"Tis the Season to be Jolly..."

So many things to be jolly about. Esau was finally able to really appreciate the holidays. Spending time with family, spending time with new toys (I hear him now playing with his xylophone and new maraca, forming a one man band), and eating tons of yummy foods and candies (which I am sure was one of the major highlights of his time). It was actually funny to see Esau say "no more" to opening presents...isn't this every kids dream? Tearing through wrapped gifts, throwing them aside to unwrap another, without taking the time to even see what's really inside. Esau was much different than the average child. Slowly opening each gift and wanting to play with each one as he opened them was his game plan. He always tries to make the most of each experience, very wise of him.

I'm thankful for...

As I sat in the back row of our UU church service, our reverend was talking about being thankful not only on Thanksgiving, but on a daily basis. She talked about being thankful for things that were going right in her life, based on what had previously gone wrong or rather not the way she'd wanted them to go. My alarm goes off, thankfully because the electricity didn't go out in the middle of the night starting the alarm clock over at 12:00am and hence making the alarm clock part not work. I walk to the bathroom and realize that Zoe didn't barf in the middle of the path to bathroom so I thankfully didn't step in anything gross with my bare feet. Understand now? I could really relate to how she felt, searching for things to be thankful for in my life, without attributing my good fortune to things not going wrong. So this Thanksgiving I have tried to be thankful for all of the things I have and the good things that have happened in my life thus far. I am happy to be sitting here in a home with heat, while it is cold and rainy outside, watching my most precious boy play in the living room. He has grown so much and I can hardly believe that he just turned 2! Another thing to be thankful for, Esau and another birthday. Dad raked a huge pile of leaves for Esau to jump into, something I missed in New Mexico. Thank goodness for the leaves on trees, the changing weather and dad for raking all of them! I am also thankful for family, friends, rainbows, crisp wintery days, hot smoldering summer days, friendly pets, maple nut goodies (mmmmmm, my favorite), memories, white wine, red wine, mountains, birds, choo-choos (otherwise known as trains), staplers, herbal remedies, midwives, stuffed animals, rain, deer, the woods, the list goes on....

The Wilderness Lodge

Enjoying the Wilderness Lodge with Beth and Chris.

Who can catch their shadow?

"Bye! Bye! Baby Bye Bye!"

Check out the new 'do! His curly locks now occupy my keepsake box. Esau has overnight turned into all boy!

Waka! Waka! Waka!

My good friend Kate had come back to the United States after three years in Niger. We had been emailing back and forth about what her plans would be for her and her husband, David. She had thrown around a few ideas before they decided that Tuscon, AZ would be their new home for a while. (Pause) Okay so I was ecstatic because then they would be driving through New Mexico and that meant they would come to visit us! So trying to contain my excitement for this fabulous news we continued our emails. When they'd be leaving? how long it would take? where would they stop along the way? how long would they stay with us? what were the plans when they arrived at our house? I couldn't know enough, it was too much anticipation to not know.

So they drove through, stayed at our house for a few days and at some point I mentioned going to a music festival the following summer. Of course, as I am always on the look out for upcoming festivals I had found one that was reasonably priced and just about the right time of summer, the beginning of June. "Okay, so I have this awesome idea! We should save up money and buy tickets to Wakarusa! We can car pool up there, it's only 15 hours. We can split the drive. 7 and 1/2 hours one day, or even 10, then we can stay the night somewhere, and drive the rest of the way! The line up is killer (as I ramble on about who will be there, many of who she didn't know, as she'd been gone for a while)" Pause. A look of sure excitement and a huge grin told a story of the future. "Yeah!" she turned to translate to David. He had a big smile on his "Yeah, this sounds good!" It was set. It could not be denied that this was something we had to do together.

Being obsessive compulsive has not always been a part of my life, but some might argue that in one way or another I have been this way whether I like to admit it. Whatever the case may be, I am this way now. I can always know however, that no matter how obsessive I may be, I can always count on my obsessive compulsive friends to keep me on the straight and narrow with just a little bit of motivation. I obsessively packed everything we could possibly need from little baggies of citronella wrist bands to rid ourselves of mosquitoes, sunblock to rid ourselves of too much sun, and various miscellaneous items that may come in handy. All individually packaged and neatly labeled for our convenience.

