My, my, my...we've been a flurry of activity around here! John left for Minnesota nearly a week and a half ago, now. Had some slight car problems on the way and ended up taking a bus ride from Mitchell the rest of the way.
Just after dad left, we attended two birthday parties for friends. One being 5+ hours playing at the park and exploring the stream (and lots of eating); and the other being 6+ hours of swimming at an indoor hotel pool and running wildly up and down the halls (and lots of eating). The parties weren't on the same day, obviously, but they were the same weekend.
We've made some new friends who happen to have a GIGANTIC 5000 square foot house, filled to the brim with interesting stuff. Their backyard opens to a large hill and then some woodsy area, so there's lots to do outside, as well. We spent a long day there last week, and each of the boys left exhausted, but so grateful for the time spent with friends.
On Thursday of last week, my phone rang at 11:15 pm. I was still up, (which is highly unusual) while my 3 angels snoozed all around me on the couches. I was trying to finish "Evening", and I'd been eating popcorn and had a coke earlier, which is probably why I was still up! :) Well, turns out, that midnight call was from a client who's water had just broken. By 11:45, I'd carried each boy upstairs to bed, my mom had arrived, and I was out the door to attend a home-birth. Beautiful baby boy was born at 6:20 Friday morning. I arrived home around 8:30, and managed to convince Mary to take the boys for a couple hours before her volunteer shift so I could fit in a nap. I was quite surprised to feel pretty darn ok, even after being awake for 24 hours, and squeezing in a 1.5 hour nap. (although I did almost exit the grocery store without paying...ooopsie...but by that time, I'd been through a whole other event...see below!)
After I'd picked the boys up from Mary's, and ended up loading all 6 of them (her 3) into our vehicle so we could play at our house for a while, Sage lodged a fish hook very deeply into his little thumb as we were unloading. I freaked, threw out a few panic stricken words of choice, then re-gained my composure and took him to a walk-in clinic. He nursed, called the doctors 'tupid' (not while they were in the room), and was other-wise not happy about this foreign object in his thumb. They numbed it topically a couple of times, then ended up snipping the one end so that they could push it through. No blood. Hardly any evidence of it being there at all. Lots of screaming, though. They asked me to put him up on the exam table. He wasn't ok with that. I held him instead, reassuring him and speaking gently into his ear while they did the thing. As soon as it was out, he was fine, and very happy to see the waiting room full of his friends and brothers.
There's just a snapshot of our past week or so. Good times, baby! No, really, I do mean "good times" (except for the fish hook incident, yikes!) We're enjoying the warmer weather. 80 degrees here yesterday. We spent the whole day outside and even ran through the sprinkler. Now the weather report tells me it's going to be 31 degrees on Friday? WTF?
Variety *is* the spice of life!
April 30, 2008
April 26, 2008
Orgasmic Birth
Little by little, we will shift the perception for our daughters, their daughters and theirs, that birth is a beautiful, sacred event. Not to be feared. Not to be handed over to a stranger.
This movie will aid in that shift. And the rest of us, sharing our stories of birth as blissful, empowering and transcendent will transform birth from not something to be feared, but embraced.
This movie will aid in that shift. And the rest of us, sharing our stories of birth as blissful, empowering and transcendent will transform birth from not something to be feared, but embraced.
April 22, 2008
Loving the water...
We spend a LOT of time here. On this particular day, the boys set up a sprinkler under the tramp. Can't really see it's effect in the picture, but they had a giggling good time.
Last week, we did a bike ride and picnic with Grandma, and this little guy pushed his scooter for a long, long while. I pulled the empty Burley around, as he was determined to keep going. And did he! We have a lovely bike path here that follows the creek. We make lots of stops to explore and get our feet wet.
We spend a LOT of time here. On this particular day, the boys set up a sprinkler under the tramp. Can't really see it's effect in the picture, but they had a giggling good time.
Last week, we did a bike ride and picnic with Grandma, and this little guy pushed his scooter for a long, long while. I pulled the empty Burley around, as he was determined to keep going. And did he! We have a lovely bike path here that follows the creek. We make lots of stops to explore and get our feet wet.
Juicing & Creating
Saylor and I spent a long while juicing yesterday. Started out with wheat grass, then wheat grass mixed with carrots, then grapefruit, then grapefruit with some grapes thrown in for sweetness, then pure grape, finished off by beautiful, frothy strawberry. Good Stuff!
Up Early
6:30, to be exact. Thought I'd have at least 2 hours of solitude, to check e-mail, blog, sweep the popcorn off the floor and unload the dishwasher. At 6:50, upon hearing the thump-thump of the littlest set of feet heading downstairs, that changed...
