Happy Campers

Camping. I like it. These little ones, though, they love it, and seem born to a life in the wilderness.  The dirt, the sunshine, the grub, the sleeping bags, the trees, the critters, the sounds.  It's only natural they love it at this point: they need only show up and have a grand time in great outdoors whilst all the prepping and planning duties rest on the shoulders of the grow ups.  Nevertheless, we bid a happy adieu to summertime with a quick family camp out in Swan Valley.

Tin foil dinners, check.

Tent, check.

S'mores, check.

Big stick, check.

Dirty little boys, check.

Midnight visit from a moose, check.

Happiness, check.

mustering

My little ones are naturally enthralled and energized by snow and seem impervious to the chill. This photo was snapped at the onset of our first snowfall 2 weeks ago. He perched on the windowsill for nearly an hour, watching each flake build upon the next, anxiously awaiting some play time. And Santa.

I wish for a smidgen of such excitement.  I'm just never quite prepared, mentally, for the first snowfall of the season here. I know it's Idaho, I know winter is inevitable, yet still the first storm of the season takes me by surprise and puts me in a funk. Here we are with our second wave of snow piled and drifting and I'm no more welcoming of it than before.  I tell myself  it's just a fleeting storm and that the skies will brighten again soon before winter really truly sets in. But I also tell myself to muster every bit of fortitude I can find because it might just be here to stay.  And those thick grey skies above and icy earth at my feet will serve as my prison cell for the next 6 months and oh just say it ain't so. it's too cold, too much, too soon, for far too long.

 

If it weren't for Christmas to look forward to and for the delight on my little ones' rosy faces, it really would seem the depths of despair. Brrrrrrr.  I even put on the Christmas music last week in an attempt to bring some kind of cheeriness to my outlook. Muster some positivity I must. Somehow. In the meantime, another round of hot cocoa please.

cookies for kids' cancer

 remember this great program? Well, some great local gals (and yours truly) are making it happen this weekend right here in our little town.

Come visit Cookies for Kids' Cancer 

at the Ammon Farmers Market

Saturday, August 28th 

10 am until 2pm 

(or until the fabulous treats are gone!)

I have it on good authority that jumbo homemade oreos will be available in limited supply...

read about the mom and little boy that inspired this entire program here
need more inspiration? read about more kids fighting cancer here

100% of your donation goes to pediatric cancer. the kids. It's a cause that has or will benefit someone you know--pediatric cancer has already impacted Mr. J's family.

So, be a good good cookie and come see us on Saturday!

for the locals: A Christmas Stroll

Snake River Landing is hosting a Christmas Stroll this weekend

admission is free

live music, carriage rides, a special visitor

bundle up!

Friday, December 4th, 6pm-9m

for the locals: book fair

Barnes and Noble is hosting a special Book Fair on Saturday, November 28th 9am-10pm

Proceeds from purchases made at this event benefit the First Book program, which provides free books to children across the country.

Activities, storytelling, and musical performances throughout the day.

Free admission

also, check this out on December 4th

for the locals: boutique time

the Unique Boutique is back at Bonneville High School this weekend.

Saturday, 9am-5pm, no admission fee.

grab a girlfriend and enjoy the handmade cuteness. I hear it's a very big deal.

be sure to check out the Bonksy gals while you are there.

autumn fades

What a fickle season is the fading autumn in these parts: crisp and dappled blue and golden one day. Grey and dull and drowsy the next. Yesterday we even donned scarves and gloves for our evening walk, delivering popcorn treats of thanks to nearby friends. Piglet instinctively discovered the joy of jumping into piles of crunchy raked leaves. The rosy rosies of his cheeks remained extra pink and flushed through bath time and right up to bedtime.

To say the weather is brisk would be accurate; hinting of extra layers and snuggly evenings on the big couch with my three guys and a movie. Beckoning me to curl up with a new book way past bedtime. Whispering of afternoon hot cocoas with Piglet while Nanuk takes his long nap. All kinds of goodness on the horizon. I'd gladly welcome slightly warmer weather for another week or two or three, but perhaps it's not to be.

Tonight we embrace what is to come with our favorite cold-weather meal, and it's carve-the-pumpkins night. Can't wait to see the candlelight give life to my jack-o-lantern.

we've got annie

Our local theater is presenting one of my favorite musicals, produced by my dear (kind, multi-talented, gracious, humorous, clever, bright, genuine) friend. Knowing her makes me feel really super cool. Care to join me for a show?

