Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
I'm Still Here!
Really, truly I am. It's just that once again, living life has taken precedence over blogging about it.
So, what's been happening in this learning life?
I learned that two days of snow is enough for me! It's pretty while it's coming down. It's fun, if there is enough to sled and build a snowman. But....when it begins to thaw it.makes.a.mess!!! And so, I'm grateful to live in the place that is only occasionally blessed with white precipitation.
I cheered for my Autumn Rain as she battled through final's week and made it through with flying colors (the grades aren't in, but I have no doubts about how she did). And I laughed when I greeted her Saturday morning and asked how it felt to do be done and her reply was a feeble "Sad, I have no classes for a month!". What a wonderful and nutty scholar I've raised!
I helped my younger daughters hostess what was supposed to be a Flower Fairy Tea Party for a few little friends....only after weeks of waiting and planning, the revered "How to Host a Flower Fairy Tea Party" book disappeared! So I wiped away sad little tears and we enjoyed a marvelous Christmas tea instead. And I'm sure the book will show up when we pack and we'll enjoy the Flower Fairy Tea in our new home next year. So, now we have something to look forward to.
And yesterday I cried while watching those same young daughters sing their hearts out for their coming Lord. My Ladybird did an incredible job singing a solo as Mary and was the sweetest looking Mary ever to grace the stage, truly, I do not lie! And also, my shy little Moonchild, who didn't even want to be in the program, was the most animated and glowing angel in the choir. It was a delightful show to be sure. Just wish you all could have seen it.
Now it's Monday, early this morning I kissed my Autumn Rain goodbye and sent her off to see her cousins. The rest of us began our last week of school before Christmas break is upon us. How I wish to just set it all aside and begin the break now...but I daren't take extra time off now. I need to save it for moving time.
So, what's been happening in this learning life?
I learned that two days of snow is enough for me! It's pretty while it's coming down. It's fun, if there is enough to sled and build a snowman. But....when it begins to thaw it.makes.a.mess!!! And so, I'm grateful to live in the place that is only occasionally blessed with white precipitation.
I cheered for my Autumn Rain as she battled through final's week and made it through with flying colors (the grades aren't in, but I have no doubts about how she did). And I laughed when I greeted her Saturday morning and asked how it felt to do be done and her reply was a feeble "Sad, I have no classes for a month!". What a wonderful and nutty scholar I've raised!
I helped my younger daughters hostess what was supposed to be a Flower Fairy Tea Party for a few little friends....only after weeks of waiting and planning, the revered "How to Host a Flower Fairy Tea Party" book disappeared! So I wiped away sad little tears and we enjoyed a marvelous Christmas tea instead. And I'm sure the book will show up when we pack and we'll enjoy the Flower Fairy Tea in our new home next year. So, now we have something to look forward to.
And yesterday I cried while watching those same young daughters sing their hearts out for their coming Lord. My Ladybird did an incredible job singing a solo as Mary and was the sweetest looking Mary ever to grace the stage, truly, I do not lie! And also, my shy little Moonchild, who didn't even want to be in the program, was the most animated and glowing angel in the choir. It was a delightful show to be sure. Just wish you all could have seen it.
Now it's Monday, early this morning I kissed my Autumn Rain goodbye and sent her off to see her cousins. The rest of us began our last week of school before Christmas break is upon us. How I wish to just set it all aside and begin the break now...but I daren't take extra time off now. I need to save it for moving time.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Winter Wonderland
Snow! Snow! While we swam early this morning our world turned white.
Yesterday we cut our Christmas tree in the rain, it was the quickest our famiy has ever chosen a tree! Now the tree is trimmed and the snowy backdrop through the window is just perfect. I have never had a Christmas tree and snow at the same time (at least that I can recall)...it is a welcome novelty.
