One year ago....

I came across these pics from our trip home a year ago.

I think I may have posted this pic before,

but aren't these sleepy bed-headed boys cute?!

Zach's 16th B-day

Paint ball war zone

All these pictures were taken a year ago.

Pretty amazing how some things have changed, like children!

Summer 2010

Day 1 (of the Last Year)

Back at it... one last time.

Our senior graciously posed for the camera once again, just one last time, for what has been our tradition for the last thirteen years. The first day of school. How can it be that the little blue eyed boy of barely five is now nearly headed out the door on his own journey; so ready then to join the ranks and dig deep into learning, and so ready now to become the man God designed him to be?

WHERE did it go? It's true what every parent has uttered before me... the time, it flies.

Fully embracing this last year of all my kiddos together, and praying for the grace to face next years photo with the joy and enthusiasm our blue eyed young man will be expecting from his parents.

Nature Pics

A Plateau hike

Midwest Sky

Variations of moss grow on a rock

Love green!

Succulent - my favorite

Hopeful

Spunk

Catherine

Not the Kate that's all the rage right now.

My best girl Kate. That's who I'm talking about...

She's come faithfully each year since I moved. And, oh, don't go kidding yourself. No. It's not just about being a good friend. As I've mentioned before, Kate has five (FIVE) children. It's been a joy to share the blessing of such a lovely get away in the sunshine, complete with yummy food, fun experiences, good laughs and a few tears, and never enough time.

This spring we had a whole week in sunny Southern California,

and we made the most and best of our time together.

A trip to the Flower Fields...

And a visit to the Mission

Wine Country Tour

Kate (the great) even stood in for our Sunday softball league

It was good for this mother of five to get her wiggles out!

So glad for the time with you old friend!

No More Crayons

I recently (and finally) got to some spring cleaning (yes, I know it is now summer). And yes, there's much more to do. Another time...

I found myself in the art supply cupboard, and it had clearly been some time since my last visit. It's usual that we clean out our school supplies this time of year, throwing out the old and salvaging what's worthy of recycling. However, it's different as we round out our homeschooling year. There isn't much to go through, to clean out, to inventory and stash away.

Weird. And even stranger, there aren't any crayons in that cupboard. It seems the preference is markers these days. Not sure I like that.

I'm going to buy a pack of 12 or 24 just so they can be available, if only for my peace of mind :)

Pending

It's been a busy few months. I have so much to share... like the details of our trip to Northern California, Kate's visit in April, my parents visit in May, an unexpected trip to Europe this month and so much more.

I'll get to it... and this post will hold me to it.

Stay tuned...

Girl Weekend

I had the privilege of running away with my

not-so-little girl last month.

We enjoyed yummy food, shopping,

some pampering, and best of all,

amazing conversation, and incredible teaching

about what it means to make good choices.

I love this little lady!

Sighting

On the way to care for our friends dogs tonight, we crossed paths with a bobcat kitten.

Let me tell you... SO cute! I'm thinking that response is in order because we were in our car, and because his Mama wasn't in sight.

She couldn't have been far from her frolicking youth, who, based on his juvenile behavior, was clearly of the male gender (do I sound like the mother of sons?). I felt for her as we watched in wonder. This baby cat literally bounced across the road in the light of dusk, his little bobbed tail out of control, looking back at us, completely reckless and sure of himself. He bounded into the brush at roadside and playfully nested down, pretending to be unseen. And then, from his invisible stance, leapt completely over the brush, out of sight.

Rambunctious kitty... so glad we got a glimpse of you! Wish I'd had the opportunity to snap a shot with my camera.

Another amazing moment for the memory bank.

Kitchen Dance

I love Tuesday's...

Groupies night! Each week our Life Group meets to talk about Sunday's message, to pray, to eat, to do life together. God has been so faithful to provide for us here. These friends are among our greatest joys.

It was a treat to watch them scurry around my kitchen a few weeks ago, clearing dishes, covering left overs, wiping my counter. As I sat and finished my meal, watching them work so well together, and without any qualms in my space, a great satisfaction came over me. Seeing them together as a family of believers... those who have been vulnerable and transparent with their lives.

The benefits of such relationship enrich our lives. I am comforted, and my heart overflows with thanks for these that I love here.

Coup d'etat

The rabbits have taken over...

Each morning, as many as five or six little bun-buns begin to emerge

from their burrows over the hill to begin their daily ritual.

One fresh bunny leaps over another, kicking up the early morning dew,

as they graze (and poop) all around our yard.

