8/01/2016

A season within a season








I find it a little ironic that the last post on here was all about being outside and how to do that easily and often. It's not that my hopes or intentions have changed, it's that the usual summer activities, temperatures, and bugs have taken over. 

Instead of being outside for hours at a time daily, we are outside for hours at a time a couple of times a week. We are often busy, going to parks, swimming, visiting friends, and going on bike rides, but we don't spend as much time hiking (at all) or being in our backyard unless there is a breeze. I could be hard on myself about this, but I've really come to an understanding about myself (ourselves) and this time of year.

It's a season that ebbs and flows. Just like in winter with the harsh wind and freezing temperatures, you have good days and bad. The beginning and end of the season are usually the best, for both our attitudes and the conditions. I'm finding that this is true with summer as well. 

We had an amazing Spring. I would go so far as to call it almost perfect. It was dry with few rainy days, so the bugs were minimal. We were out and about daily and enjoyed it to the fullest. When the humidity hit, we slowed down. It just wipes me out, no matter if I'm pregnant, nursing, or just me. I used to blame it on those two stages, but honestly it's just exhausting. We still go outside, but we don't have the energy level or desire to do a lot. Now that the rain has come (a blessing, of course) and the humidity has lingered, the mosquitos are out and we are not. I have yet to find a spray that works effectively against them and we get eaten alive, as if they are magnetically drawn to us. It's not fun, and we find ourselves avoiding them at all costs.

I'm not complaining, though. This is my point: it's a season. I shouldn't feel guilty or frustrated about it, because in not too long, it will pass and we'll back to the best of times, when we can be outside all day without the humidity and bugs, maybe needing a sweater or blanket at times but possible nonetheless. I do so love Spring and Autumn. The end of a season leading into the start of another is one of the best things in life. I couldn't live somewhere that didn't have this transition four times a year. I cannot wait to feel that anticipation with my little girls.

While we wait, we will continue to do the activities that we do enjoy right now. We will continue to swim at our favorite spot, Buffalo River State Park. We will continue our random walks around the neighborhood (specifically the neighborhood behind us that winds along the river with hardly any traffic around). We will have picnics and play in the sand. We will stop for ice cream treats and splash pad visits. 


When the humidity finally goes away and the sun isn't quite as hot, we'll eagerly get back on the trails and explore some more.

6/12/2016

Outdoor living

We've been soaking up the great weather over here and it's kept us busy. Any day now (I've been saying for weeks) the bugs will come out with a vengeance and we'll be forced to go back inside in the evenings or avoid the woods where they are the worst. Because we've been quite intentional with our efforts, we've already had a solid three months of "summer activities" in the books and we are ready for the next season. The girls are itching for any and all water activities, and I don't disagree. We're ready for sprinkler play, swimming in pools, water tables, and the lake activities.


I've been surprised with how many people have commented in wonder on our outdoor time and activities. I do understand it, because that was me just a few years ago, but what people don't understand is that this new way of living, incorporating the outdoors into our daily lives as much as possible, is relatively new for me. I didn't grow up spending my free time enjoying outdoor activities at all. I did them, sure, but it was forced and I rarely enjoyed it as much as I would now. Over the past few years, something in me has shifted and I have a new perspective on this gift given to us from our Creator. You don't have to go far to discover something new and there are great ways to spend time together as family just right outside your door. The kids and I can be active together and they aren't stuck in front of a screen for most of their time (I'm not either). They burn off a lot of energy and we don't drive each other crazy. That's important!


Moms with younger kids wonder how I am able to go exploring with three little kids under five. It's not anything fancy or mysterious. We start small and work our way to longer distances and time outside. For Josie's birthday, we got her a backpack full of adventure tools like binoculars, a magnifying glass, a fishing net, a flashlight, a compass, bird and tree books, and room for her water bottle and sweatshirt. When they seem to be growing tired of the hike or path we are on, we pull out one of the tools and their interest is renewed. Another trick up my sleeve is to always always stop for a snack or picnic lunch. It's worth the time to get it packed and ready before we head out because stopping to rest, sit, refresh with water and fuel, and let the baby move around (who usually rides in a pack on my back) is priceless and the second half of our time is usually even more fun than the first.


