Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Progress Report
(Cold mornings call for a little sustenance of the warmifying sort, wouldn't you agree?)
It's been a long week! Getting back into the rhythm of math has been esp. difficult. Both Tof and Minda have struggled with remembering functions, processes and the manner of execution in Pre-Calc. We have worked as late as 8:30 a couple nights to get a problem set finished. You should see their faces, though, when they get a problem right without asking me for steps or help of any kind! Joy unspeakable, and full of glory!
Cassia's job is going well. She is being stretched, but loves her co-workers and meeting new people everyday. She brings home so many stories to relate at the end of each day. She is so thankful for Sabbath when it comes. The meaning of it has become very poignant ~ a chance to be re-created, to rest from labors.
They are all so ... so ... grown up ~ When did that happen?
It's been a long week! Getting back into the rhythm of math has been esp. difficult. Both Tof and Minda have struggled with remembering functions, processes and the manner of execution in Pre-Calc. We have worked as late as 8:30 a couple nights to get a problem set finished. You should see their faces, though, when they get a problem right without asking me for steps or help of any kind! Joy unspeakable, and full of glory!(Aren't they blessed? What other teacher would make Cocoa for her students on a drizzly morning?)
As for the other subjects... Physics is going fantastic! They are understanding and we have even done an experiment. Tof wrote at the end of his Lab Report ~ "This was fun. I didn't want to finish!" :o) Poetry has been a bit of a let down. I've decided I'm definitely NOT a J Weston Walsch fan. What a boring, incomprehensive book. Oh well. The kids are enjoying writing. Demolishing Strongholds has been FABU! As was the Logic in 100 minutes. I'll be researching today to see if I can find some ways to implement much of what Hans and Nathaniel taught. SAT will be Nov. 1. We are continuing to practice and review for that. Vocab bridges is wonderful as well as Wordly Wise. We have our first two tests on Tues. One in Calc. I think I can safely say that the kids would appreciate your prayers. :o)
As for the other subjects... Physics is going fantastic! They are understanding and we have even done an experiment. Tof wrote at the end of his Lab Report ~ "This was fun. I didn't want to finish!" :o) Poetry has been a bit of a let down. I've decided I'm definitely NOT a J Weston Walsch fan. What a boring, incomprehensive book. Oh well. The kids are enjoying writing. Demolishing Strongholds has been FABU! As was the Logic in 100 minutes. I'll be researching today to see if I can find some ways to implement much of what Hans and Nathaniel taught. SAT will be Nov. 1. We are continuing to practice and review for that. Vocab bridges is wonderful as well as Wordly Wise. We have our first two tests on Tues. One in Calc. I think I can safely say that the kids would appreciate your prayers. :o)Cassia's job is going well. She is being stretched, but loves her co-workers and meeting new people everyday. She brings home so many stories to relate at the end of each day. She is so thankful for Sabbath when it comes. The meaning of it has become very poignant ~ a chance to be re-created, to rest from labors.They are all so ... so ... grown up ~ When did that happen?
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
In Keeping with Tradition
I finally got all the kids in one place long enough to get this years photos done! B&W is our tradition, but I'll post what they look like in all their Autumn glory too!
A friend recently complained to me that group shots were the pits to photograph - getting everyone looking, & looking good, & finding one that everybody likes... I can empathize. Now that our kids are adults, and have definite opinions, it is a major ordeal to come up with a winner! But here's
Tofer 
Minda 
The whole crew. (I chose a different shot for our wall, but Cricket was looking so stylin' in this one, I just had to share...)
A friend recently complained to me that group shots were the pits to photograph - getting everyone looking, & looking good, & finding one that everybody likes... I can empathize. Now that our kids are adults, and have definite opinions, it is a major ordeal to come up with a winner! But here's
2008's Winner's Circle!
(I'm sure glad Cricket doesn't have an opinion too!)
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Of Good Changes, Desires and Thrushes
Vacations over. We are back to school and work. God definately reshreshed and revitalized us. Still, life-as-normal was a difficult adjustment this week. We were worn out and ready for the weekend!! Everyone is sleeping in except me.
The birdsong woke me this morning. We sleep with our windows open and the Thrushes were in full chorus before the sun had even thought of peeking over the mountains. 
The mornings are crisp and clear as autumn fast approaches. It's lovely to look across the valley dressed in its russets and golds and auburns. 
I'm getting that cozy, nesting feeling again and I must say it is delicious! Shivers of delight ran through me sipping my first cup of coffee on the deck and watching the curls of steam misting the air. I savored its warmth more than normal; cradling it in my hands, hugging it to me. Mmmmm... I can't wait for Apple Crisp, and fires (anyone want to pawn some firewood off on us again??? :0) ), and woolens wrapped around me...
