turning a corner?

Ah, friends.

  

Things are getting done around hee-yah! I have neglected to show you the impeccable work that our friends, the Buss' helped us complete. They came for the weekend and lit a fire under us. The boys were able to dig and place all the posts for the fence around our 1/2 acre yard....whew! That was July.

KJ has since wrapped the posts with livestock fencing and built gates. Eventually there will be a
middle rail added, but for now, it's doing a great job keeping all our critters in.

I've finished some long-lingering projects.

My current color palette: gray with touches of turquoise, yellow, spring green, and orange...loving that combination. {hello, ubiquitous gray sweater and turquoise beaded bracelet}

Now, our visitors have seen that light fixture in our entryway...U.G.L.Y. Metal pieces are brass and the angled outer piece is oak. I wanted to pitch it as soon as Sweet Man hoisted his sweet behind up the sweet ladder and took it down. But Mrs. Buss helped me brainstorm a fix for it. I still kind of want to pitch it, but it has a bit of a reprieve with a little silver spray paint and left-over curtain fabric.

Our split-level entryway...awkward! There just isn't enough room for much. I left it bare for several months, but mail and keys and shoes were being left on the landing anyway. So, instead of beating them, I'm trying join them by placing that old mosaic table Sweet Man and I made years ago.

                                                  

I hung pictures! The pictures that I took down before we left for Houston, y'all. Most of them are pictures of my babes, but caught up in the project I printed new pictures, y'all! Like memories from 2010. Progress! {Ignore the wonkiness, please.}

And now a sweet story: We're in the market for a couch or sectional for the living room...there are no cushiony spots for our sweet behinds upstairs. I spotted a lovely green beast for a song on Craigslist, being sold at a weekend yard sale. I showed Sweet Man and we made plans to whisk our babes out of bed Saturday morning to be there at opening. 

Wah-wah...the sectional was already sold...apparently a popular item. But we stayed and gazed at some beautiful French country/vintage/handmade items. Our host, Cecelia, happens to be a prolific artist who was preparing to move to Oklahoma. Not seeing anything of interest to them, my family stepped outside and I found myself in a room with Cecelia and an older woman...both lovely ladies. The older woman turned to me and said, "I'm going to tell you something, woman to woman. You make sure that you are doing something for yourself every day so that you don't end up like me. I see you taking care of your husband and kids, but you need to take care of you."

Now, gentle readers, I do puh-lenty to take care of my own needs, downright selfishly sometimes. Not a problem for me. But I was touched by the sharing of her story in that moment. Mother of 4, heartbreakingly burying two children, surrounded by possessions laced with memories that remind her of pain and heartache. She has just recently realized that she was too busy giving herself to those around her to have anything to mark moments for herself, projects or momentos. She captured Cecelia and me in that moment with her wisdom. With tears in our eyes, we asked some gentle questions. She confirmed that she is living with the hope of Jesus, allowing Him to heal her heart, teaching her to live. She spoke for a few more minutes.

I hugged her and thanked her for her precious words, that speaking them gave purpose to her pain. And giggled as I remarked that obviously I was not there to get a couch, but to get a word.

I didn't leave empty-hearted or handed...I bought this perfect piece for our entryway. I love it for oh, so many reasons.

You know you are all welcome here...even if we don't have a place for your sweet behind to sit...and we won't necessarily put you to work.

pumpkin spice coffee recipe

My master plan for this most recent Saturday morning included 3 things:

1. Zum-bah!! (Say it with the emphasis on the second...)
2. Quick stop at the library to pick up a much desired What Alice Forgot {still trying to keep up with my book club from home...miss you ladies!}
3. a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks

That's a far as my planning took me...to 10:30am...ha!

The first 2 don't disappoint, but the 3rd did. Hrmmph.... In fairness, I asked the barista to lighten it for me, so maybe that was the difference...less sugar and fat?

So, to truly satisfy that craving, I made my own Pinterest-inspired PSL this morning. You can, too!

