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!

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

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).

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.

** feel Free to leave a comment below... let us know you were here!**

that time of year.

our season of thanks is a week behind us.... and the wonderful season of hope and anticipation is now here.
I have been gradually taking out the fall leaves and pumpkins and replacing them with evergreens and lights.  it is the beauty in this moment that I love the simplicity of life we live.

our home is calm, and at times, so comfy that I snuggle in a blanket and never want to move.
a chill has taken over the skies, and the clouds are no longer around...
this morning it was 20 degrees and crystal clear.

today I am teaching my EcoThink Kids how to make salt dough ornaments....
and while I was looking around on PINTEREST finding a recipe and ideas~ I kept coming across these wonderful photos of coziness. 

www.granlibakken.com

sinkorswimbaby.tumblr.com

 Ignoring the fact that I have to go out in the cold crisp air....
I think I just may stay in my wool socks and flannel shirt all day...

would you like to share this cup of cider with me?

pay it forward.... crafty style

a friend.... who I have never met (yes, we bloggers know how that happens)...
I call her Ems (although, I don't know if she likes that or not!)
but, Ems had a craftiness pay it forward kinda dealio many months back....
and well, I love her and her talents... so I said "sign me up!" and... then...forgot about it.

last week I was sick, in bed and a beautifully wrapped up package arrived with some great overseas stamps on it...and I knew that within moments my spirits would be lifted.

and they were.
I opened the package and out poured all sorts of crafty fun.
yarn, beads,wood buttons, fabrics, a cute pin, a book (about chickens... a memoir of sorts!) and a lovely book bag.  

lots of handmade beauty...
for me!

and now it is my turn...
my turn to pay it forward...

I need three people to sign up to receive a handmade package from me and in turn they must be willing to pay it forward to three more people when their turn arrives.  You have 365 days to make and send your package and I am looking forward to making some packages over the next year to make someone else just as happy as I was when I received this one.

The first three people to email me at tiffers72"at" msn "dot" com will hear from me in the next week or so and then it will be time for me to start working on my crafty magic.  

When you least expect it... a sweet surprise will be found in your mailbox!  

forests for play

We had anticipated rain....
so we raked up leaves all week long~ because raking up wet leaves... is well, a sticky messy situation.  Saturday we waited for the rain....
the kids started climbing walls...
and bounced up and said "lets get outta here!"
grabbed our coats,
our shoes,
and walked outside towards the forest.

One of the great things about where we live is the nature parks that surround us.  They have paths to walk that are well visible and maintained, yet still preserving the green and habitat that live here in the Pacific Northwest.  Our Parks and Rec prides itself on preservation....a new addition to our nature parks are called Nature Play Spaces...specifically marked spaces where you are encouraged to climb, explore, build, create and just play "play in nature".  These spaces are naturally cleared of poison oaks and stuff.... but the idea is these big forested spaces to just run a muck, and be a kid!

This was our first time finding one of these spaces....

and our "get out of the house walk" turned into "lets play for hours until the sun goes down".

One child (you can tell from the pictures) was not as thrilled to be there when we arrived, but by the end of the day he was the hardest one to get back into the car.  I would say that Saturday was a day that I will remember for a long time.  I love it here!  

Happy Halloween

oh man, what a day!
They were ready quickly- left early, and returned late!

With bags full of candy, and tired little feet...
We wish you a Happy Halloween.
From,
 Mike Wazowski and Steve (from MINECRAFT)

Happy Halloween 2013

sweet nothings of Friday

between the company that has come to visit us over the past few weeks....
managing a homeschooling child...
and nursing a sicklet home from school....

today is full:

• of laundry baskets needing some folding attention.
• deep breaths.
• cups of coffee.
• and random searches for the perfect dala horse stamp for Christmas cards (its not to early to start them!)

my mind wanders to:

• what does the fox say? (keeping myself up to date!)
• who wants to bring me dinner tonight?
• when will I get a full day to sleep in? 
• will it  dump snow this year? ( once again... its not to early....I have my fingers crossed!)

Yep.... not much... and too much.... all at once!  

FRIDAYS!

hockey

we have encouraged our kids to actively live....
sports, music, writing, cooking....
you name it...
if there is an interest~ we bring the experience.

