My Front Porch Garden

We already have tomatoes on the plant!

  

Every year I attempt to grow some sort of garden, believe me I am NO green thumb, normally I get frustrated mid-summer.  This year with my life being a bit more chaotic, I decided I would do a “front porch” garden, mostly in pots, and very simple!  

The kid's thought this was just great, they are growing their own flowers beside my tomatoes. 

I think this is perfect, because they can tend to the garden for me!  

Now, I must pray that our dear dog Wheeler don't eat our garden again this year, and I produce an abundance of veggies!  

~Becky 

 

2 more tomatoes & the kid's flowers

Lettuce & Herbs

 

Zucchini & Cucumbers

Adventures, Adventures, and More Adventures

Sometimes I forget that I have readers, not that I don’t overly appreciate each and every one of you, but sometimes I forget that people log on and read my rambling thoughts!  For you FABULOUS readers…that I somehow forget that I have…you ROCK more than words can say!  I love your interaction on Facebook, Twitter, and even the local grocery store!  My heart truly over runs with joy when I see my someone has shared my post, retweeted my link, or even you all stop me on my daily errands and ask me about our latest crazy face family photo! 

When I started Adventures Among Us, it was mostly to get my friends off my back as they would beg, plead, and nag me to tell them where our last photo was shot at, or how I kept my truly adorable monster children from driving me crazy on those long winter days!  After my first few post I developed a deep passion for Missouri, and sharing with everyone how blessed we Missourians are!  As many of you have noticed, and apologize for not telling you sooner, my simple blogging has been on the modification, the expansion, or I am really at a loss for what has become of it….but no matter what I am HONORED.

In late January, I had the opportunity to connect with an amazing organization called Travelingmom.com and I took the pen name of the Missouri Traveling Mom.  I feel a great deal of PRIDE that I have been selected by this fine group of Traveling Moms to represent our GREAT state of Missouri!  I am also very very proud that I have such a GREAT state to represent….from Kansas City to Portageville, from Joplin to Cape Girardeau, and everywhere in between…..YOU ARE MY HEROS!  On Traveling Mom’s I will continue to share our Missouri Travel stories, tips for traveling safely, and fun things to do when traveling with kids!

In February, a dream that started only weeks after I started Adventures Among Us, came to life and is full swing….some of you may have already figured out, some may know, but I feel each and every one of you deserve to know, and have the opportunity to speak your Southeast Missouri Voice.  

Over the past few months, I connected with another fellow Southeast Missourian with a passion for Missouri just as strong as mine!  Many of you may already be aware of I Luv Local Places the place to go to find out what’s happening, things to do, and more!  Together this past month we officially launched a new blog, a blog NOT filled with my family travels (please still read mine), but blog filled with Southeast Missouri information….. Stories of places to go, things to do, great local bands, great art, and much more!  Please visit Explore Southeast Missourito check out our newest project! 

If you are fellow writer/rambler like me and have a great story please give me a buzz, shoot me message at becky@iluvlocalplaces.com  we welcome guest bloggers, guest photographers, and guest Southeast Missouri voices!  If you have a way too cool event, well isn’t every event in Southeast Missouri cool, please by all means send it to our calendar@iluvlocalplaces.com   we are here to SHARE Southeast Missouri for all! 

Once again, to all my readers, friends, family, and those who just “deal” with me…from the BOTTOM of my heart I appreciate each and every one of you!  You have supported me from the beginning, you have been here with me, been here for me, shared with me, and educated me…..my heart truly is full of JOY, LOVE, and ADMIRATION for you!

Have a blessed evening!

~Becky

Brag on Missouri Camping

Bennett Spring State Park

How great is camping in Missouri?  We have fabulous state parks, amazing private parks, and we cannot leave out the Mark Twain National Park.  Well fellow Missourians and Missouri lovers, we need to tell the world how awesome camping in Missouri is…and About.com is giving us our chance to BRAG. 

About.com’s 2012 Reader’s Choice Awards

January 18 through February 15 About.com accepts nominations for hundreds of award categories.  Based on the nomination received About.com will then select up to five finalists in each award category, and then we will once again have our chance to vote on the five finalists; winners will be announced March 30. 

If Missouri wins what do we get?

Well there is no real prize..except we get BRAGGING RIGHTS, and we all know how proud we are of our great state and love to let the world know! 

Visit About.com Favorite US State for Camping and take this opportunity to tell the world how great camping in Missouri is!

