March (Not So) Madness

riding the t-bar!

It's the same old story....... John goes away every March.  I brace myself for the worst-- not because I'm a pessimist, but because I like to be ready for whatever may come.  One year Cally got pneumonia, another year Hazen got pneumonia, and last year Cally got the stomach flu while John was gone.  But I also brace myself because I know what John being in big mountains with big snow means.  There is a bit of envy, but a bit of fear, too.  I used to be the one tromping around in the big mountains, in the bountiful light snow, taking risks, but now there is a family involved and I worry-- but try my best not to.

This year I planned ahead and got my ducks in a row and it was pretty painless.  Being with the grandparents for several days really, really helped.  The kids were happy and I wasn't pent up at home with them.  And it was a short work week (although I did have parent-teacher conferences until 8:30 one night).  The morning drop offs went well and the kids stayed healthy.  We even managed to get out to Cochran's Ski area for "Friday Night Lights" and dinner.  I wasn't sure I could do it on my own, and it certainly took some major motivation, but it was a total success.  The three of us were able to ride the t-bar (and Cally only fell off once) and Hazen insisted on riding the tow rope on his own!

Hazey soloing the rope tow

I united with a few of my other single moms on Saturday-- sledding with the Harris-Plimpton crew:

tow assist for the way up

The kids were entertained by their "big kid" friends:

And I even got to get out on a short ski tour with Medora!

I even got out for a run on Sunday morning, thanks to Uncle Scotty coming over to play with the kids for an hour.  I'm  fortunate to have people who can help me break up the drudge of being on my own.  And I'm learning, slowly, how important it is to reach out and ask for help.

But, the fun couldn't last...... lice returned, so I spent most of the afternoon on Sunday on Operation Lice Phase II.  This time I had a better idea of how to handle it.  And Cally was a trooper!

And Dad came home in one piece!  That, ultimately, makes everything better.  I'm not sure who was happier to see the other-- the kids or their dad?

These weeks on my own are fine.  There is a little added stress and I definitely appreciate all that John does for this family when he isn't here.  But I also realize how much I am capable of and all that I can do on my own.