Moving....

Alright, the move is official! Come visit me at my new blog!

Am I Really A Blogger?

This is the question I ask myself as I read the creative,lovely encounters of internet buddies on their blogs and wonder how in the world I am ever going to have the time to post a picture...to figure out how to steal my husband's computer for 2 seconds to edit said picture and then write about anything at.all. that is happening in our family. HOW in the world do you all do it? Seriously...discuss...impart your wisdom. One small piece on the way is the transfer of my blog to Squarespace. It rocks, I can't believe how easy and streamlined it is and since my husband works there I think its about time I make an official move. I'll post a link to the new url when I wiggle that way so you can find me. I think the ease of use will be a big push for me to update and write more....pictures et al are such a breeze on the system...holy cow.

In an effort to show affection for friends and family on the web here are some cute albeit completely unedited pictures of life in our home.

This is my baby modeling one of my necklaces...she pretty much does this daily.


And here she is painting with watercolors...that smile melts me!

Jones enjoying a morning treat, complete with the cutest pajamas ever

And happily splashing at the waterslides (oh yes, we've passed over an entire season since my last picture posts!)


Halle and Maia with our amazing friend MacKenzie at our church's 80s Dance Fundraiser

Here is a typical school day, finishing up work while I make lunch

Halle teaching Lael how to ride a scooter this summer...how cute are these sisters!


Maia enjoying the grounds at my sister in law's wedding

And finally...SNOW up at our house in the first week of October! This round has melted, another has also come and gone...but we're ready for Winter and looking forward to skiing and playing in all that white fluff....here's to a new season.

Lasting oil

Scents of cinnamon and coffee grounds fill our kitchen...firelight beyond small faces wakens us in the morning time. Small hands longing to be big...ask to help.

Its simple today, toast and cinnamon, fresh peaches lugged home from the farmer's market...creamy milk. Warm and crisp slices popping and little hands pull out the butter to let it soak in and melt...its never quite right until its gooey on a morning like this.

Little hands wipe quickly across a new sweet shirt...oils stain..."Oh no Mama!"

I am disappointed, wondering how to remove the oil that is always so stubborn and so lasting, smiling all the while and trying to calm a little heart that adores being fancy. And as I kiss her little head I remember when we placed oil on her brow. The promise of dedication, an annointing to be set apart by God....a lasting promise.

And we get to good stuff today...talking about laundry and lasting stains and lasting promises and the beautiful picture of oil and butter and our God's delight in story. We smile and drink and crunch on our cinnamon toast. And the air is a little sweeter and we are all covered in crumbs.

Finding Peace

Ambleside England 1890

Taking in landscapes always relaxes me...I love drives, I love scenes, I love the stories they tell or what is happening in the hearts of God's people, of what wonders have been seen and lived and loved. I feel fresh and inspired and ready for whatever beckons after soaking in a view.

Lately, my soul has been in need of refreshing. My fuse seems short, tears bubble over and stay a while and I'm not ever quite sure why. Patterns develop with my children,I snap, I cease to listen fully, I forget to tie heart strings of fellowship that will remain long after my children age. Habits of response set in without much intention and I quickly find myself deep in a valley with only high walls around me on every side. No view. No perspective.

A dear friend spoke to me yesterday of practicing peace. Her words were so life giving, so true and struck my heart with clarity. Each moment, each response, each thought poses an opportunity, to continue further and further into a deep valley or to practice peace, to lay at the feet of our sweet Jesus the emotions, the fears, the bad habits. When we practice this in small ways, in interactions that typically cause stress, we begin to emerge victorious! I want to fight to follow the life we have been called to and in the thick of the battle the voice of our Lord whispers, " I will give. I will give you peace. I will go so far beyond your understanding and guard your heart and mind in the name of my Son." (Philippians 4:7) And so I am choosing today to believe him, to take the Lord at his word, to trust in the restoration of Christ in my anxious heart and to seek his peace today.

I have been chewing on the words of Charlotte, as usual, and still become overwhelmed with thankfullness at her writings, at the simplicity of her methods and how she has encouraged me on this homeschooling path.The picture above is a painting of her sweet Ambleside, her home and the place of her school. The view is breathtaking isn't it? I feel in so many ways that in our home, we trust in this view and the perspective of a treasured mentor. Today I am remembering to this blessing to, taking comfort and being so thankful for what is taking root in our little school.

