Ha Ha

Debate

Well.... what did you think?

A Cocoon

Today felt like I was insulated from the world and life.
My kiddo was sick, we stayed home and watched movies, just
layed with her and rubbed her hair as she slept, she is so sweet.
I lucked out and even had a message scheduled and was actually
able to go because Kali was here and able to help. During the message
she played a CD of the Dahli llama chanting, it was so beautiful. The CD is a chant
through healing. The message felt different today, like the whole universe was saying
just be today and receive all this love and healing energy. I got home totally relaxed, Abby was feeling a little better, we read books and talked. My parents had stopped by to check on Abs and friends came over to bring otter pops, eggs from their own chickens for chocolate zucchini bread, and presents just because. My dad ended coming by twice- we talked about the economy and some politics. Joe got home on time and we didn't have to go anywhere or do anything, it was sooo nice. I got to take a walk as the sun was setting. Today, a cocoon all warm and protected.

Yumm-o

A great fall soup, seriously yummy, especially if you have Nash's carrots!!

Ginger Carrot Soup

7 C. Vegetable or Chicken broth
3 Leeks
1 Yam
4 Stalks celery
4T butter
Fresh ginger root - peeled and grated
1 t. nutmeg
1 t. salt
1 t. pepper
1/2 pint cream

In a large stock pot bring stock to boil. Chop all veggies in small cubes.
Saute veggies with giner, nutmeg and 1/2 butter for 15 minutes. Add rest of butter.
Add veggies to stock simmer for 30 min. (I simmered for an hour) then add salt and pepper.
Let cool, puree in blender or food processor. Add cream when you serve.

Equinox

"The month of September also marks the 'Wine Moon,' the lunar cycle when grapes are harvested from the arbors, pressed and put away to become wine...The full moon closest to the Autumn Equinox is known as the 'Harvest Moon,' since farmers would also harvest their crops during the night with the light of the full moon to aid them."

Moppets are mopin' as schools reopen. Nights are crisp, and apples crisper; in the wind, there's just a whistper of what's coming. Rain drumming, warm but steady, mutters, "Get ready."

-Farmers Almanac 2008

About Today

- Joe got to take Abby to school today- the first time in a LONG time. She wanted him to stay all day with her.

- I got to sit and have coffee outside in the sunshine talking about our school, our kids, marriage, life, love and about being women.

- I got to be home in the daytime with Joe, alone in our house.

- Went shopping and had lunch just Joe and I on a monday, total treat and time out from the norm, talked about life going so fast and a mention of moving to the cook islands. Did you know you can't buy land on the cook islands, you can buy a lease that lasts for 60 yrs but only if you are native cook islander, have legal residency, or are buying or starting a business. hmmmm....

-Finished a book that made me cry.

-Took a nap in the middle of the day with the sun out (definately still feeling sick if i'm doing that) it felt really good.

-The house smells like ginger, nutmeg and warm carrot soup.

-A walk in the fall air tonight after dinner, just me and Blue.

-Abby asleep, some knitting and Good Earth Tea.

You all know how much I LOVE the word Lovely!

So this is what it is about for me. Makes me emotional, too. Maybe because you realize there are people like you all over the world when it doesn't feel like it most days. Or because we are so busy "doing" that there is hardly any time for "being." When mainstream feels so foreign to you and hope for a different world for our kids some days seems so hopeless. This gives me hope that people are awake and care.....

Headed to La Moore

We are so happy we could sneak one more visit in before you left. We are going to miss you guys like crazy. Hope the trek goes well. Have fun Luke riding in the front of that cool truck with your dad and Liam be easy on your momma. We love you!




Abs and Luke taking a break after a big run around the yard- Luke even had his plane wings out!

September at La Push

Not sure how its possible that Abs has a grumpy look on her face at this amazing beach- I think the end of a long day of play.



Our sweet La Push- a weekend of lots of laughs, good weather, some dancing, communal cooking and great friends.

For those of you thinking of trying "THIS"- umm, don't bother but if you can't stand the suspense and must experience it, we hear it is best warm. Really.

Actually, Mark I think you should try it...... :)

Saturday AM

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend the weather is AMAZING! Feels great to be home this morning, light pouring through the windows, an early morning run to the beach, and home for a super yummy coffee in my favorite cup.

"We write to taste life twice. Once in the moment, and once in retrospection." - Anais Nin

I borrowed this quote from Carla's blog- thanks girl its a cool one.

Early Morning Light

Recent Creative Happenings

I just finished my scarf- yeah, I love it.

Canning peaches with the girls- so fun!

At our house, not finishing the beans until midnight. The day I did these Abs, Mom and I sat at her kitchen table and all snapped beans together. It felt all nice, like replaying a memory that I have- snapping beans with my mom and Grandma.

Abby helping with the beans, decked out in her lifevest? In between bean tasks she was leading me on a boat excursion outside in the galvanized water tub around the yard, I mean sea. Multi-tasking at its best.

Visiting, Horses, and School

The Prock boys checking out the cows. We had such a good visit- so glad you made the trek!



















Wow, it is still really hard to get a picture of all three kids actually looking at the camera. Oh well.



First Day of Kindergarten, our sweetie girl. She is loving it by the way!

Amazing how things work.... 1 week earlier.....

Abs: momma, i wish i could have a black horse with a really smooth coat.

Mom: Maybe someday Abby.

The next week Ben proceeds to get his horse back from a friend who was keeping her and asks us if she can be in the field with Sage to keep her company.

Wow, a black horse with a smooth coat. Her name is Willow.

Abs: Momma, can i just pretend she's mine?

Abby had a fantastic day full of sun, new kids and old friends, new challenges and full on excitement. She even told us a little about her day and what kinds of things she did which didn't happen at all last year. Momma, on the other hand had a really rough day. Very low on sleep and high on emotion aren't a great combo for me. Today, I just kept telling myself to breathe. I found myself searching for the sun to hit my face- today lunch on the porch and at the bluffs lying down on Tom's bench listening to the waves. We made it through.

Welcome to Kindy Abby

I stayed a little longer tonight in bed as you fell asleep, memorizing how you looked as your eyes got heavy. I caught myself looking at you today more like my brain wasn't registering that you were really old enough. At varying times today it felt hard to breathe, my stomach tight with tention. So this is what it feels like to transition to the next phase.... you are ready but I'm reluctant. I have felt nervous this last week for tomorrow to come even though you are at the same school just going more days and with new teachers. You will do well there is no doubt.

Your light is so bright, may you show others.

Your creativity and imagination are sweet, may you nurture that for your whole life.

Your mind is quick, may you attain the knowledge that you need to be successful in your eyes, in your own way.

Your spirit can be wild and lead you to trouble but it will also serve you well in reaching your goals.

May you always treat people with respect, ESPECIALLY yourself.

May you always be honest even when it is hard.

May you always feel that you are loved and supported, even if we don't always agree.

May you always be true to yourself.... who you are.... and what makes you happy.

We love you like crazy girl.