its almost "hearts" day

Here we are in February.  How did that happen?

I started working on ideas for Valentine's day this past weekend.  The great thing about having a middle schooler is that I don't have to come up with multiple ideas.... because, well,  "its not cool" to send valentine's in 6th grade. ( I dodged that one!)

My youngest, on the other hand, it has been an interesting battle.  He needs to have them done by tomorrow but he is under the impression that he doesn't want to do them.  It took me a while to figure out why, but after some "parental investigating" I figured it out.  See, to a male 4th grade boy, who happens to be autistic,,,, (quotes) " girls are disgusting."  This is the year of young girls oodling over him, mothering him, helping him etc.  You know, girls being, well, girls.  And he can't stand it... but also, doesn't say anything.... because he doesn't know how, or is to embarrassed.  

here is his wonderful, adorable, cuter than snot, reason..... (get ready to say "awwww")

My sweet boy thinks that giving a girl a valentine will give them permission 

to (quote, again!) "be in love with him".

OH MY GOODNESS.

I about died with the cuteness of this situation.

I mean really, how can you not "be in love with this face"

that said.... with some help from his ABA therapist, and some serious coaxing... we finally got him to sign his name to the backs of 35 tags that say 

"Valentine, your peachy keen, jelly bean!"

This battle has been tackled. won. and taken down.... until next year.

BOO YAH!

free valentine printable from PostivelySplendid.com  at this link .  I didn't make them as fancy as she did... but, I was lucky to have access to 40+ mini packs of jellybellys and a child that finally decided to cooperate, which in my book~ works out perfectly.

MLK

if you are visiting to read our Christmas letter... click here.


MLK

I don't know if you have ever read, studied, or heard a speech by Martin Luther King Jr... I strongly suggest that one day you do.  He spoke profound truths that spark small fires deep down inside for injustice, for love, for education, for truth.  I would like to think I would have walked alongside him... but,  in all truth...in that day, and in that time..... I really don't know.

What would I have done?
Would I have made history?
Would I risk everything, step in, and stand up for what is right?

I would.
I truly would.
I will.
I am.

what will I do that is new?

::If you are visiting our blog to read our Christmas letter... click here.  Be sure to leave a comment in the comments section to say Hi!::

now back to the regular program.

What will I do that is new?

I am not one who makes resolutions.
I just dont do that sort of thing because if I really want to change something... I do.  But, as always, the start of a new year brings the urge to purge, the longing for things to go back to simple, the idea of fresh and new.  One thing, lately, that has been new.... is exploring new recipes.  I think I would like to try and bring in new recipes with the wide variety of foods that we already use. The past few weeks, while the boys are off to school, I enjoy a cup of coffee and sit down to read cookbooks.  The key to reading a cookbook is to be sure you have eaten before cracking them open.  It is much like going to the grocery store hungry.... truly, it is.  My stomach starts to rumble and I begin to drool as a pages describe the details of making such wonderful dishes... so, always make sure you have a bagel with smear, or an egg with toast before starting.  trust me.... your tummy will thank you.

This is what a Monday looks like::
Grab a few cookbooks, the calendar, a blank piece of paper and pencil.
I also find it adventurous to have my laptop open to my PINTEREST page for some added ideas.

Some cookbooks I always "go to" are the Pioneer Women Cooks, the Love Soup, many of the Gooseberry Patch cookbooks and the Joy of Cooking.
I also like to try and plan one day for vegetarian, something with chicken, something with beef, at least one crock pot meal, one "typical go-to" meal and one "adventurous" meal.... with this much food I get at least two days for leftovers.

I crack open the books and start thinking....
" mmm... that looks good."
 "I would try that!"
"that sounds like it would be fun!"
Next, I think what day would be best to make it... consider the routine of the day, how much time I "really" have and the possible weather.
what?  did you say consider the weather?
I know, In Oregon, I wouldn't have to think that.  It's either rain, possible rain, or no rain.
but here in Southern California we can fluctuate from 60-90 from day to day (I know, CRAZY! right!)  I learned this mistake last week when I made chili and cornbread on a day when it was 82 degrees after having it in the 60's for two days.  (ugh!)

Once I have a few meals planned, book mark them with a tab or post it, and begin a grocery list.
It is at this time I refill the coffee cup, use the restroom, and move to the kitchen and start to check if I have the items from my recipes.... if I do~ great!  if I don't~ put it on the list!

let the monday meal planning begin

The past few weeks we have tried some new soups, a bunch of new main dishes, some great fun salads and even explored some new veggies.... 

