Oceano Dunes

It is difficult to tell you all that happened this weekend...

First, we were pushing it to make it in time to connect with the folks renting us the trailer.

Then, after getting there, we had to be pulled into the soft sand by not one, but two trucks. Our truck is 2 wheel drive and with the flat bed attached it could make it on the hard pack, but the soft sand was another story.

So, we get back there and the only truck that could get in and out was Avery's. Who, by the way, never got stuck once! I learned trailer living and actually enjoyed having no place to go and no way to get there even if I had wanted to. I finished my book (East of Eden...Steinbeck...great book!) and enjoyed some close quality time with my daughter.

The boys spent hour upon hour far back in the Dunes. Avery connected with some very nice guys he has met through an on line 4x4 club. These guys were sent from heaven, because when it came time to leave, they had to pull us and our trailer out of the soft sand.

I learned so much about camping. I learned you have to "air down" your tires on the soft sand and then air back up when you get on pavement or your tires will "fold".

I learned how to conserve water. I learned to actually enjoy the sounds of quads, sand rails, trucks, ATV's of all kind. I learned not to jump out of my skin every time a "not-so-legal" firework explodes while I'm enjoying my campfire...oh, I learned to build a killer camp fire and make s'mores. I learned that a hot dog tastes best, I mean wonderfully delicious, after being roasted over a campfire that you've built.

I learned to have an enormous respect for my son and all he is capable of...not because of his father and I, but just because he's taught himself much.

I learned that my daughter is a beautiful and sweet sister who is willing to be a little uncomfortable as long as her brother is having a blast.

I learned again, how precious my family is to me. There's nobody in the world I'd rather be with than those three people.

It was a wonderful weekend.

What a blessing to have new adventures and experiences to share with people you love!

Soaking it Up!

I'm still here...
It's been quite a while since I blogged, but remember, Randy Wray says there's no guilt in blogland.

I've been soaking up every minute with my fun kids. I love having my sweet daughter home and I'm trying to look at Avery as someone who is ready to leave the nest. I'm not convinced, but he'll be fine. He's an amazing, caring, capable young man. I'm just really going to miss both of them.

Remember those games you've played where you use the little sand timers? Don't you remember that when it gets close to the end, the sand seems to run at the speed of light? That's what it feels like. We're coming to the end of the summer, and the sand is running out on my time with them!

We are going camping this weekend on the dunes. I'm going to pause here for those of you who know me well, so you can read that sentence one more time... Yes, I'm going camping.

Some say it's not camping until you're in a tent with no electricity...I say it's camping if I'm in a trailer on the sand with no outlets. So, I'll see if there are any pictures I'm willing to let you see next week when we get back...but, I'm looking forward to a new adventure with my gang. The Ocean, Sand, Avery driving his truck on the dunes, a good book, and S'Mores. What isn't fun about that?

Bless You...

Here it Comes!

We are taking care of some friend's cats/home while they are away for a few weeks. They have two temperamental cats (is there any other kind of cat?) and a beautiful home and a pool...

So, Sunday night, the four of us went over to feed the kitties and then enjoy the swimming pool together. It was relaxing and fun and peaceful.

BUT...while we were all lounging in the pool, it hit me how soon these days would be gone. My mind went racing to the moment I have to say good bye and walk away and come back home without either of my children. I've done well, so far. Last year this time, I had cried a million times already...but, I thought this year, I was all grown up and ready...NOPE!

Lex looked at me and said, "babe?...uh-oh...Mom's losin' it!"

I cried and cried. I totally lost it. Crying and crying and finding myself in the depths of sadness.

My family started laughing. My crying was so dramatic, it even made me laugh. So, we laughed and I cried and we laughed more. It was crazy and good all at the same time.

Avery asked me why I was crying and I couldn't even form a sentence, which made them laugh more. So, we spent minutes laughing and crying...together. (me crying...them laughing)

July 1 is when the tears started...better than last year! I had been crying since the Thanksgiving prior to taking her to school. Maybe if I'd had a few more kids...by the time I got to the 4th or 5th one, I would only cry the moment I walked away...or maybe not at all! Nah....who am I trying to fool!?

Blessings!