checking out a local archaeologist's site
Buddy the camp dog a Little John site
driving 2hrs to get our groceries in Tok, Alaska
not a bad view if I do say so myself
Apparently Tok has an awesome playground! We'll be checking this out again!
Am I ever thankful for our playroom. This place is already used daily.
no leaves left on the trees.
the last clinging leaves.
the walk to Noah's school.
Katia finding some of the last cranberries.
hot chocolate is a must when it's cold and grey outside
Hello to you from blustery Beaver Creek.
Today the skies are grey and the wind is blowing. Only a few leaves are left clinging to the Aspens and the mountains are full of snow, a sure sign of what's to come. While I had a hard time coming to terms with the fact that Autumn is over here, I am slowly allowing myself to embrace the chill and to look inwards as we head into the long winter ahead.
Yesterday Noah, Katia and I layered on our hats and mitts and walked Noah to school. The sky was dark and the wind was blowing the last of the leaves across our path. It was sort of spooky and magical. I could tell that Noah liked it just as much as I did. The air was crisp and it felt so fresh.
Warm drinks are now a staple during the day, as is music, music has been keeping me going and I am so thankful for it. I am looking for ways to add peace, joy and calm into my days. Music helps in so many ways.
Speaking of of adding peace, I've been going to the gym a few times a week and have found it so helpful for my mood and my sense of well being. We have a gym right next door to our house, and when I go there to run and lift a few weights, the time that I have to myself is so therapeutic. I know that this will be my way of destressing over the winter when I can't get out as often. It's actually become something that I look forward to.
Lately things have been a bit rough in the parenting department. I don't want to get into too much (with details and such), except to say that, we have a very determined and strong willed little 23 month old on our hands. This past week we have had so many melt downs that I have been left wondering what happened to my happy little girl? I know that her behaviour is age appropriate, but when I am the one left to deal with the meltdowns ( ... after meltdown after meltdown), I just have to wondering if there is something else I should be doing. I have spoken with a specialist in Whitehorse (we have something called the Childhood Development Center which offers free consultations and help) and she gave me some good suggestions and strategies, but that doesn't change the fact that this is a very difficult stage. Maybe I have selective memory, but I just don't remember it being this hard with Noah. Then again, he was an only child at this stage and he had a lot more attention. Oh sigh! I could look at it from every direction. It still leaves me wondering. Like I said, I'm looking for ways to find peace.
And so that is it right now.
xox
your children are just gorgeous. it is so hard being a young mother. civilizing human beings is a difficult job! hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe the leaves are all down. Oh my goodness. Honey, I am hugging you in my thoughts!
ReplyDeleteYour playroom is so amazing, WOW! How about a trampoline? That will get out the ya-yas when the kids can't get out much. ;-)
OK, now onto the meltdowns. Yes, Rafael is having a hard time too lately. He gets very frustrated and angry when he doesn't get his way. He gets mad at me and says "Mama, go away!" He doesn't let me comfort him, and when I try to pick him up he goes limp or throws himself on the floor screaming. Sound familiar?
I can imagine that, not only is Katia going through the 'terrible twos' phase, but just think of all the change she has had to go through lately! Moving, then going to the city to visit family without her Dad for a few weeks, then back to Beaver Creek where everything is different again, and the seasons have also drastically changed her surroundings suddenly. I think it's pretty understandable that it's a lot for a little person to adjust to!
But you are handling is all so well Johanna. It's great that you are going to the gym, taking care of yourself. You are so strong and innovative, and loving and creative! I can feel that it will be two quite challenging years there in Beaver Creek, but I know if anyone can make it a positive experience, it's you.
xoxoxoxo I think of you all the time!
E is quite the willful and independent soul as well so I empathize with you. We weather through multiple melt-downs and headstrong experiences daily, I try and stay zen through it all because it just doesn't help the situation when we both get frustrated. I find her a lot better when we have one on one time but that isn't always practical or possible. Just try and remember that her strong personality will one day serve her well in life, we just have to teach them how to use it well.
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