We tote guns.

I am going to ignore the big ugly fact that I NEVER keep up on this blog anymore. A whole summer has gone by...and it was a busy one. Wedding after wedding, working in the park (sooo fun) and a marriage that has been steadily rebuilding after surviving a near divorce. Very VERY close call and I am still not sure I want to discuss it. I think it may be too fragile still, but just know that we are invested, it is getting better, and progress, while slow, is evident. Sooo...enough of that. There HAD to have been something that prompted me to park myself at the computer and log onto blogspot.com after all this time, right? Wrong. Unless you count 3 glasses of wine and a Husband who tends to fall asleep EVERY time he puts Eldon to bed. I'm bored. Boredom prompted me to post a picture from our day on Facebook though, and it wasn't until I posted it that I realized how many people on my friends list might not understand or might even disapprove. Many of the people that I know on Facebook live in Seattle or neighboring areas. Not many of the graduating seniors from my 2005 class ventured out to live life in the slow lane. I doubt that most of them own guns...at least legally anyway.

This is the picture. My 3 year-old and I...both toting guns on our nature walk today.

At first, I thought it was adorable. Then-the me from three years ago came back to haunt my slightly altered (red wine...Cabernet Sauvignon to be exact) mind. You know the "me" I am talking about...that crazy girl who was a MUCH better Mom before she actually had kids. (I'm sure you know a few of those.) The "me" who was sticking to her guns about never letting her child actually play with a pretend one. As you can see from the picture, I lost that argument, and this doesn't happen often, but Nate was right. Shhhh...pretend like you didn't see that. Yes, it said that Nate was right. Ok, Ok. NATE WAS RIGHT. Kids can and SHOULD play with guns when they are growing up in households like ours, and most other Montana families.

Eldon is at this glorious age where he actually gets it. Ahhh...the neverending "whys" of a three year old. It.is.constant. The good part? You answer the "Why" and he understands the answer and remembers. He proudly boasts at night time that the moon comes out at night because the earth is moving around the sun. All because one night, the "why" game continued....and continued...and continued...until I finally explained to him why it was actually getting dark out, resulting in bedtime. I knew it would give him something to ponder for a moment, and buy me some breath. Likewise, he is finally at an age where we can not only allow him to play with guns, but use them as a training tool. We are gun owners. We have been since he was born, and have taken necessary precautions to keep him safe, both from the guns and the dangers we use the guns to protect us from. We keep the majority of our guns unloaded and locked up. I keep a pistol by my bedside to protect from intruders and wear it when we hike or go a long distance into the woods to protect us from bears, wolves, mountain lions or other Montana neighbors. As a result of the loaded gun, Eldon has never been allowed in our room alone and the door is locked when nobody is in it. We are very carefully trying to encourage proper gun use, as well as instilling a respect and fear (for now) of guns into our son.

We have established rules. He is three, of course, and these rules get broken on occasion but each time they do, there is an opportunity for discussion opening up and we are jumping in there to take advantage of it. If Eldon points his gun at a person, his gun gets taken away. In keeping with his daily rythmn, he asks a question along the lines of "Why can't I point it at people?" and so our son has learned that guns hurt people and that they can go off on accident, which is why we don't touch them unless we absolutely need to. Along with this comes some tricky tip-toeing and lessons that are questionable for a three year old to be learning. Eldon, like Nate and I, has been witness to every hunting season. Last year he sat in the garage watching as we cut and packaged the deer and elk that Nate had killed. This year he learned that to get the deer into our freezer, it must be shot. He also learned that shooting a deer hurts it. I haven't quite venutred into the "killing" territory, partly because I don't have the words and partly because I don't think he would understand it even if I did. I think it can wait. For now, we are educating our son about the simple fact that guns are dangerous. So far, it's working. While on that walk today, Eldon was carrying his toy gun back to the truck when he accidentally hit the trigger. His gun makes a pretend noise that made him jump back and look to me with worry written all over his face. Good. It sounds tough and harsh, but good.

Not only is this preparing our beautifully fearless and naive child, but it is preparing me. As he grows, he will become less fearless and less naive. I want my son to stay innocent as long as he can, but he will start to fear. He will start to worry and grasp that there are dangers in the world. Is it a bad thing? I don't know...and I don't really think so. I watch the Mama deer tread carefully around here with their vulnerable spotted fawns and think of how helpless they must feel. Predators are everywhere, but their instincts are strong, both doe and fawn alike. The fawns jump and run away when they hear us crunching leaves and snapping twigs. They wait patiently for their Mama to catch up. They know. The same fawns we caught first glimpse of this last Spring and they already know. My son was brought into the world over three years ago and is just NOW grasping the fact that there are things in this world that can hurt him. Why? Because he asks. Because I answer somewhat truthfully. "A bear might think you are food, so stay close to Mom."

So now he knows...guns are dangerous. They require proper storage and careful carrying to work for us, instead of against us. Even his play guns require permission to use. Nate is waiting patiently to buy Eldon his first BB Gun and although he wanted to before he was even born, we know that this way-it will be special. An earned right of passage for an 8....or 10...or 15 year old Montana boy. Until then, we are basking in the magic that is three years old and working carefully to shape the responsible adolescent gun owner that is waiting for us in the future. 

Fishing made easy

So I am going to ignore the big obvious fact that I haven't blogged in about a month. Sorry. I suck. There will be a catch up post later but I am going to skip that now and dive right into this one.

I was blessed. lucky, spoiled, whatever you want to call it growing up spending my summers in Montana. My Grandma stocked coolers full of goodies, loaded us up almost every day and took us to the lake. My Grandpa dedicated the nicest days to pulling us on tubes behind the boat for endless hours, and teaching us how to fish. We ice fished, we trolled, we fished for perch, for rainbow, for salmon, and usually for cutthroat. My brothers and I were young when we learned how to cast, reel, and gut our own fish. We were young when we experienced both the thrill of watching that bobber sink under and the pride of eating the fish we caught for dinner, even though Grandma was the one who cooked it to perfection. (incase you were wondering, my favorite is still with butter, onion, and garlic salt wrapped in tin foil over the campfire.)

I knew before I even became pregnant that the picture perfect childhood was held in my own memories, and that that was the childhood I wanted to create for my own children. I can't describe the feeling of watching my son splash around on the same family beach I splashed around on, sit on the same Grandpa's lap I used to sit on and "drive" the boat with the same excitement I felt when I was the one steering.

So, taking my kid fishing is a big deal to me. I want him to have those memories and feel the same excitement that I did as a kid. I want him to remember the conversations he had with Nate while they sat there uninterrupted, feet and lines in the water.