I love cheeseburgers

I really do. More importantly, I love good cheeseburgers--not so much the average drive-up-window fare. Which is why I'm very happy that this is coming to town. 

Yep. Right here in little old IF. Not familiar?  Consider it the In-n-Out of the East coast. 

'Nuff said. 

What to wear

I'm a little envious of the trips I see fellow bloggers enjoying or planning or remembering. Steph went to Paris, Design Mom is going to Mexico. Both offering fabulous tips on what-to-pack for such lovely and exotic vacations. But, if your travel plans include a thrilling visit to Idaho between now and June, here is what you'll need:

Big, warm, not-necessarily-cute boots.  Traction, warmth, and water-proofing really say "style" in this locale.  Stilettos this time of year will only invite mockery. And likely injury. 

Thermal underwear.  Which can double as pajamas, because if you have to pack those boots, there won't be room for much else.

Vaseline.  Your average body lotion is useless; you'll need industrial strength moisturizing against the refreshing arctic breezes. 

Cozy hat. Really cozy. Fashion statement optional. 

ATV or Snowmobile. Everybody has one, or both. Everybody. For getting from point A to point B, snow removal, or for pulling sleds full of children through the neighborhood.  So, you might as well arrive in style. 

Friendliness. 

When in Rome? If you want to blend in with the locals, be nice. And carry a tool of some kind. Folks around here are friendly, and they all know how to build stuff and fix stuff and live off the land and stuff like that. 

Finally

This weekend we will make a pilgrimage to mecca, a journey for which we have longed these many many months. We will brave crowds and parking lots and inevitable insanity to obtain tortillas and baby wipes and pie, pot roast and caesar salad and those gosh darn polish hot dogs. 

So, maybe 45 minutes via freeway doesn't exactly constitute a pilgrimage. However, as certifiable Costco disciples, it's the price of admission to visit the nearest location, opening this week. Halle-freakin-lujah! One of few places, and one of few reasons, that tempt me to consume a hot dog. Practically counting down the hours. 

enticing

Let's say you live far away from me. Let's also say that we always have good times when we are together. Let's also say that you've been thinking about possibly coming to spend a weekend with us. Let's say you've conquered a major goal and need some R & R. Let's say we have a new guest bedroom and bath just waiting for you. Let's say that I'm trying to tempt you with culinary offerings to be enjoyed during your potential stay:

5 Hour Stew

Pumpkin Cake (your mother's!)

Hot spiced cider

Pancakes by B

Homemade applesauce

Eggs Made to Order

Monte Cristo Sandwiches

Spinach Salad

Apple Tart

Vanilla Ice Cream

English Scones

Homemade Raspberry Jam

Bacon

Other things to tempt you? trick-or-treating with M, distributing candy, saving candy for ourselves, Alfred Hitchcock movies & hot cocoa, football, sleeping in with a velvet quilt, a decorating project or two, games and laughs 'til the cows come home.

The welcome mat has been laid...minus spiders, of course.

[photo via martha]

First Football

M has a little obsession with football. One that is fueled, naturally, by his daddy. I'm ok with it. He is sometimes persuaded to do something if told it's "like a football player." He likes to wear his bike helmet and call himself a football player. He gushes with excitement when there is football on the TV, and loves to look at Sports Illustrated with daddy.

So, tonight we ventured into the chilly evening for a local high school football game. How chilly? The cheerleaders wore lined track pants, fleece pullovers and earmufflers. As we trotted through the parking lot to the bleachers, M repeatedly squealed "Football GAME!! Football GAME!" running faster than his little legs could manage. We snagged a bench in the bleachers surrounded by raucous students with cowbells (it's their home team, it's homecoming, they are entitled). Bonus: fireworks with every touchdown. He loved that. "Firecracker BOOM!"

Bundled though we were, I was shivering as the first half neared an end and had lost feeling in my nether-regions. By that time M had discovered the thrills of climbing the bleachers and also of clapping when the rest of the crowd clapped. Past his bedtime, with parents nearly chilled through, we made our exit accompanied by his sobs: "More football game! Another football game!" This is one all-American boy.

Mesa Falls

the revered Snake River

Another reason to like living where I live. We ventured out to Mesa Falls last week--about an hour and a half from town. One word: Wow. 

A stunning bright autumn day, a brisk edge to the air, first sight of changing leaves, and the falls themselves. Plus a happy little rainbow. I'm told it's been the site of a marriage proposal or two, understandably so.  M was awestruck with the "big wadderfall!" 

