Silver Falls

Finding opportunities that our whole family is available to spend out together are becoming increasingly rare. In fact, in the course of this summer I think we will only all be home for about two weeks! But I'm beginning to realize that that doesn't mean those of us that are at home shouldn't find some stolen moments to enjoy time spent in our beautiful Oregon countryside.

The Quiet Zone

Here I sit, all alone at my counter. Cameron is away on his senior retreat, Elaina and Faerynn are visiting much loved cousins in Washington, Shannon, Allison, and Bethany are all off to work, and Daniel and Chesterton are both still sleeping.

This house is sooooo still, just John Tesh on Pure Hymns keeping me company. It's a small glimpse into the days ahead. The days after the next three in line graduate. And I wonder what I'll do with my days then?

Yesterday I decided to take the afternoon off to do whatever I wanted. It was a loooonnng afternoon. I read a little, slept a little, watched a movie with Daniel, started a card game....then Allison and Ann-Marie arrived and we went to a riverside park in Salem for a leisurely walk. Guess what? I much prefer the busy days of caring for my family. I like the rhythm of my days.

Today I'll set to work trying to establish a new routine for the summer. I'll figure out when I'm going to do all those things I've been saying can wait until school was finished. I'll restore order after a busy few days of party and company. And I'll enjoy the quiet while I work.

Graduation Letter

Dear Cameron,

We've had a great journey together. A journey of learning, loving, and doing and you've traversed all of these well.

It's been a my great pleasure to watch you mature and persevere. You've pushed through to the completion of your Eagle Scout rank. You're leadership skills have grown through your involvement in the youth group worship team. And you've managed your school, job, and time with friends to the fullest.

I'm excited for you future! You've chosen a challenging path but I know that you are fully capable of accomplishing all that you set out to do. Never forget that you don't travel this road alone or in your own strength. You have a Savior greater than anything you will ever face.

All my love,
Mom

The Princess Musician

Starfish DeLuxe

Moonchild has a passion for nature. She is happiest outside, whether in the woods or scavening at along the seashore. Yesterday she came across this terrific find which we all oohed and ahhed over before returning him to his home on the rocks.

Winding Down

Another school year is rapidly coming to a close. Once again, the stack of books is shrinking as each day we finish and set aside math or science or spelling. Testing day has come and gone and I sigh with relief that all my young charges are progressing.....did I really doubt they were? And another graduation from our small school hovers just on the horizon of June.

I'm relishing the freedom of summer.......... the lazy mornings, the opportunity for a bit more spontaneity, visits to and from our family, and more time for our friends close by. I'm ready for long, warm days and blackberry picking, for barbecuing and summer salads, and for twilight walks with my family.

I know that once I've set this school year aside I'll be ready to think of and plan for the next. I usually begin that process in the spring, but this year all my thinking and planning has gone into our new business and all that I've needed to learn to do my part. I know that in July we'll be excited for "box day" and all the learning treasures we'll unpack. And I know that come August we'll all be ready for the return of routine in our lives.

For now, I'm glad that the end of May is just 'round corner and the promise of summer not far behind.

Monday

Another Monday, another school week.

This stuff is exhausting.