At 3 years old, patience is not exactly an age appropriate skill. Fishing is a test of patience most places, but not where we took him the other day. On Monday, we took Eldon to PineGrove Pond to test it out, test out the casting skills he has been working on, and see how he liked fishing. If you haven't been there, GO. Especially if you have young ones. The land was very generously donated by a family to be utilized as a family fishing pond. The pond itself is beautifully landscaped, the entire area is quiet and beautiful and the fish are biting something fierce. We just kept reeling them in! We were catching small rainbow trout, but heard rumors swirling of an 11 pounder that came out of there a few weeks ago. (You know how fishing tales go, I can't exactly be quoted or quote anybody on that one.)

Eldon was so excited to reel in fish after fish and not so excited once he got them out of the water. Something about a slimy, floppy, live animal that made him uneasy....but even though he couldn't hide his nerves, he was absolutely fascinated. He would carefully inch toward the fish and try to help Nate get the hook out. He would stare without blinking after we threw it back and announce to us when it finally swam away. He counted out three salmon eggs and handed them to us one by one as we baited his hook. (Those fishing with worms were not having the same kind of luck-just a tip!)

The fact that we now have this lovely little gem of a fishing hole is a perfect excuse to take your kid fishing or even go sit alone for awhile! Watching the osprey plunge into the water and successfully fly away with dinner clenched in their talons is worth the trip alone. We saw alot of succesful birds while we were there too.

Anybody can fish there with the appropriate license, but it's catch and release. Kids 15 and under are allowed to keep one fish each.

To get there, turn on Rose Crossing and look for the new brown FWP signs, turn at that road and follow it down to the pond.

A HUGE thank you to the lovely family that found the benefits of taking your kids fishing great enough to donate such a generous portion of their own land. PLEASE be aware of that when you go. This is such a great opportunity for our kids, I would hate to see it lost because people can't clean up after themselves or behave responsibly.

So GO! Take your kids fishing!!! Take pics and send them to liveandloveinmt@gmail.com. :) I would love to start fun posts featuring your adventure photos!

Dear Mom,

Dear Mom,

When you told me that justice would be served only in the event that I had a little girl who behaved in the same independent, confident, opinionated, sassy way I did as a child, I shuddered. I thought I was safe when the Doctor pointed at an obvious "boy part" on the ultrasound screen. Turns out, there is no safe and don't you worry, justice has been served.
Becoming a Mother, especially to a wild, strong-willed, independent, stubborn child of my own, has upped the level of gratitude and love I have for you significantly...and it was alot to begin with.

I have always known I had a special kind of Mom. Among other things that made your awesomeness obvious, were the grown ups coming up to me and making sure I knew how lucky I was to have you. It happened all the time, family members and strangers just wanting to make sure I knew how amazing you were. Then as I got older, those people were no longer random adults, they were my friends. At 10, the kids wished they had the same cool homemade Halloween costumes we had. They talked about how fun and funny you were. In high school, I heard alot about how hot you are. Flattering for you, disturbing for me. Aside from the hormonal boys who thought they were men though, I still heard alot about what amazing parents I had. Our friends jumped at a dinner invitation because they knew that sitting around the dinner table with the Walter/Downing family was a glimpse into something that was rare, genuine, and seemingly entertaining. There was no "How was school?" "Fine." There was laughter, love, and real conversation that flowed naturally. A seat at our dinner table was a preview for them, but we knew the real story. The full picture of the family that was shaped by a woman who is everything I hope to be.

I now know that you probably see our childhood differently than I do. I have this memory of being SO excited that I got to go to school with you. I pretended like I was older, and actually comprehending what the professor was teaching as I sat next to you doodling on a notepad (a yellow one, I knew those meant business.) I didn't know then that as a 20-something single mother to 3 children, a babysitter probably backed out and you had no choice but to drag me along to one of the college courses you were taking in addition to the job you held. Being a Mom can be hard. It can be even harder when you are faced with the challenges that you have overcome. Thank you, Mom, for never making me feel like a burden. For never letting on how broke we were and making us feel like we had it all. In all reality, we did.  

I was given the rare gift of a flawless childhood, and as an adult I am reminded how lucky I am to have you as my Mom. We were custom made for eachother and our relationship is one that I know is also a rare gift. I can't articulate the overwhelming gratitude that I feel for you when I think back to just this last year alone. You going crazy in the kitchen on my wedding day. You shaving my legs while I was on bedrest in the hospital. You holding my hand as I gave birth to a child that I had already lost. You just being there. All the time. Always when I need you most. Always knowing the right things to say, always knowing when to say nothing at all.

I am so thankful for you. For the sacrifices you made, and continue to make and the beautiful woman and role model you are. To be told that I am like my mom is the highest compliment I could ever recieve. I love you, Mom.

Love,
Jenelle

The death of Bin Laden- a poem

I am seldom at a loss for words. Usually, the problem is that I have too MUCH to say, not too little. I have alot to say tonight, as we learn of the death of a man who never should have walked this earth in the first place. This is not a tribute, sometimes my thoughts just flow better through poetry.

Nobody cried on the day that you died.

There will be no coping or healing.

For any of the few, that stood behind you,

are not capable, themselves, of feeling.

A celebration of death? A strange feeling,

though you know it all too well.
You leave nothing behind but a trail of blood,

and now you follow that trail to hell.

Sacrifice, you know nothing of,

for you'll never step in dignified shoes,

We hope that in the moments before you died,

you felt what it's like to lose.

In the grand scheme of it all, you are but small.

Insignificant as a grain of sand.

Given far too much credit, yet far too weak,

at the mercy of a soldier's hands.

Some say it's too late? Your evil, your hate,

has already been sowed and seeded.

It spreads through your land, in your follower's hands

but they too, will soon be defeated.

Oh but you, not worthy of a soul,

not worthy of a name or this poem.

How you died in vain, finally slain,

your life a waste of it's own.

With your death comes celebration,

we hail your end, your fall

With renewed faith in our Nation.

With liberty and justice for all.

****To those who fight for our freedom: Thank you.****

Quit Bitchin'

So I have been kind of a debbie downer lately. I think it is a mix of cool new things being so close yet still out of reach. I need some patience and probably some more wine in my life. While I wait for this long-stemmed glass to perform the always faithful magic trick of picking me up, here is a list of things that make me smile recently...

1. Today while in line at the store, Eldon proudly proclaimed to the cashier "I farted!"

2. Race season starts tomorrow. (Technically next weekend.) There is something about the smell of burnt rubber mixed with cheap beer that just feels like summer.

 3. I am actually making significant progress with my two charity projects I am working on and was recently inspired to take a leap and start my own foundation. Wish me luck!

4. I just shopped Easter clearance and got the goodie bags filled for Eldon's "upcoming" (July) Birthday Party for next to nothing. Best find? Mini magic 8-balls...a pack of 4 for 50 CENTS! The price is not only exciting because it is two quarters. Every time I get a crazy deal on something, I make Nate guess how much I got it for. Even if it was a new car, he would guess "50 cents" just so I HAD to say "higher." Not this time, sucker!

