Children's Festival

The plan for our family today was to get up, meet some friends at the Jacksonville Children's Festival, have a picnic, and go to the library on the way home. Key words: The Plan.

In his heart a man plans his course,

but the LORD determines his steps.

~ Proverbs 16:9

So, yes, I "planned", but God had determined something else from my good intentions:)

Last night Ryan stubbed his toes (yes, toes, as in more than one!) and this morning he was uncomfortable enough to want to stay home and miss out on the Children's Festival. He could even put his shoes on, but at least there were no broken bones involved (that day will come, sooner or later!). Charlie agreed to stay home with Ryan, so I took Nathan to the festival. I also think Ryan may have been feeling the festival was for little kids, but oh well. It would be good for them to have some "guy time" together too.

Oops, I forgot to get gas....and cash to get in. Double oops, I forgot our water bottles at home too! Thankfully this was all an easy fix at the gas station and finally we were on our way. We met up with our friends and I was immediately glad for the change in plans since she too had come sans husband. We took the boys around to the booths that we did last year and I asked at one point "what's up there on the hill?" I thought it was food vendors or something else since we didn't check it out last year. Ha! I didn't know it was for the "big kids!!" I took the two older boys (mine and my friend's) up there and we made candles, created a "silk" screen print, suncatcher mosaics and realized that some of the booths were closing that we didn't even have a chance to check out! Like making a bowl on a pottery wheel! Wow! We will go again next year just to check it all out:) And I got to come home and let Ryan know it's really not just for little kids!

Ew, yuck!

Anyway, we didn't have our picnic since half our family was at home, but we did have lots of fun with our friends:) I was thrilled to come home and find that Charlie and Ryan mowed the lawn -front & back, whacked the weeds, watered the garden and were happily playing a board game together when we got home! Yahoo! Now we can just have a quick lunch and we're off the library.

At the library, Ryan spotted 2 boys from Cub Scouts, but as always he could remember names. He went to say hello and I introduced myself their mom and we ended up talking for about an hour! It cracks me up sometimes....

She had asked what school the boys go to and when I said we homeschool, she gave me "that look"....she scrunched up her face and gave a lop-sided smile and said "doesn't it drive you nuts?" Ha! If you only knew:) As usual, I heard the "I could never have the patience to homeschool", but this time it was followed by 20 questions! She, like so many, had a picture in her head of what a homeschooler's day must look like, but when I explained to her the kinds of things we've been doing lately, she was amazed! She had mentioned that it's "all or nothing" with her kids....during the school year her boys were in school all day, home to do homework, then off to baseball practice and games on the weekend - generally never home and always on the go. Now that they're home for summer, they're either in front of the tv, video games, or "bored" and home all the time. There's no middle ground. She said when they're in school she cleans the house and then isn't quite sure what to do with herself til they get home. I can't really relate to that, of course, but do I miss it? No. I love the time I have with the boys, seeing them learn and being a part of it. I love it when that "light" goes on when they get something! Do I need more down time? Yes, of course, but I can't imagine putting the boys into school just to get it. There are days when we're busy, busy, busy, and there are days when we just need to take a break...thankfully we have the freedom to do both. If my boys are bored with their schoolwork we have the freedom to "spice it up" or move on. My lesson plans are never set in stone....more like playdough:)

Anyway, I made a new friend today:) We exchanged phone numbers and the boys are already talking play dates. Funny how things work out that way sometimes when our plans change!

Thank you, Lord, for directing my steps today:)

What a long strange week it's been...

I think we have done more "stuff" this last week than any in a long time! The boys and I spent Monday recovering and then dived right back into this week:) Crazy, but that's summer, right?




Last week's trip to Applegate Lake was a blast! I didn't know checking the Bigfoot Trap required a nice little hike to get to it! Silly me wore flipflops! lol, I bet some of the other adults had a secret laugh at my expense but you better believe I'll come prepared next year!
The kids all had a great time and the water at the lake was perfect! I love that our church plans these fun outings for the kids and I'm glad I can be a part of it:) The day after the Applegate field trip, Ryan and Charlie left for Cub Scout Camp at Camp McLoughlin. They had a great time and Nathan and I got to drive up with a friend for the family night on Sunday. So cool!

Apparently Ry's got a great shot with the BB gun! Charlie said he's a natural:) That's my boy!

All in all, what a wonderful opportunity for Charlie and Ryan to spend some "Guy Time" together.

Over the weekend, Nathan and I were fortunate to spend some time together to and we also had some company too. We had "borrowed" my friend's 2 kids and took them to a hot air balloon rally. So cool! We were there for the "night glow" and, though not what we've seen in Bend, it was still fun:) So like I said, we've been having a busy week! Whew! Here we go again!

