Elk Camp 2013

This post might just drop jaws but I'm ok with that, I figure I'm 8 months pregnant and entitled to have a melt down every now and then. I have come to despise the elk hunt; there I said it now someone hurry and shoot me! I only go for support because it's my husband and son's passion, the one thing they look forward to and dream about every year. Let me just say if I didn't love them both as much as I do, I would rather be raped by an elk than go on this chaotic trip. Once July hits in our household the topic of conversation seems to revolve around "the elk hunt." I seldomly get to poop in our house uniterrupted as is but when you have a 13 year old yelling something about washing his clothes in scentless detergent through the door it really just makes you want to put some camo on and track for miles through the woods in the pelting rain. I actually might enjoy "the hunt" more if it wasn't so much work for the women. We are the constant caregivers/entertainers for all the kids, we cook, eat, and clean up around the men's hunting schedules. I'm not saying the men don't do anything because they do and their sole purpose for being there is to KILL. If it weren't for being able to kill elk some of our kids mind come up missing. It simply isn't what most women would consider a relaxing weekend trip espeically after you've cleaned out poopy undies from your 3 year old deciding to poop in the woods, scraped mud from every nook, cranny, and crevice and have frozen your (<<<<< insert bad word here) off. Will I continue on this hunting journey absolutely because let's face it LOVE makes us do crazy things.

Arrrrrrrr Jr. High Pirate

It's hard to believe that Kaleb started the 8th grade this year and boy has it kept him on the go "constantly." The football season started before school did. For these Jr. High boys, football is like having a part time job. They spend anywhere from 15-20 hours a week on the football field between practicing and games. Every time I take a good gander at Kaleb, it looks like he's lost another 5 lbs. He no longer looks like a lineman even though he plays offensive/defensive line as a guard. He would indeed eat us out of house and home from all the extra calories he's shedding daily. One of the football coaches recently returned from Iraq and has placed huge focus on conditioning these boys into shape. Thus far it's been a losing season :( the boys won 1 game and have played their little hearts out. One of my greatest joys is cheering on my kids from the side lines; watching them pour their heart and soul into something they are passionate about makes all the tedious things in life fade away. Kaleb, no matter where you go or what you do (unless its bad enough that I want to beat you) I will always be your #1 fan.

Kimbree Jo

My Sweet Little Kimbree, I know that you aren’t born yet but before we know it you will be here and our lives will be blessed times 10. There are so many things that await you on the outside; you will be the line that completes our family circle. We can’t wait to see you for the first time and hold you tight in our arms and close to our hearts. I’m sure it won’t take long before we start picking apart different traits and features that you have and pin point where you got them from. You are already so active it will be interesting to see what you are like once you aren’t confined to being inside my belly. Your movements and stretches are getting much stronger and are often painful causing me to wince. You measure big and even though people say that “I’m not that BIG,” I’m more than certain you will be tipping the scales at 9 lbs. when you make your arrival. Since you are my last pregnancy, I’m trying super hard to revel and enjoy all of the last little pieces of pregnancy but I will be the first to admit that it’s not easy. You are sitting really low in my pelvis so it hurts to walk and change positions daily although I do think the exercise has helped the pain somewhat. I’m at the point now that trying to get comfortable enough to sleep is next to impossible and I would kill for a daily nap to catch up on some zzzz’s. I’m so anxious to see what your personality will be like and pray that you are mellow and mild tempered but don’t expect those qualities. More than anything I hope that you are happy, healthy, and vibrant. I hope that no matter where life takes you that you will always know that you are cherished and loved beyond belief. Keep growing big and strong sweet pea and I will be rocking you in my arms before you know it! XOXO Mom