~Becky

From our Home to Yours, Merry Christmas

We have entered the final days of countdown, your last chance to make the nice list, and in my house, the mad HAVOC has arrived! While most refer to this as the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year", I feel for you fellow moms that are wrestling bouncy tots that are overly anxious for the BIG MAN to arrive! I am crossing my fingers as there is only four days left until Christmas and so far this year our tree has not yet been turned over, the kids have not told the grandparents what we have bought them, and I have NOT gained the 5 pounds in "cookie" weight that I feared. Sheewwww....let us pray this year remains a successful one! Continue to read more

Click to Print a Coupon for GearHeads Automotive Repair

Being Thankful for my Past, Present, and the FUTURE

Today, just like many other Americans it crossed my mind what am I REALLY thankful for?  Of course, every day I am thankful for all the blessings in my life, but today we all give it an extra thought. 

Me in 1999

My Past, while like most there is some of my past I would like to leave in the past, but much of it I want to take with me to my future.  From my past, I am most thankful for my very FIRST job!  I am thankful for Bollinger County Builders Supply and the man who hired me Leroy Minson.  Today as I cruised through my hometown to visit my parents, I thought about my days behind the counter at Builders Supply.  The great folks that I met there, the kind people who taught me stuff I needed to know, and the contractors that would give me a hard time.  I remember the day I learned how to use a Circular Saw, the day I learned to cut glass, and the day I learned the difference between PVC and CPVC pipe.  I may never use these well-learned skills and knowledge again, but I am thankful I know this stuff. 

My Present, I can honestly say I never guessed I would be where I am today.  I have no clue where I thought I would be, but family life “IRONICALLY” was not in my plans.  I know snarl at me, think of me as a bad person, and laugh at the irony.  I was told very early  in life that once I had a baby I would no longer be the baby….well that is TRUE, but I am the baby’s momma, which is even BETTER. 

My CRAZY family 2011 

Every day I think about how lucky I am to have “accidentally” met Ryan and we “accidentally on purpose” had to two AMAZING kids together.  I have been more than blessed with my crazy kids, my patient husband, and the great friends that surround me.  This year I have met so many people, built new relationships, and reconnected with old friends!  Each and every one of you have inspired me and touched my life in some way and I am so THANKFUL for YOU!

My Future, I have no clue what the rest of 2011 or what 2012 holds, but I can say I GOTTA GOOD FEELING!  Life is beautiful, and we can make more beautiful each day, and I am THANKFUL for a BEAUTIFUL future! 

Here is to you and yours, wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy this beautiful holiday season!

~B~

Thank You to all Our Supporters

While we still have a few weeks left to 2011 and several places yet to visit this year.  We wanted to take a few moments to give thanks to everyone that has contributed to Adventures Among Us this year.

We are more than grateful to our amazing sponsors this year; many of you have been not only a story, but also a true inspiration to us.  We have truly enjoyed learning about you, getting to know many of you, and sharing our stories with you.

To our readers, what can I say you are the backbone to our Adventures; you are our cheerleaders, and our supporters.  We appreciate you more than words can ever say, and we do hope that you continue to be our readers and continue to laugh at our expense.   

2011 has been an Amazing year and we are looking forward to what 2012 brings our way.   

Wishing you and your family BIG HAPPY HOLIDAYS, from our home to yours!

Adventures Among Us

Becky , Ryan, and our “sidekicks”

Rescued….from a nasty nail by GearHeads Auto Repair.

Car Care…those are two words I take for granted…I am blessed that Ryan is excellent about keeping on top of everyday car care, but when he is not around I am at a loss. 

Last week, at the local gas station I was adding a bit of air to my tires when the owner to GearHeads Auto Repair pulled up.  It is a good thing to know a good mechanic, but for a mechanic to go out of his way to help you speaks far beyond than just being a good mechanic.

Carlos (owner of GearHeads Auto) took pity on this very much non-mechanical girl and offered more than just assistance on airing up my tires.  Soon after passing Carlos at the gas station, I found myself sitting in GearHeads’ lobby, and sure enough Carlos and his fine staff found a not so friendly nail in my tire.

What a relief!  I can honestly say being an “Adventurist”, it is a scary thing having the possibility of a flat tire.  I give GearHeads AutoRepair 2-thumbs up for going beyond the call of duty and stopping his day to assist me with my airing up my tires and then finding that nasty nail in my tire. 

GearHeads Auto Repair is located on highway 25 just outside of Jackson, MO.  You can give them a call at 573-204-3422.  They will happily schedule an appointment to winterize your car, or check your tires for some nasty nails! 

 Have a Great Day!

~B~

Happy Veterans Day....We Salute you!