5. I also got myself a pack of Reese's eggs...and ate two already.

6. Tomorrow is date night...oh the possibilities.

7. May is just a month of goodness for us (me). Mother's Day, my Birthday, and the first camping trip of the year always come around in May. This year is extra special, as May 12 is also Emerson's due date. While we are still and forever will be missing him, I am looking forward to setting his ashes free to rest among one of our favorite places.

8. Watching Nate and Eldon play. Enough said.

9. This wine now.

10. The big goofy hats worn at the royal wedding. Oh jeez I love the hats. Why is that NOT American custom?

11. Cleared clutter and took a carload of old stuff over to Grandma's house for the garage sale. I can almost breathe in this house again!

12. Starbucks double shot on ice with  no classic and 2 scoops of vanilla bean.

13. Our new toaster oven. It's totally rockin' my recipe world.

14. Garage Sale season! Farmer's Market! (Including the new one that is going to be at the old drive in movie theatre in Columbia Falls!)

15. A Husband waiting for me to come to bed...Good Night!

My House-Where a kid can be a kid.

Welcome to my house. In my bathroom, there is lipstick on the mirror. There are toys in the bathtub and a potty seat on the toilet for my *gasp* almost 3 year old who is just beginning to potty train, regardless of all of the people who feel the need to mention how he has been old enough for a year now. Make-up sits demolished on the counter because it doubles as facepaint when Eldon decides he wants to be a cat. I am steadily tripping over the stool that was strategically purchased so Eldon could "see mine mouth" while he brushed his teeth. This all takes place without a single rule being broken. Yes, we allow it. Fair warning to all guests: I will clean the bathroom before you arrive but there is a child who lives in this house...and we allow him to be a child.

This warning is also issued to all people who may come into contact with us in public. I don't "shhh" my son when he sings loudly in the shopping cart. I ignore the eyeroll of the waitress when when she has to spend an extra 5 seconds at our table so Eldon can order for himself. I let Eldon open the door by himself even when there is an impatient shopper waiting behind us to get in/out of the store. He is 2, I guess I just sorta expect people to understand.

In the era of "Your Baby Can Read," it seems that parents are forgetting what a treasure childhood truly is. The whole idea of pushing your child out of diapers and into adulthood at the earliest possible age is not an idea that I share. The other day at the library, we sat next to a woman who told me that they were also in the potty training process. Her daughter is 1. ONE. Since when do we require our infants to conduct themselves as adults?

I find myself a bit conflicted. Should we make sure that our children are learning to their full potential? How do I separate that from pushing them out of their current stage before they are ready? I was consumed with pride the day Eldon started walking. The day he learned his ABC's. I would have been just as excited and proud to see those first steps, though, if they had taken place a few months later and that's where I think parents lose themselves. It's a race to beat the "average" and an overall effort to make our kids grow up faster when it already goes by so quick. Whatever happened to the appeal of Neverneverland?

As we sprint neck in neck for the smartest, strongest child, we are forgetting that they're children. Children were made to explore and express themselves in ways that we could and should be learning from. Instead I witness parents squashing imagination rather than nurturing it. How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! They hush their kids and expect them to behave in a manner that is usually reserved for the stiff I-own-all-white-furniture-and-wear-big-hats-type-people.
We teach them to ask nicely, yet we yank forbidden toys right from their tiny little fingers. (This SO bugs me.) We teach them not to hit, yet we spank them when they break rules. I understand that children need to be respectful of adults. I also understand, though, that respect is earned and often confused with obedience. Just because a child responds with robot-like obedience to everything a parent says, does not mean that the child respects their parent. Respecting children is just as important. The whole "Children should be seen and not heard" mentality can suck it. Children should be heard, and if you listen, you might actually learn something. I admire Eldon's ability to challenge Nate and I when he thinks we are being unfair. I know that if we can teach him to do so respectfully, it will be one of his strong suits in the future.

I cuddle Eldon every time he drinks one of his two daily sippy cups of milk. I lay in bed with him rubbing his back until he is asleep. I kiss his owies. I bought him a doll. I am not making him a "Mama's Boy." I am not MAKING him anything. He will do that on his own. I am simply responding to the needs he has at this stage in his life, as I will continue to do for many more stages. So far, it seems to be working. I am so proud of the adorable, sweet, and smart little guy I get to call mine. He opens doors, says please and thank you, and asks people if they are O.K. when they appear hurt. Not because it's a rule but because he sees Nate and I do it and just assumes it's what you do.

This is rather long, but the idea was brought up at last week's "Wild Women Wednesday" and I have been thinking about it alot lately. Where to find the balance. I have come to the conclusion that we are just going to continue on our same path and parenting style, although I am now much more aware of whether I am simply encouraging, or pushing too hard in certain situations. I am so grateful for the wonderful women I know and am getting to know who ignited this discussion. Lots of thoughts, probably some rambling. Sorry. Go spoil your babies!

SPRING(ish) THINGS

We have just not been doing much these last few days. The weather has been so unpredictable that I pack sunscreen on the way to the park and end up needing to bundle Eldon up with a winter coat when we get there. I know, this is nothing new. Welcome to "Spring" in Montana which is really just a half winter/half summer instead of a season all it's own. Eldon has been parading around the house in his new rain boots, which is very convenient for when that small burst of sunshine peeks through and we need to run outside and soak it all up before it's gone again and we die from vitamin D deficiency.
We have been killing the time by going craft-crazy and spring cleaning. Eldon is an art fanatic like his Mama. At least once a day he requests his "art stuff" and I am a sucker for holiday crafts. Call it what you want, I am the person everybody loves to hate that fully participates in every "Hallmark Holiday" as well as contributing to the commercialization of the real ones. I have a cookie cutter in every shape known to man and I actually use them. A lot. This last week we have made cookies shaped like eggs, bunnies, dragonflies, butterflies, and flowers in the hopes that Mother Nature might pick up on a not-so-subtle hint for once. (It didn't work, I am pretty sure that more snow is in the forecast for tonight.)

So if anybody is looking for some projects other than coloring eggs this weekend, here are a few that have both suppressed the boredom and served as adorable Spring decor all over our house. The best part? These are all insanely cheap to make.

1. Painted Pots. I grabbed a few of these pots on sale for $1.00 each this winter. I needed a project that would keep Eldon busy while I was busy building in the garage. I just flipped it over on some newspaper, gave him some paints and a brush and let him go to town. I plan on using them for herbs this summer, but for right now we are sporting the ever so classy dollar-store carnations.

2. Handprint Wreath. We have done this for numerous holidays including Thanksgiving and Christmas. Even though I do most of the work, Eldon proudly points any and all visitors in the direction of the finished product so he can show it off.

Here's how we made it...

1. Trace your child's hand onto a piece of card stock to use as a stencil. Cut it out. Stack some construction paper in your desired colors and cut out roughly 20 hands. This works best if you only use all left hand or all right hand.

