Jul 26, 2008

Still in the past.....

I am trying not to overwhelm you all with a mass of postings, I just really need to catch up.










We attended a birthday party in June where T got to play "What time is it Mrs. Fox?". The silly chickens ask the question and then take steps foward until the answer is "It's Dinner time!" where they then run away trying to not get tagged by the fox. T in the green dress is completely airborn (pretty normal actually).


N had a car that he worked on in a car show downtown and our friends K and E joined us. I think many of these shots capture the depth and structure of their relationship;)





I love this pic of the three of them!




T is really into holding hands which is great because L is really into not ever holding hands. (He is definately establishing his independence.)




I couldn't get them to look at the same time!
A day at our neighborhood park.

I am starting a club that will be called the EX-PC's (exhausted parents club). Membership is open to anyone who is exhausted (parents or non-parents). We will be meeting once a week at Catalyst coffee for some much needed caffiene and socialization.

I often get completely overwhelmed with the position of parent and I am sure that I am not alone. My life is further complicated by the lack of husband job stability and therefore income, having a health condition that makes any amount of energy difficult to achieve, and a whole slew of things. I know every parent has their own set of issues to overcome and there is no reason or need to search for equality in difficulty. Sometimes I observe other at home moms with expendable incomes and no comprehension of living with less. They tend to have more oportunities for alone time without the kids, which is vital to any parent trying to stay sane! Babysitters, Nannies, Double Jogging strollers, Trips and vacations, Gym memberships with childcare, and gas monies and cars for driving to and from activities. None-the-less they have a hard time squeezing in moments of solitude or adult conversations without interuption. Most certainly even these items that might be affordable carry with them the guilt that they are not with their children constantly. Any parent that is able to exist outside of the home for a minimum of an hour day, regardless of activity, will be refreshed with a new found sense of enjoyment out of their children. I am trying to remember this as I try to figure out what it is today that I want to do to refresh. Here I am at home and writing alone. This rare moment of quiet allows me to think and to reflect. Here is what I know: Women are amazing! Mothers are incredible! As a society we tend to underestimate and undervalue the job of giving birth and raising children. Finnally there is little real (non-judgmental, open, free, accepting, loving) support for mothers. Mothers are the greatest activists in the world and have the least amount of energy, time, and resources. This is why I am constantly amazed by the moms I know! I just have to remember to let their acomplishments serve to inspire not as something to judge myself by.

Lastly the greatest single feat a human can perform occured yesterday morning as K gave birth to a healthy baby girl! Once again I am amazed and inspired by her experience. Congratulations!

Jul 23, 2008

So they were giants!

I have been a bad little blogger and have missed some great photo sharing, fun having, events. We went to the Denver Art museum with our friend K and her friend M and had a spectacular time. I was truly surprised by the numerous activities there were for kids. This is definately a place that you have to visit more than once. Our original intent was a fun family outing while gathering data for a class project that I had due in a few weeks.



Of course Daddy had to get a little kid throwing in. L is not quite the acrobat that little T is but he is still so much lighter than she is.
We meant to go back this summer and I am bummed that I missed the quilt exhibit but there are just so many fun things to do around here (without spending gas money).


Some of you might remember Kimber and Mikes dog Strider (yes a name from Lord of the Rings). He happened to get sick about a week ago and it was discovered that he had a couple of large cancerous masses. He is such a cool dog and at only 4 years old we are hoping for the best for him.



Here's lookin' at you pup!

Jul 18, 2008

No Bears.

Our Red Feather Camping Trip


In June we headed up to Red Feather for a vacation. Thanks to cousin Scott we were able to locate a beautiful area in which to refresh our parched souls. It was soooo quiet and peaceful and we were happy to unleash our horde of wildness into the wilderness. We were hours from civilization and miles from any other human being. While mom's desire to see a bear up close and personal was not met, Dad was able to achieve a long time goal of pooping in the woods. Even daughter had previously met this acomplishment but for Dad this was a first time experience to not be near a structure designed for waste removal. (Sorry Dad but I just had to share;)) Here is our campsite.

















Saturday we arrived and set up camp. After exploring and enjoying the peace a quite we retired. Warning to parents....children 5 and under do not sleep when camping and therefore neither do you! Sunday was spent with Mom nursing a migraine all day while trying to enjoy our trip. We were able to drive into Red Feather to purchase a fishing license for T. (She is the only one with a fishing pole.) We tested out one lake before deciding to move to a quieter area.
We swam, enjoyed playing with T's remote control boat, and even caught 1 fish. After returning to our campsite we explored and I was able to nap briefly to try and heal my head. Sun, heat, activity, and no sleep contributed to a whopper of a migraine.







That night we all slept........ ahhhhhh. Monday we went on a hike at a nearby area. T decided to become a "forest scientist" so she could fix the visibly ailing pine forest. After a short hike we returned to the campsite to pack up. Of course it decided to rain while we were taking down the tent. A wet tent is not so much fun to work with:) This provided some needed cooling and the kids were excited to have a little rain and thunder (natures fireworks).




Our camping site. Daughter took the pic of Dad, Mom, and son. L was ready for nap time but we pushed on to capture these moments.





Our family vacation 2008. Can't wait to go again!!!!!!!!!!!





My new umberella!