The downside is that my daughter still needed to go to school and she has never driven in the snow. So this Mama is worried and my imagination is working overtime.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Siding
Every week brings new and exciting changes to our new home. The siding is about 70% finished, and I send a hearty thanks out to the poor siders working in the downpours of the past few weeks.The electrical wiring is complete and the audio wiring is in progress. Oh yes, and doors! I think that once the house is all seeled up it'll be ready for the plasterboard. Do I dare move the count forward to three months, we've been stalled at four months for so long now?
Sunday, November 12, 2006
An Early Morning Farewell
With sleepy eyes and sad hearts we made a very quiet drive to the airport. Most of our friends know our family to be extrememly quiet travelers under normal circumstances, but we are especially so at 5 a.m!
The week with cousin J went far to quickly. But the girls made the most of the time, filling their hours with music, books, Quiddler, and of course TEA.
Having J here was just like duplicating one my own daughters! And we're trying to entice her to move this direction someday. Only I don't know that I could face my sister again if she actually succumbed to our plea.
Now, we need to reenter the real world and catch up on all that's been set aside during this week of visiting. Big Sigh.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Friday, November 10, 2006
Sweet Mama To Be
February's bride is now counting down the weeks until her own little one is safely in her arms.
Almost makes me want one more, just to feel that anticipation once again....almost, but not quite, I'm enjoying life on this side of motherhood!
And, of course, all the girl cousins want to share in the experience..where is little G kicking now?
Almost makes me want one more, just to feel that anticipation once again....almost, but not quite, I'm enjoying life on this side of motherhood!
And, of course, all the girl cousins want to share in the experience..where is little G kicking now?
Cousins, The Best Of Friends!
To Have And To Hold
"First Dance"It was our great pleasure this past weekend to witness the wedding of my niece to her Marine. It's awfully exciting to see this next generation growing up, but a little scary too as I watch and wonder how long until my own daughters will be walking down that aisle? It just wasn't that long ago that I was sitting at the kitchen table doing preschool with my sweet little nieces while my sister taught piano lessons! And now they're both grown with homes of their own. How swiftly the years are flying by.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Slowly But Surely
The roof is completed! And progress is being made inside too. Pipes are in place, waiting for tubs, sinks, and showers. Electrical boxes are appearing everywhere. Windows are neatly stacked against the garage wall and doors have been ordered. It's good to see progress, regardless of how slowly it may come.
The rains have started in earnest now....and the house is still sitting atop the hill! That's good to see.
Friday, November 03, 2006
The Joy of Granting Little Wishes
It must have been nearly a year ago, Moonchild and I were enjoying a cuddle with a book about a trip to zoo. She began to ask what we might find in the zoo, if we went. I realized that this youngest child of mine couldn't remember ever visiting the zoo. And why should she? The last time she had gone must have been when she was only a year old!
But at that time we were in the midst of selling the house, packing up, and preparing to move. I quickly made a promise that when we were settled again we would make time for the zoo! Then the promise was pushed to the far recesses of my mind.
Throughout the year she dropped reminders and as her birthday approached the much longed for trip became fixed on our calendar. With great excitement we piled into the van, all eight of us available on the same afternoon (phenomenal these days). And made the journey into the city.
Miss Moonchild was delighted with each exhibit. And I was delighted with the time spent frolicking with all of our children. How many families have teens that still enjoy a day at the zoo? I am blessed beyond measure.
So, I thank you, my Moonchild, for your patience and for a wonderful family day. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip to the zoo.
But at that time we were in the midst of selling the house, packing up, and preparing to move. I quickly made a promise that when we were settled again we would make time for the zoo! Then the promise was pushed to the far recesses of my mind.
Throughout the year she dropped reminders and as her birthday approached the much longed for trip became fixed on our calendar. With great excitement we piled into the van, all eight of us available on the same afternoon (phenomenal these days). And made the journey into the city.
Miss Moonchild was delighted with each exhibit. And I was delighted with the time spent frolicking with all of our children. How many families have teens that still enjoy a day at the zoo? I am blessed beyond measure.
So, I thank you, my Moonchild, for your patience and for a wonderful family day. I'm glad you enjoyed your trip to the zoo.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Ready for round two!
