If they were on paper they would be fridge worthy

 Me {by Ellie}

 Nessy {by Abbie}

A blue monster {by Mary Anne}

One happy man

A happy find in today's mail...

 

Would you believe?

{To quote Maxwell Smart}

 

4 almost identical photos.

 

It began with the need for an ID card.  You can read about that ridiculousness here. 

 

In our state we have two choices.

Door #1.  Pass the written exam to get a driving permit at 16, attend driving school, pass the behind the wheel test, and receive a license.

OR

Door #2.  Pass the written exam to get a driving permit at 16, do not attend a driving school, renew the permit for another year, then when 18, pass the behind the wheel test, and receive a driver's license. 

 

Sadly, at this time, Washington state does not recognize parent taught driver's ed.

 

We have chosen door #2 for our children, which is why Matthew has so many state issued cards.  {ID, 1st permit, renewed permit, the real deal - a driver's license.}

 

And seriously - you can hardly tell they weren't all taken on the same day!

School Days

A piano recital to conclude this school year's lessons.

Both Hannah and Daniel are progressing along nicely.

 

Hannah's piece was long enough that she required a page turner. 
That's her teacher next to her.

 

Don't be fooled by his age.  He is a very gifted pianist and a patient teacher.
I remember that as a young boy he aspired to be just like Mozart, or maybe it was Beethoven.  

As it turned out, he had only four students this year - which allowed for a casual, low-key recital.  That atmosphere makes it much more enjoyable for my children, since they are already nervous anyway.

~ . ~

 

More CLEP tests.

 

Caleb and Matt both passed!

WOOT! WOOT!

A selfie of two "so glad we passed" brothers.

Taking CLEP exams in lieu of sitting in on a college class has its challenges, but it saves so much money.  The average 3 unit class costs $600.  A CLEP test costs $100.  
The disadvantage is that you need to be disciplined with your time.  There are no external deadlines to set the pace or group discussion and feedback.

Caleb and Matt were able to enjoy the holiday weekend with the sweet taste of success.
Next week they'll be back to the grindstone studying for the next exam.

 

A new plan

We only had a few things planned for this Memorial weekend.

 

 

1.  A family hike on Saturday after our farm chores.

 

2.  Church and afterward fellowship with friends at their home.

 

3.  Attending a Memorial Day ceremony at the local cemetery by the VFW.

 

BUT...

 

 

It has been determined that we will be staying home.

 

 

Sadly, our old, tired, family car needs a new transmission.

 

We are choosing to be thankful and see God's provision.

 

~ God protected us while we were out.

~ We made it home... safely.

~ We did not have to have it towed.

~ It was not pouring rain while Eric had a look-see.

~I have a very flexible schedule.

~ I like to be home.

 

So now we wait dependently and expectantly on the Lord.

 

 

 

Hidden Art

Recently I've been combing my bookshelves to see just what treasures I own and how to best use them in the next school year.

I came across the book Hidden Art by Edith Schaeffer.  It's an oft recommended book within homeschooling circles.  When I found this older copy at a used book store some years ago,  I snatched it up to add to our resources.   

Dusting if off, I decided it was high time that I read it.  Oh my!  What an encouraging and inspiring book.  The premise is that since we are created by God, who is the MOST creative, {just look a flower, for example} and since we are made in His image, then it stands to reason that, we are created with the propensity to be creative too.  She encourages the reader to exercise their creative muscles in every area of life.  She doesn't mean to literally {unless of course, that is how the Lord is directing you} to attend art school, but to take the time and put in extra effort to make things lovely, and appealing, and a blessing to those who see it.  

Cheerful porch decorations to greet your visitors,  a pretty table center piece that beckons to come enjoy a meal all together, even a neatly made bed with an extra plump to the pillows - All these things create a delightful environment for all to enjoy and a way to express creativity...even if it is just for YOU.

When mothers in the home do these types of things it not only blesses her husband and children, but teaches by example to the children how making an extra effort says a lot.
I am quite sure that the author would say expressing creativity is not only for mothers or wives, but for everyone!  Even something as simple as the way you wrap a gift or address some fun mail can show your flair. 