When we first started homeschooling, one of the things that I loved, was a felt peace. I still relish in the days of learning and growing in our home, where babies can nap, training can happen in a safe shelter and minds can soak in exciting new ideas all throughout the day. We are being intentional as we hunker in, we aren't bustling, its slow and steady and the rhythm is one I cherish. We are cultivating peace here and I am so thankful for that work. I pray I can stay steadfast in this task, be faithful to this work and see it through. How easily I can become cumbered down and busy...even with wonderful things! I am praying that I will remember to count the cost, to have a wide view as I choose how to spend my time and invest my resources.

If you haven't read it already, please check out Anne's post on peace, it was so sweet, wouldn't a peaceful place like this be the sweetest addition to a home?

Summer

It may sound incredibly clique', but summertime is so restful isn't it? I am a girl who relies on a routine...who to be quite honest can become a servant to a routine, instead of using one to meet the needs of my family. There are days in the summertime when the care-free days overwhelm me a bit...I have a hard time focusing and remembering what I am 'supposed' to be doing for the day.

The season of summer is crazy for us, we get outside lots, but its hard to see people when there is no structure, because we don't know what we are doing from day to day,so we wing it. We eat light meals and drink lots of lemonade and we simply rest. And this rest is the gift of this season, I think. I don't know if I would take the time otherwise to just 'be' with my family (remember how I NEED a schedule?). To cuddle and hike and swim or sit around until lunch time in our pajamas is pretty incredible and really not in my nature. But its here...that free flowing summer feeling and attitude, right in my living room.

This picture is right along one of our favorite beaches...

I asked the kids today if there was anything they wanted to accomplish before summer is over and they gave me quite a list! We have done lots of these things already and there are a few we need to experience in the next week, but here is our summer hit list in case you need some inspiration before Labor Day.

Spend an afternoon at Rocky Reach Dam

Bike the Loop

Play on the Secret Beach

Dinner picnic in the park

Drive in the woods

Spend a day at Lake Wenatchee

Spend an afternoon hunting tracks in the Marshlands

Walk through the Barn Beach Reserve and then play at the beach

Fourth of July Relay Races (a tradition in my parents' backyard!)

Fireworks show at Riverfront Park

BBQ with Papa and Lala (thankfully this has happened nearly once a week this summer!)

A day at Slidewaters

Spending the entire day in our pajamas and watching movies or reading stories

Having a lemonade stand

Visiting the Farmers Market

Making homemade pizza with fresh veggies

Berry picking

cherry picking or picking them up at a roadside fruit stand

Visiting the Seattle Aquarium (we busted out for a season's pass to enjoy this one all year long!)

Camping

Visiting friends at Lake Chelan

Swimming at Grandma Lily's pool

Eating popcicles for breakfast

Making s'mores

Drinking lemonade on our deck while we watch the sunset (which in July was past 9:30!)

Buying fruit and getting huckleberry ice cream from Bountiful Fruit

Hiking the ridge behind our house to check out the massive ant hill at the top

Inviting friends to dinner

Watching a movie at the drive-in theatre

Free outside play for days on end

Eating corn on the cobb

Saturday breakfasts at Cafe' Mela

And for Josh and I, enjoying afternoon dates in the month of July when my parents were off work and helped watch the children...its amazing to go out to lunch as just the 'two' of us or shop in the mid-afternoon...just heaven.

Outdoor concerts downtown

The County Fair (we are deciding on our entries as to enjoy the free exhibitor passes!)

Vacation with our dear friends

Playing endlessly in the mud

Nothing at all.....

What To Do With a Child in Kindergarten?

My cutie second child, Maia,will be beginning Kindergarten this year and I am sifting through all my resources that I used, notes I had taken and lesson plans from when our sweet Halle was a Kindergartener three years ago. For those of you just beginning homeschooling, I just want to encourage you that I am amazed and stunned at how bold I feel as I am about to teach this grade for the second time. I know I will have those hard days throughout this year, but the peace of teaching what I have already taught to another child, tweaking it to fit the personality of this one and just being more comfortable with the information myself is kind of unreal. I'm hitting my groove...(knock on wood?)

For those of you who know me well or read this blog very often, you know I am a big fan of Charlotte Mason. We use her methodolgy and principles in all the subjects we teach. We have used a little of this and a little of that curriculum, but our methods and philosophy stay the same.

