Grasshopper Days

Grasshopper Days

For today, October 15, 2012

Outside my window...  dark and wet.  Fall, our kind of fall, came in with a bang this week.  Goodbye glorious, bright blue October days and hello wind and rain.

I am hearing...  nothing at the moment, but any minute I'll hear the boys' alarm clock...

I am thinking...  45 minutes later... it was a Baked Oatmeal morning :D  Wyatt is off to the school bus (*sigh*) and Tate and Gunnar are reading until we start school.  This is going to be a busy week.  Full of good things, but busy.

I am praying...  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.  

I am thankful...  for a restful weekend :D

I am wearing...  gray jeans, white t-shirt, navy-blue sweater... faaaaancy ;D

I am creating...  still wrapping up a couple of projects for my sister.  I'll get pics when I'm done.

I am going...  to make something for me next :D

I am reading...  with the boys: Whatever Happened to Penny Candy, The Incredible Journey, WaterSky, and The Wolves of Willoughby Chase.  For me?  In between books.

I am hoping...  to sail, serenely, through a hectic week.

In the kitchen...  maybe I'll start some bread and soup, for a "big" lunch, since we'll be scattered at dinner time.

In the learning rooms...  Wyatt is heading into ancient Greece, while Tate, Gunnar and I begin reading about Russia and the Soviet Union.  Guess what?  We are one sixth of the way through the school year.  That feels like we're achieving something, doesn't it?!

Around the house...  I love, love, love having fall decorations scattered around.  Especially as the weather deteriorates and we are inside more.  I love for our home to feel cozy and welcoming - a refuge for the family.

The Mother Load...  I still want to do one more fall sewing project, but if I also have a couple of ideas for Christmas things I want to make and time is drawing near...  decisions, decisions!  We have a round of doctor appointments coming up.  Some for me, I may share about later, and check-ups for a couple of the boys.  I should be looking for a violin teacher for Gunnar.  And the yard is a MESS after all the wind we've had in the last couple of days.

Noticing that...  I think I'm part squirrel.  The cupboards are overflowing!  Need to make a plan to use certain food items :D

Something I want to remember...  that even with two teenage boys, this is a good time.  Wyatt has to read all this depressing, adolescent-angst stuff for his HS English class, and it is foreign to our lives, and for that I am thankful.

A favorite quote for today...  Always remember, a cat looks down on man, a dog looks up to man, but a pig will look man right in the eye and see his equal.    Winston Churchill

One of my favorite things...  finishing projects!!!

A Bible verse...  For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.  

Hebrews 8:12

A few plans for the rest of the week...  put on your seatbelts, because it's going to be a wild ride...

Monday - homeschool (duh), Messiah rehearsal for Wyatt and me

Tuesday - homeschool, Civil Air Patrol for Wyatt and Tate

Wednesday - 8:45 doctor appointment for me, homeschool, craft night at the church for me ;D

Thursday - homeschool, family out to dinner - a treat!

Friday - possibly spending the evening at Kerry's brothers - want to be social, but not really interested in carving pumpkins to do what with? because here's how I feel:  

Halloween is a religious holiday,

and it's not my religion.

Saturday - boys have Heritage Flight Museum duties, and we're invited to an Octoberfest party.  Hmmm... can we do it all???  Probably not.  We'll see what has to give.

A peek into my world... 

Saying goodbye to the bunnies... more pics later.

Irony?

Some of the Secrets...

... can now be revealed.

Not that they're so ultra-fabulous

that you'll all be overcome by shock and awe,

but just because I like a record for myself :D

It's no secret that I like to change the decor around in my house for different seasons and holidays.  My mom and sister are the same, though we all accessorize a bit differently.  Throw pillows make an easy and inexpensive visual change, so I made these for my sister along with a second set of covers.

It's hard to see in the picture, but this grassy one has a wonderful, fuzzy texture to it.

It's my favorite :D

The covers can be easily removed (no zippers for me - they have two overlapping pieces of fabric on the back.)

Both my sister and SIL really like red, so I put together a couple of very basic red aprons for my SIL...

... and my sister.

This one photographed kind of funny.  The greenish splotches are not nearly so prominent to the eye as they obviously were to the camera.  But hey, no one will know if your apron gets stained :D

I'm working on something else I can't show yet, as well as three projects my sister handed off to me (for her), so I'll post those later.

Ta-daa :D

Grasshopper Days

Grasshopper Days

For today, October 8, 2012

Outside my window...  another glorious, bright blue October day.  See the last post ;D

I am hearing...  it's 8:57am and the house is pretty quiet.  Wyatt is at the high school, Tate is working on his math (probably about done), and Gunnar has already finished his math and language and is reading downstairs.

I am thinking...  very mundane thoughts.  Gunnar needs socks, and Kerry needs boxers "unmentionables".  How's that for reality?