I would say that I'd like to purpose to do one creative thing each day, but then the left side of my brain kicks in and fills me with doubt.  Thankfully, creativity comes in so many forms - like making a batch of delicious goat cheese, sewing, or even coffee art, which I have no idea how to do, but I'd gladly learn how.  

Fist bumps for the Artsy Fartsy.  What do you do that is creative?

A Gloom Chaser

Look at my new fun find. 

It's a simple votive holder made of different shades of glass - aqua and green - my favorite!   

My gramma used to call these candle holders "gloom chasers".  I'm not sure if that is the real name or just what she called them, but either way, when I saw this candle holder I couldn't help but think of her!   

The candle light flickers, bounces off the colored shades of glass, and dances on the walls.  It's friendly that way.  Not a chance for any gloom to settle anywhere near. 

 

For me - it brings back memories of the many sweet times I spent with her.   I remember spending many a Saturday night at her house.  We would sit on the couch together in the evening after dinner, eat chocolate ice cream, and watch the Donny and Marie Variety Show.

Dusk would give into darkness, but her gloom chaser was always lit on the coffee table nearby giving its friendly glow. 

 

She was known for her cheerful disposition.  No wonder she enjoyed this type of candle.  Who wants to be gloomy anyway? 

 

I don't think there has ever been a gloom chaser that I didn't like ~ with its many varied colors and shapes and the fun light it casts off, or one that didn't lead me to think about my gramma.

 

So thankful for the little joys in life! 

Teachers: rocks, gardens, and tea.

A few of us have been under the weather the last few days, one of them being me.

 

Yesterday, though not feeling tip top, I thought I'd spend a little fun time with the kids on our garden rock project.  What better way to get out into the warm, fresh air for a change of pace and perspective.

 

 

Daniel wasn't really very interested in painting rocks. I was a little surprised, but what struck me was his maturity. He was willing to do what he did not want to - happily, so that he could be a help with the little sisters and be a blessing to me too.

 

 

Mary Anne, on the other hand, couldn't wait to paint! 

 

I thought it would be an easy, low-key, fun thing to do since we could be outside, but somehow this particular project just stressed me out, despite my best efforts to prepare.

Part of it may have been the mess along with my lack of energy, or maybe it was their bickering and whining.  Sadly that lead to my sharp tongue.  It grieves me so that I still struggle with that.

 

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. " ~ Proverbs 15:1

I know that and yet... 

 

My character is revealed and refined - through God's Word - by way of parenting!

Here are a few of the rocks ready for the words.  I had the children paint them solid colors so that they will still be easily seen when things start of grow, and cover.

 

We've had such beautiful, warm, sunny days, but rain will return this weekend.  Eric was so sweet to plant the garden for me.  We usually work together planning and planting, but one must make hay while the sun shines, or in this case - plant the garden, and I just wasn't feeling up to it.

We planted from seed.  We'll see how is goes and grows.  Lettuce, kale, Swiss chard, green beans, beets, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, along with some herbs and nasturtium and sweet peas for color and fragrance.

 

I am thankful for our little garden and how it sustains us through the summer with fresh food.   I am hoping for enough green beans and beets to can.  I think beets are like candy!

 

I am still such a novice gardener, when the seeds start to sprout, I find it hard to tell what is the plant and what is a weed.  When I spend time in the garden, I often end up thinking on spiritual things.  I am reminded that I must regularly pick out the weeds in my own heart.

Pride, selfishness, discontentment.  Even the thinning of the beets, which allows the ones that remain to be full, and big, and strong,  reminds me to thin out the extras in my life so that what remains is of good quality.

Here is another thing we enjoy on warm days.

 

 

Sun tea brewed with Original Good Earth tea.  It really makes the best iced tea.

My jug holds one gallon of water.  I usually use just 5-6 bags of tea because Good Earth is sweet and spicy and strong. 

 

Have you ever heard it said that we are like tea bags?  Once hot water is poured over us {hot water being trials} - what is the result in the water?  Our actions show what is in our heart, and it is the trials that often bring that to the surface - sort of like brewing tea.

