A Learning Life

Life As Seen From The Recliner

2012-01-19T20:31:00.000-08:00

My nesting place for the past 5 weeks has been the recliner nestled closely to the wood stove. I've watched Christmas and New Year's come and go from my place of rest. I've overseen school and meals and chores from here as well. And while it's a cozy place to spend the winter, I'm growing weary of it. I want life to return to normal. I want to eat real food and do real work. I want to have energy to go places and see people. I'm ready to feel pregnant instead of just sick. ( I even did another pregnancy test this week to make sure this was real and not just something wrong in my head! It was still positive.) I want my husband to stay home for more than 3 days of the week!
That's a lot of wants. So to balance it here's my list of things I'm thankful for: Carnation Instant Breakfast, hashbrowns, jello, and ginger ale, a good job for my husband (even if he has to travel 4 days a week), the company of my kids at home, phone calls from Daniel, the fellowship of my church family on a snowy Sunday afternoon (you brightened my day), and most of all knowing that Shannon is on a flight home and will be here when I wake in the morning.

Surprised by Baby G

2011-12-28T11:41:00.000-08:00

Life is full of twists and turns...full of surprises. And while Baby G is not an unwanted or unpleasant surprise, it is a very unexpected surprise. Having my 7th child at 44, thirteen years after my current youngest, was pretty far out there on my radar screen! Being 7 months pregnant at my daughter's wedding was the last thing I was dreaming of!!! But as my husband is so fond of saying, "It's all good!". Baby G is a good gift. God knows exactly what our family needs. I'm trusting Him for the stamina to see this through to the end.

From The Hilltop

2011-12-03T17:10:00.000-08:00

My Son, My Soldier

2011-11-24T19:37:00.000-08:00

PVT Daniel Glasscock

It's Thanksgiving Day and his place was empty at the table, but not in our hearts. I woke up crazy early this morning and couldn't go back to sleep, so I did what I do whenever that happens lately and prayed for my son. Mom's pray for strange things...I prayed that he would be served a good Thanksgiving dinner, WITH PIE, and that he would have ample time to enjoy it. I also prayed that he would be allowed to call home today...even though he told me Sunday that he wouldn't be able to.

I was planning to have dinner on the table by 3. At 2:40 the phone rang with the voice I most wanted to hear on the other end (he always sounds so small and far away). So the turkey sat...stuffing half out and time stopped for 20 minutes while we talked to our boy and shared our Thanksgiving. He had the best meal he's had for the past 2 months, with Apple Pie, and an hour to eat and savour. God cares about the little things!

Time resumed and our table was full of good food and better company. Our computer in the corner displayed our soldier, brother, son's picture so that he too was part of our circle and close to our hearts. It's been a very happy Thanksgiving.

Giving Thanks for Autumn Beauty

2011-11-20T16:56:00.000-08:00

So Happy for You!

2011-11-16T08:12:00.000-08:00

Bethany and Cassio

These two make a pretty cute couple.
Welcome to the family, Cassio!

My Autumn World

2011-11-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

"I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth."

Psalm 121:1&2

Vancouver Island, 25 Years Later

2011-10-27T15:04:00.000-07:00

It's been two weeks today since we stole away for 4 blissful days alone to celebrate the love growing in our hearts for the past 25 years. We couldn't have ordered better weather or a better place to bask in peacefulness. Shannon chose well when he chose Yellow Point for our honeymoon. We won't wait another 25 years to return!

Now I'm making plans for another trip and a new celebration....Daniel's graduation from Basic Training is on December 15th! We can't wait to be part of this huge milestone in his life. His letters are full of his love for his family and his growing confidence. We eagerly watch the mailbox for more news and wait close to the phone for his Sunday calls. I'm excited to see all that God is doing in his life.

