When you are a student, the word summer is synonyms with freedom. At least it was for me. My last day of Kindergarten I thought, “Ok, cool. That was fun. Thank god it’s over! Back to real life.” Then came the next fall’s rude awakening; this whole ‘school thing’ was no glitch. Apparently, it was going to be a serious…
Tag: kids first
When I was a kid, I swore…
That I would eat candy all day, even the kind that would stain my tongue bright “colors not found in nature.” That I would watch daytime TV to my heart’s content. I would never do the dishes. Well ok , maybe once a week. And I would eat Marie Calendar chicken pot pies every night instead…
Snow Person Challenge…
This last storm gave us the perfect type of snow to build snow people but we may have gotten a little carried away. It stands about ten feet tall! Now its your turn!
I Spoke Too Soon…
Some days are not as fun as others and some downright F*cking suck. This Tuesday was one of the latter. We were so excited about our new family members but the excitement was short lived. Tuesday morning, I went out to tend the lambs and my heart dropped into my feet when Rusty would not get up….
The Dream & The Wait
We will start with the dream, because that came first (5 years ago and a lifetime before that.) During that time of trial that followed, Em and I put it out to the universe- we want our own place. An opportunity to showcase all we have done throughout the years. A place to bring people…
Death and Facebook
Unlike Myspace; I think it is safe to say that Facebook isn’t going anywhere. The advent of this previously unprecedented way to stay in touch has made a huge impact on many parts of our society, for better or worse. When I started my account I did so for my dad. My partner and I…
The Amazing Adventure Of The Underwear Wizard.
On our drive home, the boys and I started talking about a character the Little One invented during the week we were snowed in, the Underwear Wizard. Things got out of hand (as all good stories do) and the next thing I knew; we were typing and illustrating a tale called The Amazing Adventure Of The…
Life’s A Trip, Enjoy The Fall.
This April will mark five (oh my god!) years since we packed up the truck and headed the wrong way across the country. After half a decade of winters I can promise you that people headed west for more than the chance to strike it rich. More like the chance to feel their extremities during the year….
Wisdom From The Lakota.
My sister and I were raised by a pack of rabid surfers and hippies. When we were very young our Godfather, Todd discovered the world of Ishi-The Last Yahi. Todd was already one of the most accomplished outdoorsman you will every meet. For instance; look what he can get with a snorkel and sling spear-…
The Mysterious Case Of The Squirrel Bunny
Fresh snow is a wonderful opportunity to see what is going on in the woods that surround us. We all love to go walking around the woods; following animal trails and trying to figure out where they were going and what they were doing. I have always loved tracking but I get a real kick…
“I Only Know Enough To Know I Don’t Know Much.”
Because the beginning of next year starts with the end of this one I thought the end of last year was a good place to start the next. Confused yet? Don’t be. The changes this year held for us have been immense. We have done many things and many things have happened to us. It all begun…
Parenting With Eggs and Snow Forts.
I don’t claim any kind of special parenting proficiency but every once in a while I make a point that sticks. Hey, even a blind squirl occasionally finds a nut. “Sorry” is a concept that we all try to teach our kids from a very early age. Some of the first words we insist…
Pyramids- The Snowman’s Angular Cousins.
Last week’s pre-Thansgiving snow storm left us with over a foot of frozen clouds in our yard. I thought to myself- “self, I bet we could make a snow pyramid. WAIT!!! I bet I could get the boys to help me make the whole Giza Plateau.” Since I have been blessed with the two coolest…
And Now, A Word From My Husband- “Giving In To Realizing Your Abilities.” (Written By Ryan)
I am not a person who needs attention. I actually enjoy anonymity. I don’t like to toot my own horn or say “I am the best!” But I feel like I have achieved something and am proud to have done so. I also don’t like putting myself out there- especially on the web but I want to preserve the rethinks that have…
A Chickie story
When I was young, my dad used to tuck me in at night and tell me a “Chickie Story.” He would make these stories up on the spot with me as “Chickie.” Most of the time these stories consisted of him rehashing what I had done that day- only in chicken land. A while ago I…
Pancake Rorschach Test- Take at Your Own Risk.
While looking through iPhoto found some of the pancake shapes the boys have requested for breakfast over the past year. Can you tell what they are? . . . . . .The answers: . . Sonic the Hedge Hog, Sponge Bob with bacon seaweed and a random fish and Godzilla Vs Mothra. Did anyone get it…
“All Things Are Difficult Before They Are Easy.”
8/20/09 Boys, It is just so very hard- hard to see you both smiling in pictures knowing that it’s not for me, that you don’t even remember me anymore. It is hard to know that I am not wanted in your lives, hard to know that people think that is what’s best for you. Hard to…
Letting Go of Giving Everything Up.
I feel now that so much of what I am looking for, the patience, the peace, the calm can only be found though my ability to let go. I have realized that when I try to change things I have no influence over, I find my greatest unhappiness. The concept of letting go of your expectations of control is easy enough. What…
“Know When To Hold ‘Em. Know When To Fold ‘Em.” Know When To Rip Them All Out And Start Over.
Once uopn a time my husband and I went to the store. When we left our corn was tall and happy: While we were gone there was a pocket thunderstorm and when we returned to the homestead, we found this had happened: My husband had a very uncharacteristic explosion of heart felt profanities and I took…
A Week On the Fog-line.
This trip has left me with such an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness it is hard to articulate. Unfortunately, that is not going to stop me from trying. Here goes- I got to share the place I love, with those I love most. It that was one of the greatest blessings I have ever received. I was once again…
Wait, I Have to leave My Home to go House?! Ouch, My Head Hurts…
In the next few days we will head West for my sister’s wedding. (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) Where the theme will be fighting Marmots (weird runs all over this family.) It is the oddest feeling in the world to have to travel thousands of miles from home- to go home, but there it is. It is nerve racking to leave so…
“Random Acts Of Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty”
Growing up my parents only had one bumper sticker. It said: “Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” There are many things in our childhoods that we habituate to, never really noticing what a great an effect they have on our lives. In my youth, I took its meaning for granted. I was brought up in…
Eggs Of A Different Type
We celebrated Easter this year with colored eggs that we filled with chocolate (but not dyed. They are colorful to start.) LOTS of seeds, gardening tools, a sunny day and frog eggs. After our egg hunt we took a walk. At the bottom of the property on the road is a wetland and small pond (the same…
Weekend Mommy
Life now only matters two days a week. The remainder pass with anticipation and preparation like a dream. Sleep is hard to come by so full of thoughts of you both. Waiting, wishing, hoping, missing. Then your here smiling and laughing. Both so open and loving that I can hardly believe my good fortune. Always…
Soup! Made easy.
We have a few patches of wild asparagus that grow in our yard. Yesterday was so cold and dreary I decided it was time for some soup. I haven’t written much about cooking on this blog and for those who know me, this might seem a little odd. First of all- I have been cooking since I…