I am praying...  for a friend starting cancer treatment, for another friend recovering from a fall, for my mom's knee to heal... for the boys and Kerry and me :D

I am thankful...  they had a FABULOUS time at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum with their CAP group and came home happily exhausted.  I had a lovely quiet weekend - just me and my sewing machine ;D

I am creating...  whew!  I'll post pics of the b'day gifts I made soon.  My sister brought me a project she started that she'd like me to finish for her, so I'll get some pics of that as I get to it.

I am going...  to take more pictures.  This is such a breathtaking fall.  Not quite like this...

... which I did NOT take, and must be Colorado or Utah.  But for western (wet-side) Washington, it's GORGEOUS :D

I am looking forward to...  perhaps a calmer week???

In the kitchen...  hmmm, we're heading in different directions this evening, so not sure what we'll do for a meal.  I should've planned that ahead.

In the learning rooms...  since Wyatt is heading off to school shortly after 7am, Tate and Gunnar and I have been getting started by 7:30 and I love it.  We take a lot of breaks, and we still finish shortly after lunch :D  We're studying Antarctica this week, and in a shocking development there's really not a lot of literature about Antarctica.  We've already learned about Shackleton, so maybe we'll borrow March of the Penguins ;D

Around the house...  I love fall.  Cozy, snuggly blankets and quilts and warm-smelling candles inside, and beautiful views outside.

The Mother Load...  has been substantially reduced, post-party, but there is always the usual array of things to do.  In good news, I took three bags of household things to Goodwill and three bags of clothes and toys to consignment this weekend :D

Noticing that...  our days are substantially shorter!  Remember this photo, from 10pm?  Yah.

My brother and I stood on my parents deck and watched an amazing sunset last night (didn't have my camera)... at 6:30.  And sunrise is about 7:30.  We've gone over the hump - our nights are now longer than our days.

Something I want to remember for later...  how excited the boys are to tell me all the details of things like their trip.  And how they love what they consider the funny parts.

Something fun to share...  my dad was swimming in the lake this last weekend.  And I am still doing this - hanging laundry on the line, for a little bit longer.  :D

A favorite quote for today...  Live your life; don't skim it.

One of my favorite things...  autumn :D

A few plans for the rest of the week...  yes, it's that time of the year already... Messiah rehearsals start tonight.  Then - of course - CAP on Tuesday.  Wyatt has an orthodontist appointment Thursday, and I have a doctor appointment on Friday.  Actually, it seems like a pretty mellow week.


A peek into my world...

How about a peek into the past.  Aren't the boys adorable?  (I think 2007?)

And Kerry and I as Gary-Larson-esque cockroaches going to a fancy ball.  (I think that was my aunt's prom dress, from the 50's.)

Happy Monday!

Today

Today my house is very, very quiet.



Kerry and the boys are gone with their Civil Air Patrol group (and Gunnar got to go along, too) to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, down in McMinnville, Oregon.  As if it wasn't exciting enough just to be around all those airplanes (even the Spruce Goose!) the museum also has an indoor water park.  Several of the slides start inside an actual 747 on the roof of the building. 

So, yah, it's pretty much boy heaven.

And I'm hanging out at home, enjoying... silence...  which is pretty much mom heaven.

It helps that the weather is gorgeous and the trees and bushes shout God's glory in bright colors.

Even hanging laundry is a joy with this surrounding me, and even above me.

The vine is Virginia Creeper, if you wondered.


I think this is my favorite tree in the yard.  I do love the hemlock, but this pink dogwood changes so, from season to season.

I suppose it's rare for us to have such a dry fall.  We don't often get to crunch through fallen leaves... our weather is usually a bit, well, soggy.

So we're reveling in these warm days of Indian summer, wishing we could store up some of this sunshine-and-over-seventy-degrees, and piling quilts on the beds for the crisp nights.

I think I need to soak up these beautiful, saturated colors too, to fortify myself for the long, gray, dark winter, just around the corner.

I've been busy sewing today, in preparation for celebrating four family birthdays tomorrow.  But I look out my window and can't stay at my work.

I'm not the only one who's been working hard...

O sun and skies and flowers of June,

Count all your boasts together,

Love loveth best of all the year

October's bright blue weather.

     - Helen Hunt Jackson

Promotions

Every first Tuesday is special at CAP.  The cadets all wear their dress blues because the last hour of the meeting is Commander's Call, which includes recognizing cadets for their achievements and promotions.

Tate is rightfully proud of himself for having earned the rank of Sergeant - he received new insignia, a new ribbon (bar), his Wright Brothers Award...

... and the congratulations of his Commander and all present :D

Though not an official promotion, Wyatt is now the squadron guidon bearer.

And we celebrated with a trip to DQ :D

I'm so proud of the boys - not just for passing tests and being promoted, but for the work and dedication they put into it.  They really do earn those promotions and responsibilities.