Today as we wave our flags at the many Veterans that paraded through the streets of Jackson, MO. My favorite little boy in the world looked up at me said "Mommy, am I a MAMERICAN, and why am I a Mamaerican?"  What can you say to those chubby little wind burnt cheeks as they are standing there looking up at you. 

 

My Dad's VFW Post.  Post 5900 Bollinger County, MO

Yes, Dillard you are a "Mamerican" (we will work on an American) and you know why you are a "Mamerican"? Because All gave some, and some gave all!

Today, I salute all Veterans, but I throw a BIG Salute out to my little "Mamerican's" PaPa Rhodes, not only for serving our country years ago, but for teaching us what Veterans Day really is about.

We Honor our Veterans and Military every day (in our house), but today we step out of our way to give you all extra big THANK YOU for all you do.  Not, only do you pick up and leave your home, your family to serve our country, but you many times pick and leave to serve us.  There are no words to actually express the gratitude we should give you, but today and everyday know that there is a special place in our hearts for you Veterans and Military Men and Women.

My Dad during his tour in Germany

        

Visitors Guide to French Colonial County of the Middle Mississippi River Valley

I just discovered this site tonight while on my hunt to find someplace different to shoot our holiday photos.

I find this site very very informative! 

http://www.greatriverroad.com/frchome.htm

Have a Great Night!

~B~

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from my Sweet Bumble Bee and My Fearless Dragon! 

Have a Safe and Fun Halloween!

~B~

Family, Love, Life......

I wanted to take a moment to share the link below, I am sorry I am at a loss for the proper words to say, but I know many of you follow my blog, follow me on facebook, and such.  Few of you may have seen my post today, so I wanted to take a moment to explain. 

My Uncle who lived in Texas, was in a fatal car accident this morning, he leaves behind a wonderful wife, and my dear cousins, and his mother...our beloved GaGa (Great Grandma).  Please keep my family (immediate & extended) in your prayers.  Uncle Dan was a true pillar in our family, he is someone we all looked up to, could talk to, and could joke around with.  Each of us have a special story, memory, and loved him so dearly. 

My Texas Aunt & Uncle

Friends, family remember pastor who died in car wreck - The Daily Sentinel: News
Dan Rhodes is remembered by his family, friends and members of
his congregation as a loving man who liked to pull pranks, worked
hard and was …  http://dailysentinel.com/news/article_0d1b095e-0042-11e1-b458-001cc4c03286.html

Truly Grateful for all the kind words, prayers, and thoughts! 

~B~

Great Halloween Events You Should Not Miss!

Halloween is upon us and while some of us will be out trick or treating others of us will be kicking the weekend off in style....for me I will some how managing to do both! 

Here is a list of a few of the GREAT events that I have heard RAVE reviews about! 

Washita Off- Road Park in Farmington, MO  

I have heard nothing, but great reviews of how much fun is to be had at this place.  Sadly, I have not had the pleasure of scoping this place out, but has made my pledge that off-road parks are going to be one of my next BIG adventures! 

Saturday, October 29, 2011 10 am to 7 pm 

 $20 a truck

$5 per spectator
$5 per passenger

 Costumes are not required but could definitely make things interesting!
Be there and bring all your friends!!!!

DIRECTIONS:
Approximately 3.5 Miles south of Farmington on Hwy 67 to Hwy H
Right on Hwy H 3/4 mile to Hwy AA
Right on Hwy AA 6 miles to Thomas Road
Left on Thomas Road to the bottom of hill

For a complete list of details and more information on Washita Off-Road Park please visit there website  http://www.washitaoffroadtrails.com/

Annual Halloween Bash Vance Vineyard Fredericktown, MO

Now I have not attended their annual Halloween Bash, but I have visited Vance Vineyard, you can read all about my visit to Vance Vineyard here.  Yes, they earn my two thumbs up for being a snazzy place to dine and enjoy some wine. 

Vance Vineyard will be spooking up Halloween with Johnny Fever.

Come Dressed to party, there will be a Costume Contest:

 Scariest, Sexiest, Best Group, Most Original, Funniest, and Over all best costume of the night wins Trophy, Gift Card and Bragging Rights!

 Music starts at 9pm

NO COVER CHARGE
 Drink Specials all night long!

See if you can catch Executive Chef Trent and his capricious personality...I am sure he will be dressed to impress, but I won't say much more or he may try to dress up as me! 

