Shiloh Sundstrom of Deadwood, Oregon

Beloved man, son, brother, uncle, friend. Amazing human, steward of land, animals, and people. You will be greatly missed and never forgotten. Your boisterous and contagious laugh, your incredible appetite, your gentle hand, and  strong leadership. We love you Shiloh. Our world will not be same without you. Forever in our hearts.  

Back to Family Swim Night

With the change in weather and darkness falling so early, we have gone back to weekly swim night. I love this time with my family. 

Life in the Tucker's House

I adore that Spencer plays still. He's mature and yet still playful. I have been keeping toys around to build and make with. Meaningful play, that supports his still growing brain. Screen time for kids these days could actually interrupt important elements of brain development and social relationships. I'm trying to help my kids experience a balance, isn't that what life is? A balance. 

Ruben is incredibly silly and in this picture  using his creativeness to keep himself and me entertained. Wearing his dad's sweatshirt in the most unusual way. He had me laughing!  

I adore rainy windy Saturday mornings.  I get to linger in bed, sip coffee from my favorite mug and cuddle up under a blanket hand stitched by Tres' grandma. 

I experienced some big disappointment today. It was tougher than I thought it would be. I have been trying to get a full time job, we need the income badly. Ironically I was contacted by both agencies on the same day, within an hour from each other, that I was not accepted for the positions at either place. It was quite a blow to my anticipation and hopefulness. I feel like it is a test of my strength. I am hopeful some sort of work will come up again in the quiet little town we live in. 

I love seeing Tres on the river. He is so happy here, fishing, bird watching, and being together next to the river. I feel lucky to have this so close! I am hopeful that another fish bites that lure! 

No School!

Friday was grading day at school. The end of the first quarter! I can't believe how quickly this went. The boys have done such a good job with their school work, attitude, effort, and responsibilities. I decided to let this day off be a friend day and an extra special treat... Movie Theater, we saw Peanuts the Movie. We so rarely go to the movies, I couldn't even remember the last movie I went to. The boys deserved a special treat though and I felt pretty good about being able to take them and bring friends.

 We had a day at home riding bikes, having snacks, playing nerf guns, chasing pancho, watching some super Moto Cross on YouTube. 

Then we went to the beach, of course! They ran and yelled and screamed! I thought for a moment... What would life be like if adults did this when they arrived at the beach, it gave me a good laugh thinking about the people leisurely walking on the beach, to be running from driftwood to water's edge yelling and acting like they were 10 years old. I bet people would age more slowly, the joy and energy of children is amazing. 

Lately

Spencer had the opportunity to take an airplane ride with a friend Sam Spade, a pilot and airplane owner. They flew over the house on Saturday morning last week. 

Spencer loved his ninja costume! He wore it for days, immediately becoming a ninja whenever he slipped into his costume. 

Ruben in the majestic Siusalw National forest. I joined his class to a field trip to Caper Perpetua.

Half Pipe and Other Thoughts on Sports

Our boys didn't want to play team sports this fall. Part of me was relieved and part of me was disappointed. I believe in team sports, there is so much to learn. Though I do understand the need for autonomy, sports of interest that don't include a team.... Like fishing, scooter riding, mountain biking, nerf gun playing, skate boarding... These activities that my boys show their interest in. We are lucky enough to have access to this indoor half pipe, we may even be the envy of others too. What I want for my kids is to be active and to know through physical activity they can reduce stress, feel healthier, live longer, and have a good time. Parent goals. 

Bald Knob Fire Lookout

I love to accomplish things I have always wanted to do. Camping in a USFS fire lookout tower, had been on my list for a long time. It was just as wonderful as I thought it would be, in fact it was better than I thought it would be. The view, comfort, solitude, quiet, slow time, and of course my company. 

I realize more than ever, nurturing my marriage is one of the most important things I can do. Since our marriage impacts the lives of our children, extended family, and our friends. As well as the quality of our lives as individuals. Taking the time to take good care will help us when things get rough, and in this life things definetly get rough. 

The weekend was well spent time together. I am very grateful to have a husband that would be willing to do this. We are lucky this was only 3 hours away from our house!! Very accessible. 

I'm already thinking if the next adventure the two of us may get to take together. Something low cost ($78 for the whole weekend! Here) someplace beautiful and relaxing too. Hard to find after a weekend spent above the clouds, among tree tops and mountain tops.