Why I Never Ever Go Camping

Camping and myself go together about as well as oil and water. I never go. Most people close to me would say they have heard me use the word hate and camping simultaneously and often. When my husband told me the Johnsens were coming down and we were camping with them, shock is an understatement. Why oh why would my husband that knows me better than anyone agree to me going camping? I love the Johnsens, I love hanging out with the Johnsens, but I don't even camp with my family.

There are many reasons that I hate camping, I didn't even understand completely where this hate came from until I lay thinking in a tent Fri night and it all became crystal clear. First of all, we live at 6000 ft here in good ol' Fairview. In the mountains that number jumps significantly to about 9000ft give or take, at least where we were staying. That's a big difference and my lungs don't enjoy that change. I go from only needing 02 at night to needing it continuously. This is the major reason I don't like it, but again I didn't fully understand why. Then it hit me. It makes me feel weak. It makes me remember all that I went through after I had Cambree. It takes away all that I worked so hard to get to. I live my life pretty routinely and pretty happily. I m able to take care of my house, my family, myself. I love being able to do for myself. I love that I am healthy enough to make dinner, decorate my daughters room, and give the baby a bath. Granted some days, most days I can't do it all, but while camping, I feel like I can't do any of it. I have to depend on Ben to do most of the work and I hate that. I feel with each puff of air it's reminding me, "you have CF, you have CF". Then I hear, "you are weak, you aren't good enough". Believe me, I know it's silly. I know I have CF, I deal with it everyday, I deal with it, but I don't dwell on it. I feel like camping makes me dwell on it. As I lay there completely overwhelmed in my thoughts hating every puff that sounds and wondering if my baby and husband are okay due to Lawson screaming from a gassy stomach, I hear through her heavy eyelids, just as she was dozing off,  "I love you mama." Suddenly, everything was okay, it didnt matter that I was on 02 or that Ben had been overly stressed due to the screaming baby. My little girl loved me and I was doing something right.

This same beautiful girl had her testimony strengthened whie on this trip.  There was a heavy overcast with dark clouds.  I was sure it was going to rain.  Cambree is very scared of thunder and lightening and constantly asks if it will rain if there is one gray cloud in the sky.  I kept telling her I didnt know.  Then she says, "mom, I prayed three times that it wouldnt rain."  I was a little suprised and  a little worried to be honest.  It was getting really dark.  I told her that I didnt know if Heavenly Father could answer that prayer because the Earth needs rain.  (I know, oh ye, of little faith.)  Well guess what, my little girls prayer was answered.  There was a slight sprinkle and the clouds parted. I love her faith and her knowledge she has to pray.

Although I hate camping and I never ever do it, I went camping, I slept in a tent, I pottied in the woods, I did it all. I told my brain to shut it and I remembered that it was just for a couple of days. I loved every minute with the Johnsens and I can't thank them enough for getting me out of my comfort zone and reminding me I can do things even if I can't do much while camping. So next time, and there will be a next time I will camp down South where the air is a little thicker and my breathing is a bit easier.


This little man was sooo good.  Other than the first night of some gas and screaming, he was an angel. 

Just chillin with mama.  I love the hat.  He continually tries to pull it off.

                                                                 Look at that sweet face.

Jacob Johnsen making some yummy grub!

Me enjoying the grub, whilst attached to the biggest 02 tank available.

This is how Lawson slept and he did great!

My amazing husband who did EVERYTHING while on this camping trip.

Cambree loved playing with the Johsens dog Larry. 

I love this lady! She is so fun to hang with and just visit.  Thanks for letting us use your tent.  It was great!

Love Him!

Jacob and his stud Naters!

These two girls had the best time!