At no point have I ever thought that my love for music and the festivals that are born by it would fade. Life has flown by and now it seems that our "availability" has lessened. Nonetheless, we still enjoy and will jump at any opportunity to attend some type of live music show or festival. Stuffed in a car for over 15 hours on our way to Kansas was an adventure! Four adults, one toddler and a whole lotta stuff that "may just be" necessary filled our car. We planned to leave early on the Tuesday morning before the the festival began and drive for 2 days to arrive there in the evening the day before the festival. This would ensure a good spot in line the day the gates actually opened...and of course a good camping spot would naturally come with.

The morning came so fast. As early of a riser as I am, I don't think I was quite prepared to wake up this early and head to the venue after a long night of excitement and planning in the hotel room with Kate, David, Jess and Scott (some of Kate's friends who met us there from Connecticut). Erik and I were just happy that Esau had given us an extra hour of sleep, which was going to be extremely important over the course of the following four days. We all jumped in our cars loosely packed from the night before. Esau strapped in his food filled car seat, scarfing down a quick snack, which in no way resembled a breakfast...we headed to the venue, somewhere about 3 miles down the road from our hotel. Amazingly we drove right up to the checkpoint, and were directed to the first camp ground open by volunteers wearing construction orange and yellow vests holding the pointers you see directing airplanes. We drove right in with no hassles, no problems, and jumping out of our skin right to our suggested camp site.

Car by car the lot filled up. Tent by tent the camp ground expanded. We set up camp and decided that 7am was pretty early to be completely finished with everything for us to be ready for the four days to come. Walking around and taking in all that was going around us was our choice. The smell of breakfast cooking just up around the corner came to abuse our olfactory nerves as we walked down the already beaten path made by all of the early birds. So we had a plan...cook some breakfast, then head out to the lake. What could be better than a mid morning swim with a full belly?

The walk to the lake was just long enough to start sweating and digest some of our breakfast. By this time, many had the same idea, sitting by the shore, artificially blowing up their rafts and giant play toys for the water. Men screaming like hyienas as they entered the water to shockingly awaken themselves from the early morning. Women slowly slinking into the water like snakes, cautiously entering after seeing the reaction of the men....smart thinkers I must say. Children running down the hill and belly flopping into the water with no hesitation. The uninhibited ways of the child inspire us to have no fear for the unknown. Esau joining in and making a break for the water's edge...he's much more cautious than the average child, he stops short of entering the water...looking around to see what everyone else is doing and wondering why they're acting so funny, contorting and sqirmming about as they enter the water. He's smarter than most, this water is TOO cold, even for the tips of his toes!

Rainy Days

I have to admit that when I hear people say that Indiana is in a drought, I really have to chuckle to myself...they don't even know. While driving down 46 dead trees line the road and hang solemly over and draping the edges with sad lament. Every house here typically has a lush green lawn big enough for any family large or small. Recently the lawns have been looking brown and sad. It has been over a month since we've mowed...no need, the water is so scarce that the lawn doesn't even grow. This certainly is a change from what we're used to in New Mexico. Most homes have either a decorative rock lawn with desert plants to frame the property, or dirt. It's fairly simple.

We have recently been blessed with 4 days of rain. Yesterday being the rainiest, along with thunderstorms throughout the night and into today. It has been a nice change from the usual scorching hot weather with 90% humidity. Esau has thoroughly enjoyed the rain...playing in the puddles with his never before used rain boots. Luckily for him our driveway has nice areas that collect the rain water...perfect for puddle stomping!

"Summer time, and the livin' is easy..."

It has been exactly one month and six days since we moved to the midwest. It's official here, it's summer time. We have been enjoying the heat, bringing back memories of our beloved southwest (minus the humidity). I was actually surprised to walk out of a building yesterday and have my glasses fog to point where I had to wipe them off with my shirt! WOW! SPICY! So amidst the humid heat we have managed to make the most of it by basking in the sun, half naked, by the pool! Yippie! "Summer time and the livin' is easy...," humming to myself.

Of course grandma and grandpa had to be in on the fun! Really, now what kind of fun could we have without them?! Grandpa took Esau on the slide and boy, he couldn't get enough of it. As soon as they landed in the pool, Esau would turn around and point, "eehhh! eehhh! eehhh!" he would say...implying that going again is really what he was trying to say. I think he was wore out after about ten trips down the slide...what a trooper! (grandpa that is)

Family has been so fun to have around. Esau has just been loving having tons of great cousins, aunts, uncles, great grandmas, great grandpas, grandmas, grandpas, second cousins, the list goes on...