Praying for Daniel

2011-10-03T18:14:00.000-07:00

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:9-12

My son, Daniel, left for Basic Training in the Oregon National Guard this morning. He's never been away this far or for this long and I'm going to miss him, I have a Daniel sized hole in my heart. I've shed more than a few tears today. Now I'm setting about the business of praying for him, as I have been for the past 19 years. I'm proud of my son and the choice he's making to serve our country. He's going to be a good soldier. I love you, Daniel!

End of Summer 2011

2011-09-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

Our Autumn Rain is home from Canada.

We've started back to a new school year at our house on the hilltop.

Soon, Daniel will head off to basic training for the Oregon National Guard.

So glad we managed to carve out a few last days of summer to spend as a family at our favorite cabin in the mountains.

Reunion 2011

2011-07-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Qualls' Reunion Through the Years

2011-07-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

2005

2006

2008

2009

New Neighbors

2011-07-12T16:49:00.000-07:00

(Photo courtesy of Ben Vogt)

Monday Morning Musings

2011-07-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

As of today, there are only six more weeks until we begin the 2011/2012 school year.
So far, I've only marked one major thing off my project list for the summer...weeding out the landscaping around the house.
I haven't yet recorded end of year grades for 2010/2011.
I haven't planned out the coming school year.
The school cupboards are a disaster.
The scrapbook and pictures from our cruise are still waiting patiently for me to create something out of them.

The good news?
I have relaxed with a few good books and beautiful morning walks.
I've enjoyed time visiting with my parents, sister, nieces, nephews and good friends from Germany.
The half way point of summer break isn't here until Wednesday!
I still have time.

Daniel's Senior Pictures

2011-07-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

Such a loving and protective big brother!

Graduation Day

2011-06-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

Celebrating with Cassio and Bethany

My Little School

2011-05-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

Psalm 143:8,11

2011-03-11T15:20:00.000-08:00

"Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,

for in You do I trust;

cause me to know the way in which I should walk,

for I lift up my soul to You.

Revive me, O Lord,

for Your name's sake!

For You righteousness sake

bring my soul out of trouble."

Congratulations, Daniel!

2010-12-29T14:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Daniel,

Congratulations! Today we arrive at the destination we’ve journeyed toward together for the past 13 years! And, today you begin the journey into the next chapter of your life. This chapter, I’m sure, will hold many successes, many surprises, some trials, and some challenges. But I am confident that you will be equal to all of these.

In Jeremiah 29:11 we read, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” I believe these words are as true for you today as they were for the people of Israel over 2500 years ago. God sees the complete and wonderful picture of your life. He has blessings ready and waiting to pour into your life as you walk in communion with Him.

God has given you a vast treasury of people in your life to guide you, to encourage you, and to hold you accountable to the standard He has set for your life. He isn’t going to leave you stranded now, but will continue to fill your life with the support that you need. And He will diligently tug at the strings of your heart when stray from His ways. J

I’m excited for your future! And I’m excited to see the man you become over the next years.

With all my love,

Mom

Autumn Greets Winter

2010-11-24T20:48:00.000-08:00

2010-11-04T19:11:00.001-07:00

Autumnal glory feasting the eyes.

A kaleidoscope of color

clinging to the skies.

Red, orange, and golden

falling from trees.

The earth is carpeted

in a blanket of leaves.

Autumn Fancies

2010-10-25T14:33:00.000-07:00

The maple is a dainty maid,

The pet of all the wood,

Who lights the dusky forest glade

With scarlet cloak and hood.

The elm a lovely lady is,

In shimmering robes of gold,

That catch the sunlight when she moves,

And glisten, fold on fold.

The sumac is a gypsy queen,

Who flaunts in crimson dressed,

And wild along the roadside runs,

Red blossoms in her breast.

And towering high above the wood,

All in his purple cloak,

A monarch in his splendor is

The proud and princely oak.

(author unknown)

2010-10-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

"A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul."
Johann Wofgang van Goethe

Day's End on Sunrise Lane

2010-10-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Happy 12th Birthday, Moonchild!