It is with great pride that I announce that Lavender Girl received her "Official Acceptance Letter" to our favortie home-town university over the weekend! She plans to study music and ..... her minor is yet to be decided.
The idea of four more years of study ahead is a bit daunting to her at the moment. I understand, she is a homemaker through and through, just like her Mama. But I know that she too will grow and thrive in this new environment, just like her big sister is doing.
Way to go, my sweet Lavender Girl! You are destined fill our hearts with beautiful music.
The idea of four more years of study ahead is a bit daunting to her at the moment. I understand, she is a homemaker through and through, just like her Mama. But I know that she too will grow and thrive in this new environment, just like her big sister is doing.
Way to go, my sweet Lavender Girl! You are destined fill our hearts with beautiful music.
Quote Of The Day
"Oregon and tea are the best of friends!"
by Moonchild as she sipped of her warm cup over her math this morning.
by Moonchild as she sipped of her warm cup over her math this morning.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
A Moment for Stillness
The day had been long and productive. Two bedrooms were made cozy and comfortable again. The time had now come to sit with my girls over a peaceful meal at the end of the day. The lights were doused, the candles lit...on sudden inspiration a pile of leaves appeared from the basket collected earlier in the day. It was a moment suspended in time, a moment to pause and be still.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Happy 8th Birthday, Moonchild!
Autumn moon rising,
Glowing orange in eastern sky.
Soliciting rapturous cry of joy,
"See, Mommy, the moon so high?"
Every night the wonder continues,
As Moonchild gazes anew,
Upon the autumn moon.
Lori 10/19/2005
Glowing orange in eastern sky.
Soliciting rapturous cry of joy,
"See, Mommy, the moon so high?"
Every night the wonder continues,
As Moonchild gazes anew,
Upon the autumn moon.
Lori 10/19/2005
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Heading Out to Celebrate
Twenty years ago today we started the adventure of our lives when we said "I do." Now we're off to celebrate the adventures that have been and the adventures yet to come!
I'll be back next week.....with pictures.
I'll be back next week.....with pictures.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Entering Autumn
The season of my life is changing.
I'm not much of a country girl, at least not yet. My view of autumn has been mostly of falling leaves and the crispness of the air as the weather changes. But today I've been thinking more about the harvesting that occurs with autumn. Grammy has brought in her hay for the cows. Others are harvesting apples for cider and pies. And critters are putting away their horde of nuts for winter. What am I harvesting as I enter the autumn of my life?
I've been planting, watering, weeding, and pruning for 18 years. Beautiful fruit has grown and is ready for the harvest! I look back over the years and remember.... My Autumn Rain was only four when we welcomed our fourth child into our lives. I thought I would never sleep again! Then Ladybird and Moonchild joined us. We were into the thick of homeschooling by then. I couldn't imagine a life beyond babies and books. Now, on this side, I wish I'd been able to relax and enjoy the journey - one day at a time.
Now here is autumn slowly creeping up on my life. My oldest is voraciously devouring her new found life at the university. The next in line is busily perparing herself to begin her college days next year. My oldest son has got his first job and dreams of going to Cal-Tech someday. Another son is beginning his high school years. Fancy that, they are growing up as quickly as they arrived in my arms!
The harvest is ripening. And though it will be a few years yet until it is all gathered in, I know how quickly these years will pass! I want to glean the joy of this season.
I'm not much of a country girl, at least not yet. My view of autumn has been mostly of falling leaves and the crispness of the air as the weather changes. But today I've been thinking more about the harvesting that occurs with autumn. Grammy has brought in her hay for the cows. Others are harvesting apples for cider and pies. And critters are putting away their horde of nuts for winter. What am I harvesting as I enter the autumn of my life?