1. make a simple syrup with equal parts water and sweetener in a saucepan {I used sucanat, but you could also use brown sugar, white sugar, or even maple syrup or honey}
2. bring to a low boil and take off the heat, let cool
3. in a container large enough to hold and store all ingredients, add 1/8 c. pureed pumpkin
4. add 1/4 t. pumpkin pie spice {you can also combine your own with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves}
5. pour your cooled simple syrup into the container and shake
6. add a smidge to your hot coffee with or without cream 
7. keep in  fridge

I'm enjoying mine right now and I hope you try it. Delish!

InstaFriday

Just sharing some pics of our week!

embracing the chaos ~great school on Tuesday!

she asks me to teach her how to knit every other day {we'll get there}

a little soggy after our kayaking

a hike with Daddy before his trip {sycamore tree at Triangle Park}

coping skills

What a week! Sweet Man has been away on business - 5 days. It used to be easier for me to parent on my own, but this trip threw me for a loop. That safety net of support in Licking County was so important to me. I thought about running "home" for a few days, but logistically, it didn't make sense. We stayed put in Dayton.

Sam and I had a horrendous school day Monday. Four hours of work became 8 hours. Fourth grade's no joke, but a day's work should never take him that long. He found constant sources of distraction - the dog, a toy, a snack, a piece of paper...I don't know...I was busy distracting myself.

I finally chased him out of the house to the park because I could not bear to fight about it any more. And took away screen time for 4 days. (Just who am I punishing. I didn't think that through, did I?)

Josie needed me more than I could satisfy...mostly as a playmate.

Our neighbors here, who have befriended us, are moving to a new town this week.  During any other week, I would probably be bummed to say goodbye.

But this week that fact sent me over the edge into a very real fear, right into feeling very lonely and sorry for myself. Those thoughts spun me up right quick and I was close to holing up in a closet and going to sleep for the week.

But of course, hiding was not going to fly. I have these precious people with me. I needed a plan to cope, so I did my best. I'm not suggesting that your plan would be the same...but mine worked for the night.

I prayed...and asked others to pray for us.
I hugged the kids and sent them to bed.
I enjoyed a glass of wine and a few too many cheap, store-bought cookies.
I watched "Call the Midwife" on Netflix.
I made a plan for the next day.
I let the dog out one last time.
I checked the locks.
I slept finally.

Tuesday was different, thank God!

Sam and I used a timer to stay on task. We didn't fight. I didn't yell or speak in a condescending voice. We ate good food: fresh eggs and oatmeal for breakfast, veggies at lunch. We took frequent chicken chasing breaks. Josie did her schoolwork quickly and well and found independent entertainment.

School was finished by 1pm! And that victory meant we could spend our afternoon at a park where the Dayton Parks Dept had organized a kayaking event. Local outfitters were there and let us take their kayaks out for a spin. So fun! {We're in the picture somewhere!}

Remind me next time I start sinking: GO OUTSIDE, AMY! Vitamin D and fresh air will do you well!

So we will survive...already halfway through the week. And Friday will be a piece of pie as we are at school all day and Sam goes to his Lego League meeting in the evening. I'll have my partner back by dinnertime and that will make all the difference.


{This clip helped cheer me up, too:}

Oak Island

The coast of North Carolina...one of my favorite places. Opa and Anne asked us to join them. Oh, and Murphy the dog, too.

Each day has been lovely with today as perhaps the most perfect. We began a trip to a farmers' market, an encounter with Jack Sparrow, and a little thrifting. Thrift and consignment stores are more plentiful here than freckles on my ample thighs. I found a Victorio Strainer for $15!!!!

After our shopping in the oppressive humidity, we rested in the cool of the condo and hit the beach at about 4pm...when the light is just becoming magical. I love taking pictures at this time of day. I've noticed that I haven't taken many pictures since the move...perhaps because it has been such a difficult transition for me...I didn't really want to document it. But the beach is a great place to take many pictures...except for the sand and the water and the people in bathing gear who become cranky when I start snapping away. Enjoy!

rocky mountain high

Can we agree that I have a couple of cutie friends? Especially compared to my flat-faced, big-headed, squinty-eyed self? And I didn't bring my big camera, just my phone...so....

Let's all just look at the beautiful mountains, shall we?