2010-10-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

24 Years Ago Today

2010-10-12T13:21:00.001-07:00

Mr. and Mrs. Shannon Glasscock

Adrielle, Nathan, and Uriah

Beautiful 15

2010-09-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

Ladybird's 15th Birthday

More from Abbie Deal

2010-09-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

"There are many memories. But I'll tell you the one I like to think of best of all. It's just a homely everday thing, but to me it is the happiest of them all. It is evening time here in the old house and the supper is cooking and the table is set for the whole family. It hurts a mother, Laura, when the plates begin to be taken away one by one. First there are seven and then six and then five...and on down to a single plate. So I like to think of the table set for the whole family at supper time. The robins are singing in the cottonwoods and the late afternoon sun is shining across the floor. Will, your grandfather, is coming in to supper...and the children are all playing out in the yard. I can hear their voices and happy laughter. There isn't much to that memory is there? Out of a lifetime of experiences you would hardly expect that to be the one I would choose as the happiest, would you? But it is."

A Lantern in Her Hand, by Bess Streeter Aldrich

Echoing Abbie Deal

2010-09-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

from A Lantern in Her Hand, Bess Streeter Aldrich

"And now, Abbie, thinking of what the girl had just read to her, returned thoughtfully, 'You can't describe love, Kathie, and you can't define it. Only it goes with you all your life. I think that love is more like a light that you carry. At first childish happiness keeps it lighted and after that romance. Then motherhood lights it and then duty...and maybe after that sorrow. You wouldn't think that sorrow could be a light would you, dearie? But it can. And then after that, service lights it. Yes...I think that is what love is to a woman...a lantern in her hand.'"

September Musings

2010-09-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

In the first 10 days of this month I've:

been to Toronto and back again
visited a castle
laughed with my Autumn Rain and Lavender Girl while being served by a humorous French waiter who was concerned about the salmon on the plate feeling neglected, cleared the landscape (aka the table) and brought us the documentation (aka menu) concerning dessert
cried over saying goodbye
turned 43
completed week 2 out of 36 for this school year

Wonder what the rest of the month will hold?

Casa Loma, Toronto

Reflections of Toronto

Toronto at Night

The Beginning of Goodbye

2010-08-31T13:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight we begin the dreaded goodbye to our Autumn Rain. While it's not the final farewell for myself (I get to defer that moment until Saturday), we will be having our final dinner as a family...until we gather again at Christmas. My goal is for a festive evening, with O'Charlie Rolls and Zuppa Tuscana to lift our spirits. However; the skies are grey with rain laden clouds just as my heart feels heavy with the weight of tears being held back.

There is so much yet to do, grocery shopping and packing topping the list. But all I want to do is snuggle with my girl, savoring every last moment.

Hurry up Christmastime, I can't wait for your arrival!

Final Days of Summer Fun

2010-08-26T20:07:00.001-07:00

Willing Time to Slow

2010-08-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

Summer is steadily marching on, I'm dragging my feet.

While I'm excited to begin our new school year and am busily doing the necessary preparations toward that goal, this beginning also signals the end of life as we've known it for the past 22 years. My oldest will pack her bags and head to off grad school come September. Our cheery "good morning" exchange and cups of coffee with the sunrise are coming to an end. I've made the most of them this summer, lingering as long as possible before starting the business of the day, savoring our last moments together. These last 3 weeks are going to be over far too soon.

I know that the future is bright for my girl. I know she'll be with us again for Christmas. And we'll be counting down the days towards her homecoming.

Allison Heather Glasscock, BA-Philosophy

2010-06-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

Celebrating with our girl!

A Week Worth Celebrating

2010-06-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

This is a week full of joy and celebration!

We began the week gathering with our church family to witness the baptism of 8 believers desiring to declare their walk with the Lord before their community, our church. My two youngest daughters were among those who took this important step in their christian life. It made my heart smile to see the joy on the faces of my girls as the people who love them and have come along side them in this journey shared words of encouragement and scripture verses to plant in their hearts. I'm grateful for these people who are living testimonies of God's love and faithfulness in our lives and that they are sharing their lives and love with my family.

