Friday November 14, 2008
You know how often you find yourself thinking, “no one told me it would be like this to be a mom.” Sometimes it’s better then you expected. Sometimes it’s worse. Well, every once in awhile I feel this contented little sigh because this moment is just what I dreamed of when I thought of being a mommy.
About two weeks ago we were driving to church Sunday morning amidst glorious sunshine, mild temperatures, and spectacular fall colors. I was so excited and eagerly suggested we go hiking that afternoon. “We don’t have a backpack,” said my ever so practical husband. I was sure we could do it somehow. He did at least advise against hiking up the mountain behind his parent’s house since the trail isn’t exactly clear so we hiked up into National Park area and to the Loft Mountain Overlook (about 4 miles round trip) instead. By the time we had lunch and were on the road it was not sunny anymore and not exactly what you’d call warm. But we loaded up with jackets, a water bottle, stroller, and snugli and headed out. Before we even parked the car we saw a bear. I have to admit, I fear them. David Lee insists they are more afraid of me then I am of them. I’m oh so willing to believe him from the safety of the interior of a car, or a house, or just interior of something other then a jacket. But seeing them in the wild when I have no where to hide scares me terribly. Having two children to protect doesn’t distract me in the least.
So we tramped through the leaves helping Adam notice the fall colors and the way things are turning brown and bare. How noisy the leaves are when you tramp through them and explaining how the Indians could walk so silently no one heard them coming. Listening to robins flying south for the winter. Talking about what National Forest means and why you can’t hunt there. Explaining conscientious objectors and how mommy and daddy’s grandpa’s helped build these rock walls because God doesn’t want us to have enemies and fight other people. Pointing out Grandpa’s house and Simeon’s turkey barns from the mountain top.
Adam walked almost the entire way up until he got too cold and tired. We snuggled the boys into the stroller and the snugli with blankets and as we nearly raced back down the mountainside in the cold and wind (and fear for me because someone stopped to ask if we saw that bear — no, we just heard it 30 feet ago or so) I knew in my heart that this was what I had always envisioned for our family.
On the issue of bears: my husband sounds like your’s, and you sound like me!!
Too bad Liam’s hat isn’t a size or two biger. 😀
That first picture of Adam is so cute and the whole hiking in the leaves thing makes me very jealous. I had no idea I’d miss it so much. I think we could probably find places around here if we’d try. (Or if I’d try really hard and convince the outdoors-y partner of mine.)
Sweet pictures! Makes me think we need to go on a hike. With going out to eat being difficult these days, I suggested a date hike and picnic to John recently. But, your pictures are making me shiver and reminding me that it is actually almost winter!
You are so adventurous!
Is that Adam’s Ireland hat??? I love the first photo! And call me irresponsible, but I think I’d have loved to see the bear!
Do you live close to Faith Mission Home? Just curious cause when we went to visit one of my friends from FMH she took us to a place something like that. I just can’t remember the name of it. I could be all wet though. It’s definately happened before!!=)
Looks cold, I think I’ll stay close to the woodstove. 🙂
@Anitajoyyoder – that’s Adam’s Ireland hat. Can you tell I can hardly wait for Liam to grow into it? 😉
@nabears – Yes, that’s close to FMH and it’s probably the very same place you hiked. Did you see any bears?