2. Glue the hands together alternating the colors however you like. It helps to lay them out first.

3. Embellish with whatever you have on hand. We have used buttons, rhinestones, bells, etc. This year we made little eggs by gluing tissue paper pieces to construction paper and then cutting out the egg shape after it dried. Like this:

You will notice that whether you carefully glue every little piece into place (me) or smash fistfulls onto paper (Eldon) it turns out pretty much the same. One reason this is an all age craft.

Last year, I just had Eldon fingerpaint Easter colors all over a piece of paper and I cut out eggs from that. I just happened to have some extra tissue paper this year so we gave this way a try and I like it way better.


3. Frames. We got this kit from the dollar store. It makes three frames. Pretty self explanatory. Eldon glued all of the pieces together while I watched and helped him decide where to put them. And what kid doesn't LOVE glue?

4. Handprints. Easy and as holiday-adaptable as a sugar cookie. I catch Eldon trying to make handprints on his own while he is painting so it is never a struggle to get him to cooperate. If it is a struggle for your kids, do feet instead.

5. Sugar cookies! I didn't take a picture of our finished project but I use this recipe with success.

That's all, I will try to share crafty ideas more often as I learn about them and/or make them up.

Happy Easter Flathead!

Events & Deals- April 16th

The internet Gods just blessed with me a surprise connection. I spent over an hour on the phone today with our wireless provider's tech support, clicking on ten million things to no avail. They eventually told me that the router we just purchased is a dud and I had plans on taking it in tomorrow morning for a new one.
After putting Eldon to sleep at 7:30, I was bored enough to attempt troubleshooting alone and would you look at that? I am a genius. Who needs tech support?
I figured I better do something productive with this sweet little surprise so here is some cool stuff going on tomorrow as well as some kickass deals. You may want to get your coffee ready (or just stop by Montana Coffee Traders on the way...even better) because there is alot going down tomorrow, starting bright and early. Yes, 9am is bright and early for us on Saturdays.



 !Events!

Kalispell Farmers Market-Yes! Finally! Starts at 9am in the mall parking lot. I better leave there with some bacon.

Child Safety Fair- At the fairgrounds, starts at 9am as well.

Indoor Rummage Sale- to benefit the West Valley Volunteer Fire and Rescue. Starts at 8am at 2399 Whitefish Stage Rd. GREAT CAUSE!

(on a side note, my family is currently collecting donations for a rummage sale to help fund an uncle's kidney transplant. He just lost his insurance coverage and is pretty much next in line. If you have anything to donate, shoot me an email at liveandloveinmt@gmail.com. Thanks!)

Whitefish Gear Swap- at 3rd and Central. Buy or trade gear such as skis, skates, climbing gear, golf clubs, bikes, and much much more! Starts at 9am and I would get there then before all of the good stuff is gone!

Montanas Noxious Weeds Workshop- at Lonepine State Park. 1:00pm. I'm sure the cool folks at LP can make even a talk about noxious weeds fun. It IS free!

Walmart (I loathe Walmart. I will never feature anything from them unless it is absolutely free. We choose not to shop there for ethical reasons and in an effort to support our local businesses) is offering free Easter photos tomorrow and Sunday.

!Deals!

Beauty:
Soucie and Soucie Salon always has something awesome going on. Like them on Facebook to keep up.  They often list "one-day" specials that are so worth it.
Right now they have 2 things I totally ADORE:
1. Feather extensions for $8.00 each
2. A "Princess Package." where for only $99.00, you can choose three of the following:
         *spa pedicure
         *spa manicure
         *signature facial
         *1 hr. massage
         *haircute and style
Sounds amazing, right? I don't have the details for how long that package is being offered.

Home Decor:
The Real Deal Store in Kalispell is offering 15% off of your favorite item and 25% off of all Easter decor. They are only open on Thursdays and Saturdays so you must go in tomorrow to get the deal. If you haven't been there before, tomorrow is a great day to check it out because I heard a rumor they are also serving ice cream. You will fall in love with EVERYTHING in that store.

Food/ Grocery:
Super 1 always seems to be where it's at. I picked the items featured in their ad that I thought were the cheapest compared to the normal dollar amount.
*green or red leaf lettuce- .68 cents each
*pirates booty (Eldon's favorite)- $1.98 each
*yellow or zucchini squash- .98 cents/lb
*organic green onions-.58 cents each
*daffodils by the bunch (10 ct.) $1.98 each. (When I was there the other day they also had tulips, which I bought for myself. So worth the 2 bucks.)

Mountain Valley foods-While I dont have na ad for tese guys in front of me at the moment, I was just in there yesterday and noticed they had some great sales going on.

Albertsons has tillamook yogurt right now for .44 cents each. That's a steal. While you are there, please fill out a request form for certified humane eggs!




That's all I have for now. Like "It's a Flathead Thing" on Facebook. I tend to post last minute deals there when I hear about them.

Happy Weekend!

2011 Hunting Season-Part 1

If your household is anything like mine, the term "hunting season" is a crock. That would imply that there was an off-season and most of us Montanans know what a silly idea that would be. Psshhh....off-season.

While Nate and I both grew up in hunting families, I am not nearly the extremist he is. I will never understand his need to hang animal skulls on our already limited (apartment) wall space, or his need for new camo every year. (Oh what? Because that other set that looks just like leaves and branches is sooooo last year?)

I do appreciate the thrill of the hunt, the scenery, the hiking, and most of all the meat. I love to share this hobby (ok....lifestyle) with my Husband. It's amazing how hiking through a dark forest and spending the entire day side by side in almost complete silence can strengthen a marriage. Don't ever repeat that last line in front of your manly mountain man, though. I once noted to Nate, as the sun was coming up and we were high on a ridge of Ashley Lake, how romantic it was. I was answered with a head shake, and a "Shut Up" that would have gotten him in trouble if he hadn't strategically placed a smirk on his face just in time.

Why am I writing about hunting in April? Tis the season for deadlines. Don't miss out on applying for the license/special permit you want. The deadline for Spring Black Bear just passed us up on April 14th. (I know, I should have written this sooner, right? Sorry.) You can try again for Fall on August 31st.
If you are putting in for Bison, Moose, Bighorn Sheep, or Mountain Goats, the deadline is May 2, 2011.
All Supertag deadlines are either in June or July.

For more information and precise dates, CLICK HERE

As luck would have it, I fell "victim" to the new law requiring all persons born after 1985 to complete a Hunter Education course. I was 21 and stuffing my postpartum body into a desk built for the elementary school students who usually occupied the classroom. Lucky for me, I was placed in a class for those 15 and older. (If only sarcasm could be typed.) On our "field day" we were mixed with other classes. It was there that my 8 year old peers and I shot at targets, tracked fake blood, and identified noxious weeds. If you need to sign up for a class, first of all-it sucks to be you. Second of all, you can find the schedules here:

Hunter Education Course Schedule

Ok, let's be fair. It is only a few days. I did learn a few things and I am happy to be able to hunt. Kids will enjoy the course and even if your child doesn't plan on hunting this season, they can benefit from the gun safety, wilderness knowledge, and ethics talks.