We spent one afternoon celebrating Grandma Barbs 65th birthday! We partied it up at the park! I happily made a gluten free cherry pie, and spicy new mexican salsa (most are used to Picante around here, phewy!)

Potluck parties are so much fun, especially when there's so much good food and family around. Kellie knows all about this! Esau's great uncle, can't get enough of him (well he is such a ham, metaphorically of course). Helping grandma Barb blow out the candles and being thrown into the air was his all time favorite at the party, plus being loved and cuddled by his big cousins, who just absolutely adore him too!



How could you not love such a grin?!

Catfish John

Enjoying Life

I got a big hug and an energetic "mom" from Esau today. It was such a great feeling to know that I am so lucky and in so many ways. I am blessed to have such a smart, adorable, absoultely squeezable, fun, agreeable and overall wonderful child. I am also lucky to have a husband who is very tolerant, sensitive and understanding. We really are lucky! I feel that we have worked hard for the things that we have and live comfortably without feeling like our lives are over done. Although times can sometimes be trying just as it is for everyone, it's great knowing that everything will be fine in the whole scheme of things.



I am excited to have found a few moms who seem like-minded and fun to hang out with while enjoying our children together. I was able to spend some time at the library yesterday, which was very impressive. I was amazed to see that the entire first floor was dedicated to kids, including an enclosed toddler room, with books, toys, arts & crafts, puzzles, and more. We have visited our neighborhood park, where Esau has made several friends, including local wildlife and friendly roaming house pets. Our yard is pranced through daily by deer and we have even been blessed with some scat on the porch. That's my naturalist side coming out :)



Erik has been working towards finding work and I am about to embark on a coaching experience. Never thought of myself as a coach, but am finding that it suits me fairly well (so far). Esau is having fun just being a toddler and enjoying himself by pulling Zoe around and giving Eve several hugs throughout the day. He found some toys at yard sales and flea markets that he could just not live without and has been engulfed in the fascination of blocks, chalk, and puzzles.



We have added a happy garden gnome, thanks to our good friend Haley! How happy he is to be hanging out around the abundant poison ivy, something I never missed while living in New Mexico.

So many things are different here, the people, the scenery,the town, its neighborhood...it's amazing. I have been enjoying the cooler weather, light breeze (not blow your hair off, 70 mph winds), the green grass and muture trees that are everywhere you look. I definitely miss, however the view of the Organs, the massive landscape and orchards of pecans. Missing friends are a given...obviously.

Who would have ever thought I would one day be drying Esau's diapers by a fan in the window, instead of on a clothesline (which are few and far between in these parts). I guess the humidity would just keep them damp, rather than drying them. Amazing! I forgot what it was like living with 90-100% humidity at practically all times of the summer.

New Home

Our new home, is all that we had hoped for...with much less stuff inside. It is considerably smaller than our home in Mesquite. Nonetheless, it is our home and we have made it all come together in a short amount of time. It is a small 2 bedroom with a gorgeous front yard, 2 car garage, in a really nice neighborhood. A park about a block away will be our hang out spot for the next year or so....

Settling In

Well, we have officially been here for 1 week. It has been nice having family close and within an hour drive. A lot cheaper to travel to see everyone and it's not as chaotic. Our house is cute and quaint, but over whelmingly small...we were spoiled in Mesquite. Esau has just recently become more familiar with our new home and has started to open up a bit. We have met several families in our neighborhood, young couples with mostly boys for Esau to play with. Amazingly there is a grocery store, food co-op, and an awesome park...all within walking distance.

We met another couple that lives a few blocks away at a yard sale this past weekend. I have become more aggressive about meeting people, handing out our phone number to people who seemed like-minded. It has worked so far! It is a little bit different having a child, always looking for those families who may be similar in parenting styles, etc. We have missed our New Mexico home...feeling homesick since we left until about Sunday. It is a different climate, different people, but all positive.

