It has been a long, long time...

It’s been a long, long time…

For those of you that have been wondering where my blog entries went, I have been a little busy. Now that Leif is 5 months old and we are settling into this whole parenting gig I have no excuse. So, here is an update on our lives.

I dropped him off in the early morning light. When we turned into the driveway the headlights shone on the horse’s breath as they waited to get on the trailer. Jeff was packed and prepared, literally “loaded for bear”. Jaw set, he put on his hat and squeezed my hand as he got out of the truck. I have never seen him quiet with anticipation…this is a first for him and me. This week Jeff is out living every man’s dream in the wilds of Alaska. There is a gentleman named Danny at church that is a pilot and an avid big game hunter with two Boone and Crocketts to his name. He invited Jeff to come along on a trophy moose hunt. They are leaving this morning after a week of planning, packing and scouting via his Citabria. They are taking six horses on a 9 hour ride into the back country of the Chugiak mountain range between us and Anchorage. They will set up camp tomorrow and be out for a week or so. Poor Jeff has a wearisome journey ahead of him, mainly due to his lack of sleep the last couple of nights because of excitement. I’ll admit I am excited and I don’t even get to go. Jeff hopes to get a black bear as well, while he is out. The moose and bear meat combined will set us up for the winter and then some. What a blessing a full freezer will be!

Meanwhile back at the ranch, Leif and I are hanging out. He is rolling all over the place and working on sitting up. I always thought those baby crazed moms were nuts, but I am starting to understand them more. This baby is amazing! I think we could stare at him for hours. He smiles all the time and makes the funniest faces. He just started wrinkling up his nose in the most adorable way. It is hilarious! Who am I kidding?! I am one of those baby crazed moms! I honestly thought I would be bored out of my gourd with staying home, but this job is the best one I have ever had. I love every minute of it. What a privilege to see Leif growing and learning. I am thankful beyond words for Jeff allowing me this opportunity. Not only do I have every minute with my son, but I get to do fun things like bake bread, pick and make jam from raspberries, clean up the cabin behind our house and prepare for my garden this spring. This is the life! Quiet, still and peaceful. If you are reading this, I encourage you to take a moment this week and go somewhere where there is no noise. No road noise, no airplanes, no distractions and just sit in God’s creation. Alone. If you can’t find a place to do this…come for a visit. We would love to have you! I have a cabin with a wood burning stove ready for you. (It even has indoor plumbing and electricity if you want!)