I've been planting, watering, weeding, and pruning for 18 years. Beautiful fruit has grown and is ready for the harvest! I look back over the years and remember.... My Autumn Rain was only four when we welcomed our fourth child into our lives. I thought I would never sleep again! Then Ladybird and Moonchild joined us. We were into the thick of homeschooling by then. I couldn't imagine a life beyond babies and books. Now, on this side, I wish I'd been able to relax and enjoy the journey - one day at a time.
Now here is autumn slowly creeping up on my life. My oldest is voraciously devouring her new found life at the university. The next in line is busily perparing herself to begin her college days next year. My oldest son has got his first job and dreams of going to Cal-Tech someday. Another son is beginning his high school years. Fancy that, they are growing up as quickly as they arrived in my arms!
The harvest is ripening. And though it will be a few years yet until it is all gathered in, I know how quickly these years will pass! I want to glean the joy of this season.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
More Progress
Things are slowly but steadily moving along. As of this week we have stairs and I can now look around the second story of our home. I went up the ladder once a few weeks back and had a terrible time getting myself back down again, so I've not ventured up there anymore until today! There are a few things that don't make sense to us and we're wondering how it's going work, but I'm sure the builder knows what he's doing...even if we don't understand it. That's a familiar place for me to be in!
Monday, September 25, 2006
It's Official
The much anticipated day has finally arrived. Tuition has been paid, student ID card has been activated, books have been bought, and a few new clothes as well. My Autumn Rain donned her new brown jacket, slung her very heavily laden laptop bag over her shoulder, and paused for brief goodbye as she headed out our doorway. WAIT! I need to take a picture of your first day. Which I promptly did, only it didn't turn out well and she would not appreciate my posting it. Too bad.
Now she's away and the house feels empty, even while the other 5 are busily doing their work around me. But I'll see her tonight and I'll repeat again how grateful I am that she's still living at home. I look forward to the stories we'll hear 'round the dinner table tonight, the very first of their kind told there!
Now she's away and the house feels empty, even while the other 5 are busily doing their work around me. But I'll see her tonight and I'll repeat again how grateful I am that she's still living at home. I look forward to the stories we'll hear 'round the dinner table tonight, the very first of their kind told there!
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Autumn Reflections
The vibrant hews of autumn surround me-
the red and golden leaves, brilliant orange pumpkins,
and shiny apples.
My skin tingles with the cool crispness
of the morning. I hear the crunch and crackle
of leaves underfoot as I revel in the afternoon
of leisure at Bishop's Farm.
The sweet scent of cinnamon, cloves,
and allspice mingle with that of pumpkin and apples
in mouth watering treats. I taste the bounty of
autumn goodness in the countryside surrounding me.
by Lori 10/19/2005
Autumn has arrived in all her splendor this morning. Sunlight is flooding our front room and the day promises to be a golden one.
This is my favorite time of year. I love the crispness in the air and the colors around me as I walk through the park. I believe a leaf collecting excursion may be in order for this day!
the red and golden leaves, brilliant orange pumpkins,
and shiny apples.
My skin tingles with the cool crispness
of the morning. I hear the crunch and crackle
of leaves underfoot as I revel in the afternoon
of leisure at Bishop's Farm.
The sweet scent of cinnamon, cloves,
and allspice mingle with that of pumpkin and apples
in mouth watering treats. I taste the bounty of
autumn goodness in the countryside surrounding me.
by Lori 10/19/2005
Autumn has arrived in all her splendor this morning. Sunlight is flooding our front room and the day promises to be a golden one.
This is my favorite time of year. I love the crispness in the air and the colors around me as I walk through the park. I believe a leaf collecting excursion may be in order for this day!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Happy Birthday, Ladybird!
11 years ago God filled our arms with a delightful bundle of energetic joy. Your enthusiasm for life is contagious and we can't imagine our lives without you! Have a wonderful birthday, Ladybird.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Changes
More than the weather and leaves are changing around my home.
This is new student week and my Autumn Rain is off to the University campus to get herself acclimated to the new surroundings, new people, and new routine of being a college girl. Have I shed a few tears? YES!!!! Having skipped the first day of kindergarten I managed to put off this parting for 13 years, but now the time has come......and well, I feel sad. I'm grateful for the extra minutes we've had the past few days as I've driven her back and forth to school. It's been a good opportunity to share in her grand adventure.
