Wide Open Spaces

Howdy all! We are now recovering from cowboy camp. Oh, how we loved this place. The Gallitan River, the mountains, our first spotting of a bear in Yellowstone Park. It was as rejuvenating as the cool Montana Air and cleansing as the storms that visited us each evening. I feel a bit heartbroken as this trip begins the close of our summer. One more short jaunt and then back to books and car pools and cold weather too soon. There is a lot I will remember about this summer: Arches, crying babies in the car, Ragnar, swimming with the kids, and fresh limes. We have grilled almost every night and dined on the patio. Yet, as I watched my family blend in to the Montana landscape, I'm convinces that this summer is one to be beat. Aaron and Harris played their western roles well. The cowboy hats grew on me. A few times I thought maybe we should have left the young'ns at home.

There was oodles of water running in and out of the ranch for tiny fingers to wade in.

We might need to get Aaron a bigger gun in thirteen years...

Anna and Timer

I hope this trip doesn't affect any career goals.

How I waited for my cowboy to come home from his two hour ride.

My cowboys

Afternoon at the fish pond.

Harris learning the ropes.

Oh, every girl wants a cowboy

Cowboy Jack on his morning ride.

New Blog and more to Come

So I did it. Started a new blog. Say what you will, but it is done. If you would like to check it out, here's the web site: www.reinkarination.blogspot.com. Also, we just returned from the vast lands of Montana along the Gallitan river. We rode horses, lassoed fake cattle, shot Bibi guns and such. We even saw a bear. Now, who can say they saw a bear in Yellowstone, now we are amongst the fan club. Shortly, I'll be blogging about all that. There is more to come as well using Stories as the mother ship to all kinds of other adventures.

Revisiting the Old Blog

I know. Its been a while. What do you do when your good writing time is barricaded by a sleeping baby. All moms agree that is precious time. That is time that is worth sending the guard dogs to lie in front of the bedroom door. So now with him sleeping more soundly I am attempting to write with out the other two barging in asking for Popsicles and calling over so and so or going this way or that. Also, why not wrap up one vacation montage when you are about to emark on another? Good plan I think. Or it might just remain with the dust in between my keyboard keys.
We ventured off after Harris was released from Fourth Grade and went on a desert vacation. This vacation planted me firmly into my role as a mom. #1 We were all in our van. Yes, I now drive a sporty red Honda Oddessy. I have enough kids that I have to yell to the back seat so Harris can make the decision between red or black licorice. #2 We had a screaming baby. I love him, I just don't like that he brings up the noise levels where ever he goes. Aaron and I were a bit afraid of getting kicked out of our first National Park because of some noise ordinance violation. #3 Several trips and searches for commodes, bear potties or discreet areas for Anna to do her business. At least she's got that covered. All in all it was a very good time. What is better than a son who every turn, found something to exclaim about, especially the bounteous lizards? It almost made me forget about the bugs.
Park Avenue is closer than you might think. Much more spectacular and it doesn't break the bank.

They love each other

See my death grap on Anna, Aaron wouldn't have it any other way. We didn't spend long at Delicate Arch, even after our hike

Sand! There was something Anna digged.

Quality reading time.

Only one of many, many lizard pictures taken by our offical wildlife photographer Harris.

All Together.

Don't Get too close, that is one big drop off.

Love a desert rose.
This dropoff is even a little worse.
I think this was annoyance at being toted all day long.
The kids worked for their supper in Mesa Verdu
Amazing Cliff Dwelling.

A little down and out

This week we've had a touch of infection at our house. My stomach wouldn't settle yesterday. So I ignored the fact and went on making princess crowns and changing diapers, avoiding food smells. All day long all I wanted was Diet Sprite, I am just now enjoying chilled sips of it. So, when Aaron stumbled in the door at 9:00 last night I declared that I would be sick until I went to bed and he was in charge. Of course, they all were down, except Jack who Aaron quickly bundled and Paul Simon lulled him to sleep. Mr. Simon, you were right, it had been a "long, long day."

After quick inquiries about our day apart, I feel asleep only to be awoken by a wheezy girl. Who, hours ago was perfectly content to hang her crown on her headboard and snuggle down with pink blanky. Aaron took charge, those student loans were worth it, and sat with her outside until the croupy cough ended, oxygen flowing freely in and out. He then rushed to grab her meds. I sat with her blond curls tickling my chin. All I could think was of how she was planning a bike race tomorrow with her bff next door and they would wear their crowns she'd constructed. She probably was planning on a banana Popsicle or two as well. Now she would be tired and a bit out of sorts.

The Best Part about Running

Among many, many things.....

Coming home to these two wanting my tunes from my mp3, beeps from my watch, sips of my water, turns with my sunglasses and gulps of gatorade. Nonetheless, both draw the line at sweaty kisses. They learn that from their father.

He might hinder my athletic efforts more than help but, those cheeks are worth it.

And He is Still Here....

At first, I was o.k. with it. A new born baby needs to be close to his parents. Your small cries could not carry down the hall to my ears. Also, needing to eat lots, made it necessary for you to stay at the foot of our bed. It was given, not to mention giving you a full wardrobe change at 12:30 a.m. and then again at three. It was enough to muster the strength to walk five steps but to actually enter another room? Unthinkable. Then it came. Your reflux kept me up. Not you, me. I would listen toyou gurgle and sigh, totally ignorant to the fact that I was counting your breaths a nd gags and creeping to the edge of the bed to make sure all was fine. Then I was ready. Get that basement complete, move that baby in his own room for both of our sanity. For all (Aaron too) of our sanity. Yet, four months later and we are still waiting.You still sleep in a portable crib at our feet. At least you do sleep, most of the time.

Yet, I watched you last night as you feel asleep effortlessly, in your peanut swaddle. I looked at that still body, which in a wakeful state is never still any more. Oh, it is good you are still here in my room. With all that goes on with the others: dressing dolls, doing hair, doing homework,laying down the law and practicing Krypto. I need a retreat I share with you. So I can glance at that even countenance as I ready myself for bed. So when I wake, I can glance at you usually peacefully sleeping. So I can play Sting and Eric Clappton lullabies for you.

Not to say, I won't rejoice once you move, but I will cherish the thought that we had that time where I was forced to keep you close to me.

I've got skills

Today I found myself nursing Jack, eating wheat Chex with strawberries, and reading scriptures. Don't worry, I stopped eating to read aloud. Then Harris asked me to pour milk on his cereal out of a gallon filled to the brim. That might be a bit of a stretch....