Since I've made a commitment to myself to NOT be staring at the computer while my children are staring at the TV, (both have been happening a lot lately, and then I wonder why people are melting down...sigh...) I'm doing a very short blog, then I'm outta here. All of my other 'tasks' will have to wait until later.
We've got plans for Earth Day, but instead of foretelling them, I'll share them all *after*, how's that?
Happy Earth Day!
Since I've made a commitment to myself to NOT be staring at the computer while my children are staring at the TV, (both have been happening a lot lately, and then I wonder why people are melting down...sigh...) I'm doing a very short blog, then I'm outta here. All of my other 'tasks' will have to wait until later.
We've got plans for Earth Day, but instead of foretelling them, I'll share them all *after*, how's that?
Happy Earth Day!
April 21, 2008
Adding to My List
As one book lover to all the rest, y'know how we all have a long list of books we've just GOT to read. Well, I just watched a DVR'd Oprah about Dave Sheff and his son, Nic. They were both on the show, and Nic radiated beauty and truth. I just wanted to hug him. He seemed so familiar to me.
I can't wait to read BOTH of their books. I suppose the topic of 'addiction' interests me because I grew up with it surrounding me. I've somehow escaped it, but my heart will remain forever full for the people I know and love, and for those I've never met, who battle it every day.
David's book is Beautiful Boy.
And Nic wrote his account in Tweak.
So, just as soon as I'm done with A New Earth, I'll be picking those up.
I can't wait to read BOTH of their books. I suppose the topic of 'addiction' interests me because I grew up with it surrounding me. I've somehow escaped it, but my heart will remain forever full for the people I know and love, and for those I've never met, who battle it every day.
David's book is Beautiful Boy.
And Nic wrote his account in Tweak.
So, just as soon as I'm done with A New Earth, I'll be picking those up.
April 18, 2008
5 Wild & Crazy Things
There's a meme spinning around my favorite blog sites right now, and the "rule" is that you're to be tagged, and then you take part. I hate being "tagged", and seldom take part in the game when I am, because it's usually just not a good time for some reason. So, I'm just doing this meme myself, and making up my own rules about it! I thought it was a fun one, to list 5 wild and crazy things about yourself, so here goes!
1. I once posed in a biker calendar. Fully clothed, but they did use duct tape to push up my already perky rack! (before 9 years of nursing children, btw! ;)
2. I love to dip McDonald's french fries in their vanilla ice cream. My thighs love it, too, I just know it!
3. The perfect meal: A big bowl of freshly popped popcorn (in coconut oil), perfectly salted, an equally large bowl of chocolate covered raisins and an ice-cold Coca-Cola, from the can, please.
4. I recently posed nude for a life-drawing class and LOVED it! I wanted to do it, to stretch my own boundaries, to experience and demonstrate outwardly the comfort I feel in my own skin. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
5. I once had dreadlocks for 1 day. Then I chickened out and spent the next several days taking them out. A painful process, and my hair is still whacked out 2 years later.
Ok. I'll stop there, but I think I have many more weird things I could share about myself.
1. I once posed in a biker calendar. Fully clothed, but they did use duct tape to push up my already perky rack! (before 9 years of nursing children, btw! ;)
2. I love to dip McDonald's french fries in their vanilla ice cream. My thighs love it, too, I just know it!
3. The perfect meal: A big bowl of freshly popped popcorn (in coconut oil), perfectly salted, an equally large bowl of chocolate covered raisins and an ice-cold Coca-Cola, from the can, please.
4. I recently posed nude for a life-drawing class and LOVED it! I wanted to do it, to stretch my own boundaries, to experience and demonstrate outwardly the comfort I feel in my own skin. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
5. I once had dreadlocks for 1 day. Then I chickened out and spent the next several days taking them out. A painful process, and my hair is still whacked out 2 years later.
Ok. I'll stop there, but I think I have many more weird things I could share about myself.
April 17, 2008
And Now...a Message from Dad (w/ lots of photos to follow)
It was the best of times and the worst of times.
This has been the longest I've been laid off of work with the least amount of money; yet amazing with positive thinking, how things just work out. No I haven't been mindful the whole time but a great experience for me to really connect with my boys and understand their needs. With Karen volunteering at the Breadroot, I had to take on the the task of care giver. I think Karen was even a bit amazed at how well I did (although I did want to pull my hair out or theirs sometimes). I hope we all took something good from this time as I know I have.
Although I'm not too fond of the SD winters to say the least, we have had a great time when the weather was forgiving. We have gone dirt biking, kayaking and a stay at Grandpa's. The farm and ranch that I grew up on is always fun to visit. We helped Grandpa fix fence, check fowling horses, feed horses, work cattle, ride four wheeler; we shot guns, and shot bow and arrow. OH yeah, we even did a little "prairie surfing" (see following video) "pulling an old water ski behind the four wheeler". Gramps videoed us with his phone.
