Hiking Adventure

I've been trying to post about vacation for a week but there's too much to say. So instead I'll preserve one great memory. We went on two great hikes to two different waterfalls. One of the hikes was 5 miles long and Abby did not cry or squawk once. She just enjoyed the right and would lean into our ears and say"hi" and giggle. She was smiling almost the entire time.
The second hike we took was one of the most popular trails Laurell Falls. At the end you are standing in the middle of the falls, behind you the water is cascading down another ledge. It was beautiful but crowded. While hiking up to this waterfall we came upon a big crowd of people and there up ahead was a black bear. She made a motion like she was going to charge the path and the crowd gave her even more room. She crossed the path and started climbing up the mountain. Then she stopped and looked back. There was one of her little cubs. As the cub joined her we saw another cub already up the mountain. All three of them disappeared in the trees. It was amazing and a little scary. But what I really want to remember is that sweet little voice in my ear giggling and saying "HI".

Laurell Falls

Mama Bear and Cub

Two happy hikers

Yes, a million times, Yes

Today I had a great talk with a co-worker. She has just come back to the work force after the challenge/privilege of being a stay at home mom for 9 years while her children were young. I told her that I constantly feel stressed out because I want to have more time to do everything - relax, cook, clean, just enjoy my family. I told her how I dream of being at home full time or part time but deep down know it would be different and the same. I still wouldn't have any time, my house would be a little less messy and I would probably long for companionship. Then I read the following blog post by another mother:


I think moms, whether we work to balance being a full time mom while also working outside of the home or whether we are at home for this time in our lives and strive to find fulfillment in the role as "just" a mother, while taking a break from other parts of ourselves...we like to be noticed. We like the pat on the back. We like for others to say, "wow, How do you do that?" It makes that hefty weight that often settles on our shoulders saying we aren't doing enough, we aren't succeeding enough, we aren't good enough...it makes that weight lighter. It makes us throw our shoulders back and realize that the lives we lead, the choices we balance, the roles we play - they matter. They are hard. And we are good enough. We are doing it - day in and day out. We GET to be mothers. We GET to have less selfish time these days. We are noticed and validated - whether anyone tells us or not.

This is exactly how I have been feeling. Other women I work with seem to be able to keep their gardens in good shape, their houses cleaned, balanced nutritious meals everyday and I wonder why can't I do it. Someone innocently asked me why can't I do these things after Abby goes to bed and then I almost cried. She wasn't being hurtful but it made me feel like I SHOULD be doing more. I just can't. 8+ hours of charting, educating, noise and then to come home to a second harder job of being a parent, forget it. I just need sleep to refuel.

So my mommy friends out there I thank you again for your support and kind words. Keep them coming and I will for you. Because we need it. I acknowledge your sacrifices whether you work 8-10 hours at a job you tolerate only to come home tired to a crabby toddler or you are home all day with pets and kids alternating between adorable and obnoxious. You are the best mom for your child/ren and they are lucky and happy to have you. And I am glad to know you.

New Discovery

Today you discovered there's something under your shirt.

It's round, squishy and soft.

When you touched it, you would laugh and laugh.

For ten minutes you sat and touched your tummy, then your belly button and laughed

with delight.

Who needs television with entertainment like this?

A Perfect Weekend

Sure it was raining with blustery winds but this was a weekend I long for. We had no obligations, no parties, no birthdays. It was fantastic.

Friday I made a delicious breakfast casserole courtesy of one of my great book club gals. So Saturday morning Abby and I woke up at 6:30am and I started the casserole. Abby dined on cheerios, bananas and yogurt while we waited. It was delicious - spinach, ham, mushrooms, onions, cheese and more cheese. We played for a few hours until Tim woke up and then she started getting cranky. It had been a rough week in our home with ridiculous temper tantrums and screaming fits so we decided for the weekend she was going to nap whenever she wanted. From 10-12 she napped, I took a nap, Tim ate breakfast and got ready for the day. Abby woke up in great spirits so we went out to lunch - all three of us.

She was in such a good mood, smiling at everyone in the restaurant. She ate more than half her grilled cheese and all her applesauce and didn't get restless until 5 minutes before we got the bill. We then went to a rummage sale at the church we have been attending. We happened to get there when it was closing up so for $2 you could carry out anything you wanted. Abby walked around and said hello to a buddy from daycare while I searched through all the children's clothes. We ended up with a grocery store paper bag full of clothes for Abby, some board books, some items for a special boy friend of hers and a booster seat for the table when she is older. Next we stopped at the farmer's market just to see what plants are out. This whole time she was an angel. Then we headed home for her second dinner and cleaned and prepared dinner while she rested.

Bed time went smoothly, Tim read her a new story and then we got to watch a movie and have a drink in our almost clean house.

It may not sound like much but to me it was perfect. The opportunity to be a family, to do whatever we want for a whole day. The time to make our house liveable and then relax. The time to just be together and smile and laugh. The chance to be doting parents all day and then just be Tim and Jess that night. It was perfect. I can't wait for our vacation.

What I've learned - the first year

1) Aluminum foil is a fantastic window treatment.

2) Oxy-clean can almost always save the day.

3) No matter how much your husband loves you and your child, when things are real hard it's other mothers that will get you through.

4) A child can always do more than you give her/him credit for.

5) Every home needs a glider or rocking chair.

6) Sometimes children are hysterical for no reason

7) Baby food in a jar is disgusting. Try it then try to make your kid eat it.

8) My house will never be clean again.

9) My patient husband has even more patience than I could ever imagine.

10) No matter how early I go to sleep I will NEVER feel refreshed before 6am.

11) Spoons make amazing toys

12) I did not know what a true friend was until I became a mother and was supported by all of you. Happy Belated Mother's Day and thanks for all your help.

Easter Fun

I think when we were growing up we went to Grandma Pindel's. All I really remember about Easter is our basket always being on our assigned kitchen chair filled with Quality Candy chocolates, my old favorite Peeps, and that delicious coconut jelly bean nest. I am not a fan of coconut but those are really good.

After negotiations we decided to have Easter with the Grutzmacher/Grudzinski/Bartl clan. Abby napped in the car as planned and we ate pretty much right after she woke up so she only wore her Easter dress about 20 waking minutes.

The Easter Bunny set up the annual egg hunt. The little boys had a great time, Abby didn't really get and Kai was too big to pretend this year. We had a delicious meal as always and spent most of the afternoon playing outside.

Tricia made a lamb cake for us this year, which I forgot to take a picture of and of course I forgot to take pictures of Abby's Easter basket. It had an adorable stuffed rabbit, two books (one of which is already destroyed), a t-shirt, bubbles, and a ball. It was perfect. Abby even went to church and was well behaved for Daddy while Mommy worked in the morning.

She didn't pick these eggs up, don't let her fool you.

"Why don't you look for the eggs Dad? I already have two"

Kayden trying to figure out why Abby doesn't want to pick up the eggs in plain view.

The dress

The only front view of the dress

A pick me up!!

It's Friday!!!! Smile.