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Life 🤍

Published on February 5, 2021February 5, 2021 by Charlotte Cajun Queen1 Comment

Earlier this week I was reminded just how fragile and precious life is. It’s so easy to get caught up in the daily frustrations, especially of recent, brought on by this ever consuming virus – I find myself thinking “I can’t take this anymore!” This being helping our kindergartner with virtual school while our 3 year old runs wild, at home from day care (due to covid cases), working a 40+hour job, being stuck at home all the time, and not getting to hang out with friends and family, all of which is a similar story that many of you know all too well. But when we learned the devastating news of one of our best friend’s dad’s unexpected death, someone who was always so kind and opened his heart and home to us, it put all of my “this” into perspective. Life is so unpredictable and you’re never promised another day, or hour. So I don’t want another moment to go by without telling you how much you mean to me.

*You, my dearest life long friends, who we were so lucky to see this week after way too long. You hold a very special place in my heart that’s irreplaceable by anyone. I love all of the amazing fun memories we have shared together over the years and will love you always. If you call, I will be there. And I will be calling you too!

*You, my best friends, old and new. You know who you are. You bring joy, laughter and light into my life and for that, I thank you. You give me the trusted space I need to vent over some wine and cheese and renew my spirit with you. I love you and will always be here for you when you need a shoulder to lean on or a pal to share a bottle.

*You, my second family – my in laws and extended family. I’m beyond grateful that I landed the BEST mother, father, sister and brother in law there is. Seriously. You have cared for me and supported me and our family since day one. I love all of our adventures together and memories we’ve created over the years. I’m one lucky gal to have you on my life and I love you always.

*You, my mom and dad and brothers. I love you beyond words can describe. You would move mountains for me, I know it in my heart. And for that I can breath a sigh of relief because I know you will always be there for me during the most tumultuous times. I’m so lucky to have the most amazing family that’s given me the world. To my ridiculously funny and smart brothers, I love you more than you know (or think). I’m such a lucky sister. And mom and dad, you should know in your hearts that there are not enough words that could express the gratitude and respect I have for you and for what you’ve given me. I love you, I love you, I love you. Forever.

*You, my husband James. It hasn’t been an easy 15 year road but we wouldn’t be the people we are if we didn’t have a few bumps along the way. Your love and dedication to our family is treasured. You work hard for everything we have and have never complained once (ok maybe a couple times). Also, you keep me grounded in what’s important in life and for that, I’m so thankful for you. I love you because you keep me laughing which has been especially important this last year and probably what’s kept us all moving onward and upward. I will love you always and forever.

*You, my precious Brooks and Evie. You made me a mom. You give me life. You’re insanely difficult sometimes and seriously never talk moving or talking but gosh, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Brooks, your thoughtfulness makes my heart melt. You’re ridiculously smart and probably the most energetic spark of energy I’ve ever known. Evie, my girlie girl. You hold your own, that’s for damn sure. You are bold, and beautiful and brave. You both will never know just how much me and your dad love you. You are our everything.

*****
Be sure to hug those you’re with a little tighter tonight. And live like there’s no tomorrow. Because it’s not a guarantee. 🤍🕊️

Gateway Canyons

Published on September 24, 2018September 24, 2018 by Charlotte Cajun QueenLeave a comment

This is my husband of 5 years, James. We’ve been together since 2005, so it doesn’t seem right that we’ve only been married for 5 of those years. Most of our closest peeps know that we got married in September 2013, only to find out I was pregnant in December 2013. That was a surprise! We didn’t get to enjoy our Mr. & Mrs. titles for very long before we became Mom & Dad. Fast forward to September 2014 (yes, we love September) when Baby Brooks was born. Two and half years later in April 2017, our Evie Marie made her worldly debut. All of that to say James and I have been busy, and have not had a real vacation, just the two of us, since our honeymoon. So when it came time to plan our 5 year anniversary trip, we went all out! Here’s a look at our trip to Gateway Canyons Resort, in Gateway Colorado.

The Palisade

See that giant red rock cliff behind us? That is better known as the Palisade. Located in Unawheep Canyon, Gateway is a small town just over an hour from the Grand Junction airport. It makes sense this resort was created by the same guy who started the Discovery Channel. The resort was remote, peaceful, and absolutely gorgeous, painted with the most serene views of these giant red rock canyons, including the Palisade. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. Being the boy scout he never was (but totally could have been!) James navigated us on several hiking trails, winding in and around the canyons. Several times along the way we came across these rock stacks, evident there was someone there before us, and that was how they left their mark. On our final hike, we made our own rock stack on one of the highest points of our hike. You can see James’ art below. You could not beat the 360 views of this place. It was breathtaking.