Audrey carries a backpack as well, usually filled with her water bottle, an extra pair of leggings (you never know if a kid will slip in mud or water and get soaked and leggings would fit either of the big girls) and a thin blanket we can spread out for our break. It's quite light but she feels important carrying it, so we never leave it behind.


I bought a Deuter child carrier backpack for Amelia because there's no way she could keep up with us and our Beco carrier that I usually use isn't ideal for longer time periods. This backpack has helped tremendously. It's even more comfortable (the Beco is quite comfortable for our usual usages) and she sits higher up, increasing her visibility and circulation. She also has shade and room to rest her head if she gets tired. There is a small pocket right behind her and a larger pocket down below where she sits, so I can carry water for us without relying on the big girls and most of the food, sunscreen, and even my nice camera (it's easy to keep it safe since it's nicely cushioned and won't get bumped). There's a stand for when I put her down, so she doesn't just fall over while I take her out, and there's a pocket on the strap that goes around my waist for my phone (easy access). Seriously, it's made our adventures much easier. The pace that the big girls set is fairly slow, so I have no problem keeping up as the family pack mule.



For clothing, I try my hardest to encourage jean shorts, capris, or pants, but honestly they don't ever seem to mind or seem held back by their usual dresses and leggings. Josie often wears a skirt with biker shorts underneath along with her Tevas. Audrey and I wear Keens when it's nice enough since they grip the ground a lot better. If it's chillier, I'll wear tennis shoes but I prefer not to since I slip and slide more and I really hate that while wearing a child. I usually wear workout clothes, like compression pants or yoga leggings with a tank top and light sweatshirt that can be tied around my waist easily. The girls also just got new baseball hats that I'm hoping will help keep the sun out of their eyes and keep their hair off their faces. Plus, they just look adorable in them. Amelia wears light layers and a bonnet along with her Saltwater sandals and a good layer of sunscreen. Nothing fancy for her, since she's not the one walking on the dirt trails amongst the plants and bugs.


I was worried about going out on my own with the girls, so we eased into it. First, we went out with the whole family (my parents, my husband, the girls, and myself). Of course that went great. We also went out with another mom and kids during the week. I had got most of the kinks out on these two hikes, so now we are confident enough to go on our own. I've been so impressed with what is available within 20 minutes of us. It's no big deal to get out of our house for 3-5 hours without having to sit in the car for an hour there and back. That's priceless! The more we explore and drive around, the more nooks and crannys there are that nobody seems to be aware of.


All that to say, I am hoping and praying that we stick with it. I hope that all three girls can find ways to enjoy being outside and that we can participate and support these efforts as they grow older and become their own individuals. I have dreams of us swimming, tubing, kayaking, biking, and hiking tougher trails together in the not so distant future. We are well on our way, I'd say.


This summer, Josie is in t-ball and seems to love it so far. I was not going to force her to be in it each year, but I did want her to try it at least for a season. I needn't have worried because she hasn't complained once. We walk there since it is at a park near us, and Josie often rides her bike. Any chance we get to choose time outside, we take. We could drive there and save the time, but I prefer that time together, breathing the fresh air, chatting, and moving our bodies around over what we'd probably be doing at home (sitting around, making a mess, bickering or whining if we're honest).


It does take work. It takes planning. It takes a will to go outside even when you'd rather sit inside and chill out. Sometimes it's rainy or windy and the sun refuses to shine bright. Sometimes the humidity makes me want to nap instead. Sometimes the girls don't want to go on the particular path I've found or chosen or they are just not in a good mood. Of course these things happen. More times than not, though, they cheer up once we get moving and their poor attitude is forgotten. We find our rhythm and all end up refreshed and happy. It's worth it.