Recipes and cooking at home is not new for me.... but, using more of a meal plan and being proactive in planning is new(ish).  So, if I did make resolutions... I guess I could say "I am gonna start making something new each week."  but.... I don't.... so..... this is just a little something new I will do.

What are some cookbooks you like to read?
What will you do that is "new"(ish)?
share in the comments below.  I'm curious!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

so, it happened.  AGAIN!
I made Christmas cards and among the life of living with a house of boys... I forgot to mail them out.
so, yes, you are reading our Christmas letter... in January.... but, you know.... that's how I roll.  I just go with it, and it just moves me along.

2014.
What a year for us.
It was packed with changes, twists and turns.... a real roller coaster ride.
Early in the year we began thinking about moving back to California.  There were many different reasons, but the biggest reason was to be help/ and to have help from family.  We love Oregon.  We love Oregon so much that our heart aches with this move.  But... we did what we felt we needed to do for our family, not what Bryan and I wanted.  With all the medical needs that came up for Bjorn we knew that this move was the best decision.  So, with toes dragging in the sand...  we jumped!  It didnt help that a job practically fell in Bryan's lap, and a house near my mom and around the corner from Bry's sister was available for us.  Our house sold the first weekend on the market.  All this move needed was a red ribbon wrapped around it....
At the end of July, we loaded up a large truck.... shed many tears among friends and neighbors... and drove south.  We landed in Oceanside, CA... and our adjustment to the lifestyle, the culture, the differences, and just about everything new began.  The biggest thing to get use to was the weather.  The lack of seasons has my living in a constant "summer vacation" mode.  The Holiday Season hit me like a Mac truck and I was not as willingly prepared as I could have been.  But along with the warmer drier weather... comes the beach.  As a crow flies, we live 5 miles off the coast... so many days I can load up my boys, drive to the beach, walk the pier, write in the sand, watch the sunset and be back at home before dinner. Not to bad.... Not to bad, at all.

Odin is doing amazing.  We have a neighborhood filled with boys his age... and he could play outdoors from sun up to midnight (if we let him!).  He is loving middle school.  He has really found a great group of friends and we have watched him flourish in the past 5 months.  He has taken on reading.  He just finished the whole Hunger Games series in two week.  When this kid finds something he likes~ he goes all in!  Over the holiday break he got to spend a few days in Mammoth perfecting his snowboarding skills with his dad.  This year he also started boogie boarding.  He is turning into a California kid right before our eyes.

Bjorn has taken the move hard.  He is having to grasp concepts that he has never encountered before, from something as simple as how to get into a 2 door car to the idea that friends are friends no matter how far you live from them.... but he has been a trooper.  He enjoys his new teachers, and his new school has a wonderful music program that is paid for by the parents.  The house we bought had a trampoline in the backyard and he spends much of his free time jumping on it.  He has gotten into an extensive ABA therapy that has "buddies" coming into our home 3 times a week.  Everyone who meets him thinks he is just the coolest kid on the block.... and I have to agree.  He is pretty great!

Bryan has started a new job with Bosch-Rexroth and works out of the house.  He is just starting to build relationships with local automation and electronic businesses throughout Southern California.  He spends much of his free time working on the many "fix-it" things that we have encountered with the house.  New appliances. New carpets.  New fencing.  Building closet organizers.  Painting.... the list goes on, and on, and on, and on.  Between my "Honey- Do" list  and his "Must-Do" list ~ he keeps himself very busy.  He still finds time to play hockey locally once a week.  One of the coolest things he got to do this year is "hug" the Stanley Cup.  Pretty cool!

I am doing well.  I am not teaching piano lessons this season.  I wanted to take a year/or two to get Bjorn adjusted and into a routine.  It has been a lot of work organizing, unpacking, re-figuring the whole family structure and home.  Having a middle schooler is "lots of fun" and figuring out how to navigate this territory has me reading and re-thinking things.  I have been getting to know my neighbors and enjoying my walks with Bjorn to/and from school.  If you read my blog~ you have seen me hit a few bumps over the past few months.  The ups and downs of this past year have been character building as I learn from what is before me.   I love seeing my mom often.  And I enjoy spending time with my sister-in-law and the family.  I was able to unpack my knitting, and I have gotten a few of my gardening tools out.  I have been working hard in making this new house a home for us.  A place where we can feel the quiet and calm from the crazy world outside.  A place where we can rest, refuel and replenish among loved ones.  So, my wish for you and your family, as we ring in the new year of 2015, may we take it all in... Breath.... and look forward to what is new before us.  Merry Christmas (belated!) and Happy New Year.
from our home to yours.

the Hellum Family.