After talking and planning for 2 years, penciling it into our calendars at least 3 times, HC made it happen! About a month ago, my sweet high school besties and I spent 3 days in Estes Park, Colorado walking, shopping, talking, eating, and drinking. KK found great plane tickets and so we flew out of Dayton early Friday morning to Denver. HC, who has been a Rocky Mountain resident since 1992, picked us up. After quick passenger pick-up hugs, we hopped in her truck and drove an hour or so up into the mountains.

HC found a perfect little hotel that was a good walk outside of town which led to a wonderful, relaxing stay. What a sweet little town with funky gift boutiques, sweet shops, and plenty of good eats.

Each day we found a reason to stop here, the hotel that inspired the writing of The Shining.

KK could not get enough wildlife sightings to satisfy her, so we drove through Rocky Mountain National Park in the snow to spy elk or big-horn sheep or mule deer. Ironically, we saw more animals outside the park on the edge of town. We'd stop the car, get out, and carefully walk closer, all the while listening to KK's voice rise into her "animal stalking" mode.

The mountains were what took my breath away.


Here we are enjoying a little 'bucks along the Big Thompson creek.

{KK...you are the sweetest thing evah but you know I'm a little scared of you. I posted these pics anyway.}

Sunday afternoon, we bid farewell to Estes Park and drove to Pearl St. in Boulder. I could have stayed there longer, too...families and hipsters and buskers and those just plain down on their luck...moving in and out of shops and crowds. Perfect people watching.

But let's be real: the company was what I really came to see. There's nothing better than sitting down, yummy drink in hand, sharing silly stories and dreams together. Thank you, sweet friends...see you in Austin, 2015!

the bird dog and the birds

Life is worth writing about...always. Sorry I haven't for a while.

I chuckle now as I assumed our days would slow down once we moved to Dayton. Less social stuff, less running around. Maybe the winter days were slow at first, but with the sun shining and all the creatures around me needing something at any moment, I am routinely swept off my feet. Kids and chickens (7) and now a puppy have accelerated the rhythm of our home. And increased the joy! I do have my moments - in fact, I had to just step away and scoot everyone back inside to shut the craziness down. We'll go back outside soon.

The chicks came home with us one Sunday about 4 weeks ago. We've talked about chickens for years and enjoy the pets of friends when we visit. Our new yard has room for them. Compulsively, we stopped at the farm store during "Chick Days" and fell for the marketing - hook, line, and sinker. Fuzzy chicks and the necessary equipment neatly boxed and priced so close by. Irresistable! I kept thinking, "this will be so good for the kids as they have to help with these little fuzzies!" And they do. But the girls are big now...and we're still not ready for them. They're living in a box, down by the furnace! (Chris Farley, anyone?) Sweet Man will be finished building a tractor for them today and we have grand plans for a coop installed in the corner of the garage. Didn't plan ahead on that. And still haven't figured out how to leave them overnight or for a couple of days.

Lily, our new-to-us golden retriever puppy is a riot. A visit to the vet confirmed that she is a healthy six-ish month old. And we allayed any fears that Lily would not be able to remain with us as the vet tech scanned her and found no chip. She's ours forever!

Her temperament is delightful...calm for the most part. After 2 weeks, she knows her name and its variations. She knows "sit" and "come." We're working on her manners because she jumps up as she meets new people. We can anticipate her bouts of puppy energy and let her zoom and run her figure eights in the yard. She stays close to us unless her attention is distracted by something terribly interesting, like another dog or a squirrel...understandable. We're all helping with housebreaking her...announcing "she just ate - be on alert!" A charming, but naughty, habit is for her to hop up in bed with one of the kids or me once Sweet Man has left the house. I usually scoot her back out of the bed.

Our biggest issue is leaving her home alone. Our lower level has a very functional but utilitarian bathroom...big with a good solid linoleum floor. We've closed her in that room with water, her bed, and toys...mainly to contain the inevitable clean-up. But the first time, we didn't strip the room of everything. She shredded a roll of toilet paper, punctured the hand soap dispenser, chewed on the plunger, and even turned on a faucet. Big mess! We've left her 2 times since and while we've removed the toilet paper, she still whines and barks and makes a mess. Is is separation anxiety? I fear that now that she's been unhappy in the room that forever and always she'll be unhappy in that room. What to do?

