Full House, Happy Heart!

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

Summertime

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

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

1. We only have two weeks left of school until summer vacation and also a visit from my parents, both very good things to anticipate!
2. In 5 weeks and 4 days our Autumn Rain will return to our arms!!!!!!!
3. 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!

Another fabulous creation by Jabberwocky

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

Weekend Warriors

Eighty-three miles over the Coastal Range!

New Kids on the Block

Rajah and Czar

Our Masterpiece

Celebrating Our First Year!

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

Two sweet sisters enjoying a few moments

of leisure before turning in for the day.

Too Handsome For Words

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

Glimpses of My Girl Abroad

What do April Snows Bring?

Bob and Bob Jr.

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.

Coffee Roasting 101

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.

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

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.

Just So You Know

The Autumn Rain arrived safely in Germany. Never was a phone call so welcome at 1:45 a.m.!
I'm hoping she's had a good night of sleep and will soon be waking to her first day of German classes.