I SURVIVED!

Well, I have officially survived my first hunting season as a hunting widow. Honestly it was better and worse than I expected all at the same time. Hank's first night away from home was a little sad. My sweet sister in law and niece caught wind I was feeling a little down and brought me one of my favorite treats (Jamba...yummy) to Cheer me up! That was our first night apart from each other since we had been married. I couldn't bring myself to sleep in our bed so I went to Hollywood and rented about 5 chick flicks to get me through the weekend. After the first night, things were better. I spent a lot of time with my fellow hunting widows and friends. All this time also gave me the chance to catch up on stuff around the house. Even though it was nice to get a break from random half full mountain dews all over the house every weekend, in a way I missed not seeing them on every flat surface in the house...who would have thought!

Hank was successful and shot two nice bucks. I was so happy for him! He has been having a tough and stressful semester and hunting on weekends was a great escape for him.

Although hunting season is technically over, lets be honest it never really ends. I might get two weeks, if I'm lucky, before the off season hunting season begins. This will first consist of driving and hiking around with binoculars to see where the deer and elk are hanging out. This precedes the next phase, horn hunting. This horn hunting will last untill about a month before next years hunting season. Then they will begin scoping out where the animals are hanging out again. Then September comes and the cycle will start all over again! So I guess it's really not over it's just beginning...Shoot! So much for my survival post! But I love everything about Hank and Hank loves to hunt so to the next...endless season of obsession with antlers...bring it on!

Belated Birthday Tribute

This post is a little overdue, but better late than never, right? October 8 was Hank's 25th Birthday. Unfourtunately, the majority of his birthday was spent at school. He left at 8AM and didn't make it home untill 5:30PM. He was such a trooper. He kept calling me to make sure I was okay! How great is he?! We did eventually have a great night with part of the crew at dinner and then at our nephew's football game.

Hank is incredibile. Yes, at times he can be a little nutty, kind of stubborn, and his life seems to revolve around hunting seasons, but he is truely the most amazing man I know. He is so considerate, kind and smart. He cares deeply about those around him and is very protective of those he loves. He always wants to make those around him feel good and important. It is impossible to be around him without smiling. He always knows just what to say to make me laugh or cheer me up. He does the dishes even though he hates them. He enjoys life and is not afraid to laugh at himself. He loves the outdoors and gets the cutest little smile when he goes up into the mountains. He is always concerned about me and takes such good care of me. He always tells me how much he appreciates me and loves me (even when I almost ruined his bday cake by dumping it on the floor at his bday dinner). He is such an amazing friend, and husband. I realize more and more every single day just how blessed I am to have him in my life.