Some of us are celebrating the beginning of our summer break, while others are pushing through the last throes of papers and finals before the end of the term....counting down days and hours until they cross they finish line. I'm cheering them on!

We will close out the week on Saturday celebrating with our oldest daughter as she graduates from Western Oregon University. She'll wear her red robe and cap with her white honors cord around her neck. We will be so proud of her achievements and excited for her future studies in Toronto next fall. But we will try not to think about this ushering in the end of her days at home.

And I will try to not cry, because this is the week to c.e.l.e.b.r.a.t.e.

2010-05-07T11:27:00.000-07:00

Coloring
by Harry Behn

A rake, a coat, a meadow, a mill,
A cake, a boat, a house on a hill,
A kite, a spade, and a ball of string,
A wind in the leaves, and the song birds sing--
It's Spring!
We're outdoors coloring
Every bright beautiful wonderful thing.

Under a lilac bush we've made
A studio with walls of shade,
And in our painting books we spread
Pools of yellow, blue, and red--
Carefully,
Though it doesn't matter
Terribly much unless we spatter.

Green and red, and there's a tree
With apples and cherries, and here's a sea
With a wave and a sky and a gull in flight,
And this is the sun splashing light--
It's Spring!
We're coloring, and all the bird sing
Of every bright beautiful wonderful thing!

Elkhorn

2010-01-21T19:45:00.000-08:00

Little Cabin in the Woods

Balcony Vista

Fun with my Girls

Sweet Sisters, Moonchild and Ladybird

Hoola Hooping Cousins

2010-01-21T19:36:00.000-08:00

January Sunrise

2010-01-07T19:29:00.000-08:00

Hunting for Joy

2010-01-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

Here we are.
It's the first Monday of a new year.
I'm dragging my feet this morning. Time to exercise. Time to start school. Time to take down Christmas. But I just don't want to.
I want to linger awhile more in the cozy place between Christmas and New Year's Day. The place where the rush has slowed and peacefulness settles. The place where lights still twinkle and quiet music box tunes still soothe.
Usually the return to routine is welcome. But not this morning. This morning I'm having to hunt for joy and it's hiding well.

Christmas Gnomes

2009-12-29T10:11:00.000-08:00

Wishing You A Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T14:44:00.000-08:00

Silver Falls

2009-07-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

Starfish DeLuxe

2009-05-26T15:42:00.001-07:00

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

2009-05-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-04T14:14:00.000-07:00

Another Monday, another school week.

This stuff is exhausting.

18 and New Wheels

2009-04-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

Happy 18th to You!

Just for the record, this was not a gift....unless it was a gift to himself!

The Birthday Girl

2009-03-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

Happy 21st to my Autumn Rain!

2009-03-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

We love you, Allison!

Welcome Spring

2009-03-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

I know you're out there, come on in, you know you're always welcome here.

The bitter cold has gone away, my house stayed warm even after I let the fire die. I wanted to post a first day of spring picture, but didn't manage to take one. I saw some beautiful trees in blossom while driving through Salem this afternoon, but couldn't quite bring myself pull over long enough to park and snap a picture, there were too many other important tasks to accomplish. I needed to stay focused.

So focused I stayed and a very successful trip to town we had. Some cute spring clothes, shoes, and sweaters were found, a few birthday gifts purchased, and some fabric for the seamstress in our midst to play with over spring break. Everything happily accomplished in the few short hours we had to work with.

Now we've settled into another evening with friends. But tonight we have both big friends and little friends, everybody is happy. Tummies are full of homemade peperoni pizza. Big kids are enjoying a bonfire. Little people are off in a world of their own. And I'm catching my breath at the end of a busy spring day.