Better catch you up on other news ~ Sweet Man celebrated his 40th birthday last week. The kids had their last spring tennis lesson last Wednesday. They are both playing Upward soccer and Sweet Man has found himself in the position of Assistant Coach. Yup, I warned him...keep your trap shut or Coach Drew will ask you to help.

He is my hero as he works crazy hours but still comes home and completes a project (blue bathroom tub/shower is functional as of Sunday - hurrah!!!) or shuffles the kids off to soccer practice. Or builds a chicken tractor. My partner, my sweet.

I've found a Zumba class I love - it's the little things, you know. I could go 6 days a week, but I'm trying to do 2 and walk my other days.

Tomorrow we will attend an Open House for a pool with a swim team. Our neighbors told us about it. I had a chance to walk around the property by myself last weekend. It's in the middle of woods and spring-fed...sound familiar? Very functional, but a little rough around the edges...just like me. I've heard their swim team is really good which scares me a little - we're not so good. We shall see. I'd love to settle on a place to hang out this summer.

Piano lessons have been tremendous and Bug and Bean both practice every day without much reminding. Usually, it just happens after breakfast as the piano is close to the table and they just slide over and get 'er done. Bug is zooming through his books and Bean is close behind.

Tonight we celebrate the End of Year with our CC community! We've been living outside this week so we must get all shined up and smell good to showcase what we've learned this year. Opa and Anne are joining us, too! I am thankful to God every day for Classical Conversations and my job with the organization is keeping me hopping.

We are enjoying our church and have attended a small group two times.

I miss you all. I talked with a friend yesterday, who also moved away. We lamented the things we would have looked forward to doing in the old place - music and lunch in the Works courtyard on Fridays, bike rides on familiar routes, knowing people at the pool.... It will be okay. I need to find new fun things here. But I confess I'm counting the months until Sweet Man can post for another job...my gypsy soul wants to come home.

gray day

Hi, Friends,

(caution: whinefest ahead!)

Having a gray day here. I woke up at 4am and couldn't sleep and was immediately consumed by thoughts that we've done the wrong thing by moving here. The devil's not in the details; he's in the shadows of 4am, whispering his doubt. I get that...however, am not unaffected by it.

The house is in various levels of disruption with no one room complete. Trying out paint blotches on the walls, random boxes containing random things that we have just given up sorting, rooms empty of furniture or carpet. First world problems. But leaving me unsettled.

Most of all, I miss you all. Our life was so rich at home with support and fun and we have not connected with anyone here; not neighbors, not a church, not at school. None of us. It takes time, I know. But today I feel it.

And I'm just mad at my husband. He is working 12-14 hour days at this new job and although he loves it, I'm thinking, "I didn't sign up for this." I need my best friend now more than ever and he is largely unavailable.

Last night, we began a new tradition for our family. Daddy/daughter date & Momma/son date for Valentine's day. How do you do such in a one car family? Blessedly, each munchkin chose a restaurant across a parking lot from the other.

What a sweet time I had with my handsome Valentine Bug. He likes to talk...and much of the time in our normal days, I'm ashamed to say, I don't listen. Because he talks about things I'm not necessarily into, or because I believe the lie that what I'm doing or thinking is more important. I hold his precious heart in my hands and if I'm not going to engage and listen, who will? It was so nice to make him my most important task for an hour.

Well, must get on with it. Thanks for listening and indulging me a little navel-gazing. I need to lift my head up and do a little Col.3:23.

Blesssings!

Merry Christmas!

To you all!

It's our third quiet day in Granville, enjoying cuddles and naps, movies and snow play.  Forgive me for not telling some of you local peeps...just needed a break from everything. Also felt a little silly to share a big farewell moment when we are still very much here.

Friday, we were here to complete one last project on the old house before ownership shifts. It snowed inches that day so we sought refuge at my dad's. We returned to Dayton for Saturday, gathering Christmas gifts and supplies. Sunday morning, we even tried out a new church to which we will certainly return. It's the smaller campus of Fairhaven Church and may be the church family for us.

Craving a quiet Christmas Eve of baking and laundry, we traveled back to Dad's and kept a low profile as we surely made ourselves at home. We wanted to spend the holiday with my brother, who would otherwise be alone. After a quiet morning opening gifts (and assembling 2 of 4 large Lego sets,) he and his dogs joined us for a loud lunch and gift exchange. In the evening my aunt and my little family traveled to my cousin's charming house in Columbus to see my dad's extended family. It was a lovely, long day.