Hot and tired

I love days like today.

We went to see a movie for 50 cents, had a quick lunch, then we had a "swim date" with our homeschool friends. I set the crockpot up before I left so dinner was ready when we got home. The boys were so tired I put them to bed an hour early with no resistance and they were out in minutes! Hallelujah!

And tomorrow we are going on a field trip with the kids from church. We're going up to Applegate Lake to check the "Bigfoot Trap" (I have no idea what that means!) and then swimming in the lake for a bit. I'm hoping for another day of wearing out the kids!

Ryan and Charlie leave early Friday morning for Cub Scout Summer Camp. They didn't get to go last year, but from what I hear, they'll have a blast and, yes, come home exhausted! (And filthy!!)

This is what summer's all about to me:) A few days ago, I even had a chance to check out the hammock Mom left for me. Ahhhh!!! A moment to relax.

4th of July ramblings

Happy Independence Day!
What a beautiful day spent with friends:) We are so blessed to have so many wonderful people to share our lives with here in the valley. I am so thankful to call each of them "friend".

We spent the morning getting caught up on the dreaded yard work. After having my mom, sister and nieces here last week, there were a lot of weeds to get caught up on! Between the hot weather and watering each day, the weeds were taking over! Anyway, the job is finally complete and I can rest for a few days before they start creeping in again!

Awesome visit w/the fam, BTW. We had some low-key outings around town, including a historical tour of a local gristmill circa 1872. "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea." -Matthew 18:6 My sister and I were anxious to have a visual picture to refer to, so cameras ready, we looked and looked only to discover that its no visible from where we had access to:( Oh well, just getting an idea of the massive size of the stone was enough to bring the Lord's word to life for me! Definitely food for thought!

We had a great afternoon bbq-ing w/ friends, the kids swimming and then a great show of fireworks at dusk. We didn't get home until late and we were all exhausted. Thankfully the boys fell asleep quickly, but for some reason, I couldn't....

Ever feel like the Lord will open the flood gates of creative ideas at the least opportune time? That was me last night! It's strange though that I felt calm and ready for sleep and then...ta-da! My brain goes into overdrive! I have volunteered to decorate the classroom area/hallway areas of our church for next month's VBS and we are doing a "Adventures on the High Sea" theme. I had a few ideas I was working with, but hadn't really thought about the "details". God's funny....apparently 4am on a sleepless night is a great time for brainstorming ideas! Either way, He gave me some awesome (inexpensive) ideas for creating a underwater passage as well as recreating a shipdeck out of our hallway area. I was going to say I hope it all works out and comes together, but since I really feel this all came from God himself, how can I not expect success? Can't wait to get started!

Company's coming!

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Grandma, Auntie and cousins:) They will be here in 5 days! We've cleaned the house, checked to make sure we have enough pillows and blankets, and now we're just waiting...

The boys are looking forward to showing "everything" to their cousins. "Can we take them to Park Day?" But, of course! "Can we have a 'sleep over' with them?" Yes, they will be staying here with us. "How many more days???" Soon, Baby, soon!

This is a much awaited visit. Grandma (my mom) has been here before, but my sister and her girls haven't been to Oregon in a few years, before we moved to Medford. The kids have all grown and we're looking forward to a nice visit. I imagine it won't be too long before the boys won't be as excited to "hang" with their (girl) cousins, and vice versa! Let's enjoy it while we can:)

We're hoping to celebrate my mom's 60th birthday while they're here too. I can't believe she's turning 60! I hope we're able to do something fun & memorable for her while she's here. Maybe we'll make it to the winery with her...

In getting ready for their visit, I'm having a garage sale this weekend. I've spent the last week going through boxes in the garage, organizing the closets and cupboards, and having the boys clean their rooms. I can't believe how much they've grown since last summer! We have tons of toys and clothes we are happy to part with. Oh, the freedom!

We've also been cleaning up our yard and finalizing our garden. We've got veggies popping up all over the place. I'm sure Charlie thinks I have "issues" when it comes to our gardens. I went to Home Depot yesterday to pick up a part (for the sprinklers) for him and warned him when I was leaving that "I give no guarantees that I'll come out with just what's on my list." I meant what I said:) I came home with 5 new plants for my garden. This morning I went to Farmer's Market for veggies and came home with another tomato plant. I already have 16 in the ground!! But I didn't have this particular variety and I couldn't pass it up for $2! Ok, maybe I do have issues!