Just Keep Breathing…

Yall, when I say this is the most TERRIFYING thing I have ever done in my life, I mean it. This resort offers a lot of adventurous activities, including horseback riding, rifle shooting, archery, mountain biking, hiking, and UTV tours. When I called to reserve our UTV tour, the lady described it as a “scenic and educational tour” through the canyons. Not once did she think to tell us we would be driving (well James would) a UTV up the sides of sheer cliffs to an elevation of 7000ft – the resort sits at 4500ft so we trekked about 2500ft in about an hour. The roads were narrow and windy and traction was difficult on the dry desert sand and rocks. Here comes the best part – James and I are both terrified of heights. Yep. Had that lady told us what we were actually going to be doing, I’m not sure I could have said yes.

Words cannot even begin to describe how sweaty I was, not from the 90 degree heat, but from sheer terror. I’m pretty sure I was on the verge of an anxiety attack. Thank GOD for my courageous hubs who drove that bad boy up the cliffs. He failed to say very many words on the way up, and I knew why once we reached the peak. He was beyond scared. Anyways, I think you get the point. It was scary. But really amazing once we got to the top and could see for 100 miles. I’m thrilled to have shared something so challenging (physically, mentally and emotionally) with my partner in crime and come out of it 1. alive, and 2. braver than when we started. Just when you think you cannot do something, because trust me, we both wanted SO BADLY to turn around once we saw where we were going, you surprise yourself. We had to dig deep, and just keep breathing, but we did it, and it was one for the record books.

That peak behind the pool is where we drove to.

Eats & Libations

It’s safe to say we both needed a stiff cocktail after that UTV adventure…It’s a good thing we chose an “adventurous” vacation destination. I’d like to think between the hiking, yoga, and little biking we did (on top of the sweat that I poured out during the UTV tour), we balanced out at least a third of our meals. Maybe? Hopefully. The food at the resort was phenomenal. I ate my weight in chips and salsa and guacamole. We also had yummy wraps and sandwiches, and the best chicken wings ever dusted in chili powder (we might try and recreate them!). For our fancy night out on our actual anniversary, I had halibut over artichoke puree and James tried wild boar ragout. Both delish! We ended that night with s’mores for dessert over a poolside fire pit, while listening to a “real cowboy” tell stories about his great grandparents and growing up on a ranch in the West. It was quite interesting.

img_20180913_151030 — Prickly pear margarita.

Final Thoughts

If you are ever near Grand Junction, or are looking for a peaceful vacation mixed with the outdoors, you have to visit Gateway Canyons. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this place. It was absolutely perfect, and I am so beyond happy to have spent the quality time with my main squeeze. Hope yall enjoy!

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Published on September 24, 2018September 24, 2018 by Charlotte Cajun QueenLeave a comment

Let the good times roll! Let me start my first post by saying welcome and thank you for spending your time reading my blog. My blog. That still sounds weird. Anyways, my husband and I recently visited Gateway, Colorado (post to follow) for our 5 year wedding anniversary and it was on that trip where I cracked open Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. Let me first say that I’m not a huge reader so it’s really tough to keep my interest in books usually. Funny story – I also hate writing, but whatever. However, there was something about this book – maybe the chapter titled “I’ll Start Tomorrow” about starting with a small goal – that sparked the crazy idea “Hey, why don’t you start a blog?”. I started thinking, “How hard can it be?! There are so many people you know that have a successful blog – it will be WAY easier than a food truck!” (The food truck idea is something I always joke about quitting my job and starting, but that goal is more of a glorified dream.) Having said that, I’m going to be 100% honest, which is also how Rachel’s book reads and supplies inspiration to follow in her footsteps – I have NO idea what I am doing!

If you’re still reading this, bless you. So here are a few ideas of how I envision to use this platform:

I want to share snapshots of my life, and things that are important to me, and what I consider myself to be decent at.
I am going to share my love of cooking, both kid-friendly and not (because it’s not always about them!), party planning, home decor, juggling mom/wife life, and whatever else may run through my crazy mind.
Although having followers would be a huge honor, I am doing this for myself. I know that sounds selfish, but it’s a test to myself to see this through. Like I said, I’ve never done anything like this, nor do I really have any experience with how to do this, but at least I can say I tried. I love being creative and I am excited to have this avenue to share my life with yall.
Last thing – the name: Charlotte Cajun Queen. Check out my About CCQ page to read more about me!