But that's not all the change in the air....tomorrow Ladybird will be 11. Happy Birthday to you!!!! You continue to shed an abundance of JOY upon our family. You may be a tiny one yet, but you are big inside and will never be overlooked in the crowd. May you grow closer to Jesus through this coming year of your life.
So while we enjoy the scent of refreshing rain in the air and feel the crispness of the approaching autumn, we also embrace these changes and wonder what the future has in store.
This is new student week and my Autumn Rain is off to the University campus to get herself acclimated to the new surroundings, new people, and new routine of being a college girl. Have I shed a few tears? YES!!!! Having skipped the first day of kindergarten I managed to put off this parting for 13 years, but now the time has come......and well, I feel sad. I'm grateful for the extra minutes we've had the past few days as I've driven her back and forth to school. It's been a good opportunity to share in her grand adventure.
But that's not all the change in the air....tomorrow Ladybird will be 11. Happy Birthday to you!!!! You continue to shed an abundance of JOY upon our family. You may be a tiny one yet, but you are big inside and will never be overlooked in the crowd. May you grow closer to Jesus through this coming year of your life.
So while we enjoy the scent of refreshing rain in the air and feel the crispness of the approaching autumn, we also embrace these changes and wonder what the future has in store.
Come, Little Leaves
"Come, little leaves," said the wind one day.
"Come over the meadows with me and play;
Put on your dresses of red and gold,
For summer is gone and the days grow cold."
Soon as the leaves heard the wind's loud call,
Down they came fluttering, one and all;
Over the brown fields they danced and flew,
Singing the sweet little song they knew.
"Cricket, good-by, we've been friends so long,
Little brook, sing us your farewell song;
Say you are sorry to see us go;
Ah, you will miss us, right well we know.
"Dear little lambs in your fleecy fold,
Mother will keep you from harm and cold;
Fondly we watched you in vale and glade,
Say, will you dream of ou loving shade?"
Dancing and whirling, the little leaves went.
Winter had called them, and they were content;
Soon, fast asleep in their earthy beds,
The snow laid a coverlid over their heads.
"Come over the meadows with me and play;
Put on your dresses of red and gold,
For summer is gone and the days grow cold."
Soon as the leaves heard the wind's loud call,
Down they came fluttering, one and all;
Over the brown fields they danced and flew,
Singing the sweet little song they knew.
"Cricket, good-by, we've been friends so long,
Little brook, sing us your farewell song;
Say you are sorry to see us go;
Ah, you will miss us, right well we know.
"Dear little lambs in your fleecy fold,
Mother will keep you from harm and cold;
Fondly we watched you in vale and glade,
Say, will you dream of ou loving shade?"
Dancing and whirling, the little leaves went.
Winter had called them, and they were content;
Soon, fast asleep in their earthy beds,
The snow laid a coverlid over their heads.
by George Cooper
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Bathing in a Sea of Music
All week I've been waiting for a little brown box to grace my mailbox. But not just any little brown box will do, it must bear the Amazon name proudly in the return address! This box is the result of my two sons' generous gift certificate on my birthday. Add these treasures to a lovely gift from my daughter and you get the following wondrous new sounds filling our home:
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Happy Birthday To My Soul Sister
"May the Lord, mighty God,
Bless and keep you forever.
Grant you peace, perfect peace,
Courage in every endeavor.
Lift up you eyes and see His face,
And His grace forever.
May the Lord, mighty God,
Bless and keep you forever."
Bless and keep you forever.
Grant you peace, perfect peace,
Courage in every endeavor.
Lift up you eyes and see His face,
And His grace forever.
May the Lord, mighty God,
Bless and keep you forever."
Dear Sister, what a blessing you are to me. God gave me a beautiful gift when He brought you into my life. Enjoy this day! Celebrate life!!!!!