As the official "season" approaches, I will be writing a little more about hunting, meat processing, etc. Until then, bust out those maps and start scouting. If you haven't hunted before, consider it. Really. Pull out a lb of last season's harvest and make this recipe, taken from the "The Magic that is Montana-an FWP cookbook"
I have no idea how old this cookbook is. I purchased it at a yard sale a few years ago. I have scoured the pages looking for the date that it was published and have been unsuccessful.

Spicy Curry

Ingredients:
4 cups cooked cubed venison 
2 large, firm apples
2 medium yellow onions
2 Tbl olive oil
4 cloves minced garlic
2Tbl flour
2 Tbl curry powder
3 cups chicken stock
2 cups plain yogurt
Extra spices to taste (optional): cayenne, cumin, tumeric, and chili powder

Instructions:
Chop the apples and onions coarsely. Saute the onions and garlic in olive oil on medium heat until the onions are translucent. Add the apples and continue to saute for about 5 minutes. Add the flour and curry powder and stir to coat the ingredients. Add the chicken broth and let this mixture cook and thicken as you stir for about 10 minutes. Stir in the cubed meat and optional spices and cook for another 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, and stir in the yogurt until all of the ingredients are blended. Serve over rice with any of the following on top: sliced bananas, shredded coconut, chopped peanuts, sunflower seeds, chopped green onions, chopped bacon, raisins or chutney.

Note: Curries come in all varieties and potentcies-from mild to very hot. This is a spicy mixture with a symphony of flavors.

Submitted by Wendy Kamm
Division: Law enforcement
Region 4

I am ALWAYS looking for new and inventive ways to prepare venison and/or elk. If you have a recipe to share, PLEASE send it to me at liveandloveinmt@gmail.com . I would be more than happy to test it and post it on here. If we can generate enough interest, I am hoping for a game meat recipe contest in the future.

Summer Fun at GNP

Well, I made it about a year. Around this same time last year, our family was looking forward to huge changes when Nate took a job in North Dakota and I quit mine to be a stay at home Mom. Again, we are looking forward to huge changes as I begin working again and Eldon starts daycare for the first time.
I just got my official job offer in the mail yesterday from West Glacier Merc. and signed next to "yes, I accept" with more hesitation than I had anticipated. Did the attached letter really say that I would be starting May 16th?!?!

I worked as a waitress at the West Glacier Cafe the first summer I lived in Montana. I was 18, lived with my Grandparents just minutes away from the park, and had the energy of...well, an 18 year old. That was the summer I met Nate, and let's just say, I am just not the same girl who used to serve him open faced roast beef sandwiches in 2006.  Babies, growing up, and life have aged me a bit (I said a BIT) and I am a little nervous to tie on that old blue apron and work harder than I have EVER worked before. If you think I am overestimating the labor, just come in for lunch mid-July.  You'll see.

The benefits of the hard work are worth the sore feet though. In terms of fun, I always felt like I was at summer camp for adults. Experiencing Glacier National Park this way is something special. The tourists who come from all over the world, always seemed to leave a piece of their hometown with me when they left. I am looking forward to learning as much as I did the first time.

I am slightly nervous to send Eldon to daycare (mostly because I haven't even found one yet) but more excited that anything. He is going to THRIVE in a daycare. He is a social butterfly like his Mama and craves knowledge. I know he will make lifelong friends due to the fact that this is a small town where people never leave because..why would you?

We both so need this and not because I don't enjoy staying at home. I do. But because although it's sweet to say we are everything we will ever need, that's just not true. Eldon can't provide me with adult interaction and the kind of socializing I need. Although I try, I can't think like a 3 year old and I get tired of blocks. all. the. time. We can plan activities and go places every day but the bottom line is that we are bored. Eldon especially.

As kids age, so do their needs.  I am thankful for our ability to just roll with it and for the opportunity to stay at home with Eldon when he was young and needed it most. Being able to parent from many perspectives already, has helped shape me as a Mom and a person. I no longer judge. I have been a stay at home Mom, a part time working Mom, and am gearing up for my first full time job since Eldon was born. (I just had to reread that after I typed it, has it really been 3 years since I worked full time?) I no longer think that working is harder than staying at home. I will no longer sit at work wishing that I could stay at home because in all reality, I could.  I am choosing to work and I am choosing what works best for us. The fact that I am only committing to a job that ends in September is making this transition a little easier.  I may or may not return to work once the summer is over. Eldon will be starting preschool so chances are, I will be working. For those who are afraid to ask, we are in total neutral mode when it comes to when and how more children will be coming into our lives. After losing Emerson, we felt the need to wait until after his due date (which is coming up, on May 12) to discuss further plans for having more kids. We have been approaching the subject of adoption lately for more reasons than one. When that next baby (or child) comes, I will again return to staying at home. We have no idea, as of now, when that will be.

Adventures are totally my style and so is change. If my decisions only affected me, I would just leave it up to the flip of a coin every time. I am not a pros/cons list maker or a person with a 5 year plan, but this decision was fairly deliberate, and mostly for my sake. I made a New Years resolution to be a little more selfish this year. I am learning that in order to do that without feeling guilty, I also need to be a little more independent. I will no longer be the Mom that "let herself go." Let's be real here, I am only 23. I need nights out, I need lunch dates with friends, I need to shop without prior approval and get my hair done more than once a year. I need to get out of the house.

So this new adventure of working my summer away, is both a little selfish and a way to fund my other "selfish" desires. I am beyond excited and confident that my family will reap the benefits as well. Some serious growth is about to take place for all 3 of us. Stay tuned!

Life as an oil drillers wife

I have grown to love Wednesdays. They usually mean that either:

A. My husband is halfway through his hitch.
-or-
B. My husband is coming home

 Nate and I right after he got home in Jan.

For those that don't already know, Nate (along with pretty much every other able-bodied man in our region) works as a floorhand on an oil rig in North Dakota. When he first approached the idea of working in a State 12 hours away, I was pretty serious about telling him no way in hell. I had watched the reality shows that portrayed a job that was comparable in danger to fishing on "Deadliest Catch." After some prompting from Nate (I think begging may be a more suitable verb) I did my own research. While his job is dangerous in comparison to the comfy desk job he held before, he works for a drilling company that holds very high safety standards...for a drilling company at least. I actually worry more about his drive to and from work than the hours he is out in the field. 

When I finally started to come around, I had other concerns. He was leaving a secure, good paying job.  Most other people we know taking work in North Dakota were unemployed and fleeing a local economy where the "Help Wanted" section of the newspaper often lists a measley 4 or so ads. 