Both boys have loved ice skating.
Big brother did roller hockey for awhile...but has turned his interests down other avenues.
The youngest brother has been determined to play hockey, on a team, for almost 2 years.
He had to complete three skating classes, and two skills classes before they gave him the go ahead to try out for a team.  All summer he waited. He talked about it.... and waited.

The season is a very demanding schedule.
The season is also very long.
But he was determined to get on a team.

Finally, the day came.
He got into his gear....
and he put his little body out onto the ice with all the other kids.
and there he was... right in the middle of it all.

It was loud.
It was crazy.
It was fast moving.
and there he was... right in the middle of it all.

When we asked him, the night before, if he was nervous.  He said "kinda.  I'm afraid I wont remember all the moves coach taught me."
and there he was.... right in the middle of it all.

I can tell you, as a mom who longs to see her child grow and push through life.... This boy took it on.... without fear... without pause... right there in the middle of it all.

It looks like I am a hockey mom.

practice...

melts my heart.

The youngest, albeit very musically talented, started piano lessons with me last week.  He asked me to show him how to read music and to give him lessons.... and how could a piano teacher say no to one who is eager to learn.  We set aside a time on Saturday and I gave him the first instructions and songs to play.  He has since taken to my instructions and practiced each song three times every day.... 
without fail.  
without request. 
without struggle.  
He now sings along with the songs he is playing and talks about what he is wanting to learn this upcoming Saturday.  I know there will come a day where he will begin to teach me the marvels of music that are in his mind.... and the teacher will become the student.  But until then, this mom smiles as her baby plays a simple tune on the piano.... and sings for the whole world to hear.

pound...pound

... bang bang.
Big,
Loud,
and boy,  
I need an aspirin.

our leaky 40+ year old cedar will be no longer with us....

and a new roof is coming soon!

until then my nerves are rattled with every big thud....
I expect to see a man on the ground any second.

sheesh!

every work crew needs a show~off!

first days... two weeks late

I am knee deep in figuring out this homeschooling thing.
hours and hours go by.... and the night comes on quick.
I am tired ( oh yes, I am tired!).
But two weeks in, and I think we have a good set of guidelines, a decent structure, and a direction.
Some days are LONG ( too long!)
but, the long days are cushioned with great easy days.
"They" (the infamous they) say to give it a good three months to get into the swing of things....
so being two weeks in...
I am in it for the long haul.

First days of school.

a 3rd grader and 5th grader
2013-2014

B is excited for third grade.  He couldn't wait to see his friends.  He struggled with some large motor "tics"... you know, the typical ones we get when he has changes or unknowns ahead... but they have dwindled down this week.  Hopefully next week they will be every so often... and started into a new normal.  He had the massive meltdown on Thursday night.... whhosh! it was a doozy.  But, Friday was the last day of school for that week.... and we made sure the weekend was super calm, mellow and B directed.  He is really doing well.  He maintains much of his composure during school hours... which is a big deal for us.  He will soon be in a groove and third grade will be a fun year for him.

O is working hard.  The work load that he has keeps him busy.  Both of us are still trying to navigate the program and the structure.  He is getting use to being home. I am getting use to him being home.  The first week it was weird having him in all of my "business".... really weird.  We now have some rules about me being on the phone, What it means when I am doing something and to be patient, and how to start being responsible for your own work.  I know that as we move on~ it will be easier for him to just get things done for himself.... but this is a huge adjustment.... HUGE!  If you ask him how it's going... He says he loves it (let's hope that keeps up!).

but the first days are done... and we are moving through September quick.
I would even say... tooo quick!

at lunch today

I had lunch with a fabulous friend.... at an amazing restaurant ( to be honest, any restaurant without my kids in tow... is amazing!) but, this restaurant was, also, tasty good.

Jade Teahouse 

so after lunch we were walking around a few of the stores in the area and she and I were just talking.

Talking about parenting, books we are reading,  the weekend we just had.  Talking about the life changes coming our way, our perspectives on how life is different from when we were kids,

 the things that were have learned about ourselves 

as we have grown over the years.

I began thinking after our time together.  How lucky I am.

Friendships are very interesting.

some are short.

some are long~lost.

most are simple.

a couple are complicated.

some are never changing.

many are shallow.

few are deep.

Yet, each one is valuable.

Friendships like the one I have with K.

I feel loved, cared for, humored,

challenged,

convicted,

honored, valued,

and most importantly~

myself.

all that from lunch. (that, and a full belly!)