done" around the house. Something was tugging at my heart and whispering in my ear to pack up and head there too. So I did. Landry and I loaded up and made the hill country drive.

We rolled in just in time for the evening hunt. Ross and Logan were ready and waiting for us in the Jeep as will pulled up.

Landry and I hunkered down in our deer blind with chips, salsa, Starbursts and Diet Dr. Pepper. We sat there for a good hour-and-a-half, munching on snacks, playing paper-rock-scissors, quietly giggling, chit chatting about all kinds of things and whipping out the binoculars every few minutes to see if we could spot any deer. No, we didn't have a gun. Our only intentions were to have fun and see a few animals. We did both.

I was texting back and forth with Ross wondering if him and Logan had seen anything yet. As soon as Landry and I were about to call it quits, we got "the text". It read, "Logan just got a turkey at 60 yards." Chills ran over my body and my heart burst with pride.

Logan has been practicing her shooting for the last several months. Let me tell you, it's sick. Ross has admitted that her aim is better than his. So, we both agreed that we would let her hunt this year. She had her heart set on a doe, but it looks like we will be frying a turkey this week instead.

I knew there was a reason that little voice inside my head was telling me to go. I would have been heartbroken if I would have missed this once in a lifetime moment. Logan was full of smiles and beaming with with pride. We all were. It was an evening none of us will forget and we were all together to share it, as a family.

Being out there, miles away from "city" life is refreshing. It's an escape to a place that is real, raw, simple and peaceful. No sounds of cars, just the buzzing of nature. The sky is lit with millions of stars that I sometimes forget are there. Campfires that make your hair stink for days. Kids playing make believe games outside. Exploring God's country, not concrete and asphalt. It is hands down some of the best bonding time I have had with both Ross and my girls because the distractions of life are eliminated when we come here.

How many places can you go with your children, sit in a small wooden building and talk to them for two-three solid hours without any disruptions except for nature occasionally stepping in? Nowhere, at least I haven't found another place. It's a breath of fresh air to have that one-on-one.

Sunday afternoon, Landry and I drove back home. Ross and Logan stayed for one last evening hunt.

She was determined to get that deer. I mean, a turkey wasn't just good enough, right? Not in her mind. 

SURPRISE!! I got the text at 5:33 PM. It said, "Oh, yeah!!!" Then a call came a few minutes later. Miss Hunter herself got her doe. My heart sunk, skipped a beat and was joyous all at the same time. I wasn't there to see get her first deer, couldn't believe it happened, but was screaming up and down in my kitchen because I knew how excited her and Ross both were. Persistence pays off. She wasn't giving up and didn't. 

This weekend will be one of her biggest and most remembered childhood memories. It's a story that she can retell for the rest of her life; to friends, her future husband and to her children when she one day becomes a mother.  

**I understand that there are plenty of readers that are against hunting animals. I am not going to go into depth on all the reasons why I believe that it is okay, how it's healthier than any store bought, processed meat, that it's smart wildlife management, how we eat everything we hunt and that it's a huge piece of our lives. 

**If you don't agree, I 100% respect your beliefs, views and perspectives. I just ask that you respect mine. I am kindly asking that if this isn't your thing, that you will move onto the next post and not leave a comment saying how wrong you think we are. I understand this is a touchy and controversial subject. This post will be read by my children and something they will cherish years from now. I don't want them reading hurtful comments. Thank you in advance.