I have just a bit of randomness to share...some thoughts, some comic relief, some pictures, a clip, and a hint of what is forthcoming on Wish You Were Here.

Thoughts
I recently heard the Pink Floyd song, "Wish You Were Here", and since I chose this as the title of our blog, I asked Matt what the song was about. I thought there might be some parallels between the song and our family. Turns out the song is lamenting the loss of the group's lead, Syd Barret, to a mental breakdown. And according to Wikipedia, the song also explores the concept of alienation...yeah. Not too many parallels to draw...thank goodness!

ANYWAY, it got me thinking about why I chose "Wish You Were Here" as the title of our blog and why I am so very glad I did.

Some times, I wish you were here because I would appreciate your perspective on the problem/issue/dilemma I am facing.

Some times, I wish you were here because my kids are so stinkin' cute that I want someone else to witness their cuteness.

Other times, I wish you were here because I have no idea how to address the situation at hand and know that you would know what to do and would do it with strength, courage, and grace.

At times, I wish you were here because I know that you know me in a historical way, knowing me from my beginning and understanding why I do the things I do...even when I don't understand.

Some times, I wish you were here because I know you would laugh heartily with me at Smitty's jokes, Mason's antics, Matt's humor, Sawyer's many faces.

Many times, I wish you were here because I need help - physically, emotionally, spiritually - whatever, I need your help.

Most often, I wish you were here because I love you and so very much love your company.

I love our blog title and love that it is still relevant, appropriate, and perfect for what goes on here.

Now, after those thoughts, some comic relief is in order...

Matt, in a surprisingly/hilariously appropriate camo suit for deer hunting in Bozeman tomorrow. We have SNOW here in a very big way. Still, we never thought this hand-me-down would come in handy (excuse the pun).

You might think this picture would embarrass me...on the contrary, my friend, I think this picture demonstrates that I know how to have a good time. I titled this picture "She Lion" for obvious reasons. (This was taken on Halloween at the Oberly's - and I was modeling Jack's costume.) Thank you, Rebecca, for taking and sharing this picture :).

Pictures

We went for a family walk down our street...all five of us...and it was wonderful and fun and exercise and when we got home I was still smiling.

SoyBoy. He is such a delight.

Sawyer E has started to really enjoy his older "brudders" and smiles when they are near. Melts my heart.

The numbers don't lie...we got 23 inches of snow in less than 24 hours. This picture was taken before we got all 23.

Since we were snowed in, literally, the monkeys and I made cookies...Martha's pumpkin cookies with brown butter icing to be precise. (Smithy)

Mason is serious about cookies.

Winter Wonderland...except that it's not technically winter. It's almost always winter in Bozeman.

The much-trodden path from our house to the garage. We keep the beer in the refrigerator in the garage. :)

Clip

The monkeys are expanding their vocabulary by leaps and bounds every day, it seems. In this clip, Mason is explaining what he is having for dinner - raspberries, avocado, beans, and quesadilla. Smith, however, is interrupting him and joking that he is having candy and pie for dinner. Oh my.

Forthcoming

In the next few days or whenever I get around to it (tee hee), I will dedicate a few days/posts to each one of my delightful children individually. My goal is to really focus the post on one of them at a time, to highlight their "ness", as Owen Wilson would say from the movie "You, Me, and Dupree"...Mason-ness, Smithy-ness, and Sawyer-ness. Should be fun.

Ta-ta-for now!