Each day other than Christmas, there has been the lingering possibility that we would have to rush back to Dayton to sign papers. I woke up this morning and started cleaning and packing, only to get a phone call that it will be tomorrow afternoon. So we wait and enjoy the snowfall from inside the house and snuggle in for a bit more.

Plans

Well, it's not going to happen, friends. Our house will not be ours until after Christmas. There is some peace in it. I'm just bummed that I don't have our decorations that mean so much to me.

We did a bit of decking the hotel...Bean and I made these today. And surprisingly, before we left the old house, I remembered to snip some greenery with red berries, so that I would have something. (I don't know what it is...some creeping shrub, low to the ground that has tear-drop leaves and bright red berries.) We have a fireplace and mantel here, so after a few minutes of arrangement, it's looking festive.

Tonight after dinner, Sweet Man and I began to draw our new house...I on graph paper and he on his fancy~schmancy work software. So fun...we have some good ideas, I think. I must remember that taking a wall out with a keystroke is way different than with a sledgehammer.

One of our first purchases will be a wood burning stove as there is no place in which to burn wood (a non-negotiable on my wishlist.) Does anyone know what those funky, retro, suspended fireplaces are called?

Home sweet

Hey, y'all!

We did it...the ball that we began rolling back in September picked up speed and barreled away from me me as I watched helpless and full of uncertainty. We are in the midst of a move.

Bug, Bean, & I closed the door on our home of 11 years yesterday. I kept my cool until after the (really nice) movers left...well, except for when those sweet friends of mine gave me last hugs. With one kiddo in the car crying and one kid walking with me through each room (who actually found my dough hook that had rolled out of reach of the movers - yay!) I bawled...and said, "I loved you, house...but I hated you, too." So silly, huh? It really was a great house...both babes knew their first days there. Bean was born there. Parties and Christmases and projects and fights...so much life there.

What an interesting experience...to be moved. I felt fairly lazy, watching the guys work for 2 days. Until the last 3 or 4 hours when I got busy finding more things to throw on the truck...porch rug, vacuum cleaner (finally finished sweeping,) and a plunger (uh, duh...very valuable item, thank you.) Good golly, after purging 5 years ago, how did we fill half a semi with stuff? Consumerism, blech.... And then there was so much randomness that was shoved into every available space in my car. My little vagon vas crammed full...unsafely so. After a unload at my dad's house, we headed west. Be glad I didn't swing by your house, dear reader.

I can't say that uncertain feeling has left me yet. We're back in a hotel...familiar territory to us. Hot breakfast is a walk across the parking lot. Clean towels available. Fresh coffee all. day. long. We are fine, but we are edgy (in a psychological sense)  here on the edge of a new city. We're waiting for the paperwork to allow us to get our new keys. All our worldly possessions are on still on a truck.

And I'm eating everything in sight...yeah, it's bad.

It will probably be Christmas eve when we gain possession and who knows when we will unload the truck. I gladly don't have any control of this sitch. The fun begins once we begin to unpack.

I'm already very grateful that Sweet Man loves his new job. It helps even out those "what the h*** are we doing?" moments.

Today, the kids and I escaped the stale hotel air and drove around Englewood Reserve. Since we were so close, we just had to do a drive by of the new house. More specifically, we went up the hill to the park that backs up to our new backyard. We followed the walking path to the back fence of the property and I felt a smidge more certainty in that moment. My my, I think it's going to be a fine house for us. Sure, there is a wall that we want to remove immediatement and a kitchen to remodel. Sweet Man thinks he will do it soon and this time we'll know a bit better what we are doing. The backyard is a blank canvas. We have lots of work ahead...but it's a great house.

But gosh, what a good life I just left.

these boys charm me

I have enjoyed my sabbath...I was little more than a bump on a log today. Needless to say, it's not really a good time for me to take a day off.

At least I folded laundry while I watched Austin City Limits Festival livestreaming.

And these boys...

my inner hilde

You know that time I thought it would be kicky to adhere patches of aluminum foil to my 1/2 bath ceiling...

