life is not a checklist

To say this Spring and early Summer were busy in the Heimer Haus, and for me in particular, would be an understatement.  I fully own that I signed up for it all but there were also some scheduled things like graduations and weddings that I had no control over.  There is a popular quote that says, "stop the glorification of busy."  I live by this mantra everyday and have tried and succeeded at living it since making it a goal on my 33rd birthday.  Sometimes though, life takes over, and "busy" is inevitable.  
I remember in late May feeling a sense of relief after an event and thinking, "ok. cross that one off the list."  But, LIFE IS NOT A CHECKLIST!  I am a queen of list-making and think it makes life manageable, but the big moments in life-the holidays, weddings, parties, birthdays and gatherings, are not activities to check off a list.  After having that post-event thought, I reigned myself in and vowed to live more in the moment and to soak up the little bits of wonder and togetherness in the events and gatherings I worked hard to make perfect.  I love entertaining and honoring friends but if I don't take time to enjoy the laughs and love, what is it all for?  
So, this post is just a quick reminder to myself, my family and my few sweet readers to focus more on being present in the moments and to take time to celebrate them before moving on to the next thing or event on your list.  It's also a reminder, especially to women, that it's ok to say no.  Instead of feeling guilt at what you're turning down, feel pride about the moments and time you'll be that much more present for.  XOXO

MeeMee's Montana

We left Billings Sunday morning and drove southwest through Columbus to the East Rosebud lake and river area where MeeMee owns two lots in paradise.  The area is fairly remote with no cell service and the last bit of road not winter maintained but I was shocked at the many homes and lots of people camping and hiking nearby. It's a long way off the beaten path but I suppose people flock to the natural beauty.
It was here we popped up the camper to sleep in for the first time and after practicing we felt like old pros.  We did realize shortly after set-up that we were actually NOT on MeeMee's property but just outside of her property line.  With lots of empty lots we weren't too worried anyone would complain.  If we had been planning to stay longer than one night we might have moved it.
We brought our own water and a new NASA inspired potty that quickly gels anything you put in it for easy removal and throw-away.
Ben had THE BEST time running through the field, pointing to the adjacent mountains and asking to climb them, "all the way to the top!," and playing in the camper.  It stays light late in Montana and Ben stayed awake right along with the light despite our best efforts to wear him out.  By the time he finally fell asleep I was wide awake and itchy and imagining the mosquitoes that were surely feasting on me.
I spent lots of time daydreaming about how to get a little house or cabin on this property and how amazing Christmas would be there surrounded by snow-capped peaks and a raging fire.  For now a girl will have to dream but I am motivated to make it back for a longer stay.

quintessential MT fly-fishing pic

This is right where the lake spills into the river.  The lake is circled by homes that almost never go up for sale as they are prized treasures handed down through families and surrounded by protected wilderness.

The East Rosebud River and mosquito feeding ground.

our humble abode

MeeMee's views......

The drive home Monday was long and somewhat painful.  A kind stranger let us know our trailer lights weren't working just as we approached Denver.  We fixed the problem and got to MeeMee's and I then had to load our car and head to our house.  After ten days away, my pillow and husband were welcome sights.  I was so thankful, though, for the time with MeeMee and all we accomplished with our "girl power."  It was a quick turn of laundry and household "stuff" before we headed to Breck the following Saturday........................

"a pig fire"

On the way home from Missoula, we stopped in Billings for the 4th annual Jonestown pig roast.  I grew up attending similar affairs in Missoula and when Carl and the original "boys" stopped hosting them there, Bill started hosting them in Billings.  This was my first time attending the Billings version and Ben's fist all-around.  It was a challenge to keep an eye on Ben with so much land to cover and so little fear of leaving well-known surroundings but truck beds, horses and a neighbors inflatable water slide gave me a few breaks. We hung out at Bill's Friday afternoon and evening and did the same Saturday.  We stayed at a nearby hotel but did set up MeeMee's camper to practice and for a place of refuge if Ben needed it. We woke up Sunday ans swam a bit at the hotel before heading to pack up the camper and say our good-byes.  By mid-morning we were on the road to East Rosebud Creek and MeeMee's MT property.

