The Land of Moose and Bears

Watching for wildlife takes on whole new meaning when it means hiking with an eye out for Grizzlies. This awareness was new territory for me, and I read a book called "Bear Aware" upon arriving at our destination. I need not have feared... we didn't see any Grizzlies or Black Bears. Maybe it was the singing we did to warn them of our presence on the trails. Or maybe I was just a little hyper-sensitive to the possibility.

Bears or the possibility of bears could not put a damper on our delight at the hours spent hiking and playing in Big Sky country. We had a wonderful respite and couldn't have asked for more pristine hikes.

Ousel Falls was one of the hikes listed as "must do" by the owners of the condo. Their recommendation was well deserved... we hiked Ousel Falls several times. The last day we spend in Montana we hiked there and Jonathan hiked 1.5 miles up and down hills with no carrying except the last 100 yards uphill. We're priming him early for lots outdoor adventures.

17 days

Deep breathing... calm thoughts... we have out be out of this house in 17 days. We have packed nothing. We just returned from a glorious 8 day vacation to Montana (photos soon to follow) that allowed us to avoid all things moving related. The avoiding must end. I must move into a gear I don't particularly like: high.

Montana photos will come when at least a few things have found their way into boxes.

To List or Not to List

So many blogs I read are of mothers who love lists and organization... In so many ways I wish to be a part of that group. I like the fun pens and paper that can be used to make a list, and I like the results of organization. However, it gives me no thrill at all to organize boxes or closets or accomplish things on a "list".

Enter: moving. Imagine the collision between someone of my demeanor and the organization and lists involved in moving a family of four (twice in two months...). We will likely have a contract on our house tonight but they want us out two months before Jamie really starts in our new place. So, we'll pack everything, load it, move it... live for 6 weeks and move it again. There are lots of details and lists involved with that sort of thing.

The Sign is Up

Timing is everything. Had you asked me two years ago about moving from here, I wouldn't have batted an eye. I would have packed my (then only one) child in the car, and headed for our next destination without so much as a glance backward. However, it is now 2010 and not 2008. We are moving from here to a place we are quite familiar with and love very much. But, I keep glancing backwards because quite a lot of life has been invested here.

We always thought we would move closer to family at some point, but we thought God would likely have us here for much longer.

~ Our church plant is taking off, God is doing amazing things with it, and we've seen it from the very beginning.

~ My book club is fun, engaging, and I love our monthly get-togethers. I love that we have different thoughts and interests and we really like hanging out together!

~ I'll not re-post my sentiments about our neighbors, but driving away from this house and those friends will break my heart.

~ This is the place where I really embraced being a mom. A full-time, not doing something else, Mom. I took my children to story hour, open gyms, play times with friends, the zoo, and untold other "child-friendly" events that I used to avoid. I stopped wishing daily for something else, and started being very thankful for the chance to be home.

~ We meet friends for lunch at the park, we walk and ride bikes at the trails with other friends, Jamie plays basketball at the YMCA several mornings a week and he leads a mens' bible study twice a month...

The list goes on. Leaving here will cost us something. I'm pretty sure God wouldn't have it any other way. The Gospel doesn't seem to leave us the choice to disengage from life no matter where life might be. God isn't a cutesy bumper sticker or wall hanging or set of good deeds; God transforms us no matter where we go.

To our next place we move... excited about all of the things that our new place means and all of the people with whom we will get to reconnect (very excited about being near some of these dear ones, again). This car might steal a few glances back, though. Because part of us is invested here.

For those who like details (not going to be on that list): we don't know where, we don't know when, we just know that this door was wide open and we are walking on through.

Our house is on the market and we're hoping that is short lived. I feel like my sanity might be in question if I am required to maintain this level of cleanliness for long. We do know that the latest we'll move will be the first of November. Random fun thing: going to be very near when Carla has Baby Lien in December!

Bon Voyage!

"My friend, Hannah"

Jonathan has a good buddy from church, and this spunky little girl has been to our house to play on a number of occasions. Hannah and Jonathan are a good pair for play times because they are both opinionated, full of ideas, and have lots of energy.

Jonathan and Hannah were playing doctor, and Hannah had a hurt leg that needed to be examined.

Three Wild Ones

Carla and Jake came for a visit a little while ago, and the boys had a whee of a time playing together. Jake fits right in... blue eyes and lots of spunk :+)

What Kind of a Mother Would Allow This?

Paint is a favorite around here. Caleb experiences the paint with all of his senses: sight, taste, touch, smell... even hearing. He tried to put some in his ear, but I got a little nervous about that and wiped it out. Yes, this did require a bath.