I was worried about his time away from Eldon. Ever since Eldon was born, Nate and I worked alternating shifts in an effort to keep from placing him in daycare. We never saw eachother unless we exhausted ourselves by staying up late, but Eldon was used to Dada being his sole caretaker for 4 hours a day and more on the weekends.

Also, I was quitting a job I loved with coworkers who had become my best friends. Slow nights at Starbucks were my escape where I could bitch about chores, money, family, diapers, and more and know that I was in good (the best) company. I knew I would miss that outlet and I do. Alot.

I was reluctant to be alone so much. I have always considered myself independent, but when you get into a routine and are comfortable with having a live in spider killer, lightbulb changer, and high things reacher, it takes awhile to realize that those jobs are now your own. The first night Nate was gone, I put the garbage outside the door like I always did. Up until then, it had been my job to put the garbage outside after dinner.  Out of sight, out of mind.  Nate took it to the trash cans in the morning on his way to work.  Imagine my astonishment then, when I opened the door to run errands the next morning and it was still sitting there. I have learned that our garbage cans are reaaallllllly far away and that taking out the trash is not easy when you are home alone with a toddler. Oh well, we adapt. Single mothers make me look weak.

It seems that every day I am approached by a friend or family member that is interested in the money they  could make for the trade off of a 2 week on, 2 week off schedule. I thought that I would write this to answer  the questions we hear alot of and offer an honest inside look of what life is really like as a wife whose husband is gone as much as he is home.

The ups? (overall, the arrangement is an "up") The pay, obviously. We also get incredible incentives, bonuses, and benefits. Thanks to the boom, we can count on some job security for the next few years as well. The time off each month opens up opportunities for family trips, outings, and other fun things.  We have been on alot of trips lately and are able to stay for longer periods of time. Even the day trips are no longer limited to weekends.
Also, it is true what they say: distance makes the heart grow fonder.  This job has been more positive than negative in terms of what it has done for our marriage. 
Eldon has adjusted incredibly well. He spends more QUALITY time with both Nate and I than he used to. The result is a secure kid who literally waves us out the door on date nights. I can't describe how great it feels to know that our son is comfortable enough to know that we will be back soon. He loves having his Daddy home but understands when he is gone at work.

The downs...the downs come in moments. It's that moment when I have something to tell Nate and then realize that I can't call him until 3:00 the next day. Or the moment when I realize that due to his schedule combined with other obligations, the only weekend close enough to Eldon's Birthday to throw him a party is also our Anniversary. Nate also missed the last Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.  He is  set up to miss them all again this year. Again, we adapt.
The evenings are the worst. Eldon is in bed at 7:30 and (we don't have cable) so I am left to my own thoughts and the company of a glass of cabernet sauvignon. I read through books to pass the time and text Nate good night even though he wont get it until he is off work or wakes up. (He works nights one hitch, days the next and so on.)
Even though his particular company takes good care of him, there is still a danger aspect. There is gas, heavy equipment, and mistakes that would be easy to make but with very serious consequences. Random drug tests are crucial as I don't want the crew crackhead swinging beams above my husband's head.

What does Nate think? He loves it. Honestly. He is in the best shape of his life regardless of his claim that the labor part is nowhere near as intense as people make it seem. He thrives on the hands-on work and has told me that he could never return to a desk. His shrinking waistband has left him with incredible energy and inspired me to get into shape as well.

This is where we are at right now. I have decided to return to work this summer and place Eldon in daycare (which he is going to absolutely LOVE.) This will add a whole new aspect to our lives and my thoughts may very well change. But like I said, we adapt.

National Agriculture Week

It is National Agriculture Week!  To celebrate, this post is devoted to healthy eating and to the Flathead Valley Farmers that dedicate themselves to providing the meals that end up on our dinner plates and in our kids' bellies.

Ever since becoming pregnant with Eldon, I have started and continued to research and actually care about the food that we are eating. I have learned alot over the last 3 years, and I keep adding limitations to our diets, which in turn has opened up a whole new world of food possibilities.

First it was to replace anything "white" with whole grain.  According to me: success. According to Nate: I have butchered his favorite meal (spaghetti) by using "chalk noodles."  Too bad for Nate, he ended up taking that one for the team.  I still serve the chalk noodles.
My next big revelation was the best food advice I think I have ever gotten...to only shop the perimeter of the grocery store, avoiding the aisles and in doing so avoiding the processed foods.  There are still a few things (the bread, canned olives, tomato sauces, cheerios etc.) that are plucked from the forbidden aisles but I do really well on this one.  This ONE rule covers so many bases.
The newest has been to eat local. local local local. Lucky for me and other Valley residents, eating locally here is wonderfully easy.  Need meat? Go hunting. Want fish? Grab a pole. Berries? Ok, not as easy but totally worth it. Don't want to put in all that work? Flathead has still got you covered.

Our deepfreezer looks like most of our neighbors in that it is usually full of the deer/elk meat from last hunting season.  We are fortunate enough to see our meat through every phase and know that the burger in our chalk-noodle-tainted spaghetti has only touched the hands of us and a few other close family members that graciously help to cut, grind, and package meat.

If you are like us, you rarely buy beef. But when you do, the source matters.  To support a local farmer and know that your meat was taken care of from grazing-open-pastures beginning to much-more-humane-than-a-commerical-slaughterhouse ending, check out these places:

Farm to Market Pork- they are currently having a big sale and have advertised that they accept food stamps....so what are you waiting for? On lazy Saturday mornings when I think about skipping Farmer's Market, Nate begs me to go for the sole purpose of picking up bacon from these guys. Delicious.

Flathead Farms- don't know much about this farm other than they turned up in a google search for "grass fed beef Flathead Valley" It looks like their website hasn't been updated recently but there is still contact info.

There is a rancher in Dayton, MT that gave me his card at the library showing of "Food, Inc."  I wish I could locate the card, and I can not find the name anywhere but know they raise grass-fed hormone/antibiotic free beef.  I will update it as soon as I track them down.

I thought about starting a kickass garden this year but frankly, I just don't have the dedication.  I am afraid of my canner (my Grandma makes it look so easy) and don't want to be shackled to the duty of picking/preserving produce when it's at it's peak.  Not to mention, I am a cold-blooded houseplant murderer and seriously doubt that I would be a skilled gardener. (I am making a vow to overcome my fear of both canning and power tools in the near future...but that's another post.) 

Eldon and Nate picking raspberries at Grandma's house



The next best thing is to purchase a share from one of the Valley's Community Supported Agriculture programs which we plan on doing with a portion of our tax return this year.  For those that don't know, you pay somewhere around $500.00 (they have half shares available too) and get weekly deliveries of fresh, organic, locally grown, in season produce.  They box up a generous variety of whatever is ripe and ready to go that week and it goes directly from the farm to your kitchen. It forces you to incorporate otherwise overlooked vegetables into your diets too, which is an added bonus. If you are interested, this website has TONS of good information about buying local in the valley, as well as a list of farms.

http://www.whoisyourfarmer.org/

I appreciate CSA for the convenience and the challenge, but the same farmers are usually at the Farmer's Market offering the same great produce. I LOVE Farmers Markets.