Monday, September 04, 2006
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Living Life One Day at a Time
It's been the sort of week that has threatened to sink my ship. Situations that build up and hem me in until I feel there is no way I can possibly handle another wrench in my plan. I start looking at my calendar and thinking "I can't". Sometimes I look to far. I need to take things day by day, resting in the knowledge that "I don't have to"!
When things didn't go as planned or when my husband walked in the door with a broken arm, I wasn't alone and I only needed to manage a moment in my day....not the next 364 days.
I'm clinging to a promise this week. 2 Cor. 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." I know I'm weak, but He is strong! He is greater than this moment, greater than all I need to do this week, greater than any plan I have for the future. He is sufficient to meet any need.
When things didn't go as planned or when my husband walked in the door with a broken arm, I wasn't alone and I only needed to manage a moment in my day....not the next 364 days.
I'm clinging to a promise this week. 2 Cor. 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." I know I'm weak, but He is strong! He is greater than this moment, greater than all I need to do this week, greater than any plan I have for the future. He is sufficient to meet any need.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Shaping Up
After a disappointing show of no progress last week, it was very exciting to go to the building site last night and see that the trusses had been set in place Wednesday! I may have to quit going for these progress checks as I get so excited that I can hardly get to sleep when I come home. I can hardly wait to be settled...January is still so far away.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Happy Birthday, Sweet Lavender Girl!
The Lavender Beds
by William Brighty Rands
The garden was pleasant
with old-fashioned flowers,
The sunflowers and hollyhocks
stood up like towers:
There were dark turncap lilies
and jessamine rare,
And sweet thyme and marjoram
scented the air.
The moon made the sun-dial
tell the time wrong;
'Twas too late in the year
for the nightingale's song;
The box-trees were clipped,
and the alleys were straight,
Till you came to the shrubbery
hard by the gate.
The fairies stepped out
of the lavender beds,
With mob-caps, or wigs, on their quaint
little heads,
My lord had a sword and my lady a fan;
The music struck up and the dancing began.
I watched them go through with a grave minuet;
Wherever they footed the dew was not wet;
They bowled and they curtsied, the brave and the fair;
And laughter like chirping of crickets was there.
Then all of a sudden a church clock
struck loud:
A flutter, a shiver, was seen in the crowd,
The cock crew, the wind woke, the trees
tossed their heads,
And the fairy folk hid in the lavender beds.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Letting Go
While my Autumn Rain is revelling in her blossoming social life, this Mamablogger is having to learn to let go. And let me tell all of you coming along behind me, those of you who have only young ones at home, this day comes far to soon! It is very stretching to wake at 2 a.m. and realize that your child (she'll always be my child) is yet to come home. But I know my Autumn Rain, I trust her, I've raised her to be who she is, and I know that she is safe in my Father's hands. I've learned something else too, next time I'll send my cell phone along, just to make sure all is well.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Moving along!
This is the parking side and entrance to our house, not to be confused with the front.
The confusion coming from the fact that our home sits backwards on our property...to maximize the view from the living area, which in all the plans we looked at were found in the back of the house! The house looks equally nice from either back or front, however you choose to define them.
Looking up from the front yard.
The confusion coming from the fact that our home sits backwards on our property...to maximize the view from the living area, which in all the plans we looked at were found in the back of the house! The house looks equally nice from either back or front, however you choose to define them.
Looking up from the front yard.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Why the flowers, Mama?
Just because.....
While sitting here I'm reminded of another day, a different boquet. It must have been 12 years ago, before my friend "J" had left the outside work world or had any little ones of her own and I was looking like a Mama duck with four little ones in tow. My sweet friend dropped in during a downpour in the middle of the day, bearing a beautiful boquet.
"What for, dear friend?"
To which she replied, "Just because it's Tuesday."
Thank you, J, I'll always remember how you brightened that day!
Leisure
William H. Davies
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Friday's Musings
The weekend is just one sleep away.