Yes, I did...in my Trading Spaces days, inspired by Hilde.

It was subtle...because not many people gazed at the ceiling in that room. It looked so cool, for so long...too long. It was time to come down. The peeling began so easily...up and down our ladder, Sweet Man and I obsessively pulled at corners and were met with the satisfying rrrrr-i-p of removal. Three quarters off. In a matter of an hour. I'm so glad I chose to patchwork the smallest room in the house.

Then we hit the the first layers I placed. I did a really good job with the glue. You know I'm an over-achiever. Those first patches are stuck for good. Burnished. Permanently one with the drywall. It's up to me and one of our good knives to scrape the rest off into little tiny bits. My fingernails and knuckles will never be the same. I think I'm going to take the sander to it.

Now, who wants to paint the ceiling?..one of my least favorite tasks... (Actually the 1/2 bath, the back hall, the laundry bath all need it!)

Most of you have heard by now...we're moving. Sweet Man has accepted a position in the Dayton area and so the mad scramble to get the house ready for sale is on. The irony of home improvement is not lost...making the ideas we've tossed about for years come to life, to make the house just right, all to turn it over to someone else...who will probably undo what we just did do.

However, we've known for some time now that this house was not just right for us. My restless heart has been stirred up. Having all four of us in the same place, off the road, for the past year has been wonderful. My menu is planned, my cleaning schedule implemented, and school going fairly swimmingly...all so predictable and stable. It's time for another adventure. Maybe this one with some land to explore. And a puppy.

My aunt, upon our announcement, deftly pointed out the fact that I was quite the home-sick-body growing up and now I don't want to gather any moss.

Summer, Pt. 2

I love summer! We made another summer list this year...and I all but forgot about the 4 foot list staring at me from our blackboard until August. It was time for some efficiency ~ we became really good at swinging three or four list items into an afternoon ie: play tennis, attend a local outdoor concert {perspiration and all} and then indulge in a treat of the best ice cream evah at Whit's. We're down to our last 2 summer activities to cross off {a drive-in movie and finish the last of 3 read-aloud books}...we have until Sept. 21st, right?

July is a blur: a flurry of swim meets and CC meetings. We sprinkled in a fair amount of trips to the pool and a little live music in there, too. Oh, and the Olympics...we soaked the Games up!

 

I'm still loving CC and what it has done for our family. Structure and accountability, friends, the "going-to-school" experience. Invaluable. And so, this spring Sweet Man and I felt called into helping the organization grow so that more families in our area have this option for homeschooling.

One of my responsibilities in my new position with Classical Conversations is to run a three day meeting for parents. During my interview process, I asked my boss if I could take a pass on the task. Impressive, no?  I thought for sure that would be a deal breaker for her, but no...I was offered the position. 

Really, you know me ~ running the show is not a skill of mine. I'm a worker bee, not a queen bee. Give me a specific task and I'll do it...I may even it do it well and come in on time. But I can't think of anything much more daunting than coming up with a plan for a big event. So, I couldn't imagine coordinating 4 camps for kids, 3 full days of meetings for a large group of adults, 2 levels of training for CC tutors, recess, snacks, speakers, helpers, etc. Overwhelming...

Thank goodness CC does not expect me to reinvent the wheel and there are great plans already developed. My largest task was filling in the blanks of the different positions. CC families and leaders largely have hearts that serve. So many people stepped up and volunteered to help. I think it went as well as could be expected...a little over-budget and I already have a long list of things I will do differently next time. The meeting was only 3 days long but it kept me busy for the last 2 weeks of July.

In my preparation for the meeting, I read a wonderful summation  in Climbing Parnassus of what Classical Conversations does for our family.

"The way to acquire a good taste in anything, from pictures to architecture, from literature to character, from wine to cigars, is always the same - be familiar with the best specimens of each." We must educate the head and the heart alike: "The sight of goodness in life or in literature or history gives a standard and a challenge. If anyone has been able to compare the first-rate with the second-rate, his criticism will not be merely bitter and barren, but creative, born of a vision perceiving the good, dominated by it and desiring to bring it to birth." p. 44

{paraphrase} To our families, we should introduce examples of God's Truth, Beauty, and Goodness so that in life we are capable of recognizing God's Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.