We topped off our outing with lunch at Big Juds. You'd never guess that in the rear of a gas station/mini mart/video rental would be non-descript little joint serving some of the best burgers ever.  I'd have posted a photo of the goods (mine: mushrooms and swiss, no mayo, and a side of fresh cut fries) but my hands were too busy, and messy, to bother with the camera. Next time I'll know better. 

Meet the neighbors...

(that little black speck is actually a big black bear) 

Ok, so it's not like they live right next door, but the bison (different from buffalo, by the way), moose, bears and elk, dear, coyote, eagles and more are just up the road a ways. Among my favorite things about Yellowstone? The smell of the air--fresh, clean, and evergreen. An elixir. 

Also check out Miss Marta's shots of the local charm here and here and here. 

day trip

Oh how I love to say: "Just went over to Grand Teton for the day!" Or "just went over to Jackson Hole for a late breakfast!"  Or both.  Omelets, hashbrowns, pumpkin muffins, a happy toddler, and a superb little hike around Jenny Lake and up to Hidden Falls. The Tetons amaze me every time I see them, especially up close. The drive from here to there  one of the prettiest I've ever taken: rustic little towns, sparkling rivers and creeks, idyllic farmland, lush mountain canyons, green forested hillsides sprinkled with wildflowers. A few shots of our little jaunt:

a charming little sign...

my handsome boys in blue

hidden falls...practically in arms reach... 

this struck me as a little funny...

Teton-side views of Jenny Lake and the valley. 

B was a trooper for toting 30-pound M on his back for a few miles. M was a trooper for appily enduring it. Favorite quote of the day from M during the hike: "Moo-oose! W-Are OO?"

as in moose, where are you?  He apparently thought he might see one today...

Girls Camp 2008

I left my guy and my little M in G'Ma Krissy's excellent care for 48 hours. They were both spoiled while I roughed it in the Targhee wilderness: Sunshine, cool breezes, sapphire skies, evergreen forests, tin foil dinners, trail mix, roasted Starbursts (not bad...worth a try), funny tent-mates, spectacular hike, and plenty of giggles to go around.  Everything  Young Women Camp should be.  Camp is different from stake to stake, but in the end it's all about building skills, confidence, and friendships.  No surprise that my tent was the loudest, the latest. Because I'm a cool leader like that.

 PS: hot pink toenail polish is completely appropriate for camping...

PPS: is it obvious that I just installed photoshop elements 6 about 90 minutes ago and that I haven't a clue what I'm doing with it?    Yeah, that's what I thought. 

Nice

The Earth Day Celebration was refreshing, the Farmers Market promising, the Library is still around, and every day I'm reminded that even though I'm not sure why we moved here, and even though winter has been a 6 month long nightmare, this is a good place to be:

1. People actually return their shopping carts properly, rather than leave them rolling helter-skelter through the lot.

2. Local business treat customers as though they really truly value their patronage.

3. When the temperature rises to a toasty (?) 50 degrees, locals don their flip flops and invite the neighbors for a cook-out (thanks, 'Stina).

4. When I'm cruising about with M in the stroller, someone most always opens doors for me.

5. Parks and playgrounds on every corner.

6. People start up friendly conversations in the supermarket, with strangers.

7. Everyone is just plain nice. The warm, genuine, sharing, salt-of-the-earth kind of nice.

8. Most offer their sympathy, and assure me that this winter has been highly unusual, when I'm blue about weather. (A few others just roll their eyes as if to say, "toughen up, princess").

9. Drinkable tap water

10. Smog? Nope.

11. Everyone sends thank-you notes, for even the smallest kindness rendered.

12. A day like today can almost make make me forget about the winter blahs.

Dresses!

Shabby Apple has created some fabulous dresses, and if you spend any time in Blog Land you know that these dresses are hot, having been featured on any blog worth blogging about. Locally owned on-line baby boutique (for all posh baby things), Simple Me, is currently featuring a selection of Shabby Apple beauties, many of them on sale! Check them out and tell Simple Me that you heard it from KJ at the Piggy...because, yes, there's a dress in it for me if 5 of you purchase one. Really, they are cute, mommy-appropriate dresses. If you live in my neck of the woods, the boutique owner has sample dresses you can check out in person. Just leave a comment on the Simple Me blog or send an email. Liking this version of the go-anywhere Little Black Dress, easy on the Little. I see strappy metallic sandals or bright colored pumps...