Charlotte had what she called "A List of Attainments for a Child of Six" which essentially is what we want to accomplish with a Kindergartener. This list is helpful in how I organize what we do, and I add in great literature, artist and composer study, seasonal art projects, Bible and history studies. More to come on those later! I thought it would be worthwhile to post these attainments here, even accomplishing one of them can be enriching for your student and for you as a mama. I got a little giddy writing this post...bring on fall!


A List of Attainments for a Child of Six

1. To recite, beautifully, 6 easy poems and hymns

2. To recite, perfectly and beautifully, a parable and a psalm


3. To add and subtract numbers up to 10, with dominoes or counters

4. To read---what and how much, will depend on what we are told of the child

We play lots of sight word games, use phonics flashcards each day and my favorite find this year is this lovely book, where Maia will actually be reading quality literature and classic stories. I think the object of teaching a young child how to read might require its own post and lots of input in the comments section!

5. To copy in print-hand from a book

We are going to be using Handwriting Without Tears and I also buy each of the children a lovely leather book to copy Scripture,poetry and pieces of literature in. There is something about the delicacy of the copybook that makes them strive to do their very best.

6. To know the points of the compass with relation to their own home, where the sun rises and sets, and the way the wind blows

7. To describe the boundaries of their own home

8. To describe any lake, river, pond, island etc. within easy reach

For these last three attainments, we have incorporated the geography outline available at Tanglewood Education Geography has certainly become one of my favorite subjects and Josh has often commented on how much he loves our children first understanding tangibly the area they inhabit, before, or in the case of our home, in conjunction with, far off lands. They can see and smell and touch to truly experience the knowing of these geographical elements and it adds such a richness to what they imagine and learn later on.

9. To tell quite accurately (however shortly) 3 stories from Bible history, 3 from early American (originally, for Charlotte's students this was English history), and 3 from early Roman history.

10. To be able to describe 3 walks and 3 views.

We place drawings and descriptions dictated to mom into our nature notebooks...they have really become a treasure for us!

11. To mount in a scrapbook a dozen common wildflowers, with leaves (one every week); to name these, describe them in their own words, and say where they found them.

We also look up the latin name of our findings. It is a simple way to begin teaching research skills and there is such reward just in the 'knowing' after searching through our field guides. We place the latin name next to the english name in our nature notebooks. This also motivates great handwriting as these books mean so much to them.
For nature notebooks, I usually purchase a simple sketchbook for each of the children, preferably with a sturdy cover. I also like for the paper to not be chinzy...and for it to be able to withstand watercolors well.

12. To do the same with leaves and flowers of 6 forest trees.


13. To know 6 birds by song, colour and shape.


14. To complete Handiwork

Ambleside Online has a wonderful section on handiwork and I have really benefitted from their reccomendations. Around here, the rule is that our crafts should be useful and benefit others. Some of the creative pursuits we have enjoyed are: knitting, baking, making stationary, a wreath at the holidays, making our advent centerpiece, candlemaking, cooking homemade playdough, baking bread and of course the list goes on and on... but we rarely keep these things in the house...its so much more fun to give them away!

15. To tell three stories about their own "pets"--rabbit, dog or cat.
For a time, we didn't have any pets, so we were graciously invited to spend time with friends and family who did. On one occastion, the children were able to feed hens and roosters, hold baby chicks, collect eggs and even enjoy an omlet! We also made some serious stops at our local petting zoo to interact with and draw some of our favorite farmyard friends.

16. To name 20 common objects in Spanish (originally Charlotte wanted her students to study French,because of the close proximity of that nation to England,we study Spanish for much the same reason) and say a dozen little sentences.

We have used Lyric Language in the early years, it is very inexpensive and easy! Just a fun DVD of songs and a CD for the car or kitchen counter. Their is also a workbook included to help with Spanish copywork and labeling around the house.

17. To sing one hymn, one Spanish song, and one English song.


18. To keep a caterpillar and tell the life-story of a butterfly from his own observations.
We are going to order a caterpillar habitat this year and watch the process in our home, in the past Halle has done this at her co-op and we have really enjoyed the butterfly conservatories at The Seattle Science Center and at Woodland Park Zoo.