To celebrate that work surge {and my impending 40th birthday} we took off the next day for a 5 day camping trip. It was lovely...perfect weather, great company, and extra friends for a little party. I loved our campsite and our neighboring campsites, occupied by friends. There was wading creek that kept the kids entertained for hours and although our site had a steep path down to it, the next door sites had an easier slope with another piece of level ground. That's where I wanted to be all weekend...on the "patio," in my lounger, drink in hand, with friends to chat, watching the kids splash around. And that's just what I did for a number of hours that weekend.

The only thing missing was music. We brought a little radio but I forgot the media cord to connect our Pandora-loaded phones. Just like our wedding...all was perfect, save the music.  Wah~wah....

And that brought us to 3 weeks of quiet in August where we caught up with friends, sleepovers, books, bike rides, campfires and plenty of screen time...lots of screen time. 

But we're back on track and schedule as of yesterday...school is back in session! My first and third grader {and their teacher} had a fantastic first day!

Summer, Pt. I

Good glory, it's September first. Time to write about our summer! Past time!

As with other summers, we kicked it off with a camping trip with old and new friends. Lots of swimming, lots of fishing. Bug caught a big ole bass...too bad momma don't know what to do with a dead big ole bass. He was kept on ice until someone could filet and fry him. Anyway, it was a perfect weekend to begin our summer.

The whole summer included lots of swimming, of course. Not so much here at the house, but we enjoyed our membership to the big water park more this year. I had to decide that it was okay if we just zipped over and played for an hour or two. Not making it a big all-day, pack everything production made all the difference. More fun. It helped that this summer there was no rain. Last year we'd make plans with friends, arrive, and then the heavens would open and the pool would close. Three times at least...bummer.

And of course, we traveled to Creation again. Oh, I was working hard in my lobby to go to a different festival. There were many reasons: new management, it's a boatload of work to get there, not to mention survive there, one of my favorite bands was at a festival closer to home, and most importantly, our sweet friend Gail had decided she was not going to make the trip. She's been going since the mid-80's, way before my first trip in 1998. How could I even be there without her? Sacrilege...and when I forget trash bags or teabags or something, she always has what we need. 

Sweet Man wanted to give it another year and so I agreed, reluctantly. Funny, isn't it? God blessed my time there, even though I missed Gail terribly. Somehow I was able to slip away frequently...hiking on my own or with my peeps. We revisited our engagement stump as a family. I was also able to get to the worship tent a couple of times: seeing All Sons and Daughters was a highlight.

We returned home to no power...so many around us were without from a huge wind storm that blew through. Five days! The Fourth of July parade was brutal...and we tried to escape the increasing heat by going to the movies, opting to see Brave. Too bad I slept through most of it, but I hear it was good. No sleep for sweltering Central Ohio(!)...so as my core temp cooled down, my eyes closed. But as we drove home, we started to notice that porch lights were on...power restored!!! 

Swim team was much fun again. Lots of early mornings. I spent much of my time at the meets on the edge of the pool watching touches and flipturns. Wearing white...awesome...I asked for the job that required me to wear the most unflattering clothing imaginable. Ah vell. I still don't feel too connected to any of the other moms...which is okay, 'cause it's not about me. I go to practice and read or knit...which now that I think of it is quite lovely. At home, I'm fairly constantly trying to find a minute to sit and read or knit.

Bug and Bean really blossomed in their swimming. Bug couldn't care less about winning...but his strokes are becoming more developed...rotation breathing and timing. Bean just tears the water up....little water spout. She wants to practice dives and butterfly and starts and she wears me out.

Which brings me to a current sitch which began sometime this spring/summer. The girl does not want to leave my side. Since April she has been complaining of tummy aches. Thinking it may be a diet issue, we eliminated gluten for 10 days and then dairy for 3 weeks. The tummy aches continued throughout...so I think we're dealing with a purely-in-her-head thing. If she even thinks I may be away from her, her anxiety kicks in and she complains of feeling sick. I went through something much like it when I was 8, not wanting to be away overnight and I would make myself sick with worry.  

But, ugh...she's wearing me out. And it's coming down to her needs dictating the activities of our home. Homey don't play that.

