Long Weekends, Time with my Babies, and Fortifying my Soul

:: Long Weekends, Time with my babies, and Fortifying my Soul ::

We had a long weekend here and took full advantage of it starting on Friday. We left and went on a great afternoon  of hiking the Catoctin Mountain in Maryland. It is our favorite spot because it is free and secluded. I love the trails and the views are really great. I left my camera behind and we used James' phone for something different. They turned out well. My favorite part of the whole day was the last short hike when the sun was beginning to set and the forest began to settle and quiet itself. I am a mountain woman. The forest really fortifies my soul. Little did I know that I would need it later in the weekend when sickness reared its ugly head and left me scrubbing floors, nursing little ones, and standing over washer late into the night. We are finally on the mend and felt good enough over the weekend to read some stories about funny monsters and making some paper bag monsters with various craft supplies. A super easy craft I thought up and it is free enough that you don't need to guide the little ones.We carved some pumpkins and little J was very curious about his little pumpkin.

I think that the sickness that blanketed our home made me realize that we have going  non-stop the last couple weeks and that we need to slow down and return to our family goals of taking each day easily. It is hard when we live around so many people that are moving so quickly because we get caught up in the race. It is a sign to James and I that in this new year ahead we must stick to our principles and carefully weigh out where we will settle in 2015. The prospect of finally settling is an amazing feeling and looking at beautiful possible homes/farms is not too bad either. 

For now, I am just happy it is October. It is one of my favorite months of the year. 

 October is the earth's way of celebrating a year well done with dancing colorful banners of leaves and cool air that fills my lungs with energy gives the trees one last chance to breathe before the long cold winter. It fortifies my soul against those cold days ahead.