Stolen Moments

There are times as a working mom that I long heavily for the days that I was able to stay home with Melodie and Chloe. As fall slowly arrives out here in the west, I find myself growing more nostalgic. I am envious of Chris, who is able to walk Chloe to school in the warm golden sunrises, holding her sweet little hand and getting to savor the last fleeting moments as she races towards being a big girl and being to old and cool for such things.

Wednesday I was able to drop the terrible twosome off with Melodie at the house before walking to Chloe's school and picking her up from After School Club. Holding her hand in the bright mid afternoon I was able to listen to her chipmunk chatter about school that day and her hopes for her birthday party.

Thursday morning, 6 a.m. as I sat at the table trying to shovel in my breakfast - an event that happens more often than not on my drive or while I am at work, Zachary climbed up into my lap, warm and fresh from sleeping, then proceeded to gobble my bite off my spoon. Sophie soon followed, and the two of them alternated eating my cereal until they had consumed the entire bowl. I am sure I could have poured them their own bowls, and they may have even had time to eat them, but I enjoyed the few moments in the dark snuggling them and sharing with them.

These moments are the stolen ones. The breaks in the busy insanity of working 40 hours a week and raising four kids that cause a moment of wonder and pause. A reminder of that it is not all about getting the bills paid, making sure there is clean laundry, cooked meals, and appropriate experiences for educational enrichment. Sometimes it is just about the experiences. I don't know many people who in sharing fond memories of their childhood expound upon the cleanliness of the baseboards, window sills, and stove tops. They remember the silly things like sock fights and blowing bubbles in the house, or dancing in the rain. They remember snuggly things like hot cocoa and patchwork quilts. They remember colors and feelings. I remember walking to and from school with my mother and that she wore a red coat. Now, I long for a red coat of my own.

Pressed Leaves

Melodie was recently assigned a science project that is supposed to span several weeks to complete. For this project she must collect and press ten different types of leaves and then classify them using a dichotomous key. Fantastic! I was excited about this project because it would force me to actually do the family hike that I had been planning on for the past several weeks. We live a four minute drive from a national forest, and I am always thrilled when I pass the entry sign, complete with the Smokey the Bear warning level sign for fire danger.

So yesterday we all piled in the van in the late afternoon when the weather had cooled to reasonable high 80's and drove into my least favorite canyon in the world to explore and gather 10 different types of leaves.

Here are my scientific observations:

*Even though plastic bags were brought for both Chloe and Melodie to gather leaves and interesting things they found along the way, bags should have been brought for the smaller children as well - Zachary confiscated Melodie's bag and proceeded to make crushed leaf soup.

*I let my toddlers run free without holding hands as that there was no danger of them running out in front of a car. This was immensely enjoyed by said toddlers as they ran, danced, climbed, and frolicked out in the wonders of nature.

After all what was there to worry about? If they fell, it would only be off a cliff and possibly into a rushing river. They could also sneak a poisonous berry or three into their mouths, be bitten by a poisonous snake, be stung by poisonous bugs, or garner a rash from a poisonous plant. So practically nothing to be worried about all!

*A six mile round trip hike that has an elevation change of around 500 ft is not that challenging or long generally. People ride their bikes on these trails. However, if you have two toddlers, it will take you two and a half hours to complete - and you will be packing the toddlers the last mile back.

*Sometimes not being practical can be lots of fun. The youngest members of our crew were obsessed with the river flowing next to the hiking trail. (See above reference to toppling over the edge and into river). On the way back we slid down a moderately less steep side of the cliff and threw pebbles into the water - with much excitement and glee. I probably would have even let them wade in this shallow part had a mosquito the size of a dime not landed on me and tried to suck out all my blood. Dime size mosquitoes are my cue to flee back to the safety of my urban dwelling.

*Pictures can't capture the best memories. Though I took lots of pictures and am completely convinced they could film Lord of the Rings in the canyon if they needed a back up location, the best moments were missed. Film can't capture the bubbling excitement of toddlers as they spy new leaves, rocks to climb on, or the fifth woolly bear caterpillar (who they call Holy Moly's - too much Batman). Film can't capture the feelings of contentment and peace as you walk with your family in the last glowing rays of sun. It can't capture the warmth of your three year old snuggled in your arms as you carry her back - her sweet kisses on your cheek, her chubby hands clasped around your neck, and baby bird voice chirping "I love you Mommy."

*Every kid is different. I get to make this observation about a million times a day, but it was particularly evident on the way back through the canyon. Zachary, if given a piggy back ride, will sit still and hold on for dear life - causing near strangulation for whoever happens to be the unfortunate carrier. He does not feel safe, comfortable, or confident being carried up high - even at home he does not like being lifted up to touch the ceiling. Sophie on the other hand, if someone is silly enough to give this daredevil a piggy back ride, will not only not hold on, but uses the time to demonstrate her climbing techniques and gymnastic skill. She has an amazing amount of faith in that she will not be allowed to fall and that whoever is carrying her has the competency to keep her contained. This faith is not entirely justified.

All in all, we had a lot of fun. Next time we go, we are going to hike up to the wind caves - it is a longer trip, so Melodie, Chloe, and I will be carrying packs - and toddlers, but I think we are up to it.