Giving Thanks

When Emily was born family, friends, neighbors and church folk began bringing us meals. Yesterday, two days past Emily's 1 month birthday, the last meal was delivered. So last night, the Barron family ate their last supper. For me, each delicious bite was filled with a twinge of sorrow. Is this really it? Do I actually have to start meeting my families nutritional needs every night? Do I really have to find time to plan meals, go shopping, put everything away and cook?!  I'm not exaggerating when I say a few tears dropped into my lasagna. Although a few tears falling hasn't exactly been a rare occurrence lately. And then, somewhere between a bite of butter topped French bread and a bite of chocolate chip cookie, I was overcome with gratitude. And I realized I have to say thank you!


To those of you who brought meals, thank you!

To those of you who sent me text messages just when I needed it most, thank you!

To those of you who drove Henry to and from school and parties and play dates and field trips, thank you!

To those of you who took one or two or three of my children for a hour or a night, thank you!

To those of you who comforted me when I cried, thank you!

To those of you who made me laugh when I needed it most, thank you!

To those of you who came over and sat in my house just so I could nap, thank you!

To those of you who shared your postpartum stories and made me feel sane, thank you!

To those of you who comforted me from afar with phone calls and encouraging words, thank you!

To those of you who traveled miles to meet Emily and bless us all with your presence, thank you!

To those of you who made us muffins "just because", thank you!

To those of you who left gifts on our doorstep, thank you! (I still don't know who you are)

To those of you who shared parental words of wisdom with me when the older kids made me want to go postal, thank you!

To those of you who invited all of us into your home so my children could play and I could relax, thank you!

To those of you who met us at the park for last minute play dates and sanity breaks, thank you!

To those of you (Grandma Sandy) who watched my kids so I could go for my first post baby run (3 slow but not painful miles!!!!), thank you.

And to those of you who have said prayers for the Barron's when we've fluttered to mind, THANK YOU!

Because of all you I'm ready (not refreshed - but definitely ready) to feed my family on my own. So ready or not kids, it's Mac and Cheese month! :)

Roughing It

A friend recently blogged about her camping trip. She, her husband and their 9 month old baby were dropped by plane "way out" in Alaska for a few days of tent camping and hiking. I read her blog entry as I was taking a break from packing for 2 days and nights of camping in Lassen national park. And can I just say, I am in awe of my friend. They essentially took tents and sleeping bags. We took, well, more than that. I'm a wee bit embarrassed to say what all we took. Let's just say we left all electronic devices at home (other than our phones that lost service at camp) so I felt justified that we were just taking the necessities. Although I will admit that the Barron's have a pretty loose definition of what's a necessity.

My friend went on to say she worried the entire time that her family would meet a bear. She actually agonized over it a bit. I'm happy to report their adventure was bear free. Only to cross paths with one sitting in their driveway when they returned home. Funny the things we worry about. I worried the entire time that Claire would poop through all the clothes I brought her and the bed she was sleeping on. I'm happy to report she didn't. She did however poop (diarrhea) in the tub she and her brothers where sharing within the first 15 minutes of our homecoming. The beauty of it was all 3 had already showered the dirt away but I was just giving them extra soaking time to make sure all the dirt in their creases washed away.

We had a fantastic time on our trip. We were blessed with the company of 90 people from our wonderful church. The trip was even catered (while my friends munched on smoked Alaskan salmon and wild blueberries). And when all was said and done we returned home dirtier, happier, fatter and blessed with deeper friendships and treasured family memories.

Fishing on Lake Manzanita.

Dirt. Lots and lots of dirt.

Henry spells quality time C-A-R-D-S. And Matt is great to always play with him.

These fallen trees provided hours of fun, free, dirty entertainment for the kids.

Getting ready for S'mores!

Claire's sweet, dirty hands.

Crazy mountain men.

Dirty. And ready for a nap.

Playing in the tent was as fun as playing in the woods.

Early morning fire and fishy crackers.

Waiting for breakfast on our last day. I love this rugged bunch.