Relaxation

Hi guys- I took some time off from the markets last week and its been so nice to just chill with kids. We don't have to go anywhere or do anything- all camps and classes have ended and just another week away from school. We got to hang out with some friends Thurs and Friday which was really nice- especially being able to hang out with an adult! For some reason I have been "nesting" the past couple of days (no I am not pregnant thank you very much). Its like I am preparing for winter or something. I have reorganized the kids rooms, hung up more pictures, organized closets, and the best thing of all: I bought a new mattress cover made of memory foam! Whoo hoooo! Who knew that $130 could completely change my life! I love it- its like having a new mattress. Its so comfy and cozy. I also bought a new soft fleece blanket and some jersey sheets. I feel like a princess! So I was thinking about it- I have never bought myself new sheets. Never in the 11 years I have been married. My sheets were always gifts from someone or hand me downs from my mom. Why is that? Weird.

Since I've had all this time we went to the library and I actually checked out books for myself. I am reading The End of Overeating. I am about halfway through it and its very good. It basically explains through research how the restaurant and food industry is purposely selling us food that makes us fat, crave more and become addicted to it through a very scientific concoction of fat and sugar. Very good read. The next one is The China Study- recommended by a friend. It is about how the medical and food industry affect our culture and health.

We (yes I also actually sat down and watched the WHOLE thing) also rented The Frontier House. Summer and I have been wanting to watch this series so I checked at the library and they had it. It is about three families who left their lives to live as they did in the 1880s. We all LOVED this show- especially me and Summer. I think I can truly appreciate it more now that we live in Montana (that was where it was filmed). We actually saw where they trained for it in Virginia City- that's where a lady mentioned it to me. It makes you step back and think about all the things we truly don't need and can live without. Being here has made appreciate the simpler things ( I know -I know- sounds cheezy but its true). I do have to say I miss being near a mall for back to school shopping though!

I am working on losing some pounds I packed on from not exercising consistently since June and just basically eating whatever. You can track my progress or lack thereof on my other blog.

End of summer?

I can't believe its the middle of August! This summer flew by but we did ALOT. From all the volunteering and camps in June, the markets and visitors in July. Its been amazing to spend our first summer here. Our extra time has been spent outdoors and exploring new areas. There are so many beautiful places to visit and so much to do. I am feeling a bit emotional realizing Adam will be in school soon. Its like my little bird leaving the nest. Its strange because I don't remember feeling this way about Summer starting at all. Maybe because I knew I still had another little one to go (in my mind there is no way I will be having any more kids) and also maybe because I know I am starting a new phase in my life. Maturity, getting older, and watching my kids grow? I am also feeling apprehensive about what is next for me. The markets will be done the middle of Sept and my kids will be back to school. I would like to still keep working on the business but in what capacity? I have been looking at spaces for a small deli but I haven't found anything that jumps out at me, I could also go the wholesale route or also just cater. I am waiting to see what God's plan is for me.

We just returned from a little trip to Redlodge, MT and Cody, WY. What a beautiful trip! We drove on the Beartooth Highway- hailed as the most beautiful stretch of highway in the country. I would have to agree but I haven't been on every highway :0) we reached elevations of 11,000 feet above sea level! It was surreal being that high up- literally inside clouds. It was like another planet.

There is something exciting about fall, the first day of school, new clothes and bookbags. I still get jitters thinking that I will be going back to my own classroom. Now I just have jitters for my own kids new adventures and experiences. Hopefully, I can make it special for them (mommy do you HAVE to pictures at school??)

The Weaver by anonymous

My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me
I cannot change the colors
He worketh steadily

Oftimes he weaveth sorrow
And I in foolish pride
Forget he sees the upper
and I the underside

Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why

The dark threads are as needful
In the weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern he has planned

Some insight

I have to admit I had a pretty sucky day yesterday. I was really lonely cooking all by myself and people and things were getting on my nerves. I was in a funk the past two weeks and in a negative mode. You know the one I am talking about- when you focus on NEGATIVE things, situations, and people. I can get consumed by it. Today I think part of that funk lifted and I took a good look around. I have so many people supporting me either physically or mentally with this new adventure. My husband is taking his two ONLY days off to help me, I have friends coming out of the woodwork to offer help, and my own family is very supportive. I heard something on the radio today: be better not bitter. Ya, I can sit and dwell on negatives and I think that's OK but then its time to move on and see what God has waiting.

It's August!

I can't believe its August already although the kiddos don't start until Sept. 1 it means the summer is more than halfway over. Adam will be starting Kindergarten which is beyond exciting for him. I think he is also beyond ready. I am going to miss them this week- they are heading off to horseback riding camp all week which is all day. They are really pumped for it. I hope that its as good experience as they are expecting. I will be cooking all day tomorrow and Tues is the market. That gives me Wed. all to myself! What will I do with myself??? I haven't had 5 minutes to myself since I don't know when. Thinking about trading in my spa gift card Ali got me for christmas- maybe a massage? Dad and Beverly will be Thurs. and are staying for a few days then moving onto some places they will be visiting and then they'll be back the following week.

Wejdan (sister in law) and my mom left last Wed. so I had my first Sat. market on my own this past weekend. I was really nervous about it- don't know why- I know exactly what to do. Guess its just nervewracking knowing that everything falls on my shoulders. It went fine although it wasn't as much fun. Soooooooo cute how Summer wanted to help. She wanted to step in knowing that my help left. She woke up with me at 7:00 am and helped me set up. I told her I would pay her for helping and then she immediately wanted to go to Costco to get a lunch box she saw earlier. She is my little cheerleader- always believing in me and happy for me. I am so blessed with her.

I have a few new ideas for things I would like to sell this week to replace the WONDERFUL pies Wejdan made. I have an aversion to dough- I don't like it and it doesn't like me. So, I am making pita pizzas with spinach, feta, tomato, onion. Also thinking about doing one with hummus and tabouli salad on top. Hmmmmm we'll see.

I'll post some pics from our first fishing trip soon!