We have already been able to enjoy having family closer by enjoying Mamms & Papps' house on the lake with a boat! We are movin' up in the world of relaxing! Esau is our little swimmer, who is in no way afraid of the water...or pretty much anything these days! He sure did love being in the boat and even kayaking with grandpa! Grandma also kept him safe from tubing when we rode on the boat!

Kacey, my fab sister-in-law will also be a big help since she goes to college here. We have been making plans to have a weekly dinner with her, maybe save her from the school food at least one day a week!

Our plans to have a yard sale are coming together, with a garage full of boxes, it is obvious that it's desperately needed. Hopefully it will be a success! Wish us luck!

MOVING!

Oh my goodness, you never really know how much "stuff" you can accumulate over the years. Especially after having a baby. Wow, Esau sure has a lot of things. After our friends, Jon, Kellie and Jessica came to help us pack up, load the truck and clean the house we realized that it would be a good, no great, no absolutely fabulous idea to have a huge yard sale after we get to our final destination.


Erik is such a hoot, watching him organize and pack all of our things, neatly packing them in boxes for that oh so snug and comfortable fit in our 22' truck. My favorite is his labeling practices....for example, hair blowers & stuff...gotta love a man's way of thinking. It's great!














Thanks to everyone for coming over to the house....especially Jessica for having so much fun with Esau! You're a great babysitter!

On The Road Again

Leaving this morning was a bittersweet event. Eating breakfast with my soul sister, Kellie and her fabulous little girl Jessica (who was a bit upset that she was late for swim practice). Andele's one last time...mmmm, smothered red burrito for Erik, vegetarian omelet with chili for me, egg and biscuit for Esau. I knew that tears would start falling as soon and the last goodbyes were said. My dearest friend will be greatly missed.

Well, we have officially started our journey to the midwest. Our first stop...conservative country of Midland, Texas! After 350 miles we were definitely ready for our stop. Only a few mishaps..a lost wallet (unfortunately not found as of yet) and a stuck truck in a ditch. Not bad for a first day. I would have to say that I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it all with my own 4 eyes!

Now with Forest Gump on the tube, Esau playing with the toilet paper from the bathroom (not to mention Zoe's water dish, a wet event), Erik walking an oh so very eager Zoe, and me...here enjoying air conditioning and watching my baby boy play.

Community

Well, our last community dinner for this summer has just shortly passed. At 9:03 pm, Esau is asleep, Erik is doing some last minute packing, and I am here writing. All waiting for our long time friend, Jon, to arrive to help us with our move. This will be his second time around.

"I'm not real good with good-bye's, I mean I don't get real emotional, you know," Nora tells me..."it's alright, I don't really either," I say. Now looking back on that conversation, tear dribbling down my cheek, Erik smiling and rubbing my back while reading this over my shoulder, I realize that's not really very true. I guess underneath I am just a sap like the rest of us...

It's a bummer having to leave after finally gotten into the groove of parenting and finding people to parent with us. I truly believe that it takes a village. I am sad to leave such a wonderful one, but am looking forward to visiting in one sense or another.

It's raining...how nice on our tin roof.

Rafa (he put up with us too!)

Sad in the Southwest...Movin' On

Well our 6 years in the southwest have come to a stand still for now. We are heading back to the midwest to be with family and friends who have been so dearly missed for what seems like such a short time.

Erik has been stressed out about such a big move...."it will all come together," I tell him. Our house is looking less like home and more like the aftermath of a small dust devil having come through. He lights a stick of incense maybe giving home that one last memory of our adored smells. Chicken is cooking for our one last community dinner with those who have become our dear friends and family here in New Mexico.

"It will be sad not living in the house Esau was born in anymore," he tells me. Sigh, I say with a lump in my throat, "Yeah, but we'll have more houses that will be just as dear and create new memories with babies born, birthdays, potlucks, drumming circles, parties, and all those good things."

I don't think either of us anticipated being so sad when we left here. We kept saying this day would come, but never really saw it here. Now with only 2 days left, we are feeling as if the new experiences and adventures that we so wanted before are actually so small in comparison to how much we gave our lives to this place. New Mexico and those we have met here will be missed and never forgotten.

We have been using our time as wisely as possible seeing those friends who will be tough to stay in touch with for one reason or another. Never fear though, there will be "Free Beer & Chicken" waitin' for us at the pearly gates someday.

Sam (friend to the Hoosier Hippies)