The kayak trip was an overnight deal with the weather being 60 degrees the first day and 25 overnight. We saw plenty of birds like Blue Herons, ducks, and Canadian Geese. We even snapped a shot of a Goose nest with big old eggs in it. When we pulled over for the day, we
set camp up and then the boys commenced to go tribal by collecting spires, hiding in trees and crapping in the woods "like a bear". After a hard day of foraging and paddling, we settled in for the night. Stone started chopping on some wood, and he commented, "I guess I'm on the night shift". After the chopping became too annoying, Saylor fired him and I thought a good distraction would be to sing a song, so I started singing Bob Marley's 3 Little Birds. Well, Stone joined in the singing, but then he was singing at the top of his lungs, "don't worry.....about a thing.....cuz every little thing....gonna be alright" AND chopping his wood! Just had to laugh. I thought we would be all right with two sleeping bags but was corrected when Stone and I shared. It was a long night.
In the morning, which came quick, we all arose together and started the fire for coffee, cocoa and oatmeal. We played for awhile and decided with it being so cold we would scratch the rest of the trip and plan for a later launch. Mom came to rescue us with help from Sage and Emma but they
didn't leave without eating the fine cuisine of hot dogs ala grill.
Our day of dirt biking was the first time the whole tribe was able to go along. Sage road with me but it won't be long and he will be solo. Karen honed in her old biker skills from when she was a Harley Babe. Nothing more bad ass and sexy than a mama kick starting a bike. The
sunny after noon was filled with leisurely rides and hiking up mounds of dirt.
Now the time has come for me to start work for the season and looking back at our adventures, I would have to say it is a great life.
This has been the longest I've been laid off of work with the least amount of money; yet amazing with positive thinking, how things just work out. No I haven't been mindful the whole time but a great experience for me to really connect with my boys and understand their needs. With Karen volunteering at the Breadroot, I had to take on the the task of care giver. I think Karen was even a bit amazed at how well I did (although I did want to pull my hair out or theirs sometimes). I hope we all took something good from this time as I know I have.
Although I'm not too fond of the SD winters to say the least, we have had a great time when the weather was forgiving. We have gone dirt biking, kayaking and a stay at Grandpa's. The farm and ranch that I grew up on is always fun to visit. We helped Grandpa fix fence, check fowling horses, feed horses, work cattle, ride four wheeler; we shot guns, and shot bow and arrow. OH yeah, we even did a little "prairie surfing" (see following video) "pulling an old water ski behind the four wheeler". Gramps videoed us with his phone.
The kayak trip was an overnight deal with the weather being 60 degrees the first day and 25 overnight. We saw plenty of birds like Blue Herons, ducks, and Canadian Geese. We even snapped a shot of a Goose nest with big old eggs in it. When we pulled over for the day, we
set camp up and then the boys commenced to go tribal by collecting spires, hiding in trees and crapping in the woods "like a bear". After a hard day of foraging and paddling, we settled in for the night. Stone started chopping on some wood, and he commented, "I guess I'm on the night shift". After the chopping became too annoying, Saylor fired him and I thought a good distraction would be to sing a song, so I started singing Bob Marley's 3 Little Birds. Well, Stone joined in the singing, but then he was singing at the top of his lungs, "don't worry.....about a thing.....cuz every little thing....gonna be alright" AND chopping his wood! Just had to laugh. I thought we would be all right with two sleeping bags but was corrected when Stone and I shared. It was a long night.
In the morning, which came quick, we all arose together and started the fire for coffee, cocoa and oatmeal. We played for awhile and decided with it being so cold we would scratch the rest of the trip and plan for a later launch. Mom came to rescue us with help from Sage and Emma but they
didn't leave without eating the fine cuisine of hot dogs ala grill.
Our day of dirt biking was the first time the whole tribe was able to go along. Sage road with me but it won't be long and he will be solo. Karen honed in her old biker skills from when she was a Harley Babe. Nothing more bad ass and sexy than a mama kick starting a bike. The
sunny after noon was filled with leisurely rides and hiking up mounds of dirt.
Now the time has come for me to start work for the season and looking back at our adventures, I would have to say it is a great life.
Grandpa's Farm
Stone building a flying saucer.
Saylor dragging a metal fence into the shop.
Hanging out in the post holes we just dug.
Shooting at the gun club in Murdo, SD with Grandpa and cousin Wyatt in the background.
"YOU'LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT!" :)
Saylor dragging a metal fence into the shop.
Hanging out in the post holes we just dug.
