Beginning of School Year and Fall

Justin started pre-school this year! The first day was rough, (a lot), but after a few days he loved it and wanted to go every day, even on the weekends. He is learning so much, making new friends, and is even starting to read and write! What a big boy!

I decided to be bold and make the kids' Halloween costumes this year. Wow, what a big undertaking. Especially when one twelve year old orders, "An Alice In Wonderland" costume just like the one she wore in the movie, sigh. I did my best, and was happy with the result!

Justin wanted to be "Super J" so I designed and made him a special Super J cape which he still wears around the house so he can fly and do super hero moves. Every boy needs a cape!



Sarah turned 12 in October and in honor of the big day I made a Happy Birthday Banner. I was inspired by Tracy's beautiful banner and didn't realize how similar our banners were until I went back and looked at hers. I guess great minds think alike! :)

Coming Out of the Cave

Hello Dear Friends! It's been a while...a long while since I've been here. Many factors have played into my five month hiatus: The starting of school, the holidays, Sarah's winter dance performance, and my annual winter hibernation mode.

I recently discovered that I have SAD, or Seasonal Effective Disorder; what a strange sounding condition! Living as far north as I do I don't get enough sun in the winter, or in the summer even depending on the weather conditions for that matter. This summer we didn't really have a summer since we were either fogged in or clouded in most days. When winter hit I felt like a bear going into hibernation mode. I wanted to sleep and eat all day which isn't good for the mind or the waistline. Then every day felt like a monumental task, and everything seemed so over whelming. Right around that time I started taking Vitamin D3 supplements and noticed an improvement in my energy and mood immediately. This got me thinking about the sun, our lack of it, and what I could do to remedy the situation. Then I remembered that my aunt who lives in Oregon uses a little light every day in the winter to boost mood. So I got one, it's called a "Sun Box" and you can order one off of Amazon.com for around $80-$200. It produces special rays that mimic sunlight. You sit in front of it for 15-30 minutes per day and it tricks your brain into thinking it's summer. I just started using it and am noticing a big difference already. I also joined a gym and am starting to work off the hibernation padding. :) Hopefully this year I will become my old productive blogging self!

I also got a new camera finally! My old one broke in the summer and I realized that I am very dependent on pictures for blogging. Really, how can you blog without pictures, right?! So I'm going to attempt to do a speedy wrap up of the past 6 months.

This summer we went camping, visited family in Oregon and had an amazing vacation in Lake Tahoe with my parents and brother. My dad rented a vacation home right near the lake and for a week I soaked up the sun and felt like a queen. We used to vacation there when I was a kid so it brought back great memories too. Right at the end of summer we took a trip out to Boise, Idaho for Ron's Grandma Delphia's funeral. She was an amazing lady who lived to be 96 years old!

Multnomah Falls, Oregon

Boise, Idaho

Lake Tahoe

Favorite Pic of the Week

I'm starting a new tradition here called "favorite pic of the week." I tried to start it on Fridays, but every Friday I would forget, so I will post them on random days. Here is this week's fav:

A Sunny Day in the Garden

The sun is out today so I took the opportunity to take some pictures out in the garden again. I just can't get enough of the sunshine! The house is a mess, dishes and laundry are piled high, but the sun is calling...

I had fun in Photoshop. Justin said, "Mom, take my picture." I love this pose, what a looker!
Head enjoying some peace and quiet.

I keep taking pics of these beauties because they will be gone soon!

This boy could swing all day!

On the "high" swing

Head getting a drink from an empty planter.

A Magical Sort of a Day

Justin's birthday party was on Saturday and it was such an amazing time! Grandpa and Grandma came up from Sacramento for the big day. It had been pouring rain that morning as it usually does on his birthday, so we were bracing ourselves for an indoor party. But about an hour before the party the skies cleared and it was sunny and gorgeous out much to our surprise! Everyone had such a great time and after cake and presents we went out in the sunny back yard and opened a pinata. The kids had a blast playing on the climber, swinging, looking at our bunny, and running around the yard. Ron gave a raised bed garden tour, (as only he can do), which added to the fun of the day.

I rarely encounter days as perfect as this day was. There is something so amazing about gathering with good friends at your home to celebrate your child's birthday. Everyone was smiling and happy, laughing and enjoying themselves. I felt so grateful for family, good friends, and life in general. The clouds parted for the party, then the rain started up again when it was over. I couldn't help feeling like God had smiled on the day just for us.