4/15/2016

Guest and Girls bathroom

Nine months ago, my parents took the big girls with them to the lake for a few days. I was just coming out of a stretch of intense parenting with Amelia - no breaks, holding her constantly, feeding her constantly, all the fun newborn baby stuff - and was full of ambition. I got some paint picked out and brought it home to paint and got just the edges on one side of the room and the smallest wall done. That's it. For months, we're talking like seven months here, not just a few, that was how it sat. Along the way, I decided that the original paint color I had chosen was not the right color. Along the way, I had painted the hallway a great gray color that seemed to somehow brighten up while also make it fresh and less outdated. I decided this color would work better in the bathroom as well.

A few weeks ago, I got the whole room painted. The gray is a much better choice than the original brown beige I had chosen (what was I thinking, really?) I replaced the towel bar with towel hooks (we have more than two girls using this bathroom now so multiple hooks is a necessity). I added a hand towel rack on the other side so it was clear which to use after washing hands. Finally, I put the other towel bar above the toilet and hung a basket from it (thank you, pinterest) below a wooden plaque picture I took of the girls in the tub. (Please note that when I say that "I" did this, I really mean that I thought of it and hubby did it. He's the real deal handyman, after all.)

My parents are combining their two homes (one in the city they work in, one at the lake) so we got their shower curtain, rug, and towels. These added just the pop this room needed. I cannot tell you how happy this room has made me every time I walk by. We haven't done a lot of updates to the house yet since most of them are major and will not be started any time soon. It is very rewarding to have another room done. More and more, the house feels like "us" and not like the previous owners. And bonus: I'm not embarrassed to have our guests use this room anymore. Here are the photos. Please remember how impossible it is to photograph a small, long and narrow room. :)












4/12/2016

the little things

This second wind of winter-like weather has got us locked indoors for the most part, so there's been much more puzzle playing and blanket forts than one would expect in April. I've been playing around with my DSLR more lately thanks to a Facebook group that gives feedback and support, so I'll be dumping a few here more often lest they get forgotten in the dark corners of my computer folders.

Meanwhile, Amelia continues to cruise around and get more teeth. That's about all going on in her world. On one hand, she's super happy to have more mobility. On the other hand, she's super crabby from a sore mouth. We're feeling a bit overwhelmed with her emotions lately.


This colder weather has be grasping at anything spring-like and colorful. I've been adding (and sometimes killing) plants around the house and grabbing clearance flowers from the local grocery store every other week or so. This brings me so much joy. How can such a small thing make me smile so often?


I got the Easter decorations put away (it took about three minutes, that's my kind of decorating) but left up my bunny banner over the sink because I can't bear to leave that spot empty but have no good summer replacement. I know I could make something, but I just keep hoping that the Target Hot Spot will come through again with the perfect thing.


I finally got the bathroom completely painted and hubby got all of the towel racks and rings hung up. That bathroom has never been finished since we moved in, sad I know, so it looks pretty great in comparison. I will post pictures of that once I get the shower curtain and matching towels put up in a few weeks. That sad "home" tab above needs a new room that is relevant to what our house really looks like right now.


Hubby has been putting in crazy hours for this time of year and recently hired a full-time guy that is not a student (re: can work during Spring and Fall busy seasons) and will have another student start when school is done. I'm hoping and praying that he reaps some rewards from this extra task (being a boss and spending the time teaching and guiding them) and that it's not more stressful. We'd love for him to be home more. And yet, even as I say that, I am so grateful that he is here most weekends and the later parts of each day.


I'm itching to go out exploring now that we have all we need (appropriate shoes for everyone, backpacks, water bottles, etc) but that mention of ticks being out and present made me instantly reconsider. I need to get over this, because we can't be inside forever, but after tick season comes mosquito season and I'm not ready.



My computer is about to die, so that is all for now. Happy Tuesday, friends.