Well done :D

Grasshopper Days

Grasshopper Days

For today, October 1, 2012

Outside my window...  we've had an amazing September - dry and warm.  Gorgeous.  Can it really be October already?  The sun isn't up yet, but it looks to be a beautiful day :D

I am hearing...  Wyatt getting ready to leave for the high school (on nice days he rides his bike), and otherwise silence, as the other boys are reading.

I am thinking...  I still "make" my oldest (16) give me a hug before he heads out the door, because IMHO you're never too old to hug your mom.  And, though he rolls his eyes, it's not like he resists in horror.

I am praying...  for his safety (coming and going) and for wisdom and discernment at the school - to take in the good and reject the bad, for the other boys - for good attitudes and diligence with their work, for all of them - to be kind with each other, for Kerry - to manage his time well and work diligently (he's still got a lot of work right now - hallelujah!), and for me - wisdom and grace.  For my window-washer friend, for our pastor, for a friend with year-long cancer treatments to endure, for my mom's knee...

I am thankful...  for the aforementioned work (!) and the continued good weather.  We're soaking it up before the cold, dark winter sets in.

I am wearing...  turquoise capri pants, white t-shirt, "holeys" (faux crocs - my slippers).  Fabulous, dahling.

I am creating...  can't tell.  Celebrating four birthdays this weekend.

I am going...  to get school started - I hope - by 7:30.  That's our goal this year.

I am reading...  still reading through Women Encouraging Women for myself, and starting Rascal with the boys.

I am looking forward to...  ??? enjoying today :D

In the kitchen...  cooked a turkey on Saturday and have lots of leftovers.  I'll make a couple of pot-pies to freeze and will probably freeze some portions of meat to use in recipes.  Turkey taquitos soon?

In the learning rooms...  "traveling" to New Zealand with Tate and Gunnar this week, as well as the usual round of studies.

Around the house...  I love the cozy fall feeling.  YES!  I got my pumpkin spice candles :D

The Mother Load...  this is a week we "can't" get behind, as the boys have a fun activity planned this weekend, so I'm mindful of keeping everyone on schedule.  Today - must pick up Wyatt's Messiah score (having it spiral-bound in black).  Tuesday - Civil Air Patrol.  Wednesday - I'm taking dinner to a friend (must see if she wants it hot, or if she has a lot of leftovers and would rather have something for the freezer).  Friday - two boys have a vision screening (one is already waiting on new glasses...)  Saturday - wrap up any unfinished projects for the b'day party on Sunday.

Noticing that... it's October!  How can it already be October?  And you know what's great about that?  We are one ninth of the way through our school year.

Something fun to share...  big night at CAP this week... will share details after.

A favorite quote for today...
From heaven, even the most miserable life will look like one bad night at an inconvenient motel.
          Teresa of Avila

One of my favorite things...  the warm, cozy smell of those pumpkin spice candles.

A Bible verse...  2 Peter 1:3
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.

A peek into my world...

Wyatt was about to leave for school one morning last week when he drew our attention to the eastern sky, full of color.

Friday Brain Dump... and a Bit of a Rant

Todays Friday Brain Dump is brought to you by...

1.  The Interrobang‽- have you heard of this?  It's a question/exclamation mark together.  And all I can say is it's about time!

2.  Can I just tell you how disappointed I am that my grocery store is moving everything around?  What on earth has gotten into these people?  I was just there yesterday and recognized one of the owners of the chain, directing the folks doing the shuffling, and almost gave him an earful.  Because - hello? - do you do the grocery shopping for your family?

No, I think not.

Because if you had ever, even once, filled a grocery cart you would know better than to put the bread first, where it will get squished under everything else you're about to buy.

Kerry suggested I just start at the other end of the store.

Kerry is hilarious.

No.  You go right first.  It's scientific.  Even in countries that drive on the left, they know that people will go to the right first.  Which is why they put all the refrigerated and frozen things way off in the back, to the left... where you finish.

And another tip?  Among the refrigerated things?  The eggs should go last.  Not before the six gallons of milk I need to buy today.

They need a woman to head that committee, because the men Don't Get It.


3.  And speaking of grocery - and other - stores - our county recently banned (single-use) plastic shopping bags.  Crazy environmental busy-bodies.  I don't mind so much at department stores, but reusable bags for groceries?  Ewwww.

I've seen some pretty nasty looking ones, and you know why?

That's my clothesline.  Apparently, I am in the 3% minority of people that actually wash their bags.  Now you might feel all virtuous and noble, because you're washing your bags, too.  But what about the people in line ahead of you?  The checker had to touch their filthy bags before handling your groceries.  How noble and virtuous do you feel now?  A checker at Wally-world last week told me a man had handed her his reusable bag, in which his dog had vomited.  I think I would've shoved the bag over his head, and him out the door!  I think I'm not cut out to be a checker.