Continued

We are in Spokane this weekend enjoying all the snow and most of all some sweet friendships. My kids were just sharing with their friends the whip cream fight mom and dad had late last week...the one that ended with me being pinned down and having whip cream squirted up my nose! They were laughing so hard as they told of the joy they had witnessed between their mommy and daddy. Josh shot me a wink and I saw how pleased he was that they had remembered all the fun we had. Isn't this what its about? We are creating such special memories as a couple and for our kids. I love laughing with them.
So this weekend...my challenge is to find a way to laugh. Do something suprising or silly (like squirting whip cream down your man's shirt) and just laugh...its good for the soul and your man's heart.

Details

Halle in her element

I've been away. I've been living and dreaming and playing...cooking and training my brood and attempting creativity as the inspiration arises. I have missed this place and my sweet friends here! I promise to be more faithful about updating...Blogging is just the first thing to go when life gets hectic and hectic is has been!

Not to be upstaged by her siblings birthday celebrations in previous posts, our Halle became an eight year old at the end of April. We are so proud of her! Here are some details about who this girl is to give you a little glimpse into her heart and mind...
~Each evening before bed our girl writes out a to-do list for the next day and then actually accomplishes all of it! She thrives on routine and schedules and could honestly probably run the show around here if I let her!
~She consumes books! It is not uncommon to find her reading an entire novel in an afternoon. And I'm talking quality novels like "Heidi" or "Stuart Little" or the orignial "Nancy Drew" books. It still blows me away!
~Halle is the family prankster...if you find yourself squirted with water,goo or are stuck to anything...Halle is probably cackling with glee somewhere nearby!
~She is Josh's official assistant on photo shoots, she carries her own SLR camera, is becoming proficient in using Photoshop and is developing her own style as a photographic artist. We are hoping this side career will help pay for college!
~Halle can cook! She loves baking and making stews and soups. She does this independently (which I never realized would happen at age 8!) and her creations taste awesome! Probably because unlike her mama, she always follows the recipes!
~She dreams of being a ballerina and loves her dance classes.
~Halle's favorite colors are purple and gold (and she informs me they always will be, even in heaven).
~Lastly...Halle reads this blog and is begging to start one of her own! I think I may just let her, as a way to journal her own homeschooling studies...I'll let you know so you can go visit!

OOPS

I have no idea how to move the order of posts...but please don't miss this, the picture is just too wonderful.

Three

Jones blowing out his Birthday Candles


Jones is three! We made merry by inviting friends to join us at the River Railway for some runs on the train, eating train cake and sporting some engineer hats and kerchiefs. This boy felt the full joy of his big day as we celebrated him and loved on him. My heart was soaring watching his delight.



Jones Calling out for his Buddies to hop on the Train...ALL ABOARD!


Corban, Jones and Noah Enjoy the Train Ride


Jones and Josh exploring the rails


Jones,
I love your "moves" as you call them, when you dance around in circles and shake with a serious look of concentration. I love how you delight in serving others; how you light up when the girls go first or when you bring the baby a toy to enjoy with you. I love your giggle and the way you carry on and simply can not control your laughter when someone says 'poop'....you bring such a fun-loving tone into our home! I love that you "give knuckes" instead of high fives, that you know how to make hair bands into slingshots and that you threaten to kill the neighbors dog with your wooden sword when he barks at your sisters. I love that buying bullets for your nerf gun is your cheif concern when we are at Target and that no matter what sport you are watching you try to repeat the plays you see.
I love your curiosity and your questions..."Whatcha doing there, guys?" is heard all day long as you observe others. I am amazed at your attention span and the way you soak up great literature! Your love of school lessons in our home and the energy and attention you place on your own "work" encourages the learning culture of our home and brings a smile to my face on difficult days.
I think that the way you are learning how to be a man, by watching and following in the steps of your daddy is amazing. I love watching you model after all he does, from the pomade you put in your hair to what you dress in each day....to the way to simply relish in cleaning the garage....you always remind me that " This is a boy thing, mom."
You are eager to help and protect and I will never get tired of hearing you say "good job, mom " when I am making dinner or folding laundry. God blessed us so richly in giving us a son and in the way he made you. There was something so rich about becoming a family of five when you were born, something so settling about the way we live life together began to emerge. I am thankful for you, son... Happy Birthday.