*sigh*
The mornings are crisp and clear as autumn fast approaches. It's lovely to look across the valley dressed in its russets and golds and auburns. I'm getting that cozy, nesting feeling again and I must say it is delicious! Shivers of delight ran through me sipping my first cup of coffee on the deck and watching the curls of steam misting the air. I savored its warmth more than normal; cradling it in my hands, hugging it to me. Mmmmm... I can't wait for Apple Crisp, and fires (anyone want to pawn some firewood off on us again??? :0) ), and woolens wrapped around me...*sigh*
Friends who know me well know that I rise early, Thrushes or not. One such friend called me in the wee hours of the dawn to chat. I love that. No one awake, whispering and giggling as quietly as possible so it stays that way - makes me feel like a naughty dibbin. :o)
She called to tell me she needed Christmas ideas! (Presents are never unwelcome!) I promised I would post on some of my latest passions. So away we go - in no particular order of DESIRE:
DEMTER in: Dirt, Basil, Dregs, Earl Grey, Grass, Leaher, Lilac, Mildew, Mulled Cider, Ocean, Paperback, Pipe Tabacco, Rain, Salt Air, Saw Dust, This is Not a Pipe, Thunderstorm, Hot toddy, Apple Blossom. :oD
She called to tell me she needed Christmas ideas! (Presents are never unwelcome!) I promised I would post on some of my latest passions. So away we go - in no particular order of DESIRE:
DEMTER in: Dirt, Basil, Dregs, Earl Grey, Grass, Leaher, Lilac, Mildew, Mulled Cider, Ocean, Paperback, Pipe Tabacco, Rain, Salt Air, Saw Dust, This is Not a Pipe, Thunderstorm, Hot toddy, Apple Blossom. :oD
Nikon Bounce Flash
Nikkor 18-200 lens
8X11 Portfolio
8X11 PortfolioBecca Van Fleet Pottery Mugs 
Paper starlights
Faryn Swallow necklace
Flokati rugs
Origins Ginger spray
Ikea's Square frames
All Expense paid trip to Maine (Boothbay in particular), But I'd also settle for PEI or the Greek Isles!!!
Benefit's 'Maybe Baby'!
Scones! Cinnamon Chip, or Cranberry Orange are my FAVES.
Harney's Autumn Sunset Tea. Or Ibis Dark Aztec Coffee Beans!
Sorapot
Fairly light, bareminerals. Just the foundation.
Also the Bare Vitamins, a new Kabuki Brush, and lipstick in Rose.
Potted herbs ~ since I can't have a garden.
Em's Camera Straps 
This book and a few more...
Pangea Organics Skincare: Egyptian Cal & Blood Orange cleanser, French Rosemary or Argentinean Tangerine Toner, Migerian Ginger cream - nothing clears my skin, but these let me feel good about what is going on it.
I'm sure there is a ton more that I could come up with, but here you go! Gifts in every category (& price) under the rainbow. Your turn!! What do you want for Christmas???
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Always Better When We're Together!!!!!
Warning: Tons of photos ahead!Scenes from our ongoing Vacation ~
I always try to make things we wouldn't normally have, when we are on holiday.
Our first day of week #2 we went for a hike in Paradise Valley.
Pine Falls
Our very own butterfly whisperer.
The Crew
Ummmm...ya... OK... Moving on...
Glorious. These mountains still make us stand in awe...
Tof & I made a fire pit and have been taking advantage of it!
Even Cricket gets excited when we head out for "Shmores" ~ she has to be in on the food-action!
Playin' games. Mexican Train-y-O!
My Daddy took Tof to Wheat Montana on their trip back to the Creative Woodworking weekend, so this was sorta nostalgic for him. This was the girls' first trip... and ... um... we won't mention what # this was for J...
We traveled to some Ghost towns nearby. This was a flour mill in Pony during the Gold Rush.
Virginia City was the next stop. We had a little lunch and enjoyed our walk back through time.
Boardwalks! Aren't they fun?
Nifty little shops. No, the coffee wasn't really 10 cents.
In Nevada City there is a Music Hall. You can hear wurlitzers and pipe organs or watch little movies for 5 - 25 cents.
Back home to more s'mores! ! !
OH YA!
Yesterday we stuck close to home. I did some laundry. J and I went to get creamer for our coffee. Tofer has been recording tracks. The girls read and knitted. 
(Minda finished her scarf, Mom!) We decided to attend Saturday Night Service at Journey Church with Don & Jen. Afterwards we went to their place for ice cream, coffee, and Star Trek. Today is more laundry and a trip to the grocery to pick up chocolate for our fireside time tonight.
I always try to make things we wouldn't normally have, when we are on holiday.
Our first day of week #2 we went for a hike in Paradise Valley.
Pine Falls
Our very own butterfly whisperer.
The Crew
Ummmm...ya... OK... Moving on...
Glorious. These mountains still make us stand in awe...
Tof & I made a fire pit and have been taking advantage of it!
Even Cricket gets excited when we head out for "Shmores" ~ she has to be in on the food-action!
Playin' games. Mexican Train-y-O!
My Daddy took Tof to Wheat Montana on their trip back to the Creative Woodworking weekend, so this was sorta nostalgic for him. This was the girls' first trip... and ... um... we won't mention what # this was for J...
We traveled to some Ghost towns nearby. This was a flour mill in Pony during the Gold Rush.
Virginia City was the next stop. We had a little lunch and enjoyed our walk back through time.
Boardwalks! Aren't they fun?
Nifty little shops. No, the coffee wasn't really 10 cents.
In Nevada City there is a Music Hall. You can hear wurlitzers and pipe organs or watch little movies for 5 - 25 cents.
Back home to more s'mores! ! !
OH YA!
Yesterday we stuck close to home. I did some laundry. J and I went to get creamer for our coffee. Tofer has been recording tracks. The girls read and knitted. (Minda finished her scarf, Mom!) We decided to attend Saturday Night Service at Journey Church with Don & Jen. Afterwards we went to their place for ice cream, coffee, and Star Trek. Today is more laundry and a trip to the grocery to pick up chocolate for our fireside time tonight. What an amazingly blessed time this has been. J goes back to work Wed. Cassia is back to work Tues. We'll begin school again on Wed. All with refreshed souls!
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