Some of Justin's favorite buddies getting ready to dive into the cake.

One happy four year old boy!

The delicious Co-Op carrot cake which had honey in the icing, yuummmy!

Justin checking out his new Radio Flyer scooter.

Pinata aftermath.

Ron gave a raised bed garden tour in the back yard for our friends.

Things I'm Loving Now...

Justin watering the sunflowers he planted with his new and very well loved watering can.

Our baby veggies are peeking through the dirt finally! This box is holding brocolli, spinach, kale, cabbage, cilantro, basil, and sunflowers. I can't wait until these are ready to eat!

Sunday

This is what Ron, Justin and Monkey did on Sunday afternoon. Their napping was so cute I had to snap a picture.

Model Making Day

Yesterday Ron and I finally cleaned out the play room closet and I was happy to discover some of Justin's birthday presents from last year that had gone missing. Deanna and Rowan, I apologize for losing them!! We had been moved in for only a few weeks when we had his party, and boxes were everywhere, so they got absorbed somehow.

Today Justin had a blast painting the model train and putting stickers on the tee pee. Mom glued the train together and made the tee pee, Justin did all the rest!

Justin loves his tee pee - it has become a garage for his cars.

Carefully painting away...

Can't you see I'm busy mom?!


Yeah, the paint brush is a bit too big for him. :)

The finished product and a very happy boy -thanks Rowan and Dee!!

Boys Love Dirt!

Our friends Tom and Tracy came out for a visit from Texas this summer. We got to meet their new arrival, Abram Oak, for the first time! He is such a cute little bundle! Their other son, Riley just turned four so he and Justin are close in age. They had a splendid time playing out in our yard. Tracy, Tom and I enjoyed eating lunch and too quickly it was time for them to go. Tracy went outside to get Riley. This is the sight that greeted her:

I hadn't adequately warned her about what Justin does in the dirt...every day. It's a sand box of sorts for him. Just picture a dirt bath...

Riley had to borrow a change of clothes from Justin since they were going to visit more people that day.

Thanks for the great visit Tracy!! The boys sure had fun in the dirt and I'm sure this story will be told for years to come! :) Thanks for the pics too!

Park Day

My mom's group went to a local park this week and the kids had a blast! For those of you who live out of the area, I am blessed to live in one of the most beautiful places in the US, (in my opinion!) Redwood trees abound here, and we can hop in the car and go visit them anytime. The ocean is just a few minutes away as well. One of our local parks has a redwood forest nearby, and some redwood trees right in the middle of the park with slides coming out of them. The kids love this park!! Here are some pics of our outing:

Sarah and Justin hanging out on the base of a redwood tree.

One of Justin's good buds ready to go down the slide.

The beautiful redwood trees!

Friends hanging out under the tree together.

Bath Tub "Napping"

The other day Sarah came running up to me and said, "Mom, you have to come see Justin in the bathroom!" I went in and this was the sight. Sarah had made a "bed" for him and he was all settled in. He wanted the door shut and I think he would have taken a nap in there if I hadn't said no! I just can't go there - my kid isn't going to nap in the bath tub!

Super Man Likes Smoothies!

Justin rarely smiles big for his picture, so when he does I have to show the world! He asked me today to tie on his cape and said, "Super Man!" Then we had berry smoothies and he went out to the back porch and was hanging out on the bench. I'm digging the purple stash he's sporting!

More Play Room Fun

Yesterday Ron brought out his old childhood blocks for Justin to play with. He "Made big buildings" all morning to his heart's content. Ron's mom saved a lot of his toys, thanks Grandma Janice! We'll use these blocks more than our modern toys I'm sure!

Justin's Birthday Party

We had a belated birthday party for Justin about a week and a half after his actual birthday at our new house! With all the moving chaos going on we decided to wait until things were situated, (a bit anyway!) It was fun to have our first "event" here at the house, especially since it was one of the kids' birthday parties! Seven of Justin's little friends came and a great time was had by all! Here are a few pics of the big day:

Hard to believe our "baby" is three now!

The cake I quickly whipped up.

Matchbox cars from Isaac - the kid didn't want to open any other presents after these, and they were the first gift!

Wow, cool Mom! Yes, that's me - evidence I was there.

Cute and stylin' Fiona enjoying some cake.

Bethany with her precious brood.

Fiona and Rowan enjoying the fun.

The shy birthday boy hiding from a present bearer.