it snows here, it's cold here, i love it here

Ventured to Mauna a Wakea on Saturday to play in the snow.  Something about this mountain makes me feel AT HOME.

Here is the view of Mauna Loa from the summit of Mauna Kea.  Mauna Loa is actually the more massive mountain, but from our perspective, it's in Mauna Kea's shadow.

We had to take our flag and represent.  Got some honks, some boo's (49ers fans had the nerve!), and some paparazzi.  Seriously though, this film maker who made a documentary about his experience being caught in Mt St. Helen's when she erupted, was following us around getting footage.  He said he was going to submit it to the Seahawks and see if they 'want to use it'.  Ummmmm, I don't want to be famous.  ;)  Haha!

 Love birds on the top of the world.  Me and my favorite guy celebrate 12, count them - TWELVE (ok Hawks fans, coincidence?  I think not) years of marriage in a couple weeks.  I have a lot to learn about being a good wife - and I'm so thankful he still puts up with me as I do.

There's nothing that will give you a real dose of humble pie quite like being above the clouds, on the top of a mountain, in the middle of the ocean, watching the sunset.  *Yes, God, I feel You, and I hear You.

Lots of love from yonder,
Mrs. C

Yes, but no.

I feel the need for change.  In so many ways...

Since the New Year, I've read several articles/posts/blogs on how not/to raise your children.  While many of the articles were helpful, here's the deal for me.

1.  Our children, we know them better than anyone else (and still sometimes I wonder if I really do).  So because something worked for one Mom doesn't mean it'll work for me (no matter how well her persuasive writing).  I have 2 really amazing girls, who we [were so naive to have] thought we could raise pretty much identically.  Do I even need to say they are total and complete opposites...?  Granted:  their need for love, boundaries, and discipline are much the same.  But still - the way in which these things speak to them are SO DIFFERENT.

2.  I just read a blog post from someone claiming that you should never allow your child to see you vulnerable, but rather, they should see you 'conquer' through rough experiences.  Um...excuse me.  No.  I hear you:  no unpredictable, blathering mom mess on a weekly basis, but come on.  When else will our children realize and make accommodation for the fact their parents are [so] not exempt from feelings?  I would hate to raise 2 lovely daughters in to 2 stony mothers (or whatever they decide to be).  Sorry, but not sorry, I don't mind letting my girls see me cry.

Ok, so now that's off my chest.  How many more thoughts can I get out today...?  none.  ;)

In closing, there's this idea out there and it overwhelms me.  Some women say (maybe even lightly) that it is their mission in life to be a 'better mom than mine was to me'.  Um...again.  Excuse me.  That thought frightens me.  Because as imperfect as she was, that's some BIG shoes to fill.  So, I'm fine, right here.  Doing the best I can.

*yes, I am missing Mom.

Lots of love, and warm hugs.  xoxo
Mrs. C