Okay, gonna stop here...stay tuned for Part II.

news

Why am I blogging again? I'm thinking it helps me process and remember and make decisions.

You know how I am about making decisions...I stew, I consult, I ask the woman cutting my hair what she thinks I should do {psshah, like I have my hair cut.}

Wisdom has taught me that if I'm not given a deadline, I ask for one, otherwise I hem and haw forever. Only Jesus and Sweet Man received an immediate and emphatic "yes." Every other decision is agonizing...for those around me.

In a matter of minutes, I will be finalizing the biggest decision I've made in a while...accepting a job offer with Classical Conversations.

I'm really excited.

Some words to describe my week of training in Virginia:

• daunting
• exhilarating
• encouraging
• fun
• exhausting
• nauseous
• challenging
• vision-casting
• mind-blowing
• glory-to-God giving

Can I tell you more later? 

I'm on my way to listen to my new boss read Lamentations on Maundy Thursday. The night is dark, but the Son will rise again.

Where in the world?

A few days ago, I left home for a momma-off-on-her-own trip.

Road trips have been few and far between since Sweet Man has come back off the road.

It was interesting to travel sansenfants (say it real fast and wrinkle your nose, like I do) and determine whether or not I live up to this blog's name. I'm happy to report, that left on my own, I do.

I had a 6 1/2 hour trip and a tentative deadline. Once I realized that I was not going to make it to my destination on time, I slowed down. And wandered.

I stopped here...

...and here...

...and here.

A little yarn and a little hike on my road trip. 

Perfect.

{Can you guess where I am?}

birding

We're so doing this this year! Want to join us?

{My Granny would be so proud.}

rick-rack attack!

Must give props to my dear friend and her sweet aunt, from whom I stole this idea: a rick-rack paint border for a girly room.

I thrifted a cute pillow this summer; green and white with pink rick-rack. Using it as inspiration,  I painted the bottom 2/3's of Bean's wall with a pale green and the top third with pure white. That was August. And that's where I stopped.

Something about this week had me tying up loose ends around the house: fixing the bag on my trusty, ancient Kirby vacuum, recovering the console in my trusty, ancient Volvo wagon, ripping someone else's monogram off a thrifted LL Bean backpack for Bug, and spending one hour painting a pink ribbon on Bean's bedroom walls {with her help, of course.}

{A few of the hats on the wall were my momma's}

So cute for such little effort.

knit madness!

It has quite possibly been my busiest knitting season ever...non-stop since September. Feverish, bleary-eyed, glorious knitting. And deadlines, set entirely by myself and my own expectations, seem to be the only way I can be productive.

There was the baby sweater that I finished in time for the baby shower {I better say that again, so that I'm certain you noticed...finished on time!} But as I washed and blocked it, I discovered a hole on the back where I had joined new yarn. With no way to repair it well, I sheepishly promised another to the happy family and delivered before the end of the calendar year. {Made with yarn purchased in Wichita @ Twist for my unsuccessful surplice sweater.}

There was a gift each for my mother-in-law and stepmomma. {No pics...but if you're interested, look back at my past knit posts for Shalom Cardigan and Springtime Bandit.}

And the facebook pay-it-forward 2011 gifts for 3{gah! I forgot until October}...all fingerless mitts that, at this point, I can make in my sleep. I was delighted to join a wintertime walk with a couple of stalwart, beautiful, talented mommas I knew in another lifetime. There I delivered one pair and the recipient honored me with a mention in her blog.

Since the 1st of the year, it has been handknits for me, me, me. Another Springtime Bandit scarf in delicious gray Amy Butler cotton/wool that I scored at her Open House in December {Thanks for the invite, SMC!} A slouchy toboggan {in Lion Brand Amazing Glacier} that opens at the crown and can be worn as a cowl...brilliance {Thanks for the pattern, EKT!} And a pair of fingerless mitts {in my fave Cascade Eco-Wool}, perfect for a wintertime walk. {Oops, you can really tell that I grabbed the wrong shade of yarn to finish the bottom mitt...I have gobs of odds and ends from other projects. Don't let it bother you, it doesn't me!}

Perhaps I should knit something for my children. One of them can now wear my gloves, so I consider that 2 birds, one knit.