For more details on the event and Vance Vineyards please visit their website. http://vancevineyards.com/

The Big Muddy Spook Heavy Downtown Cape Girardeau, MO 

Bring yourself to downtown Cape Girardeau, MO for a weekend of some spooktacular fun!  Sadly, once again I have not attended this event, I apparently live more a of a sheltered life than I think I do, but I have heard nothing but RAVE reviews and only pass along what I hear GREAT things about. 

Spook Heavy -- OCT 28th--29th 2011

    Progressive bluegrass stomp down in Old Town Cape along with a DJ room dance party upstairs in Port Cape both nights.

This will take place along Water Street and Themis with an outdoor stage and a view of the muddy Mississippi River

...

Ticket Prices
2 Day Pass--$16
1 Day Pass--$10

2 Day Early Bird Passes are $12 at Hempies & go on sale 10 October 2011.
Haunted maze and tons of spooky creations wondering amongst the crowd.

Enjoy craft beers and delicious foods from a vast array of vendors located in our beer garden.

Current Bands Playing Spook Heavy:

MAIN STAGE

Friday
 Honky Suckle 5:30-- 7:00
Carrie Nation & The Speakeasy 7:30-- 9:00
The Big Idea 9:30--10:00
Dirtfoot 10:30--12:AM

Saturday
Joey Parent 1:00-- 1:30
Don Greenwood 1:45--2:15 Mustard Beards 2:45-- 3:30
Brother Bagman 4:00--5:20
Dumptruck Butterlips 5:45--6:45
Monstars 7:15--8:30
New Old Calvary 9:00--10:15
Cletus Got Shot 10:45--12:00
 
PORT CAPE DANCE PARTY SCHEDULE
Friday DJ Derve Breakbeat 9:00-10:30
Dank Grooves Dubstep / Grime 10:30-12:00
DJ ChemLove House / Electro 12:00-1:15

Saturday (ct)CruncH! House 9:00-11:00
DJ Derve Breakbeat 11:00-12:30
DJ Team Jacob UK Bass 12:30-1:15

For more details please visit The Big Muddy Spook Heavy's Event Page.

Have a SPOOKTACULAR Halloween....I promise I will be adding some KID FRIENDLIER HALLOWEEN EVENTS to my blog very very soon! 

~B~

Blog, Photos & More

This past weekend I visited a JAYF Game to shoot a few photos for some little COWBOYS.  These little guys have to be more dedicated than the professionals, and they are much CUTER! 

For those of you that don't know I am also a part-time photography...when some one calls or ask I am happy shoot photos.  If you want to see more of my work you can follow my photography on facebook Adventures Among Us.....I do this more of a hobby!  I can also give you a few names of a few other AMAZING photographers like Shutterbugrainey  who shoots AMAZING Sports photos or Kim's Captured Memories who shoots unique and AMAZING family photos! 

What can I say we Photographers stick together...after all we are all artist at heart! 

~B~

Vegan or Not.....Maybe Just "Semi"

Over the past weekend, I made a BOLD announcement on facebook that my family was going “semi” vegan.  Being that facebook is messed up and I really thought no one would read my status; I was not a bit worried about making it.  Then I started getting replies, questioned, and decided I had better explain a bit. 

“SEMI” vegan I know here I am going to be called a hypocrite, liar, and a fake….we are not totally abandoning meat.  Sorry, I am a cattle farmers daughter and beef is in my blood, however, I rarely eat red meat anyways, only when we are out for dinner or at my parents. We will continue to eat meat when it is served to us, or on occasion when we are out and salad's or vegan food is not possible, so if you see us eating meat then please know we have not fallen off the wagon.

I will also continue to cook with dairy products when needed, I have some allergies that prevent me from using certain products, and so when needed dairy will be used….health first is my priority. 

Now to explain why…This weekend Ryan and I watched the film “Forks over Knives” a documentary on plant based diet.  In reality, it is not feasible for us to totally give up meat- based food at this point in our lives, but we are lessening the amount of meat-based food in our house. 

On that note, this is not an animal lover’s choice (sorry thousands of animal lovers), this is not a political stand, this is a PERSONAL HEALTH decision.  Many know and I proud to say over the past few years (since Dillard left my belly) I have been on the battle of obesity.  Between Celesse and Dillard, I had let myself go for various reasons, and after Dillard was born for a couple different reasons I knew I had to change my life.  I became a “semi” fitness freak….I say semi because I only go to the gym or go running one time a day!  

Me - December 2008

In the past 3 years, I say this with pride and embarrassment I have lost nearly 100 pounds almost 1/3 of my body weight…YUCK!  Ryan and I both looked at our diet have trimmed soda, alcohol (for the most part, we do still occasionally consume wine), and salt out of our diet.  We eat very little meat, processed foods, and fast foods (except salads). 