Winter's End

2009-03-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

"It was the time of year when winter seemed almost done, but spring had not yet quite shown its face. Snowdrops and the catkins of alder are all very well, and certainly signal the stirring of something or other, but what animals like the Rat and the Mole really want to see and feel is bright warm sunshine on the budding branches, and what they yearn to hear and smell is the rushing song of the smaller birds busy about their broods, and the first balmy scents of the bluebells through the wood, and the violet on the banks.
Then, too, both knew full well that winter was quite capable of asserting itself again, and bringing upon them all its cold and rain, winds and hail, as if to say, 'I'm soon going for quite a time, but this is just to remind you that one day I shall be back.'"

"The Willows in Winter" by William Horwood

Catching A Breath

2009-03-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

The stolen moments alone are few and far between in our busy lives. Work stresses and busy schedules keep our heads spinning. But every once in while we snag the chance to get away, just the two of us. And a wonderfully refreshing time is shared.

Thanks Mom and Dad for the use of your VI place in Newport! And thanks Bethany for holding down the fort in our absence....knowing you were there made it possible for me to relax!

For You, Adrielle, My Personal Fan Club

2009-02-26T16:55:00.000-08:00

Is it really February? And the end of February at that, only 2 days remaining until I'll flip the calendar page. Surely spring will make it's entrance then, just maybe....if I wish with all my heart.

I think I've been caught in a time warp. I putter around the house composing blogposts in my mind yet somehow they never seem to make it onto this screen. Surely in this house of 8 (plus company) there must be plenty happening to share with you. But you see, that's just it, there's always something happening and when do I sit and put it all down?

Let me see if I can recap the past two months of this Learning Life adequately. My days have been full of schooling, full of reading wonderful books to wonderful children, full of encouragement for weary college girls, full of sharing our home with delightful college friends, full of Wednesday evenings spent with 5th & 6th grade AWANA girls, and full of love for my family.

That about sums up my days....they are abundantly full and overflowing.

Christmas Morning

2008-12-27T11:02:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve

2008-12-27T10:45:00.000-08:00

Winter Has Come

2008-12-15T09:53:00.000-08:00

Waking Up To Friday

2008-12-13T10:29:00.000-08:00

Wishing You a Merry Christmas!

2008-11-30T11:54:00.000-08:00

2008-11-08T09:51:00.000-08:00

Basket Cats

2008-10-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

Czar takes a leisurely Saturday afternoon nap...

....but there's always room for one more in the basket!

Happy 10th Birthday, Moonchild!

2008-10-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

As of yesterday the whole family has entered the double digits.....100 is looooonnnnnggg way off!

Our Fairy Princess Turns 13

2008-10-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

A much belated photo from Ladybird's 13th Birthday on September 20th!

My Favorite Place, Elkhorn

2008-09-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

For the past few years, just after Christmas we've packed up and secluded ourselves in a lovely cabin in the mountains. From the warmth of the living room we've admired the surrounding scenery...the river running through the valley, the mountains, and sometimes snow. For my birthday we loaded up the cars again, this time to enjoy the surroundings in the summer warmth. We enjoyed some hiking (a bit more than I was anticipating) and savored time to soak up the sun by the river. We read our books, snacked and snacked and snacked some more, watched our movies, and lamented that we had forgotten Settlers of Catan and Carcasonne at home. All in all, it was a perfect end to our summer.

Must Read!

2008-08-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

"The Mysterious Benedict Society", by Trenton Lee Stewart.
I've been saving this book to kick off our new school year. It's a five star winner on my chart!!!! Intrigue, interesting characters, puzzles....it's all there. And we've only read the first chapter. I intend to savor this read.

Beginning Anew

2008-08-27T15:21:00.000-07:00

I love fresh starts!

I love new books, pencils, and paper...organized binders and decluttered cupboards!

I love the return to routine that comes with the first day of a new school year.

I love the enthusiasm in my little girls as they start each new subject.

I love the fullness of the day and the feeling of accomplishment that teaching my children brings.

It's been a lovely start today and I'm looking forward to tomorrow.

More from Mary's Peak

2008-08-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

Jabberwocky and Autumn Rain

Just hanging around.