 

It was fun to snuggle with my monkey on this trip but he clearly doesn't understand the concept of "his side of the bed."

I was so thankful to MeeMee for watching Ben in the mornings so I could work out.

Yep-the makings of the world's biggest and craziest bonfire.

 

This El Camino bed was Ben's favorite play spot.  Bernie's daughter Rain (on the left) was great with Ben and little Austin followed him everywhere.

These tickles with Uncle Carl warm my heart and I'm sure there are similar pics of me sitting just where Ben is.

The next-door horses were very sweet and Ben loved petting them and talking to them frequently.

The fire begins......

.....and ends.

The fire got VERY hot VERY quickly and as we sat far enough away to be comfortable the mosquitoes feasted away.:(  I was reminded several times on this trip that my hippie mama bug spray does little to fend off the blood-suckers of the big sky.  

The fire department did come quickly after the fire started and people lined up in their cars for blocks to watch.  Somehow Ben put the whole event together perfectly when MeeMee asked him if it was a big fire.  "No MeeMee! It's a PIG FIRE!!!"  Well put, Benjamizzle. :) 

With that we bid the party adieu.

the dog house

I was thrilled to learn this Spring that a new option for getting to Missoula came by way of Frontier Airlines flying there directly from Denver.  Unfortunately, the O.N.L.Y. flight time (every other day, mind you) is 9:30 pm.  The thought of taking Ben alone on a flight at 9:30pm terrified me and the cost wasn't low enough to justify the stress.  Captain MeeMee to the rescue!! I thought MeeMee might be heading to MT for the sort-of-annual pig roast and wondered if we could catch a ride.  Not only did we catch a ride, but MeeMee drove us all the way to Missoula and she spent a few days there exploring and seeing friends.  We arrived Sunday, mid-day and hung at "the dog house," with Papa Ken and pups Bill and Boomer until Friday morning.  
I had discussed with my dad that Ben would be very happy to spend every day at my dad's new country club pool, and though we spent only two days there, Ben was indeed in heaven.  We also spent time running around the campus of my alma mater, having famous Hoagieville cheese fries, having breakfast with Aunt B, shopping, and enjoying a few other favorite restaurants. 
As Ben doesn't have quite as many energy outlets at my dad's as at home, we also spent all but one evening at the local school playground to burn off steam and insure a good night's sleep.

We traveled with MeeMee's new pop-up camper

have Blue, will travel

 

nothing better than post-swim in a hotel bed when you're a kid

first glimpses of MT mtns and rivers

playground on the first night

h.o.a.g.i.e.v.i.l.l.e.

The city has a big "out to lunch" with food trucks, etc., every Wednesday. The kids activity this week was guitar lessons and Ben was elated (and impatient.)

We also got to ride the carousel and get ice cream.

We helped Papa walk the dogs a few times

Papa's new club is gorgeous with a rustic ranch feel and 360 degree mtn views

 

Living near the airport is AWESOME when you're a little boy!

real-deal play dough at Ciao Mambo

How to relax poolside by Ben Heimer...........

like I said...Heaven!

the poolside life is a tough one :)

 

a little griz

 

 I've been so blessed to go to school in two really beautiful places.

 

Last night on the playground-until next time!!

something smells fishy

Ben has taken his fish status to a whole new level this Summer and I adore that he has found a love in the water.  Many mama dreams of mine would come true if I could spend early mornings and many hours poolside cheering on my swim team kiddo.  I'd be just as happy spending Summer afternoons at the pool, too, and only time will tell.  We are very lucky that Nana and Papa have such a wonderful neighborhood pool where Ben takes lessons from Meagan and where we get to spend many afternoons swimming and sunning.   We also have some vacations this year that will be rife with swimming opportunities.  Here are some pics of Ben's lessons and pool days this year and a video of him and Meagan at work.

wayfarers and little boys just slay me!

waiting SO patiently on a thunder delay. :(

He's not pool dependent.........

rivers work just as well

and in a pinch, a water table...........