8.

eighth?  December 8th?  already????
That is impossible.
I mean, yea... sure.. Thanksgiving came and went....
but,
really??
are we in December already?
I feel like I am in some sort of time warp.

Wasn't it just Halloween?
I mean... it feels nothing like the Christmas time of year.
In Oregon there is a crisp cold, a rain, a few freezing mornings and plenty of fires in the fireplace already ~ Those cozy snuggle nights where you see your breath in the air.
In all honesty, I just am not use to this Southern California life.
A few things that I have noticed that are different~

• just this past weekend the boys had a water balloon fight in the neighborhood....
• the kids have only needed to wear a jacket in the mornings once ( and that was because I made them!) and by noon they were hung back up in the closet.
• my sweaters are still packed (and may not come out)
• the artificial Christmas tree to real tree ratio is 3 to 1 (easy!)
• real snow is considered man-made and in a small area of a parking lot for one weekend only.
• the Christmas lights are EVERYWHERE!  alongside blowup ginormous snowmen and Santa (In Oregon the winds and rain would be the death of one of those things the first week it was out on the lawn).

when do you eat soup? drink cider? enjoy hot coco?
why do you have fireplaces?

It is these reasons that December crept up on me....  it still feels like summer here.  

California is no longer a vacation spot for us.....

lucky for us the kids keep me in the spirit with Advent, our nightly activities.... and this weekend the decorations and books were taken out.  We put some lights up outside.  We bought a poinsettia or two.  And yes, today is the 8th.  17 days until the 25th.... and it is just now.... today.... that I can say "its beginning to look a lot  like Christmas.

By the way.....  here was the boys on Halloween.... because... well,  I am just not with it.

the Scary Pumpkin and Steve 2014

Pumpkin Patching

I can't believe it is fall.
There is not a crisp in the air.
There is not the promise of rain... anytime soon.
My jackets and scarves are still packed away.
And my body is still sweating.... a lot!
It has taken me a while to get into the swing of Autumn.  The harvest and Halloween decorations just can out a week ago.  I just don't feel ready.  But... ready or not.... it is pumpkin season.... and a pumpkin hunting we must go!

In Oregon one goes to a farm that has pumpkins growing. most likely there is a tractor pull hay ride... Sometimes there is a corn maze... your lucky if there is a petting zoo or horse ride.  Here in California, the findings of a pumpkin are usually in  a bounce house filled parking lot with bright lights, hay bales, and lots of, well, pre-picked pumpkins.  Since moving here I was not ready to experience this type of Pumpkin Patch.... I just couldn't.  I searched and searched for a pumpkin patch in the area.  I found one about 40 minutes away, down a winding road, and in the hills.
The place is called Bates Nut Farm.
OH GOODNESS!  I wasn't the only one who thought going here was a good idea.  The place was packed~ I should have known a Saturday before Halloween would be a high draw of people.   Even among the people.... we had a blast.  There were animals everywhere.... and the kids loved the Hay Maze.  The boys picked out a pumpkin and we walked around the grounds a little.  It was one of our first outings together as a family that combined a tradition we had in Oregon, and were able to be continued here in California.
Happy Fall!

costuming

tis the season of thread, felt and creativity as Halloween fast approaches.

the little wanted to be a pumpkin this year.... imagine how thrilled I was that even as a 9 year old he still wants to be something fun, cute and easy to make (of course we all remember the year when he wanted to be Mt. Vesuvius).  I had the costume all cut and ready to sew when I asked him to draw the face he wanted for it.  problem #1... BIG MISTAKE.
he drew this super elaborate face and was set on it being so.
the eyes were easy.
the nose was easier.
the eyebrows... well, he needed eyebrows.
but that  mouth.
ack!!!

I went through felt section after felt section trying to perfect the "super scary" mouth.  It was never up to the standards of the costume wearer.... so, in the spirit of giving....
I gave him a chalk pen, some scissors, and a square of felt.

problem #2  I SHOULD HAVE DONE THAT A LONG TIME AGO.
his first drawing, first image, and first cut.  He was done.  But, most importantly, he was happy.