Our Family Picture August 2011

From yesterday forward, we are trimming even more, becoming more heart healthy, and looking for ways to become even healthier.  I do not expect anyone to join us in this quest, because it is a personal quest, I do wish everyone would watch the film “Forks over Knives” for your own benefit and your own knowledge….from there I will not say another word….except I may share a few laughs on this attempt.  My Sassy Celesse hates vegetables, so it may be a bit of challenge to win her over! 

Sending many Laughs, Smiles, and Hugs your way! 

~B~

Remembering 9/11

My kiddos and I had the great honor of spending the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 with the St Louis Cardinals and many of Missouri’s First Responders. Not only was this great game, but this was a GREAT way to honor the first responders that risked their lives and many lost their lives on 9/11, but to also honor those who risk their lives every day to protect ours. 

Thank You Busch Stadium and the St Louis Cardinals for remember, honoring, and giving these great first responders this great opportunity!

~B~

Adventures Among Us...Celebrating Life, Love, & our inspiration

Celesse's newest adventure!

Today, we celebrated the biggest inspiration behind Adventures Among Us!  She never fails to give our stories some pizazz, never fails to make us laugh, and most of all she is the drive behind our "adventures." 

She has talent beyond words!

Eight years ago our world changed forever rather we were ready or not!  It is hard to believe how fast the past eight years has flown by, how much our lives has changed, and how much Celesse has changed us!  Celesse was born a true adventurist; she took her first steps at 7 1/2 months, she had her first BAD bike wreck at 2, and climbed to the top of her first Fire Tower at 7.  We admire her for her spirit, her bravery, and most of all her heart full of LOVE! 

Riding Horses @ Rothbrick Crush Winery

Happy Birthday to ONE of (sorry you do have a brother) the BEST Gifts we ever received, we love you more than we could ever put into words and look forward to watching you grow up to be an AWESOME young lady! 

Love Always,

Mommy & Daddy

Today's Adventure

I know you got all excited only for me to again bore you to death with my a story of my real life...sorry! 

For some of my faithful readers that know me personally already know what today's adventure was, but for those that do not, I will share!  Today was my first day back to school for my fall classes, YEP, the secret is I am also a college student....a NON-TRADITIONAL student!  As you can see I am not fresh out of highschool...I could only WISH! 

For now my traveling days will be limited to evenings, weekends, and school breaks, but I promise I stocked up on so many stories over the summer I have so much stuff to share!  I truly enjoy sharing all the cool happenings, neat places, and just discovered things with you all!  You guys and gals are a faithful bunch of readers, and that makes me feel all warm in fuzzy inside!

Please feel free to follow me on twitter @BeckyAEnglehart , like me on facebook Adventures Among Us on Facebook, or buzz me an email adventuresamongus@gmail.com .....I love feedback and as always SHARE my blog with everyone you know!  Get the word out how GREAT the state of Missouri is and especially Southeast Missouri! 

There is so many great happenings, events, and such coming up so check back often!

~B~

I love these shirts.....Please read the statement below from Kathy's daughter!

Kathy Jones (my mother!) is an amazing lady who is courageously battling Breast Cancer for a second time. A 12 ½ year cancer survivor, we learned in late March, 2011, that her cancer had returned and that it has metastasized to the bone. She's a fighter, and is staying in good spirits! We have t-shirts for sale, and if anyone is interested in purchasing one, you can fb "message" me or e-mail me your e-mail address and I'll send you the order form! All orders need to be placed by August 31st! Thank you so much for your prayers and support!

Lora Jones Galati

loraegalati@yahoo.com

Please pass this "event" on to your friends who may know Kathy, and who might want to be seen "Kickin' Cancer with Kathy!"

Have a Great Night!

~B~ 

Adventure in our Driveway

Can you see the excitement all over his face!

I am not tall enough yet :(

Don't tell Daddy we used his cooler for a bucket

Such a Man, taking care of the racing rims!

He was about to fire at me, and yes he soaked me!

 

Some Serious Spraying

Those tires need extra attention!

While I have a dozen or so “adventures” that I need to share with you; today I took some time out and allowed Dillard to plan our “adventure.”  Being a man, a little man, he decided we would make a car wash!  Our car wash was an exciting car wash; probably more exciting for my neighbors as Dillard chased Mommy around the yard armed with a garden hose…folks there are no pictures of me! 

I promise I will catch up on my adventure writing, but I thought I would take a moment to share a brief picture of what our everyday life looks like!  Oh and by the way we don’t wash cars for a living! 

~B~