Shooting at the gun club in Murdo, SD with Grandpa and cousin Wyatt in the background.
"YOU'LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT!" :)
It never fails! Whenever we paint, we always decide painting ourselves is just so much more fun than painting paper! 
Oh, the sheer joy... His brothers called him The Hulk, of course!
Beauty in a snapshot.
There really is a piece of paper under there, but he soon disregarded it's borders. Tis fine by me! Our table has a tile top, a must for a family with children! Everything wipes off easily.
I have this weird fascination, too. ;)
Oh, the sheer joy... His brothers called him The Hulk, of course!
Beauty in a snapshot.
There really is a piece of paper under there, but he soon disregarded it's borders. Tis fine by me! Our table has a tile top, a must for a family with children! Everything wipes off easily.
I have this weird fascination, too. ;)
April 16, 2008
Although I'm not into labels...
| I'm quite okay to call myself one! :) You are a Hippie |
 You are a total hippie. While you may not wear birks or smell of incense, you have the soul of a hippie. You don't trust authority, and you do as you please. You're willing to take a stand, even when what you believe isn't popular. You like to experiment with ideas, lifestyles, and different subcultures. You always gravitate toward what's radical and subversive. Normal, mainstream culture doesn't really resonate with you. |
Two Beautiful Quotes
"Authentic spirituality awakens the soul, reconnects us with the sacred, and fills us with the passion of life. Spiritual development is not about religious rituals and practices; it is about waking up to the wonder of life." -- David N. Elkins
"To seek the living manifestation of spiritual and ethical values themselves, regardless of the label they come under, is to discover unexpected kinship... In this view, faith is no longer a matter of an allegiance to a specific community or identity, but a ceaseless search for the beautiful ways to realize the human potential in every given age and place." -- Mohja Kahf
It's interesting that that last one would come into my life only days after meeting someone at a wellness fair. The lovely young mother was inquiring about homeschooling in the area. I told her about BHHA (an inclusive homeschooling group here). She had to giggle, and then ask if we're the ones who are witches. She went on to explain that she'd met someone from the christian homeschool group, and that person felt the need to enlighten her to the fact that we over at BHHA practice witchcraft. Yep. Funny, huh! The mom was so sweet, though, and teasing us saying, "so, do you all dance around in the middle of the night naked?" To which I replied, "well, if being a witch means we love the full moon, have drum circles, celebrate the seasons and honor Mother Earth, well, I guess I'm a witch!"
It's troubling to me that there is a whole group of homeschoolers around here too afraid to try to know us as human beings. Afraid that my child may bring something evil into their lives...they're missing out on knowing some pretty incredible people! I'm so Grateful to have the trust and faith in my children to make friends with the people *they* choose; for things that really matter, like kindness and integrity (and fun!), not which dogma they subscribe to or don't. I'm pretty sure Jesus didn't have this in mind!
"To seek the living manifestation of spiritual and ethical values themselves, regardless of the label they come under, is to discover unexpected kinship... In this view, faith is no longer a matter of an allegiance to a specific community or identity, but a ceaseless search for the beautiful ways to realize the human potential in every given age and place." -- Mohja Kahf
It's interesting that that last one would come into my life only days after meeting someone at a wellness fair. The lovely young mother was inquiring about homeschooling in the area. I told her about BHHA (an inclusive homeschooling group here). She had to giggle, and then ask if we're the ones who are witches. She went on to explain that she'd met someone from the christian homeschool group, and that person felt the need to enlighten her to the fact that we over at BHHA practice witchcraft. Yep. Funny, huh! The mom was so sweet, though, and teasing us saying, "so, do you all dance around in the middle of the night naked?" To which I replied, "well, if being a witch means we love the full moon, have drum circles, celebrate the seasons and honor Mother Earth, well, I guess I'm a witch!"
It's troubling to me that there is a whole group of homeschoolers around here too afraid to try to know us as human beings. Afraid that my child may bring something evil into their lives...they're missing out on knowing some pretty incredible people! I'm so Grateful to have the trust and faith in my children to make friends with the people *they* choose; for things that really matter, like kindness and integrity (and fun!), not which dogma they subscribe to or don't. I'm pretty sure Jesus didn't have this in mind!
April 4, 2008
Friday
Too nice outside to sit here for too long, but did want to mention that John will be posting about their kayak trip soon. I thought it was only fitting that he post, since I wasn't there to know the details. He'll put up some pictures, too.
Life is peachy here. Busy with mothering, and wife'ing', and house caring, and volunteering, and, and, and.
Well, we're off for a drive in the hills.
Love to all...
Life is peachy here. Busy with mothering, and wife'ing', and house caring, and volunteering, and, and, and.
Well, we're off for a drive in the hills.
Love to all...
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