Camping in Texas vs. Country Clothesline Soap

So I let Songbird talk me into letting her go camping with the youth group.

No, this doesn't sound like a big deal. But did I mention she asked the day before they were leaving? So why did I say yes? Well, another child being able to go was contingent on being Songbird's tent mate.

Whose tent? Well mine mom. And we have to bring all our food except Friday dinner.

Oh. So you two are staying together in a tent you bring. Ok. And I have to grocery shop between now and leaving.

So I say yes....with this funny feeling in the pit of my stomach that I had just gotten myself into something.

So, the tent mate can't go.

Am I sending my daughter on a camp trip to somewhere I don't know with no tent mate? I think not. I know she is capable of putting up her tent....but its been 2 years since she's done so...and it was a different tent than I was sending her with. (Note to son...if you leave possessions in my home or shed, they are fair game.)

So, to salvage her trip, I make last minute arrangements for Mighty Mouse to be babysat by a friend with a son her age. Daddy gets to play Mr. Mom with a babysitter. You know, like most of the men you know?

You didn't think I was taking Mighty Mouse did you? Hah! I might be crazy, but I'm not that crazy!!!!! And as an added bonus I found out my good bud, the youth pastors wife was also going....for one night instead of two....and I could ride with her. Sweet.

So I got to ride out with Kylie, check out the situation and determine whether Songbird could stay after I left, and then come home. Perfect.

Ok. So. It was HOT. Ya think? Texas in the middle of summer? Yep.

But it wasn't bad. Now, the first hour I had sweat running down my back. My BACK. That's actually not a normal thing for me. Especially since all I was doing was sitting or standing. Eewww.

After that I sort of got used to it and it was fine.

I used my super-duper Girl Scout skills to start the campfire with Eathan - Without the lighter fluid the wussy men were going to use. And they call themselves campers. Phfffff. Whatever.

I slept in a tent all night with my daughter. That in itself isn't that remarkable...until you find out there is a BIG HOLE in my sons tent. I don't mind tents, but I do mind holes in tents = ants and bugs. And the Junebug that got in about sent the daughter into hysterics. Please. I owe you one Bones....

On that note....you know those camping fans they sell that run on about 8 D batteries? GET ONE!!! Why did it take me so long to discover one of those babys???? I heart camping fans! Or, as they say on Facebook.....Autumn likes this.

Oh, did I mention there were no showers for the campers? Not kidding. Hence the sheer delight in being able to come home a day early.

Confession: Kylie did offer the extra bunk in the AIR CONDITIONED cabin to Songbird and I (there was a real danger of our tent collapsing due to the stakes disentigrating when we tried to hammer them in...I'm thinking 2 summers in the shed in Texas killed them). Also, she offered up the shower to me. But, I had to decline. I really don't want to teach Songbird to take the easy way out. And if I had used the shower, the other campers would have wanted to and it could have started something. Love, love, love you Kylie....but I was actually thinking of you (and Ronnie) when I sadly declined. Oh, and did I mention that Kylie got to take 2 showers? Not that I was counting or anything...


So here we are at Stillwater Refuge in Grapeland Texas. IT WAS AWESOME. For camping. I mean, it wasn't the lakehouse, but for camping it was great. There was a fantastic cabin for the youth pastors wives and kids (and a real bathroom for the rest of us to use). We had at least 10 tents by the lake. And the lake was stocked with bass....which this trip really was their yearly bass fishing tournament. There were boats and canoes.

There was a beach for swimming and a tower to rope swing off of and drop into the lake.

There was an awesome fire circle plus a grill and picnic tables. And all of this was for whoever had it rented....its not like you had to share it with anyone else. There were also hiking trails...but you do have to keep an eye out for the Bison. If your family likes to camp, hunt or fish you should click on the link and check it out. I'd go back in a heartbeat.

This is getting way too long.

So, after moving Songbird into a tent with a couple of other girls, I left early with no worries that she was well taken care of.

And by the time I got home...I smelled pretty bad. Kylie says she didn't smell anything...but she's sweet like that.

So, I thought this would be the ultimate test of my new soap. It is a handmade soap from Great Cakes Soapworks. I have the Country Linen scent. It smells CLEAN. And it knocked out the camping stink and made me very, very happy. Yes indeed.

This soap is a handmade soap with natural ingredients. I have skin issues so I was looking forward to trying it. I love the way it lathers and feels silky. Can't tell you how nice it is to not have to dry shave my legs now that I found this. Highly recommend guys! Click on the link and check out her soaps! She has lotions and lip stuff and all kinds of other things also. Until I learn to make my own, this is where I'm ordering from!

Sorry this post got so long...and ended kind of wierd.

Ya get what ya pay for....