One

This sweet girl is one. I am beside myself with how quickly this first year of Lael's life has flown by! She is gentle, easy-going, so cuddly and so observant. Recently when the other kids were laughing together in the back of the van, Lael joined in, just to be a part of the group....it certainly marked a change. She is officially one of the crew in her play and interactions. She and Jones talk and look at books together from their beds in their shared room, she is the first to head into a fort the older kids have created and she loves to stand and mix secret recipes with Maia in the play kitchen. She often calls out for Halle when she is in need and loves to be "dressed up" by the big girls. We have discovered a baby sister is the ultimate when it comes to dolly dress-up! Thankfully, Lael is more than willing to participate in the fun!
Whereas it may have overwhelmed Halle to have been around three big kids all the time, Lael thrives on their energy! She glows as she is cared for and doted upon by the family as a whole...she really has stolen all our hearts. Happy Birthday sweet girl...our warm blessing of Spring.

Blessings, Gifts and Provisions

Well over a month ago, I wrote about blessing my husband and you know what? I did. I blessed him with my time. I have been a horrid blogger, but I committed to giving Josh my early mornings and my late nights for dates and whatever he wanted....I actually presented him with a fun blank calendar for his birthday and told him it was his to fill in as he liked. It has been awesome. We have been waking early for coffee (not too often since I hate morning), watching movies, just talking, eating yummy grown up dinners after the kids are in bed...you get the picture. Its been bliss.

There have been a few days here and there when I have wanted to blog or felt guilty that I haven't visited here, but if I'm really honest about it I really don't feel all that bad. And in all this time, my man turned 30! I know, we are babies. We had a "Mustache Revolution" Pary for him, I am not even kidding. It was so fun. We had awards for the men that grew the best 'staches and razors for the guys who well...didn't.

In other news, my kids are growing, we are enjoying our days together learning and reading and playing. Here are some highlights:

-We had a family tie-dye night after studying Joseph and his 'coat of many colors'
-Lael is trying to walk and is getting close! She also popped her two top teeth...and I cried because her smile will never be the same...I know, cheesy.
-Jones started calling everyone "little baby" when he doesn't get his way and we have to leave the room to get out our giggles before we discipline him.
-Halle and Maia are officially ice-skating princesses, they are flying on the ice these days!
-We are reading "The Indian in the Cupboard" and I love the story, but am shocked by the way the characters talk to each other....has anyone else read this aloud?
-We are actually "up to date" on our history timeline...its pretty awesome!
-Josh is gearing up to MC an '80s night fundraiser dance for the youth in our church...haha. Can't wait! We are looking online for the dance moves to Thriller so we can really get down.
-There are tid-bits of creativity happening around here. I am painting again, thinking about some sewing projects and looking at seed catalogues (not neccisarily simoultaneously).
-Josh booked a gig in Denver and we are.....wait for it..... GOING ALONE! Its not until June, but can you even believe it!? I am thinking it might be like this last month has been, just about pure bliss.

Blessin' the Be-Snickers Off...

this guy.
One of my favorite people (that I would love to actually meet someday!) is Debi Pearl. She speaks rather boldly, but her words are always peppered with love and hope. She clearly has fun in all she does,she draws her children into the beauty of a life in Christ and she is crazy about Jesus.This is a quote from her that I have tucked away:
" A wise woman understands that her husband's need to be honored is not based on his performance, but on his nature and his God-ordained position. She learns quickly to defer to his ideas or plans with enthusiasm. She looks for ways to reverence him. She knows this is God's will for her life."
That can really be a big one to swallow. I think the first time I read it, I through my book in the mud. (It actually just kind of slipped out of my hand...but whatever). In hindsight and after nearly nine years of marriage, I know think that there is nothing that has transformed by life more, save for the grace of Jesus redeeming me, than this principle. It is awe-filled and truly the sweetest of mysteries!
The New Year is so full of reflection and resolution and hope for the future. As I think about what I want to focus on in 2009, I mostly want to be about helping my man. I want him to know how wild I am about him, how much I appreciate him and admire him and I want to be generous in how I care for him in my words and actions. I am going to post little challenges each day that I hope will help keep me accountable to intenionally blessing my man and that I hope will encourage a community here that can spur one another on in this. You are all such creative, fun ladies, you are certainly going to have some stellar ideas to share right? Be blessed friends and enjoy your men today!
Since its snowing pretty much everywhere right now...how about just making your husband a special hot drink as a start today. Serve it with a smile and a kiss and if you have whip cream...use it! Happy New Year!

"Every wise woman buildeth her house; but the foolish plucketh it down with her own hands." ~Proverbs 14:1

Focus

This is the beautiful Valley we live in...