Moonchild and Ladybird

Life's good!

Happy 19th, Lavender Girl!

2008-08-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

Celebrating with a birthday hike at Mary's Peak, OR.

Moonchild Make-over

2008-08-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

Madhatters' 11:00 PM Tea Party

2008-08-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Meeting Little Miss "A"

2008-08-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

Great Aunt Lori and Miss A

Lavender Girl, Autumn Rain, and Miss A

Great Grandma, Mama, Grandma, and Miss A

Little Miss A

Frolic 'n' Fun

2008-08-03T16:23:00.000-07:00

Little Cousins

2008-08-03T16:19:00.000-07:00

A Time To Dance......

2008-08-03T16:16:00.000-07:00

Tea Time

2008-08-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

For many years the girl cousins have reveled in tea parties at our family reunion. This year the moms decided it was high time for our own tea party!

Stackable Cousins

2008-08-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

A Sweet 16!

2008-07-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Jabberwocky!

Remembering

2008-07-15T08:58:00.001-07:00

A piece of our past stepped off Amtrak and back into our lives yesterday afternoon.

We must have met Elizabeth 14 or some odd years ago. She had just moved back to states with her family after their tour of duty in England.

I was in the thick of my baby raising days, most of which I remember as a thick fog engulfing me. Elizabeth ministered to this Mama in a very special way. She was 11 and my Autumn Rain 7. There wasn't a lot time for one-on-one with my children in those days. But Elizabeth stepped in and filled in the gap. She spent time every week discipling my girl. She planned a lesson and craft...some of which I still have around my home....a special Christmas stocking for mom.....a beautiful woodland wreath on my bookshelf.

Then she moved off to Colorado and we moved to Mississippi and we moved back to California and she moved back to California, but the girls had grown up and our lives didn't very often cross paths. Recently their lives have connected again through Facebook. We were delighted to have a message from Elizabeth that she would be traveling through Oregon and wanted to stop in for visit.

The girls spent a lovely afternoon together touring the Capitol City and catching up. And now Elizabeth is forging new friendships with my younger daughters as they explore the countryside around our home. The visit is going to end to quickly when I return her to the train this afternoon.

Thanks, Elizabeth, for being a part of our lives. We love you!

She's Home!

2008-07-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

Full House, Happy Heart!

2008-07-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

Last night we gathered our traveling kiddos back into our arms again! The Autumn Rain arrived first.....after a long 24hrs of traveling. Then the Jabberwocky after a quick commuter jaunt from ID. Many hugs and the happy chatter of our whole family together again after 15 weeks apart made this mama's heart very happy.

Today I've followed my kids around the house. Catching up on all they've been doing. Watching them settle back into our home. We've sipped coffee together and listened to favorite music and eaten a beautiful cake that Lavender Girl concocted for the occasion. I put the leaf back into the table, rounded up all eight chairs, and we gathered for a delightful evening meal together.

For tomorrow, we've made arrangements for substitute nursery workers for Lavender Girl and I so that we can all sit together for Sunday morning worship once again. The missing pieces of my heart have returned....all is well.

Father's Day Recital

2008-06-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

Summertime

2008-06-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

It's been a tad bit over a week now since we shelved our school things and entered summer mode.

My parents visited for a nice long weekend and then drove off to Idaho with my younger son, who will be with them for nearly a month. He's busily helping Grandpa fix up the Quall's nest in anticipation of our big family gathering in July.

This week we are immersed in VBS activities. Techno-Son is providing some drama in the form of "Dr. Jones" the paleontologist during the opening exercises. Ladybird is lending her crafty hands to the art department. I'm manning a registration table. And Moonchild is traveling through the rainforest of the Amazon and learning about the wonderful world our mighty God has created.

It was a bit hectic getting out the door this first morning. Yesterday I had neglected to make the meals I intended to bring for two of our VBS leaders (one has had a child in the hospital all weekend with pneumonia), so I needed to pull those together before heading out the door at 8:45 this morning! But we arrived in time, or close enough, and now I've also got my own dinner prepared and waiting in the fridge. Tomorrow should be smoother.