What's in my tea bag?  What flavor am I?  I know what I'd like to be.

~ ~ ~

 

While outside today, the kids discovered a bird's nest.  There in the hillside.  There is at least one baby bird inside, but we didn't get a really good look since we didn't want to disturb it too much. 

 

Do you know the kind of bird that builds a nest like this? 

And here is the baby

 

 

and the baby.

 

 What cute kids!

 

Hoping your spring ~ almost summer ~ days are filled with joy.

 
 
 
 

Happy Mother's Day

'"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
      By any other name would smell as sweet..."

 

Mother...

Mom

Mama

Mommy

 

The sweetest woman in anyone's life!

 

Happy Mother's Day!

 

 

Life lately

This is my new favorite, no-fuss dinner. 

Pork or beef roast covered in your favorite BBQ sauce. 

{This one from TJ's is mine.}

 

 After it has cooked on low all day and made the house smell absolutely heavenly,

shred this flavorful meat, then serve over baked sweet or regular potatoes. 

 

... ~ ...

Heading up to the house after some farm chores.

 
They adore their big brother!

 

... ~ ...

I had the Littles collect some rocks for me.  I want to use them as garden markers. I still need to wash them, but when they are dry, I'll have them paint them solid colors and I'll add the words. 

 ... ~ ...

 

Matthew just tilled our garden again and it is ready for planting. 

 

... ~ ...

 

The blueberry bushes are very happy this spring.

 

 Once they start bearing fruit, I hope we'll get to the berries before the birds.

...~ ...

 

Daniel found a little friend. 

Can you see him jumping away?... yep, the green blurry thing.
Daniel went to point at him and away he jumped.
 

I can't help but marvel at God's design. 
That frog is EXACTLY the same color as the grass.
 

... ~ ...

 

Kanapaali is three weeks old already.  

This kidding season was different from others, giving us yet another learning curve.   In the past we have bred two goats.  This season we only bred one.   Often Kinders birth multiples, but in the event that one would only kid with a single, there were the other babies from the other goat.  Once we separate the babies away from the mamas, they have each other for company.
Poor little Paali is all alone.

Goats thrive being together, but integrating a new little one into the herd is hard to do without Mom nearby to protect her and show her what to do. 

She wasn't taking to the bottle well.  Our goats are very friendly and tame, but they wanted nothing to do with this new little "thing".  She was so lonely.  Thankfully, we noticed early on that she wasn't thriving after being separated from Mom.  We decided to put her back with Mom during the day.  They are both very happy and Paali is adjusting so much better now.

 

It was so nice to enjoy some time outside in the sunny weather.  We've had so much rain, and NOT just sprinkles or drizzle.

 

... ~ ...

 

We are still plugging along with school studies too.  Some subjects are just pages away from being finished, while others still have a bit more to go.  It's hard to stay focused this time of year.  I think all of us are anxious to enjoy some free time...picnics in the sunshine, new places to explore.  It's coming soon, just a little bit more.

 

 

 

 

 

I love...

I love my kids. 
I love that they think of me when playing outside.
I love that they bring me flowers.
I love their fashion choices - sunnies, tie-dye tee, shorts, and rubber boots {that are probably too small.}

The perks of motherhood....joy and laughter!

What fun!

"Hannah is totes adorbs! Look at her SUPER cute hair! I mean - oh-em-jeeeeeee!

Totes cute, is it not?"

 

{That is Caleb for you, but really, I couldn't agree more.}

 

Here are a couple of "before" pictures.

Hannah has beautiful, thick, naturally wavy hair. 

 

When she was younger she considered growing it until her wedding day.

BUT...

 

Out of pure practicality, she often wore her hair gracefully in an up-do.  

She always looked so put-together and polished.

The price of beautiful hair piled elegantly on your head? 

Headaches.

 

We can't have that.

 

 

Emily is a great hair stylist.  She delivers just what you ask for ~

We've never been disappointed!

 

Locks of Love will receive about 14" of lovely hair.

and my girl will have a fun and fancy free hair style for a while.