8/52

Death

I remember as a child & teenager struggling with the permanence of death. I found it very difficult to comprehend that someone I knew & loved was just gone (something I'm sure many people struggle with). I could see them in my mind, talking, laughing, in their familiar surroundings, doing something they did every day, & I couldn't comprehend that they would never do that again. While it was a struggle for me to imagine not ever seeing them again, it was even harder to comprehend that they no longer existed at all.  That my babysitter Christie wasn't just at home or school, that my Uncle Hal wasn't sitting in his chair watching Murder She Wrote, that Bill Bailey wasn't walking briskly down the street or telling silly jokes with that crooked smile on his face. And I always assumed that I would be better able to comprehend the permanence of death when I was an adult.

Nope. It's not any easier now.

This past week, a member of our Keystone church community died. Tom was a quirky, friendly guy who was there most Sundays, saying hello & sharing a smile with one & all. He got immense joy out of seeing Blake & would constantly talk & make faces, telling him that he was the second cutest baby in the world, his 9-month old grandson being first of course. We had a lovely service for him yesterday, gathering together to remember his life & passions. And just like when I was a child, I can't imagine that Tom will never again greet people coming through the doors of Keystone. He will never again serve food to the homeless or to the shoppers at the Festival of Hope deli. He will never again tickle a baby or look for birds at Carkeek Park. But we will always remember him doing these things & in our way, we will continue them in his memory. And, as Tom often prayed, we will work to build a world worthy of the children.

7/52

Leavenworth

Snow, sunshine, brewpub, leisure games, town touring, great trip.  :)

, 

Desert Trip

Last weekend Blake went on his first plane ride to Palm Desert to visit Uncle Justin, Aunt Tealia & cousin Graham. Traveling with Blake was definitely a bit different than I'm used to (no iPod, no computer, no book, no me time) but thankfully we didn't need to bring a pack-n-play or stroller or even a carseat, as that was all waiting for us in California. We went through the airport with him in the Ergo front pack & he did his best to charm everyone. As for the flights, Blake did amazing on the way down & there was only one moment of panic on the flight home when he did his best to make sure the entire plane knew he was upset. After a stern pep talk that my tears would not help the situation, we got things under control by walking the aisle & visiting with friendly folks.

This trip also included Blake's first visit to Joshua Tree National Park, a special & sacred place for me. Blake couldn't be in the sun much, but he got his first feel of Josh rock & sand (& I got to climb!). The boys looked pretty cute all packed into the car together.

It was so fun to have these two little boys together. They smiled & wiggled every time they were close. Blake was fascinated that Graham could sit up & move around -- he watched & squirmed with impatience, so excited for his turn. 

 In these two photos, the boys are lying on a rope rug made up of two retired climbing ropes. Many of my most memorable climbs were on these two ropes -- in Yosemite, Smith Rocks, Mazama, Liberty Bell, Vantage, Mt. Erie, Julia's Outcrop & Josh. Good ropes.

Happy Valentine's Day

We got up early this morning to do some work & finish our Valentine projects before heading out for our last official PEPS meeting (Program for Early Parent Support). With this last meeting falling on February 14th, we decided to have a little Valentine party. We headed out in our Valentine duds...

Back in the fall I really debated about joining this group & am so deeply grateful now that I did. These eight mothers (plus our fabulous leader Jen) are beautiful, strong, authentic women whom are now my friends & people I can turn to in my struggles of motherhood. It has been such a joy to get to know each of them & their lovely babies, & to share myself with them. We will certainly be continuing our group & I hope these ladies & babies remain our friends for years to come.

Blake has a favorite little friend from PEPS -- her name is Lucy & they looked so cute today holding hands.

Tonight, we continued our long-standing Valentine tradition & had pho for dinner. This year we have a new addition.  :)

After dinner, we opened our Valentine cards, the majority of which are from my creative mother. I really loved each of the ones she made this year, especially Blake's.

Hope you have a cozy, warm evening!

6/52

Henry

Meet Henry the Owl, Blake's new companion & napping buddy.

Blake's sleep habits are currently a bit all over the place so we're all reading "Good Night, Sleep Tight" by the magic Sleep Lady. We will officially start sleep training next week when Blake & I return home from our California trip. Henry was introduced in the hopes of becoming what the book calls a "lovey" -- a familiar soft toy or blanket to provide comfort & cozies for naps & bedtimes. Known in our family as a "frienny" (named by Grandma Donnie, derived from "friend"). So far, Blake seems to be very fond of Henry & likes to pull on his arms & chew on his ears.

Winston Christmas Groundhog Celebration

Weekend

We were both on the slopes...

Me snowboarding at Stevens on Saturday (thanks to my momma taking Blake!)

And Levi on the annual boys' ski trip, this year to Bachelor -- the first time all seven boys were there!

5/52

(a repeat but the best one from this week)