Thursday, January 15, 2009

Scenic View

January can be a tough month for me. So I often find myself looking around to find something inspirational. Though the view of sunshine and melting snow out my front window helps a little bit this week, sometimes I like to look through all the fun photos that I have taken recently.

Here is a spectacular shot that we took during our travels at the beginning of the month. As you head north, just before you get to Hoover Dam there is a scenic viewpoint. It caught my eye on our way south and Honey Daddy said we could stop on our way back.


If you look closely there seems to be a little oasis with palm trees at the bottom of the river. Looks like a nice place to stop and rest for a while.

The funny thing about this photo is that when you are traveling you really have no idea that this lovely view is ahead until you turn a corner and there it is! One moment you are traveling along rolling hills that go on forever and all of the sudden you find this view of the lovely gorge.

I feel like my life is about to turn that corner (I hope!). My sons are going through some awkward transitions at the moment. My two year old is hovering on the point of no longer wanting (dare I say needing?) an afternoon nap. I keep trying to put him down for one and sometimes he takes one. Then there are the afternoons like today where he sits in his room and talks to himself (and his toys) for an hour. I am not quite sure what to do about it because I don't want him to wake up his borther. Plus, I know that some days when we are stuck inside he doesn't burn enough energy to need a nap. *sigh* If he doesn't take a nap anymore I don't know how to still get in my time.

My sister lets her kids watch a movie while they have quiet time in the afternoon so she can have some time for herself. I think it's a pretty good idea, but I don't know if I want Jonah watching that much TV. He already gets to watch two movies a week with Honey Daddy on the evenings that I go to work.

Eli is transitioning from baby to toddler. He wants to walk SO badly, but just isn't there yet. He is hovering between taking three and two naps a day. If he only takes two naps, then he doesn't seem to quite get enough sleep. If he takes three naps, then they seem to be short and he stays up later. So we have been trying to stick to two naps in the hopes that eventually they will stretch out to be the length they need to be.

Right now am not fond of this part of my road with all it's ups and downs, but I know it will get better. We will figure this stuff out. I am holding on to hope that there is a scenic view just ahead. :o)

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

31 comments:

  1. The journey is the reward.
    (chinese proverb)

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  2. What another gorgeous photo...and what a beautiful thought...I hope I turn that corner with you soon too. We are hitting some similar milestones/transitions here, and things are just kinda rough right now....I need to find that little river oasis!!

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  3. Ohh, I HATED it when my youngest daughter stopped napping!!! I know all about the need for ME time!! My hubby's a trucker, so I'm a pseudo-single mom during the week, and those moments are precious few and too far between! My girls are a bit older (one's in Grade 1, so she's generally not home during afternoon "quiet time" anymore anyway), but I send them upstairs to their room for some "ME" time. Or into the office to play some computer games on TreehouseTV.com. I usually get about an hour of peace and quiet. Which USUALLY tides me over until their bedtime!

    Thanks for stopping by my blog! I enjoyed my time here and plan to visit again!!

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  4. My girls (18 mos and 3) watch tv when they miss their naps. My philosophy is that I am no good to my children if I do not take time to myself. They watch Veggie Tales...it helps lessen the guilt if I know they're getting something out of it. :)

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  5. Yep, it will pass. I'm so afraid my baby girl is almost done with napping.

    Beautiful photo!

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  6. What a beautiful picture. I enlarged it, and the oasis is beautiful.

    Good luck with the nap thing. Sometimes, if you can wait it out, they go back to taking them...others, it's just over. :-) I know what you mean about the movie, but remember time for you to recharge is important too. What about a compromise...not a two hour movie, but an hour of quality tv...noggin, pbs, sprout, etc.? Just a thought. Hope he's struck by a sudden and long lasting urge to nap again.

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  7. It seems like an endless highway but it isn't. It goes very fast. Hope you find your way with naps and some time for yourself. It's a long road, you'll need your strength.:):)

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  8. I really like your picture too. After all how many pictures can you take of snow. It get boring, all that white and black. Where does all the color go during the winter?

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  9. I always wanted to go to the Hoover Dam.
    Beautiful pics!
    I miss nap time too!

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  10. beautiful photo, and a nicely written post. Those times are certainly moments of struggle. Soon they will work through it, and you'll all be on a lovely road again.
    happy PSF!

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  11. Hugs! Our kids have to have a quiet time every day for 1-2 hours (depends on what is going on). Even if they do not sleep. My husband uses that time to nap!

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  12. I keep gettin told by people that 'you will look back and want all of this back when it's gone.' Sometimes I think 'What?! Why?!' but then I realize it's too true. They grow up so fast. Then it's gone.
    Too soon, this will be a distant memory.
    The great view is coming up soon!

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  13. Beautiful shot...and a beautiful thought. That road does move along though. My oldest is about to turn eleven and I SWEAR he was just at that transition between baby and toddler!!

    WOnderful PSF!

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  14. Great picture.

    I only have one, but I am also the mom of a toddler. They definitely go through some rough patches, but one thing that is good about this age is all the stages are relatively short. I hope they both settled into a routine before too long (life without mom time is rough).

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  15. The view is amazing!

    Hope your ups and downs level out soon!

    I hope you do sign up for the Valentine swap. It does look like fun!

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  16. That is a great shot! My 3 year old still takes an afternoon nap...thankfully. I also have an 11 month old...she only naps once during the day, and it is at the same time as her sister. I will be soooo sad when they quit napping.

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  17. gorgeous photo!
    yep, this weather is not good for us mommas!

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  18. Hang in there! I'm looking and waiting for a scenic view too!

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  19. transitioning out of naps is painful for everyone involved!! they grow up so fast, and impact your life so much. :) I love the photo.

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  20. Great shot and I love the way you wrapped up your post. Scenic roads are ahead.......I'm sure of that. :)

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  21. Awesome photo. I love the new blog design.

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  22. I hope you have a wonderful day today. Naps are so important.....for ME!! One day they will see that and we won't be able to get them out of bed..:)

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  23. Boy...I sure would love to have a view like this. Practically in your backyard, I'll bet!

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  24. That pic is so pretty!!! I hope your lil one gets his naps straightened out soon! Maybe if you let him watch something educational or spiritual that would make you feel better about a little more tv? :)

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  25. That is a beautiful photo! It really is hard to go through those transitions. Hopefully your kiddos will help you through it and quickly. ;)

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  26. I love the analogy with the picture you posted! Great thoughts. Even tho kids may get to the point where they don't take naps, I'm all for "quiet" time. Mom's need their time too to recupe and rejuvenate! Have a wonderful weekend.

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  27. I like what yaya said. The easiest roads are NEVER scenic. And I truly wish you all the best. xoxo.

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  28. As I sit here drinking in my fave blogs while enjoying my mommy time, I can totally relate. I have to force myself to get out of the house on Sat. mornings--no matter what-- and just go veg. It's hard, but necessary. Here's to a new schedule for the boys and hoping you adjust well. Hang in there!

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