Christmas time is over and I am filled up and rested after so many continuous days of celebrating, eating yummy food, napping...life has been rather sloth-like and I feel a huge need to focus my attention again on the year to come. One of the biggies for me this year is being content. Content with where we live, where we play, where we worship...content with all God has chosen to give us. As women, I think that we are often discontent with what we are doing, how we spend our hours and days and how we connect what we long for with what God has for us. It is the desire of my heart to to just be still and enjoy what God has entrusted to me this coming year.

Reading in God's Word what he has for me to do has been a great encouragement for me. I remember when I first starting letting God shatter some of my ideas about what I wanted, I was so pleasantly suprised at the peace that followed. I began to see that what I had longed for all along was what had been prepared for me and I began to be settled and secure in God's plan for me in my role as a wife and mother.

So, for the New Year, this list will be on my fridge, helping me focus and remain content only by the grace that comes from Jesus. I long to focus on what he has placed before me. I pray that it is a blessing and encouragement to you and that you see just how valuable your role is and how much important work has been entrusted to you as well! What a tremendous blessing and responsibility we have before us!

These verse topics are referenced (with much appreciation) from a Mars Hill Seattle Women's Event.

My role and duties entail:
Childrearing~ Genesis 1:28 "God blessed them and said to them "Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it.'"
Training and Teaching Children~ Proverbs 27:8 "She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue."
Making sure my husband is welcomed (and I would add cared for, honored in general)~ Proverbs 27:8 'Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home.'
Caring for the Diet and Nutrition in my home~ Proverbs 31:14-15 'She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar, she gets up while it is still dark;she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.'
Stewardship and the mangagement of our resources~Proverbs 31:16 'She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.'
The Clothing of my family(physical and spiritual through prayer)~ Proverbs 31'When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for all of them are clothed in scarlet.' I have found that this is 99% preparation and planning for me...
Home Decor and organization-creating an atmosphere where relationships can flourish~ Proverbs 31:22 'She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.'
Hospitality Acts 5:42 'And everyday, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on preaching and teaching Jesus Christ.'
1 Peter 4:8-10 'Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another...be hospitable to one another without complaint.

Waiting

There is a sweet quiet in our home tonight...a hush has fallen as we wait for snow and dream of Christmas. So much of this season is about anticipation, about waiting. Waiting for the celebrations, the wonder, the gifts. Waiting for our sweet Jesus.

O, Lord, help us to let this hush linger here, help us to quiet our hearts and to wait on you.

Candlelight flickers and the Word on the page before me dances on my lap, leaping to life. The Light of the World takes a breath, puts on this flesh and is here. Let us seek you as we wait before you today sweet Word of life.

Obligitory Fall Photos!

With moving,my blog has been so neglected and yet my cute kids are still getting cuter, so I felt the need to post how we are enjoying my favorite season. So much has happened this fall and we have the pictures to prove it!
Here we are enoying Smallwood Harvest for Shelly's birthday in October...
All the kids and Grandma Shelly

Jones feeding the geese (they come so close to little fingers!)

Jones and Papa feeding the goats

Lael chillin' along for the ride

Jones tromping through the pumpkins

Josh and the kids enjoying the super-speedy cow train ride

We are pretty crazy about my nephew Zeke and were able to celebrate his FIRST birthday with him!

My Sis and Z blowing out his pumpkin cupcakes

Zeke's first sugary anything ever...

Pumpkin Carving

Nothing better than celebrating at Papa and Lala's

These last pictures are from a harvest party with dear friends...we couldn't have had more fun on a great fall day. We enjoyed a hunt for candy, apple dumplings (divine!) and even a bit of nature study. We are beyond thankful for these friendships!

My angel, princess and horse are ready to go!

Showing off their costumes...Doesn't Terri look amazing as the crazy mama who drank too much coffee?

Sweet Maia, Lael and Della-Bee

The whole crew after the candy hunt

Jones and the love of his life, Della

Renae showing off her fall find

Della and MY sweet baby girl... have you seriously EVER seen a baby this cute!

Halle and Daejah enjoy their tootsie rolls

And because you have hung in there so long, here is an hysterical photo of me circa 1967 morphed together by my husband and the great people at yearbookyourself.com. Josh had way too much fun with this! It is shockingly similar to photos of my mom when she actually had these glasses and this hairstyle (sorry,mom). Enjoy the laugh!