I still swing by every Saturday morning in the summer to pick up bacon, eggs, bread, and browse the other goodies. 


Hard to think that the first weekend is right around the corner!
Kalispell: (Saturdays) April 16- October 15     9am-12:30pm                For more info call 752-3350
Columbia Falls: (Thursdays) June 9- September 29     5pm-7pm            For more info, call 892-0318
Whitefish: (Tuesdays) May 24- September 27   5pm-7:30pm                  For more infor, call 871-9744
West Glacier: couldn't find updated information. In the past, it has been Fridays 5pm-7pm


Locally produced food can also be found in some of our grocery stores.  I know that Kalispell Kreamery milk is used at most local latte stands, and I buy it by the gallon at Glacier Discount.  Wheat Montana bread is everywhere, including Costco.  I usually shop at Mountain Valley Foods for local/specialty products and Whithey's Health Foods carries local items including honey, eggs, bison, and even emu.

We live in one of the most self sufficient States in the United States.  Everything we need is at our fingertips, including food that was grown and produced down the road.  Residents of larger cities would urge us all to take advantage of everything our land has to give us.  I am making it a goal to do so.  Let's keep our money in the valley and support our local farmers. Ready, Set, Go!  

A Total Mom Post

More and more often, I find myself rearranging words and phrases in an effort to arrive at an explanation that is appropriately worded for Eldon's brilliant and busy 2 year old mind.

We are right in that stage where communication is less frustrating for him but more frustrating for me.  He can express his wants/needs easily now but I struggle to communicate MY wants/needs to him effectively.  I only have a basic idea of what he grasps, and don't want to overestimate or underestimate him.

This is one (of the many) reasons I have developed such a heartfelt appreciation and love for children's books.  I have always loved the way they portray such complex ideas with such simplicity.  In fact, when I was searching for the last "reading" for our wedding ceremony, I stumbled across the book "Me With You" by Kristy Dempsey  It just felt perfect.  So simply stated but really enveloping of all of the things we wanted to say, even if not directly. And THAT seems to be the recipe for a classic.  A book that can do all of the above and still speak to young hearts is a treasure.

When Eldon was a very new newborn, a super sweet old man in Helena ran a used bookstore out of an old house.  The floorboards creaked, the shelves overflowed with books and the place smelled like pipe tobacco.  Because of his "secret mission" to get kids involved with reading, he would credit me $5.00 for my used novels.  I would stack 20 or so childrens books in my arms, and he would wink as he marked my credit down one dollar. This is how Eldon's "library" began and continued growing.  I know we were lucky, but if you are looking for a jumpstart, Salvation Army in Kalispell has bins of books in the .10-.25 cents range.  (Don't be picky, Eldons favorites are books I never would have bought if I wasn't just grabbing random handfuls of books.)

So I have spent the last few days reading and compiling our "treasure chest" of books.  Yours may be different, but these are our tried and tested true favorites. I made two different lists, one of all time classics and one of books for the Montana kid. They are in no particular order. Enjoy!

Must-read books for the Montana kid:

1."Owl Moon" by Jane Yolen
This reminds me of grouse hunting with my brothers and Grandpa. Looks like I am not the only one who loves it, though.
2."M is for Montana" by Gayle C. Shirley
An ABC book that teaches Montana landscape and history.
3."Who Pooped in the Park-Glacier National Park ?" by Gary D. Robson
This series features the different National Parks, their animals and the tracks/scat they make.  The Glacier Park version is most useful for our Flathead Valley future explorers.
4."Whose Tracks Are These?" by James Nail
Love the illustration in this book, and a great learning tool.
5. "The Other Way to Listen" by Byrd Baylor and Peter Parnall
A story about connecting with nature.  Also the author of a book we love called "Everybody Needs a Rock."
6. "The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush" by Tomie DePaola
The story of the legend surrounding my all time favorite flower.
7. "My First Deer Hunt" by Curtis and Michael Waguespack
Can't wait for Eldon to read this and get excited about his first hunting trip with Nate!
8. "Naya Nuki-shoshoni girl who ran" by Kenneth Thomasma
This was the first chapter book I ever read.  I got lost into it and then read all of his other books.
9. "First Snow in the Woods" by Carl R. Sams and Jean Stoick
Sorry to you OCD folks, I am leaving this list at 9.


Our all time favorites:

1. "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Eric Carle
Eldon loves this book because it is easy to memorize and he can recite it/read it alone.
2."Harold and the Purple Crayon" by Crockett Johnson
One of those books that feels never-ending at bed time but a wonderful way to get kids to understand how powerful and important a good imagination is.
3. "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak
Max is Eldon. Eldon is Max. I am sure there are parents out there who relate to this book the same way.
4. "The Little Engine That Could" by Watty Piper
Duh. No explanation needed.
5. "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" by Judith Viorst
More my favorite than Eldon's, but it comes in handy when he is whining up a storm over something silly.  Quoting this book gets him to smirk, even when he doesn't want to. I often yell out "I am moving to AUSTRALIA!" when I get frustrated. Eldon thinks it is hysterical and it brings some comedy to my otherwise crazy day.
6. "Squids Will Be Squids" by Jon Scieszka
Directed more to an older age group, but I just LOVE these silly fables and they hold Eldon's attention while offering some adult entertainment.
7. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle
After checking this book out from the library 10 million times, I finally bought it. Eldon requests it by name and any child's version of the word "caterpillar" is likely to be adorable.
8. "Is There Really a Human Race?" by Jamie Lee Curtis
One of those books that will prove more beneficial as Eldon grows
9. "Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?" by Dr. Seuss
This would be at the top of the list if these were in any order.  I love all Dr. Seuss books but this one is my definite favorite.  Reading it to Eldon makes his imaginiation soar while altering the mood of my day dramatically.  We listen to this on tape in the car alot.
10. "Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You" by Nancy Tillman
So sweet. So delicate. So true. As a Mother who has dealt with the loss of a baby, this book hit me especially hard.


Honorable Mentions: These are books that are my personal favorites that don't always hold Eldon's attention or are tucked away until he is old enough to understand how special they are:

1. "Oh, The Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss
I give this book as a gift all. the. time. So inspiring and without limitations.  A Dr. Seussy crazy way of teaching children (and adults alike) that they can go wherever they want to in life, complete with mention of challenges and roadblocks.
2. "The Story of Ferdinand" by Muro Leaf
I don't want my son to be a bully, but I don't want him to be a punk either. I want him to be a Ferdinand.
3. "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein
This book leaves alot open for interpretation. I see it (and will someday explain it to Eldon this way) as a lesson that even when people are more than happy to keep giving, it doesn't mean you should continue taking.  Give and take, without ANY exception to the rule.
4. "Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters" by John Steptoe
This book was one I read in grade school that I will always remember.  A lesson in being kind, even when you think nobody is watching. 