In closing I have to add a conversation we had today walking to school.
mom: " B, you get to wear your costume to school on Friday.  Would you like that?"
B: "oh no mom.  I can't do that."
mom: " yes you can.... its OK with the school."
B; " oh no mom.  It is a way to scary costume for school.  All of the little kids will not want to see something scary."

oh, how cute is he.  He thinks his costume is a scary costume.  I don't have a heart to tell him how adorable he looks.  Pictures will be posted over the weekend.... we don't want you to be too scared!

meggles

I lost a dear, longstanding, and wonderful best friend this week.

I began to really wonder if the tears would ever stop falling....

I would be in a deep sleep and wake with tears...

I would be in the middle of something and they would fall again.

Grief is a strange thing.

my friend was one of those true friends... 

you know that type of person who no matter how far apart you were... 

nothing changed.

our lives were weaved together (actually, knit together... because she taught me to knit)

our lives were knit together over 15 years ago.

She was beside me in so many life changes.

oh how I loved her.

I loved her ability to always think ahead.

I loved how she always knew the right answer ( we won may board games that way!)

I loved how she laughed at all the stupid things.

I loved how she always knew what was needed.

She was a treasured friend who always thought of others, no matter what.

She knew how to throw a party.

She knew how to reach anyone.

oh, man... she knew how to cook!  

She gave the best hugs!!!

Meggles,

You will always be near me,

and I will always remember you.

You were gone to soon,

and your story was beautifully made.

May I always share your spark, your heart, your being, to those around me.

I was honored to witness your marriage.  I was blessed to see your babies.  

I will always be grateful to have called you  my best friend.

11.13.80  - 10.6.14

One of the ways we said goodbye

When school ended, in June, we had about 6 weeks before we moved.  I got an idea that would help make the transition from Oregon to California memorable.  Not to mention, this idea kept the boys busy over the summertime.  We sat down together and talked about what were some things we would want to do to remember Oregon.... We called it our GOODBYE PORTLAND BUCKET LIST.

This is what we came up with

We were able to do all but three of the listed activities and the memories that we had were worth every moment.  This list was able to give me something to look forward to while I was being swallowed up by boxes and packing tape... It had me stop the madness of go,go,go and allowed me to just be,be, be.  My boys loved it, every moment of it.  Here are some photos of our times well spent.

Seaside, OR

Fountains

SlappyCakes with Abbie and Emily

Wunderland Nickle Arcade

Bliss Cupcakes

Sleepover in Ruby

Powells

Captain Craig's ( Lake Washington)

Berry picking with Peri and Rya

Forestry Center

Wings and Waves

 This list helped my boys say goodbye to all their favorite places ( and with some favorite friends), and allowed them to experience some new places before we moved.... It was bittersweet ( I may have cried a couple of times) but a beautiful experience. A perfect way to end a chapter of our lives.

reflective

today.... I am feeling slower than usual.
not slow... like tired slow.
not slow.... like bored slow.
but, slow.  like reflective slow.

Sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee slow....
making a lunch with cheese, figs and crackers slow....
wearing my hair down,
wearing the comfy pants,
and just thinking slow.

Not the thinking hard....
but the WONDER kind of thinking.
and I feel
safe.
home.
calm.
quiet.

Today is already a great day.

a photo from two days ago.... just relaxing.

Coco Powder

today's great story brought to you from my most recent FACEBOOK post.

I love walking with B to school.... we have the most curious conversations. Today's topic~ Living in Coco Powder.

"mom, when we go camping we should go to a beach made of coco powder... then I will shrink down tiny and play in it, and smell super good, and sneeze all the time. And then someone will make gluten free brownies out of me and I will taste delicious as I slide down to your belly like a water slide" ( said as if it were one sentence).
1. Is this even a thought that has ever crossed anyone's mind before?
2. Always bring a water slide into the conversation.
3. Coco powder?
4. I have no idea what your dreams are like, but if I could just be in your mind for one of them... it would be the best night ever!

I told you, we have the most curious conversations.

MY DEEP THOUGHTS:

I dont ever want to scare him into thinking he is different.... or stifle his creativity... quiet him into a corner... or command that he needs to put my ideas of what should be into his everyday.