I am keeping expectations low for this week. Between VBS and regular chores (meals, laundry, tidying up) I don't anticipate getting much else done. The rest of my summer list can be put on hold until next week.

Counting Down

2008-06-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

There are three significant events that I'm counting down the weeks until:

We only have two weeks left of school until summer vacation and also a visit from my parents, both very good things to anticipate!
In 5 weeks and 4 days our Autumn Rain will return to our arms!!!!!!!
And the much coveted trip to "Cousin Camp" at the Qualls' Nest is only 8 weeks away.

I'm looking forward to the breathing room in our days. Time to enjoy friends as well as time to conquer a few tasks that have been on hold around the house.

WOW!

2008-05-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

Another fabulous creation by Jabberwocky

and Lavender Girl......a giant sugar cookie pizza!

Weekend Warriors

2008-05-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

Eighty-three miles over the Coastal Range!

New Kids on the Block

2008-05-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

Rajah and Czar

Our Masterpiece

2008-05-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Our First Year!

2008-05-06T12:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked our one year anniversary on Sunrise Lane. I have to say that this year in our home went past much more quickly than the year we were anticipating living here! But the wait was worth every minute, every season has been full of peaceful beauty. I've never felt as "at home" as I do here.

Twilight Camaradarie

2008-05-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

Two sweet sisters enjoying a few moments

of leisure before turning in for the day.

Too Handsome For Words

2008-04-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

Techno Son heading off to Junior Prom!

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. Things I never envisioned as a part of our lives, have now become.....teenage drivers, prom night, youth group retreats, kids toting cell phones...the list could keep on going. The changes have crept up on us and appear to be here to stay.

The Beauty Around My Girl

2008-04-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

Glimpses of My Girl Abroad

2008-04-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

What do April Snows Bring?

2008-04-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

Bob and Bob Jr.

2008-04-15T16:39:00.000-07:00

My sister and her family visited for the weekend. We celebrated her birthday with donuts, a long walk in the glorious sunshine, birthday cake, lots of talk, and loads of fun.

The Jabberwock was our hero. He kept the littlest cousin occupied and happy all weekend. For some unknown reason they called each other "Bob" and it stuck. So here they are.....Bob and Bob Jr.

Donuts to go with coffee and company.

2008-04-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

Coffee Roasting 101

2008-04-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

We're trying something new these days.....roasting our own coffee!

Start with a the Fresh Roast plus 8 and
a 4lb. sampler of green beans from Sweet Maria's.

Roast your green beans for approx. 7 minutes,
watching carefully so as not to set your kitchen on fire.

Voila! Fresh beans ready for your grinder.

There's really nothing that can quite compare to freshly roasted coffee. And, green beans are less expensive! I hope to recover the cost of my roaster within a couple of months.

P.S.

2008-04-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

I love Skype!

I was able to spend a wonderful half hour chatting with my Autumn Rain this morning, all for free. All is well for her in Germany. She's glad she tossed in her scarf and gloves to her last minute packing.....guess it's a bit chilly still. Her dorm is fairly quiet. She's studying hard. And she loves public transit.

I loved hearing her voice and knowing in real time that she is safe.

Words To Hold Fast

2008-04-09T12:36:00.000-07:00

Galatians 6:9
"And let us not grow weary while doing good,
for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

This spring is causing growth in my life. Some growth is uncomfortable while other aspects are downright painful.

On one hand I'm needing to let go as my children grow up and discover their independence. Whether it's heading off to study in Germany or spending long days at our local campus, I have to take my hands off and know they are safely in the Father's hands, a much safer place to be! But on the other hand there is the need to rein in and corral the one who is wanting more freedom than his maturity level grants.

It's a weary struggle, both letting go and holding fast, but it is the "doing good" that I need to do in this season of my life.