This morning I hugged, kissed, and waved my scouts goodbye. They're off to test their skills against the rapids on the Rogue. Then the homefront became incredibly quiet. No music came resonating from the back bedroom of my home. No tall son telling me how hungry he is and asking what more he can snack on. No younger brother stick fighting in the front yard with the neighbor boy. In fact, even the neighbor boy is away and won't be ringing my doorbell asking for my sons all day, all weekend. And tonight, no love of my life to share my bed. I don't sleep well when he's away.
My big girls headed off to another day in the tea room...and a hot, sultry tea room it was today. My little girls disappeared into the back yard to their awaiting renovation project, turning the tool shed into a "hotel". They swept, dusted, threw out the junk, and created a wondrous world...complete with a cheery "fire" in the corner.
I swapped out the music selection in the CD player, carefully selecting for the mode I needed to enter. WORK MODE! I like jazz to work to, it keeps me moving. So in went the Wooden Nickel Jazz Band. The time had come to restore order, again, to my home. I put away the week's school books scattered about, dug out the hearth from beneath it's piles of newspapers and other sundry items that were dumped there in an effort to clear the table for dinners this week, then did the general sorts of things that are so easily neglected in the fury of the week. But I did it all at my own pace, stopping now and then to read another chapter in my book, which I finished this afternoon. I love a day to putter and see fruit and the end of it and not be completely frazzled in the process.
Now my Lavendar girl is off to a scavenger hunt with the kids at church, my Autumn Rain is taking time to restore her room, and my Moonchild and Ladybird are waiting for me to join them for a cuddle and movie time.
My home is clean, cozy and ready to be enjoyed throughout the weekend. And it will be ready and waiting for my hungry, dirty scouts when they return on Monday.
This morning I hugged, kissed, and waved my scouts goodbye. They're off to test their skills against the rapids on the Rogue. Then the homefront became incredibly quiet. No music came resonating from the back bedroom of my home. No tall son telling me how hungry he is and asking what more he can snack on. No younger brother stick fighting in the front yard with the neighbor boy. In fact, even the neighbor boy is away and won't be ringing my doorbell asking for my sons all day, all weekend. And tonight, no love of my life to share my bed. I don't sleep well when he's away.
My big girls headed off to another day in the tea room...and a hot, sultry tea room it was today. My little girls disappeared into the back yard to their awaiting renovation project, turning the tool shed into a "hotel". They swept, dusted, threw out the junk, and created a wondrous world...complete with a cheery "fire" in the corner.
I swapped out the music selection in the CD player, carefully selecting for the mode I needed to enter. WORK MODE! I like jazz to work to, it keeps me moving. So in went the Wooden Nickel Jazz Band. The time had come to restore order, again, to my home. I put away the week's school books scattered about, dug out the hearth from beneath it's piles of newspapers and other sundry items that were dumped there in an effort to clear the table for dinners this week, then did the general sorts of things that are so easily neglected in the fury of the week. But I did it all at my own pace, stopping now and then to read another chapter in my book, which I finished this afternoon. I love a day to putter and see fruit and the end of it and not be completely frazzled in the process.
Now my Lavendar girl is off to a scavenger hunt with the kids at church, my Autumn Rain is taking time to restore her room, and my Moonchild and Ladybird are waiting for me to join them for a cuddle and movie time.
My home is clean, cozy and ready to be enjoyed throughout the weekend. And it will be ready and waiting for my hungry, dirty scouts when they return on Monday.
Monday, August 14, 2006
A Whirlwind of Days
I've been caught up in the hustle and bustle of every day life ever since returning from our vacation days in Idaho. And there isn't much sign of the busy-ness letting up for a few more weeks yet. But they've been productive days, days that speak of order and routine returning to our lives after the varied rhythm of our summer days.
The first week of August was spent partially playing catch-up and partially in preparation for our new school year. I had MANY months of bank statements etc. hollering to be attended to and bedrooms needing to be dug out from under choas. Last year's school books needed to swapped out with the new. Binders needed to be organized with our new schedules.