A child with autism thinks differently, sees everything differently, feels differently.... making them unique in so many ways.  I find great joy in how he lives life.... yes it is recklessly, wholeheartedly, and sometimes not proper or polite.  Yes it is loud, it is dramatic, it is unpredictable..... One of the things I value the most is how he does see life.... and how great it can be.

I am not saying "dont parent your autistic child, but what I am saying is reach deeper into your little guy and revel in his moments, enjoy them, and see them the way he sees them.  Yes, we do ALL SORTS of therapy. ALL SORTS of doctors and treatments.... but I have to say......The more I spend in moments with him, like truly WITH him.... The more I understand.  
Fortunately, it is me that changes... not him.
And I am so so SO much better for it.

all different plants

Coming from Oregon to a Southern California Coastal town is taking my head and flipping it upside down.  For 10 years I gardened, planted and nurtured green produce and plants out of Oregon.  I am here now, at what should have been my peak canning and harvesting season.... tooooo.... well, lets just say.... a lot of plants I have no idea what they are, not to mention no garden and no canning. ( I am beginning to hear the trio of violins play their ode to tif~ It kinda sounds like "Cry Me A River").

The weekend we moved here the hubs, who is a big fan of salsa, ran out and got a few tomato plants and a jalapeno plant.  It had been 5 weeks and we already have had two jalapenos and the toms are looking pretty good... its like a Speedy Gonzales growing thing.  The warmth and sunshine here has everything just booming.  

Alongside the crazy harvesting and veggies....
I have flowering plants.
Many I have no idea what they are.  Like NO CLUE!

My mom is a great gardener and so one day she took me out to a nursery place in Fallbrook.  This place is less than 12 miles from me.  It's out in the middle of nowhere.  A place that had me wishing I could stay for days and just lay by their ponds and let the sounds of wind chimes and water fountains lull me to sleep.  This place was a piece of heaven.  Honestly, the butterflies were swarming by the dozens everywhere you went. It is called MYRTLE CREEK BOTANICAL GARDENS.

Its plants, flowers, statues, art, music,  an old barn, farmhouse and a cafe.  The cafe was adorable.  My mom and I had lunch there and they put a little basket together, with my Arnold Palmer in a mason jar and a blanket to throw out and sit for a while, anywhere on the grounds.  I didnt want to leave.... but schools typically frown on parents not picking up their kids.



all this to say.... I still dont know what kind of plants I have.... but, I know of a great plant place to go and let your worries and stresses fade away.  Care to come with me next time?

kitchy kitchy kitchies

paint

I dont know if many of you know this... but we bought this house almost sight unseen.  We came out to purchase a home... put in a bid.... that later fell through.  With the clock ticking we contemplated renting a home.  The hard part about renting was the packing, then unpacking, and the packing again.  The hardest part was going to be to get Bjorn settled, stir things up, and get Bjorn settled again.  Dealing with Bjorn's autism and processing times truly was the main reason for us not to rent.  (I will write more about how this move has affected him... but that will be later).

With the house that we originally wanted gone and our house closing soon... we needed to make a decision but didnt have enough funds to travel down again.  So we did the next best thing, with an iphone in hand, our sister and brother-in-law, alongside our Realtor, face-timed and walk through three homes.
This one was perfect.... it had some work that needed done, but we could handle it.

Now, here we are.... The first time I saw the house was the day we got the keys.  It was much bigger than I thought (which is a good thing... imagine it being small than you thought.... oh uggg!).  We now are having to figure out how the little ins and outs of this home work.  Many of the windows were broken ( they are so heavy the sides pull away from the glass),  the carpets were a disaster,  the dryer keeps over heating, the oven takes 25 minutes to heat from 100 to 110.... and the list goes on, and on, and on.

Dont get me wrong.... I love it.  Its the perfect home for us.  The things that are wrong are just things that we probably would have replaced in time anyways.  But the key word in that sentence is IN TIME.  not RIGHT NOW.

All this to say...
we have been spending a lot of time (and money) replacing cleaning, scrubbing and fixing things.  The first thing on the list was carpets.  and before the carpets were replaced we painted the bedrooms.  We waited 3 weeks for the carpets (so living out of boxes for a while... not my cup of tea!).  Finally they came, and the boxes were able to be unloaded.

NOW, painting.
My husband is a great painter.  He gets in.  Gets it done. ....and it looks perfect.
He did the 3 bedrooms and ceilings so I told him I would paint the kitchen and the family room.
I apparently am the opposite of my husband...

