Antelope Huntin'

Fall is here. Noses are running. Mittens are missing. Antelope season has opened. Huntin' season is on--note the spelling--there's no "TING" in huntin'.

Went out with the hubby & dad to bag an antelope, but those nervous goats preferred the off-limits alfalfa fields of some Californians that just moved in & don't approve of hunting. Go figure...They're filing complaints against the farmer down the road for slowing them down on a shared gravel road with his pesky farm equipment. Never mind the farming family has been there for 5 generations & the county road bears the family name. Next, they'll be pushing to pave the gravel to keep their BMW SUV squeaky clean. Money talks...

Regardless, the day antelope hunting with the family was priceless. No meat in the freezer from the hunt, but it was fabulous to be out in the clear, crisp air--walking through snow & gazing at the stunning Crazy Mountains. The kids enjoyed the morning at home with yaya & Aunt Sagey.

After walking & being in the cold, we came home to elk chili and a homemade crumb-top apple pie. All in all, a great day.

Gratitude...

Just a note of gratitude for today. Mark is coming home from a whirlwind 3-day trip to Pennsylvania late tonight. It's true that absence makes the heart grow fonder. For a PR guru, he doesn't have to travel too much for the Elk Foundation, but the past three months have been very busy for him. We miss him when he's gone, especially his creative nighttime stories for the boys.

I'm feeling very grateful today...for healthy / amazing kids; a fabulous husband & soulmate; a house that feels like home in a community that feels like family; a smart / loving new dog who makes me laugh every day; an amazing telecommuting gig that lets me spend lots of time with our kids & blast Neil Young without nasty stares from coworkers; and a growing yoga practice that is helping me along in my spiritual practice.

Life is good. And today, I am very thankful!

Sage, Spring, & Nature Boys

Just had a great visit with my younger sister, Sage. She's living in the urban mecca of Tampa, Florida with her new hubby. We miss her very much, and Luke & Sam were so happy to spend time with her. I laid a good big sister guilt trip on her about moving closer to family once they get their fill of traffic and asphalt. The clear blue skies & mountains of Montana are ready for their return, preferably close enough that they can babysit for us occassionally and persuade my parents to move from that windy Eastern Montana town (Livingston) to the uberhip & liberal sanctuary of Missoula. Bring your patchouli, tofu, & wool socks!

We're ready for Spring's arrival & looking forward to some great adventures with the kids this year. They're big enough now that we can really start to get out & explore nature. Hiking, camping, fishing, stargazing, birdwatching, hunting--we're ready to share all the gifts of nature with them.

Up & Blogging

The Armstrong-DuBois blog is up & running! I'm optimistic that I'll be able to update it regularly, but with two toddlers & a new puppy at home, I won't be too attached to results.

Here's a picture of Luke, Bodhi, & me to get things going.