Because we don't have dogs, our yard has become

gourmet breakfast munch and a safe haven,

or better said - breeding ground - for the cute prolific critters.

We call this guy "Notcho"... note his chunked-out ear.

He's been here since we arrived and is clearly the one with the most lives.

I wonder if they know they are safe here, among the bunny lovers

they find themselves in the grateful company of?

Pie Pie

Troy & Sarah and their little Ellie (aka "Pie Pie") have been with us since they moved here from Seattle in October. We've grown to know and love them as their search for a permanent home was under way.

As they leave us this week, we thank the Lord for the blessing and joy of sharing life at this level. A new dimension has been birthed in each of us.

And stashed deep in our memory banks are moments of joy and laughter, some monumental.... like the time the cats escaped (twice) from the safety of the garage, and from becoming coyote snack. Shared recipes, ingredients, dinners and waffle irons. An unexpected rendezvous at the trash. The preciousness of hot water, and the satisfaction of troubleshooting the repair of its temperamental heating element. Family fondu night. Ellie's first birthday, and her first steps. Apples, and trips to Urgent Care. Walks to the Villa; laundry time; chats about life and God.

Troy's occasional bursts of worship. Sarah's Ellie-songs. Dancing to homemade music. Praying for one another and together. Laughter and tears, joys and sorrows. These are the things we share and will forever hold in our hearts.

Love you guys!

Process

There is no growth without change;

there is no change without fear or loss;

and there is no loss without pain.

Rick Warren's Daily Devotional

Breakfast

Love fresh eggs!

Thanks neighbor!

Confessions of the Household Administrator

It's a joy to sit and reflect on the blessings of a day. I am grateful for the shift in my thinking. Thankful for restored joy. JOY! Here are a few joys and confessions of a recent day...

I ate two (yes 2) Snickers bars today. I was checking out at Rite Aid with a box of Tylenol, with no cash in my wallet, hungry and waiting. So, I did a quick paroose of the selection of candy bars, saw that many were marked 2 for $1, and grabbed two (yes 2) Snickers, because adding a few more items to my tab would make me feel less silly for needing to use my credit card. The hunger pains, along with the rate of speed at which I consumed the "first one", ensued in an uncontrolled conquest of the second, which started with "just one bite". My tummy hated me afterward. Ahhh, what I wouldn't give for my twenty year old waste line once again. I used to be able to do these sort of things. Ignorantly, I guess I was feeling like I could eat them both because I had gotten a deal.

You can imagine my disappointment when, after studying my receipt, I was dismayed to discover that I had been charged $.88 twice. Come to find out, I didn't get the discount I was banking on for lame excuses.

Heidi called me today... I was so pleased to be thought of. Thank you for calling, friend.

Kimmy came out of surgery with flying colors. Thank you Lord for the healing that you have begun in her. I am excited to watch you perform a miracle of health for her.

The kids and I had two nice meals together at the table. We lounged in the family room after dinner with books and bibles and makeup school work. I had to resist the temptation to scurry around and finish "one more thing" before this moment of "all my kiddos grouped together in one room" came to a quick end.

I am seeing things in my own life that I need to work on. Areas of much needed improvement. Things I have not known of before this time. Grateful to want change - grateful for the awareness of it's need. Many SO dear to us are covering us in care and prayer. I know. See above mentioned self evaluation. That sort of thing can only be God.

I haven't made the bed but once this week! Hahaha! Good stuff!

This has been a week of great peace. The kind of "great vacation peace". I think I've had a vacation from my own agenda.

Return

The return of Mr. Owl last night reminded me that it's been a while since my last post.

Sad. I know.

But reminders are a good thing, and Mr. Owl, a good friend to remind me of my love for this, when I'm ready and in the mood.

Stay tuned....

Simple things

It's a new year...

The windows are open. There's a soft warm cross-breeze blowing gently through them. The sweet melody of singing birds accompanied by other outside sounds plays almost unnoticed on this quiet morning. I usually notice this special time of morning, but today I took an unusual stock in it.

I had the sheer joy and privilege of watching a friend's baby today. Ellie is 11 months old and as cute as a button. Our time together brought back memories of not so long ago. A time when a day was filled with coos, and diapers and walks around the block. Having a baby around brings life to a screeching halt, and it's precious. No agenda, and no pressure. Slow pace and simple.

I missed that today as I reflected over my time as mom to three little beings. But oh so grateful for the memories and feelings stirred in me.