I suck!
We haven't figured out why....
but I am slow.
meticulous.
slow.
even slower.
and I never stay in one place.

I like to paint one spot.... like 3 times.
then move to another spot and paint that.... like 3 times.
I like to take breaks.
stop for a while.
and then  maybe take another break.

all this to say.
I have had a family room half painted for almost 2 weeks.
My hubby finished painting the kitchen after I decided I couldn't get behind the fridge or oven, and he was tired of seeing spots of orange pop out of the red.

I think my problem is I always see the cup half full.  I look at the painted walls and admire it, swoon over it.... I see it as, look at how much is done.  not once do I see it and think... "oh man, I need to finish".  This is this first time I may see a flaw in optimism.

Look at my work~ isn't it amazing!
I have two other spots just like this.
BTW~ I am painting over the dark sage with the light blue ( not the other way around).

a new benefit

its not filled with trees,
its not filled with water,
Its not all green and colorful,
its not even chilly (yet?!?)....
but what it lacks in is nothing compared to this....


Friday after school I picked up the oldest boy and asked....
"hey guys, how about a quick trip to the beach?" (notice my PNW friends.... I didnt use the word coast).
we grabbed suits, slicked up with sunscreen, bagged three towels and some sand toys, and headed out.
the kids were out of school at 3:45... we were on the sand by 4:30.

there is a hurricane off the coast of Mexico this week,  so we  got the big waves and beautiful surf.
we enjoyed the moments for a few hours, came home and had us some dinner.
Just like that.
a quick, simple, and easy trip to the beach.
Wow, I could get use to this.
It was like magic for me to have such a great memory and have it not take all day, or weekend.

visitors

with a new move...come new sounds.
Where we live now the sounds are... so different.
the birds are different.  some are screechy.
we live near Camp Pendleton and
the booming of military training is... shall I say... interesting.
let me just say... I would truly hate to be in a city that was under attack.... with sounds of bombs and guns going off at all hours of the day and night.
the neighbors are closer... and I am sure we sound different.

one thing that I have noticed is that my sweet little family is a loud family.  We laugh loud,
we play loud, we yell loud.... its all just... LOUD.

the hardest thing to get use to is the sound of our doorbell.
honestly, the thing rings ALL DAY long.
When you move there is this gnome that runs around every alarm system, tree trimmer, and vacuum representative informing them of our arrival.  Then a squirrel prompts them of the most in opportune time  and encourages them to ring the doorbell.  I'm always either painting a wall, unpacking the heaviest box, or in the restroom...resting.
 DING. DONG. (wait a second) DING.DONG.
which, in turn, set my dogs off on a barking frenzy.
goodness gracious.
Finally I decided... I need to just put up a NO SOLICITING sign.
but,
I kinda feel unfriendly with a sign like that.
but,
I need to get things done without having distractions.
but,
what if it is a neighbor kid selling cookies... I gotta have my thin mints.

but. but. but.
I found one.
its a free printable from Dorthy Sue and Millie B's too blog.
its cute.
its chalkboard.
its free,
and kinda fancy pantcy.

I printed it out and washi taped it to my front window....
crossed my fingers and I hope to get some rest from the doorbell and barking dogs.

*** UPDATE***  rest has occurred with the doorbell.... but the barking dogs still need to be reckoned with.... do they make a sign for that???

things have changed.... REALLY.... CHANGED!

What  a whirlwind path this past year has taken my family on.  What started out with home schooling my oldest.... turned into experiencing mini strokes with my youngest, 6 months of extensive therapies and a whole changing world for us.

Early Spring my husband and I discussed maybe moving back to California, for help and support as well as being that to others in our family.  It was just a short and sweet discussion that was a thought.
well that thought soon got a ball rolling... a ball that turned into a boulder.
Just after that small talk together my husband was sent a curious email from a large company looking to employ someone in California.  He asked a few questions... talked to a few people.... and left it at that.  A long 4 months later we got a phone call asking us to consider working for this company.....
within 8 weeks of that call, we were packed, sold/ bought, and loading up our lives in Oregon, hugging our friends and heading down south to a town just a smidge (5 miles)  inland from the coast in North County San Diego.

As I type this I realize that we have lived here almost 5 weeks.
My boys started school 2 weeks ago.
I sweat daily, ALL DAY LONG!
We live near family.
We know no one.
and I am curious to see what this new change will bring.

