You Don't See That Every Day

The first few weeks of school are in the books. On the first day of school I will admit I teared up a bit as I watched my 7th grader walk into the big ol' school without me. This is her first year at Away School, and just like with her older brother and sister, I have had to adjust my heart. The 2 kids at home school this year are such a blessing. We are having quite a fun time, relaxing in pjs half the morning, and then getting some work done. We didn't really start school until the week after everyone else had gone back. And even then, I've been so busy with other stuff that the week was actually only a half week for them. But this week we are more or less trying to stay on task and on schedule. Of course, then the kids get sick with back-to-school colds, and there goes that plan. The Girl Who Swims is now the Girl Who Runs. She joined the cross country team, now that she is in high school. (And just saying that makes me pause and gulp at how time is flying.) Wow, she...

What a weekend. On one hand, I have gotten to spend some great time with my three younger girls, doing a lot of family stuff together. We stayed up really late one night watching Anne of Green Gables - we're now on the 2nd movie, of three. What is it about Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe? Even though I know the story, and the outcome, I swoon every time I read that story! And the language - so poetic and lovely and flowing. And we had a family picnic on Saturday, exploring a different part of Silver Falls, on our bicycles this time. On the other hand, we went to my uncle's funeral Friday. This man, this family, was like my second home growing up. My cousin was my best friend when we were younger. But changes come, and death comes, and even though I know my uncle is at peace, there is still a sadness. During the service I glanced at my dad, whose brother was in that coffin. And it hit me pretty hard that in a few years - hopefully many years! - we will be doing this for him. ...

Today was another milestone in our lives. The Chef-girl went to Away School for the first time, leaving me home with just two of my babies. She is in 7th grade now; it's like I blinked and 12 years flew past me. I know, it's cliche, but it really seems like a blink of an eye and they are grown.   Our oldest is now a licensed driver. He went and took the test last week and passed with flying colors. I have yet to get him on the insurance, and get the car he is going to take to school ... all in good time. Maybe it is my inner way of holding back the inevitable. He is a junior in high school, and living it up. The Girl Who Swims,(on the right, below) is now a freshman in high school. I can actually remember back to my freshman year, and meeting my life-long friends then. At least I still have the two at home. They continue to help me out during the day, and one of these days soon we will actually start school work with them! For now we are enjoying the weather and the...

We made it to the fair this year. Not just once, but twice!! Because of whatever reason, the powers that be offered admission for .25 on Thursday. How could be say no to that price? My sister and I loaded the kids and drove on over. (Cue Beverly Hillbillies music in my mind) We got there soon after it opened, which was nice since there were less people to walk through. We enjoyed some shows, some animals, some exhibits. We were able to check on The Girl who Bakes' 4-H exhibit. As we wandered through the baked goods, we found her plate with the beautiful words "Reserve Champion" on the tag. Woohoo! My girl can cook! We took in the dog show - a favorite every year. And we had to partake of the ice cream offered by the Dairy Women of Oregon. It was enough for 25 cents. But we had to go again. We had free tickets from the kids' library reading program, and two of the family members didn't get to go with us on Thursday. So we picked Monday as the day. Once again,...

This year our back to school clothes shopping has taken a twist. We tried something different with the kids. In the past I would take a couple of them, or sometimes all five, and spend hours going to stores, debating about the clothes with them, trying to find nice items for a nice price. It was usually exhausting for all of us. This year I have enjoyed B2SCS! The kids each have their own money set aside from their earnings this summer (selling veggies). I dropped the older three at a store, went and did my errands (shopping with the younger two) and then came back to preview their selections. Mostly approved, perhaps a few times of discussion about their choices. And then the kids purchase it. We all go home happy. I am not stressed about bleeding money; they like the clothes they get; and they learn to shop. My girls are great at finding bargains, and scouring the clearance section. Another step towards independence.

26years ago I was just about to start my senior year of high school. I was the last one at home, the last one to get a driver's license.  I went in a day or two before school started, and took the test. I don't remember much about that day except my utter relief that I didn't have to parallel park. To this day I still can't (and won't) parallel park. Yesterday our son, our firstborn, took his driver' test. He has practiced for over a year to get here, mostly under my watch and adding a few white hairs to my head. Sitting in the DMV, I watched him drive out of the parking lot, and I prayed for peace (for myself0 and for his safety. I needed something to distract me, so I pulled out my checkbook. Yes, that took my mind to another place! The time went by quickly and soon I was looking up as the Boy walked in the door with a smile on his face. I guessed then that it was good news. Yep, he handed me the paper that had "Pass" written on it. After paperwo...

We are feeling the crunch of time, as our kids get older; their free time (without having to report to a job/boss) is shrinking and we want to get in as much family time this summer as we can. So we decided to go camping. We took 3 days and headed to central Oregon to Tumalo State Park. It was the first time we have camped here, and we might try it again. When we first arrived we didn't know if our tent would even fit in the space. The campsites were a little cozier that we were used to. We've had too many family group camps! which are roomier, and set away from the other campers.  But we fit the tent in; we had green grass for the kids to frolic on, and we had plenty of room for all 7 of us to eat, sleep, and play games. The smoke and haze from the forest fires was a grim reminder of what was happening in other parts of the state. We couldn't have a campfire, but we still had marshmallows and chocolate striped cookies for dessert. We decided to do some s...

I finally found a moment to sit down and write. Since June and July were busy with basketball and swimming, August has been our vacation month. It all started with family coming to visit at the end of July. Cousin time was so precious. The youngest two had a blast together, and Little K was quite sad when the time came to say goodbye.  The older kids had a fun time with the older cousin, incorporating a wild made-up game that included Risk, Poker, Battleship, playing cards, dice, and more. Movies, jokes, ice cream, and a long walk at the park rounded out the days. We finished up swimming with the finals on Aug 1 - the girls brought home a boatload of various colored ribbons. We then headed over to my brother's house to hang out with family. And play an impromptu game of charades. The fun of that weekend didn't stop there. The next day more family came to our house to visit with my niece who hadn't been 'home' in a long time. Sadly, no charade games t...