Ostriches, Skating and Silliness

My in-laws used to raise ostriches.  Their pen was sandwiched in between our ancient mobile hone and theirs.  I would watched them each day walk about on their long, gangly legs and then suddenly drop down, spread their wings and do this odd dance.  It was amazing to see this display of wings, feathers and fluidity come from these birds that are otherwise so awkward. 

As I've watched my kids grow and learn over the past 11 years, I have come to name each phase of their lives.  Some phases are named after a particular age-appropriate obsession (dinosaurs, dolls, blankets, etc).  Others reflect a stage or particular extracurricular interest. 

Daniel, on the cusp of turning 12, has entered the ostrich phase.  His limbs are growing so fast that he lopes around the house like an over-sized bird.  His latest obsession is running and jumping up to touch the ceiling (gotta love the popcorn ceiling raining down on the carpet) or the door jam.  Its like a good excuse to stretch those growing limbs to their fullest extent. 

As flexible and double-jointed as ever, its been amazing to watch him curl up into his bed at night and cover all those appendages with his blanket.  How he tucks them in and hunkers down is beyond me. 

And for athletics, well.....I think once he gets control of those long, lean legs and super long arms, he will find his niche.  For now, I think ostrich when I see him run.  Arms flailing about and legs outstretched.  Nothing quite going in the right direction.  But somehow he gets there...

As a mom who is trying her best to live in the present and soak up the "everyday,"  I am amazed at this boy.  He grows and learns and recreates in this body that doesn't quite fit.  Not yet, anyway.  Soon enough, those long limbs will develop muscles and carry him far away from me.  So for now, I'll enjoy the jumping, the stretching, the cuddling and the gangli-ness of it all.  For someday, it will all look just as God has planned.  For now I will enjoy the ostrich phase.  And constantly look for jeans on sale--slim, long.

On another note, we enjoyed an afternoon of ice skating in Great Falls.  The kids were real troopers on that slick surface and didn't even complain when the bruises started showing up.  You should see Taylor's knees.

And the best part of all is the encouragement and love that we gave to each other (while Jason took pictures because his ankle was bothering him)...

Later that night the kids decided they needed to bake.  Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirls were on their mind and silliness in their heart.  With no help from me, they executed this recipe quite well with no eggs or gluten...it must have been the outfits...

Look at that serious face...

Love the bandana, T!  O, yes, and the teamwork. 

Cross Country Skiing

Since we live in a four season climate, Jason and I promised each other years ago that we would take advantage of the area throughout the year.  While I love to downhill ski, the cost is quite prohibitive for a regular outing.  So, when we moved to Montana, we sought out a good ski swap and outfitted ourselves in cross-country ski gear.  Little did we know that there were so many styles of cross country, let alone gear choices.  Once we were outfitted (Taylor started out in a sled behind us) we made a point to get out 3-4 times each year.  We tend to drive west tot he Rockies as far are we can and then ski a mountain road.  The tracks of a car seem to be a good width for our ski's, or for a more back country experience, Jason will break trail for us. 

So, on New Year's day, we took out our gear only to find that Daniel had now taken over my ski's and Taylor had moved into Daniels old boots.  It didn't deter us, though, and we enjoyed a nice outing (with me on foot) on the west fork of the Teton road. 

Now, as a woman, I would have stopped driving about 300 yards back.  However, men think differently and live on the edge, so, if you look closely, you wills ee Jason;s truck completely stuck.  "Don't worry," he said, "let's ski and then we'll dig out."  So we did...

We skied into Mills Falls campground and did a wee bit of cross-country ski downhill.  Fun!

What a good lookin' group of skiers!  We even tried to make a fire...

By days end, we were all a bit frigid and ready to head home for a nice cup of hot chocolate.

But not before digging out the truck!

Post Holiday Season Post

There is a blizzard outside today.  Actually for 2 days and maybe into number 3.  The numbers are racking up:  8-9 inches of snow, 5 degrees, 30+ mph wind, 2 kids bundled up and off to school, and 1 great husband who shoveled the drifts and packed down the driveway so I could get out.  All in all its the perfect time to blog about Christmas!

We are big Advent people around here.  Lutherans in general really like the buildup of the Advent season and then pour on the emotion on Christmas Eve as we sing "Silent Night" by candlelight.  Our family Advent preparations include a daily devotion, lighting an Advent wreath (at least every Sunday), reading Christmas books regularly, baking goodies for our friends and neighbors, cutting down a tree from the forest, and the list could go on and on.  With the kids active in school and other organizations, Christmas is also the season for parties, concerts and Christmas plays.

This year our primary baking included:

Magic Bars

Ritz Mint Cookies

Santa Cookies

Of course decorating the tree is an important occasion.  Jason and I hang the lights while the kids sort through the ornaments.  At this point, most of them are homemade or hold some special memory.  On certain years, we have a second cowboy tree.

Taylor ready for the school play

Daniel all spiffed up and ready for the play

6th Grade Band- Daniel oboe

It's amazing how far they come in a few months!

Taylor was in the chorus during the play.  She had lots of fun fiddling with her bow on the dress that Grandma made.

Daniel and Delaynie dance during the play

Searching for Mom and Dad.  Those lights are bright!

How they grow!

Taylor's favorite gift- bear hat.

Daniel's fav gift:  drafting set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yep, Christmas is over and New Year's Eve was spent dancing to the entertainment at Times Square (on tv.)  Overall it was a relaxing break and good family time.  We are thankful to move into a new year with health, love and plenty of energy.  Happy New Year!