Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Simply Grateful

Five days in the mountains has refreshed and refocused me.

No internet
No cell service (yes, there are still places where cell phones won’t work)
No responsibilities
No makeup or hair products

I’ve also been roughing it.

No dishwasher
No washer/dryer
No counter space to cook
No skillet (I had to improvise and use a 9x13 metal pan to make cheese crisps)

I missed my bed. I missed my man. I missed my three oldest kids. And I missed my dishwasher. But I reveled in the time I had to sleep with the windows open, listening to the wind through the aspens and rain on the metal roof. I focused on my four little kids and enjoyed them. We did little kid things, without the fear of eye-rolling teenagers in the background, poisoning our fun. We rode our bikes all over, hiked up and down the steep hills, played games for hours on end, picked flowers and threw rocks, waded rivers, made cookies, and even cooked s’mores in the rain over the propane grill on the porch.

I spent time thinking, studying, reflecting, and playing. I watched Evie learn to crawl and pull herself up to the couch, taught her to say “Mama” and play pat-a-cake. I witnessed Hyrum’s joy in his first shower, mountain dirt filtering down the drain. I chuckled at Micah’s competitive streak as he tried to race his sister on their bikes—and frequently beat her. I listened to Lily’s rainshower song: “I’m takin’ a shower, and no one can stop me. So pass me the shampoo and conditioner” shouted from atop a picnic table during a downpour.

I enforced quiet time but relaxed on bedtime. And it was okay.

I wish I could express in words what this week has meant to me.

Thank You, God, for creating this beautiful place where I could make such beautiful memories with my kids.



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14 comments:

  1. Well, Jen, I think you managed very well to get across the particular joy you took in this time away with your littles. No photos, just heartfelt words - it's really why I read blogs.

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  2. Sounds wonderful. There's nothing quite like the mountains, is there? I'm glad you got to do this with your kids.

    =)

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  3. What a wonderful way to spend time with your kids. Very nice post. :)

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  4. That sounds just perfect!
    "The wind through the aspens"...felt like I was there!
    There is nothing quite like a camping vacation to bring the family even closer. Love all the memories you captured in this post.
    Enjoy the day

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  5. Sounds heavenly to me Jen! Good old fashion fun...the kind of memories that will stick around forever in your children.

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  6. Sounds so good right now, I'm wishing such a place existed for me! Glad you had a wonderful time, welcome back to hot and muggy! Did you think to bring the rain back with you?

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  7. Sounds like your best summertime activity yet!

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  8. There is truly something rejuvenating and refreshing about nature!

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  9. Ah to escape all the noise and chaos of everyday life.

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  10. Sometimes it is so nice to be able to get away and hear nothing but the breeze and the little ones - So glad you were able to renew!

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  11. Ahhhh... There can never be enough time spent like that! I am so glad you got to go and enjoy. I head out on Monday... and there IS a dishwasher.

    PS Missed you :)

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  12. It's like girl's camp with only with your littles instead. I love it!

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  13. Sounds like you had a perfect getaway with your kids :) !00% focus on them and only them. They are very lucky to have a mom like you :)

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