My person is very different from the person of this area.
I dont wear make up.
I dont "work out".
I make almost all my cleaners and face products.
I dont work outside the home.
This is gonna be interesting.

and as I type this I realize the title of my blog.  MIDST, the living in the here and now.  The soaking in what comes my way.
and I smile.

I can do this.
We will do this.
And we will do this.... well.

So, my blog loving friends.... I am back.
I am the same....
yet, also... new.
stay with me as I start this new adventure....
maybe we will laugh, maybe we will even cry....
but I know we will smile...
we will do this together.

have you missed me?
I sure have missed you!

Welcome to Oceanside, California.
Our New Home.

Blue skies... and lots of sunshine.  Home at last.

listed the house in Oregon... and its sold the first weekend on the market.  Good bye lovely home....
onto a new adventure.

PAUSE. Stillness. the waiting.

I cannot believe that it is already May 1st.

This school year is slowly coming to an end.

The sun is shining more than the clouds are rolling in.

Trips were made, visitors came and left, 

changes have come...

yet our lives have remained.

I have been very reflective these past few weeks....

maybe its the Spring, where things are rising, fresh, new.... ready to start growing.

Our lives have had a strange and exciting pause.

Life change seems to be ahead~ but yet.... timing is everything.

It has me scared and excited at the same time.

Tears of sadness have fallen.... as hope and gratefulness have sustained me.

I know you have missed me~ I have thought of you often...

but it has been in this pause of life,

this season of change,

that I have experienced a calm, a peace...

a simplicity.

It has me feeling closer to those here (even though I am not around)

as well as those near me.

Waiting is all part of the game in life~ 

and anticipation is the gain in that return!

I anticipate communion with you again.  soon.

my friend,

it will be soon.

2014

Each New Year brings the idea of resolutions
change.
redefining.
As January began this time around I sat down and began to wonder
what will 2014 mean for me?

it means less.
less yelling.
less scolding.
less spending.
less talking.
less grumbling.
less rushing.
less complicated.


it means more.
more kisses.
more tickles.
more relishing of time together.
more compassion.
more listening.
more learning.
more calm.
more slowly.
more simple.

It means trying.
trying new recipes.
trying different directions.
trying creative ways.
trying to love deeper.
trying to stop more quickly.
trying to improve on.
trying to see it through someone elses eyes.
trying to rise earlier.
trying to move around more.

it means simply give.
simply give love.
simply give hope.
simply give care.
simply give grace.
simply give my being.

2014 will be a good year.
Happy New Year.

2013 Christmas Letter

Thanks for visiting our family blog.... 
Some of you come around often ,yet, for many of you... this is your first time.

no matter how you got here...
welcome, 
grab a cup of something warm... snuggle in... and enjoy our story of this past year.

 2013 was quite the year for us.  We slowed things down a bit~ and this fall we took a life turn that has us all taking some priorities changes (more on that later!)
Early in April, we traveled to Maui with all of Bryan's family and spent 10 days living the island lifestyle.  Odin spent a lot of time snorkeling.  Bryan golfed.  Bjorn spent most of his time in the pools.  I read books.  It was amazing.  The rest and relaxation was so good for my soul.  Odin has now turned 10 and Bjorn is embracing 8 with pride.  The boys are growing up so fast... I am starting to miss the little stages of life ( key phrase- "starting to").  Two years ago, we bought a cute, vintage, itty bitty trailer and this summer we kept her close to home. We took her out to the coast and up to the mountains all season long.  Bryan, kindly, tolerates the camping lifestyle~ but the boys and I LOVE it!  In May, we added a new puppy to the family~ we now have 3 new chickens and 2 dogs.... I am still wishing for a small pig or pigmy goat but I have a feeling that will never happen.... (that is what Bry says!)

Bry's 2013

 He is still working at NWM and is in his 8th year with them.  I believe he has found his perfect fit.  The company is small in size, yet, big at heart and we adore everyone there.  Bry is always working on the "honey do list" that I have going.  This year he added the finishing touches on a house in a tree (its to big to call a tree house!), built up a cold storage space under our stairs, and extended our gardening space, to over twice its size, with raised beds.  Even today, as I type this... he is in the front yard fixing our porch of some worn out wood.  If you would like to borrow him... there is a small fee of dark chocolate due at time of service. He has mastered the Saturday Morning Breakfast  with a recipe for Belgian waffles that leave you wishing he would open a restaurant! (oh man, they are SO good!)