Dog vomit aside, the study (University of Arizona and Loma Linda University) found coliform bacteria in about HALF the bags, and E. coli in 12%.

One researcher claims that after San Francisco banned plastic shopping bags, there was a spike in ER visits (and deaths) related to these bacteria, but I don't know if that's substantiated.  Although a reusable bag appears to have caused a norovirus outbreak, among a Beaverton, Oregon soccer team.

Done ranting now...


4.  I have a turkey in the fridge, all thawed out and ready to cook, but I got distracted and it's too late to start.  Maybe tomorrow?


5.  We're done picking blackberries for the year.  They're still out there, but they're not the same.  Must be the cooler nights.

6.  Does anyone know what kind of tree this is?  Yes, it's real.  No, it's not a fruit that I've ever seen people eat.  Looks like something from Dr. Seuss, if you ask me.

7.  I've been trying to grow these for years, and this is the first time the deer have left them alone long enough to get to this stage.  Thank you, Liquid Fence.

Chinese Lanterns

8.  Gunnar and I had a good walk yesterday.  Apparently I had left my camera on a different setting and didn't notice until we were home - oops - and my pictures didn't quite come out the way I hoped, but still...

He always likes to visit the ducks at several nearby ponds,

... and quickly spotted this less common visitor, as well.  It's a Great Blue Heron, a bit out of focus - sorry!

9.  I just like the fall colors, coming out around my neighborhood :D

Home's Cool

I would like to think that all of our homeschooling is Fun and Creative and Inspiring.

But the truth is, there is more than plenty of Ordinary.

Times tables, and semicolons vs. colons, and quadratic equations, and there/their/they're.

And sometimes, even though I've reminded him and put a sticky note in his book directing him to write his answers on a piece of paper, one boy in particular keeps forgetting and writing in his book.  Thankfully, Kerry has an electric eraser :D  Though that didn't help when I sat down to work with Gunnar on grammar, and we did two pages...  of Tate's grammar book, which they can write in.

In ink.

And none of that is a big deal.  Pencil marks can be erased from books.  And Tate's education isn't going to come crashing to a halt because Gunnar and I did two pages of hyphens and italicizing.

And when things seem to be getting kind of mundane, we do have fun and creative things to do :D

Guess what country Tate and Gunnar and I have been studying?

And guess who made this piece of art, all on his own?

Gunnar :D

Love it.

CAP SAREX

Did I mention that Wyatt and Tate were gone last weekend?  Their CAP group cooperates with our county's Search and Rescue, and have an annual SAR training exercise each fall.  I think they've been looking forward to it since last September.

Friday evening and all day Saturday were filled with training exercises in preparation for the big scenario - a simulated airplane crash - on Sunday.  I'm warning you ahead:  if you're easily grossed out, feel free to avert your eyes, because they had some awesome "make-up" to make the victims more realistic.  Not sure if they told the cadets ahead of time or not!

Down at base camp, Wyatt and a couple other cadets prepare to use the "Christmas tree" - an antennae that helps them home in on a signal.  They're not here to consult, but I would guess it would help find an airplane's "black box".  Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

They have quite a bit of equipment.

Up a logging road, far above the base camp...

... they were preparing the injuries.  I don't think she was one of the official "victims" - maybe they were just practicing?  She's having far too much fun to be a victim ;D

But check these guys out.  These men are not CAP guys - I think they're from our local SAR group, helping out for the weekend.

The cadets were taught to triage the victims into four classes.
Green victims have non-life-threatening injuries, and can wait.
Yellow victims have injuries that could become life-threatening if not attended to soon.
Red victims have immediately life-threatening injuries and will die if you don't do something.
Black victims are either already dead or mortally wounded, and don't get treated.
That sounds cold-hearted, but you treat the ones you can help.
Though the guy on the right looks worse, I think the man on the left was the "black" victim.

The silver tarps on the downed tree represent airplane wreckage.

Now the cadets arrive on the scene.

Wyatt is checking out the victim with internal bleeding, who is about to stop breathing and die.  Meanwhile, the second victim, on the right is the pilot.  He's the "green" victim (compound fracture - arm) but was instructed to be a pain in the rear, and to continuously distract the cadets by demanding attention and treatment.

Tate's group had just bush-whacked up a very steep hill filled with logging debris, and arrived on scene just in time to...

... help get the victims down a steep bluff and onto the logging road.

This was quite a logistical challenge, requiring a sort of belay from a tree.

And there's nothing like the pressure of being continuously observed and evaluated by SAR / EMTs.

And where did this victim come from?

Meanwhile, Mr. Pilot has been splinted, but is still (acting) annoying and delusional.

Wrapping things up - there's my boys :D

They're a great bunch :D

And a bit goofy!