Then the weekend arrived with a flurry of events. Friday night we very hurriedly and, sadly to say, not very ceremoniously celebrated Shannon's birthday. (Can we rewind and do it right?) Saturday morning, bright and early, 4 of us were up and out the door by 6:15 a.m. driving to the city for writing workshops and school testing. I brought Ladybird and Jabberwocky back home, went out for a quick look at the house progress, quickly threw together what I would need for my overnight with Autumn Rain, and headed back to the city.
Autumn rain and I had a wonderful weekend getaway. She was recognized at the Willamette Valley Writer's convention for winning the Kate Herzog scholarship and spent hours and hours soaking up the writing life at various seminars throughout the weekend. I, on the other hand, collapsed. I read, soaked in the tub, painted my nails and made another coveted trip to Trader Joe's. She filled the 1 1/2 drive home Sunday with the many new ideas spinning round in her head.
Monday brought one last day to clean up and prepare for the beginning of school. Tuesday was the grand kick off day, minus my Autumn Rain. Actually she's been here, just not studying with us. Everyone seems happy to have their books back in hand and their days filled with learning once again.
Now the weekend has come 'round once again and was packed with fun, exciting, new experiences! We shared the weekend camping with folks from our new church...and they have fun toys. Jet boats, wake boards, knee boards, biscuits...perfect fun for my growing kids and something more my pace, a sailboat. Of course, we've come home with a terrible case of the "I wants", but we'll just have to deal with that.
Today I'll restore order, again, and prepare my mind, again, for a few more days of school before next weeked's round of events. What's coming up? My guys are off for a long weekend of rafting with their scout troop on the Rogue River, the little girls and I will head north to spend some time with cousins, and alas my big girls will be busily working and saving for college expenses. It's hard growing up!
The first week of August was spent partially playing catch-up and partially in preparation for our new school year. I had MANY months of bank statements etc. hollering to be attended to and bedrooms needing to be dug out from under choas. Last year's school books needed to swapped out with the new. Binders needed to be organized with our new schedules.
Then the weekend arrived with a flurry of events. Friday night we very hurriedly and, sadly to say, not very ceremoniously celebrated Shannon's birthday. (Can we rewind and do it right?) Saturday morning, bright and early, 4 of us were up and out the door by 6:15 a.m. driving to the city for writing workshops and school testing. I brought Ladybird and Jabberwocky back home, went out for a quick look at the house progress, quickly threw together what I would need for my overnight with Autumn Rain, and headed back to the city.
Autumn rain and I had a wonderful weekend getaway. She was recognized at the Willamette Valley Writer's convention for winning the Kate Herzog scholarship and spent hours and hours soaking up the writing life at various seminars throughout the weekend. I, on the other hand, collapsed. I read, soaked in the tub, painted my nails and made another coveted trip to Trader Joe's. She filled the 1 1/2 drive home Sunday with the many new ideas spinning round in her head.
Monday brought one last day to clean up and prepare for the beginning of school. Tuesday was the grand kick off day, minus my Autumn Rain. Actually she's been here, just not studying with us. Everyone seems happy to have their books back in hand and their days filled with learning once again.
Now the weekend has come 'round once again and was packed with fun, exciting, new experiences! We shared the weekend camping with folks from our new church...and they have fun toys. Jet boats, wake boards, knee boards, biscuits...perfect fun for my growing kids and something more my pace, a sailboat. Of course, we've come home with a terrible case of the "I wants", but we'll just have to deal with that.
Today I'll restore order, again, and prepare my mind, again, for a few more days of school before next weeked's round of events. What's coming up? My guys are off for a long weekend of rafting with their scout troop on the Rogue River, the little girls and I will head north to spend some time with cousins, and alas my big girls will be busily working and saving for college expenses. It's hard growing up!
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Building Update
Framing has begun!
The first two photos are from last Saturday, 8-5-06.
And this was the progress made during Monday and Tuesday of this week!
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