Living out of the Box

....is what my sweet family is doing right now. Until we get our home a bit more organized, the ol' blog is going to be pretty neglected. We love our new home and I'm enjoying all things domestic as I fill its rooms...see you all soon!

The Vote

I'm listening to NPR as I pack up the old house today...people are calling in from all over the country with their stories of voting, standing in line, talking to their neighbors. I love stories....

My story was simple. I decided to wait until this morning to cast my ballot, even though all of Washington State votes absentee. I drank my coffee and sat by the fire, Halle watched the process over my shoulder and all the kids helped me lick the envelope. We walked to the post box together and plopped in our vote. I felt a gush of American pride and civil responsibility come over me as we flipped up the flag to alert the postman of our very important outgoing mail. Is that dorky? Its the same sensation I get before every ball game as I burst out the national anthem...or when I see the fireworks on the Fourth of July...or stand to honor the color guard in our yearly parade downtown. I love this country, I love the promise it holds and I love its people and their stories. I feel priveledged to have one today.

Quiet and Living Grateful

As I write this I am sitting in my parent's home, near a wall lined with windows peeking out onto their gardens...mist has settled over our valley here and the brilliance of fall's colors seem to be a little deeper, the stain a bit more permanent and vibrant a midst the grey. I love the whispy feel of a day like this...hunkered down with a cup of coffee and books to read by the fire. Candles lit, fire blazing, the morning is blank with possibility, waiting for the richness and glory my children will bring with their questions and laughter and the occasional squabble. Life is so good.

My grandfather was known as man who counted his blessings. Each year on my birthday, I received a letter from him, typed in brown ink on his cream stationary...smelling crisp and new and prepared just for me. He would share his wisdom, his hopes and dreams for me and tell me what he experienced at that particular year in his life, his blessings and how grateful he was for all he had been given. He actually kept a list of his blessings in his wallet at all times. What a way to live...what a beautiful perspective. I want to live gratefully...I want to live quietly and soak in mornings like this.

So in honor of November and the season of Thanksgiving, I am going to keep a list of my blessings here in this place. I think I will just add a side bar and update it each day. Would you join me in this? Even just once, in your own blogs, take some time to mark your blessings and share them with us? It is my prayer that we can experience living grateful together...

Today I am so grateful for...
~this mist and the rich color outside my window
~Halle and Lael playing peacefully beside me...relishing in sisterhood
~Hazelnut Biscotti Coffeemate...(how have I never had this stuff before?)
~Family Movie Night...still talking about the new American Girl Movie this morning.
~fleece sweats and chenile blankets...all things soft really
Most importantly today...
~my amazing husband, and all the work he is doing to help me pack up the house and move into our new one. We have our first night there Wednesday!

The Toybrary

Josh and I have been having so many conversations lately about living simply and quietly, about having margin and space to sprawl and play and thrive in and out of our home...Recently he pointed out to me that our children didn't seem to be benefiting from the toys in our home...they fill up a big chest and are crammed into baskets...but what are the kids doing to really engage in play with more than a handful of these that they always pull out again and again? Should we purge most of our playthings in our upcoming move?

Our decision has been a resounding yes.

What will play with? What will we do to love on our kids and stimulate their little minds and hearts? We want to fill our home with toys that are rich and lively and fun...those that implement excellent design and intelligent play.

...Enter the Will-n-Essie's Toybrary...a lending library for toys, all in immaculate conditon and ready for you to take home. My old friend Marcia Murray developed the implementation of this idea in the States after benefiting from toybrarys overseas and she has done a smashing job! Toys are donated directly from toy manufacturers like KNEX, Lincoln Logs, Schilling and others or donated or purchased from local businesses.

One of the perks of being on the local toybrary committee is getting to fill in at our local toybrary from time to time and enjoy my community. What a peaceful and sweet time I had today, signing up memebers, welcoming little ones and helping moms and grandparents pick out toys that would be just the right fit for their families to check out. My own children enjoy the chance to check out something new at each visit and to play with something different and special. They are going to learn how to share in a whole new way...with our community! They are going to learn how to take care of what they play with in new ways as well, thinking of others and stewarding well. We are beginning to live out simplicity in such a practical way through one small change...I love this place...

Check out the website to read about the Toybrarys in Wenatchee and Philadelphia and about how to bring a Toybrary to your town! www.will-n-essies.com