Still don't have your fix? Find your local library's story time schedule here.

Paint the Town Green

  Oh, feck yes.  Time to raise your Guinness and toast to...Guinness?  Up until now, I was under the impression that St. Patrick's Day was slapped onto the calendar for the sole purpose of drinking like an Irishman.  Sure, when I became a Mom I began to see how shamrock shaped sugar cookies and leprechaun tales could be reason enough to celebrate but wuddyaknow? There IS more to St. Patty's Day than corned beef & cabbage and yes...even green beer.

   In the spirit of the holiday, I have taken it upon myself to learn a little bit about what all the fuss is over.  So what about the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland? This "Saint Patrick" guy? Here's the condensed version of what I learned:

St. patrick was a Catholic missionary in Ireland during the 5th century.  At age 14, he was captured by

Irish raiders in Britain and taken to Ireland as a slave.  6 years later, he escaped and returned

to his family in Britain, where he entered the church.  He later returned to Ireland as an ordained Bishop. 

He has been credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.

Want FACTS? That's really all there is.  Legends vary but there isn't much for actual documentation beyond that.

So why the green, the shamrock and the food/drink overindulgence?

In Ireland, the 3 leaf clover was used by ministers to teach the concept of the holy trinity. Enter Shamrock.

St. Patrick's Day is a religious holiday that happens to fall during lent and consequently, the only day during

the 40 day lent period where the people of Ireland are allowed to eat meat and drink.

Enter corned beef & cabbage and your Irish beverage of choice.

As for the green? We sorta just made it up.  Only the U.S. does it and green is actually considered

an unlucky color in Ireland.

   Normally I would ignore everything I just learned.  I would dress in green, send Eldon to his Grandparent's house, and challenge Nate to a kegstand.  But Nate's at work and my I.D. (which was not turned in after falling out of my pocket on the dance floor last weekend) is probably being used to get some underager into some trouble this weekend. 

Preparing an entire corned beef for just Eldon and I seems silly.  Partying is out, so looks like I'll be celebrating the "Mom" way, which is fine by me.  No hangover. No trouble.

Dear Youngin with my drivers license,

Better you than me. Good Luck.

Sincerely,

The real Jenelle

p.s. I am most likely related to the bouncer.

So here's our G-rated gameplan...

...OK, PG 'cause I'm throwin' some irish cream in my coffee.  Eldon is going to start his day off with lucky charms, which is a huge treat for him.  We are making the shamrock sugar cookies and going on a hunt for all things green. (Learning colors-Score!) If you have older kids, I suggest rearranging all of the furniture, coloring the milk green and telling them that leprechauns came! Don't forget to leave some "gold" behind.

I bought the book "Did I ever tell you how lucky you are?" by Dr. Seuss and plan on reading it to Eldon regardless of the fact that he won't understand the message that I wish I could drill into his head every day. He's luckier than most.

Kalispell parade is at 4pm, and we will be there.  Afterwards, we may also be stopping at one of these places that are serving corned beef & cabbage dinner specials:

Kalispell Eagles-5pm

The Backroom-Columbia Falls

Tamarack Brewing Co.-Lakeside

The Cottage Inn-Kila

Garden Bar & Grille-Bigfork

Once Eldon turns in for the night, I plan on fantasizing over The Boondock Saints. (One of my most favorite movies. ever.)

The "scenery" isn't bad either. :P

Sound boring to you? Yeah, I figured it would.  Check out the local fesitivites at these places. (Hint: Bars with anything Irish in the name usually feel the pressure to throw one hell of a St. Patty's Day party.)

Great Northern Bar- Whitefish

Casey's Irish Pub- Whitefish

The Boiler Room- Kalispell

Paddy's Touchdown Lounge- Kalispell

Fatt Boys- Kalispell

Craggy Range- Whitefish

Tamarack Brewing Co- Lakeside

Blue Moon- Columbia Falls

So dust off that old kilt! For the love of God, wear something underneath it! And please, don't play your bagpipes after my kid is in bed! Also, if you choose to "go green" and down some beers, call a cab. Here are some numbers for your convenience:

Kalispell Taxi & Glacier Taxi- 752-7433

Jim's Taxi- 890-8920

The Ride Guy- 250-7573

Top o' the mornin' to ya, Flathead! Happy St. Patrick's Day!



Just Along for the Ride...

   Thanks to a 7am wake up call today (ahem....Eldon) we found ourselves dressed, fed, and ready for the day by 9:00. Did I mention this is in the MORNING? This is not usual for us, especially on days when we have absolutely ZERO plans.  Opening the blinds revealed a cloudless sky that couldn't be wasted on a day at home.  So we packed some snacks, a diaper bag and my camera, and headed for.....nowhere. We just drove. And it was perfect.

   We headed up around Foys Lake and decided that since mentioning Lone Pine State Park's craft corner in my last blog post, we should check it out. (I have some edits after learning more about the craft corner, most important being that it is for ages 8-11. Whoops. The woman running it was so accomodating and offered to let us hang out as long as I stayed with Eldon. We did. They made "talking sticks" and learned about the different kinds of trees that their sticks came from. Very cool. They also have some great classes for kids Eldon's age coming up this summer.) 

   We walked the trail to the scenic lookout and I was absolutely blown away.  The grace, magic, and overall grandness of our Valley is astounding.  And to think, it took us less than 10 minutes to get from home to a point where the view stretches from Big Mountain almost to Flathead Lake. Breathtaking. Awesome. We live here?!?!

   We played around through Kalispell and then somehow ended up exploring backroads in the Canyon.  That led us to Glacier National Park, where we figured "eh, why not?" and drove up to Lake McDonald. (I am not even sure you could get much further if you tried.) Nate stepped out onto the ice quite a ways, but it was pretty sketchy.  We waited on the "shore" and I flipped through mental pictures of him just dropping out from in front of the landscape. Splashing into the water that is frigid and cold in the SUMMER, let alone in March. Luckily, those visions remained nothing more than visions.  The mounds of ice and snow on the already beautiful lake made for an almost haunting experience.  Or maybe it was just the combination of that and seeing the usually booming Apgar Village deserted like a ghost town.  Either way, the scenery was ridiculously cool...as it always is, and my Husband (although not entirely brilliant) is still alive.

   I love when unplanned adventures turn into great days. Sometimes it's hard to step away from the calendar and just look around.  A day where the only goal is to go around and see cool stuff, is a good day in my book.  So screw the jacked up gas prices. I filled my tank up anyway. And I think it's safe to say, I got my money's worth.