The highlight of his 2013 would be a winter Bandon Dunes Golf Trip with the guys.  This was his 3rd year going... and his 4th trip is right around the corner.  He enjoys running and reading, and of course, still plays ice hockey, weekly, and golf, when the rains stop.

Odin's 2013

Odin is now in 5th grade.  This year, after a rough time in 4th grade, we decided to keep him home for school and he does online courses with Connections Academy (one of the Fall life changes I mentioned above).  He is kicking some serious booty academically and is really enjoying it.  This past summer he went away to camp for 4 days.  He loved the freedom away from mom and dad.    He is a pro at swimming~ and is still taking lessons~ in the Spring he may go out for the local swim team.  This Fall he also decided to try Flag Football.  This is a sport I have no clue about~ so it was kinda fun watching him run the field and just enjoy the team sportsmanship.  If Odin could do anything, all day long, he would choose to play Minecraft.  He loves video games, Legos and watching football games with his dad.  It has been a joy to watch him change and stretch out his wings a little this past year.... He seems to really want to explore life on his own these days.  When he grows up he wants to be a Lego Engineer.

Bjorn's 2013

Bjorn is in 3rd grade... He grows faster than anyone I have ever seen before.... he averages an inch and a half in height and a pound and a half every two months.  This past two months he grew by 2 pounds and 2 inches.  (this is great news... because for many years he was not growing due to dietary issues).  He is still in a social communications class through the public school system, but is looking forward to being mainstreamed in the next year or two.  This year, at school, he won an XBox through his jog-a-thon.  He came home, not knowing what an Xbox was.... and said "Guess what mom, I won a box!".... let's just say Odin has enjoyed showing Bjorn how to play with this new gaming system. 
He still has many doctor and therapist visits a month~ he is a trooper with his whole medical schedule.  His newest team is a Functional Neurologist Group that, we hope, will begin to help us connect all of the therapies and  we will see some progress flourish.  I truly believe we have just seen the tip of the iceberg with Bjorn and what he is going to bring to this world~ it is exciting to know there is so much more to come.  He loves to ride his bike, go on nature hikes, play at the park and play in his room.  This Fall, he started to play hockey with the Portland Jr. Hawks.  Its a rigorous weekend schedule for the whole family, but we all seem to enjoy the time around the ice.  Last week he scored his first goal against a goalie~ I was thrilled beyond containment as I jumped up and down cheering.  He was given the game puck for his goal ( as I beamed!).  It has been a beautiful experience to have this organization embrace Bjorn and his needs, I am not only proud to be a part of this group~ but am constantly humbled by their grace and support for B and our family.  His newest passion is anything that revolves around Monsters University and music.  He says that when he grows up he wants to be an Art Director for Pixar, a percussionist in an orchestra (emphasising on the marimba or vibes), an employee at 7-11, and work in a bakery making gluten-free cupcakes.

Tif's 2013 (that's me!)

I was able to enjoy a few weekends away this year... one to visit some girlfriends in Lake Shasta and the other was a FarmStay, in Hood River during the Summer Cherry Festival, with some Portland friends.  Since the Fall, my life has changed drastically.  Homeschooling has brought some challenges, but has also given O and I some much needed time together.  The weekends are all about hockey... and so home life is very different these days.  I am still teaching piano and my students are really growing their talent.  Starting next month I will have 20 students... which is exciting.  I am also teaching Sustainability and Gardening classes after school at our local elementary school~  I love this connection with the kids in our community.  This summer I opened up our home and taught homesteading classes to the kids in the community.  We were able to go out in our yard and make some great things from scratch.... I truly believe I have found my passion.  I love it.  I am still knitting, tending to my chickens, and experimenting with Harvesting and Preserving foods.  About three weeks ago, I had a small health scare, that put things in a reflective phase for me.... Needless to say, I am in my 8th year of being cancer free... and plan to enjoy the moments ahead in 2014 with simplicity, joy and in peace.

As I look back in 2013, I see each of you as an influence that has made our lives here in Portland, fun filled, more joyful, and abundant.  Thank you for being not just friends, but family, as we live life together~ near & far.   Hoping you each had a Merry Christmas and you look ahead to an adventure filled and wonderful 2014.

From our home to yours~
Bry, Tif and the boys.

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