Cabin Fever

We kicked off our summer this year with a weekend stay at Pinicon Ridge park. The scenery is breathtaking in most places and a great spot to spend time enjoying nature. We stayed once before when Gage was barely 4 years old and it proved once again to be a really great time. Mom, Raelinn and Zach were able to join us and we couldn't have been happier to have them there. We spent a lot of time exploring the hiking trails, we climbed the observation tower, did a little fishing and of course enjoyed our time by the camp fire.

elk at the nature center
camp fire and S'mores
buddies
Rae-yinn, someday I am going to be just like you.
My cousin is so cool!

The gang is here!
On top of the tower. You can't see I am shaking!
Back to my tomboy roots Hiking the trail
Checking out a stream on our hike
looking down from the wooden bridge

Forest stairs? - why not.

Back down the stairs. Back in the stream

Hey kid, have you done this before?

"I'm trying to fish here!"

So patientLooking for just the right spot.

We had a really great time. The kids really enjoyed spending almost every moment outside and of course the big kids did too.

Oh, I almost forgot about the tarantula.

Right as we were packing up to leave, as I was sweeping the cabin floors - I spotted it. A monstrous tarantula!! It had me trapped in the bathroom, blocking my only exit from the cabin. I knew it was about to attack. I called for help. No one heard me. I called for help again.....nothing. It was staring at me, waiting for my escape attempt. I had no choice. I leaped with all of my might (and my eyes closed) over the broom that was harboring this creature. I hoped for a cat like landing and succeeded. I ran from the cabin yelling for someone. Anyone. Finally my wails for safety were heard.

Wade, Mom the kids and I tiptoed in to inspect. I knew it was going to be gone and I would have to shamefully try to explain my crazy outburst. Alas, there it was - still staring - waiting in the exact same spot. Wade bravely grabbed Ella's bug net and captured the beast. The kids stared on, hearts beating wildly.

Then I hear Ella in a tiny squeaky whisper. "Oh, he is so cute mommy."

Then Gage in a louder more annoyed voice "Geez Mom, it's dead, what were you freaking out for?"

Stay tuned in my next post for the picture. Oh yeah, I saved this beast of a spider. I knew no one would believe me.

Hello, I miss you miss you miss you

This morning, as I am getting the kids ready for the day have the urge to throw my pajama's back on, get the kids and some blankets and snuggle in for the day. I get this way some days....it's as if I don't go through the same thing every day. It's hard to say goodbye, even if it's just for a few hours. Even if you think you are used to it.

As Ella is showing me how big she is putting her shoes on, I just want to stop her, and squeeze her - feel her soft skin on my cheek - and force her to remain 2 forever. Can that be done to a person? I will hold them in the vortex that is my mind until it bursts and they cannot be contained anymore or until they get sick of me. That will probably happen first...hehe

Maybe this is why I feel the need to take so many pictures. When they are at school or daycare and I am at work...they are so terribly missed. And plus, what good lookin' kids!!!
Sometimes even when they are right there, staring at me, probably knowing at any moment that I am going to grab them up and anticipating it by deciding to give in or run away....I am missing them. How silly is this?


I have heard and read of the "wars" of the stay at home mom's against the working mom's, but I have never felt myself to be a part of that. It's too draining don't you think to have a continuous argument that you know will never end because it's based on opinion only? It would be nice to stay at home though. Either way, I see both sides. I just don't think it's worth spending so much energy fighting about. Anyways........................................

Someday or some where years from now (or days - I'm not so choosy) wherever you end up - Gage and Ella, will you please look back over your shoulder and say that you understand? I never thought I would feel the need to be accepted by anyone or anything....or care if the world thought I was good or bad at whatever I decided to do. The truth is, I am not a poet, I am no artist or writer. I am a Mom. I chose it and I will live it every day for the rest of my life. This is something I have that will never grow old or rusty, but only more polished and refined. My kids are not my canvas' but of their own making. I will watch them grow and love them with all I've got, good or bad. So I think when it comes down to it...I do care what they think. Just them though. Maybe I will grow out of it. :o)

Now if I can miss someone this much that I see every day - how much do you think I miss you? Oh what a heavy hearted soul. ha ha