this & that

 We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I love those 4 day weekends. No Black Friday shopping for us, just lots of down time together. We did sneak in one tiny trip the Home Depot to get paint for our living room. We got the room painted just time to put up our Christmas tree. Everything looks lovely and fresh.

Rafe and Anya taking their First Communion a few weeks ago. They are getting so big .

 

 

Some very excited chickens digging around in the freshly laid leaves. They are going to make some great compost out of this big pile. Chickens are such great recyclers.

I will readily confess that I avoid canning during the summer. Heating up an already hot kitchen is not a favorite summer activity. I froze most of the berries and rhubarb we picked. Last week, I got around to making strawberry-rhubarb jam. It is yummy.

Otherwise, I am super busy making Christmas gifts and getting used to my new working status. It's all going very well. I am just about done with Christmas shopping and prep, aside from the baking we'll do when the kids are on Christmas break. I can't wait.

Have a blessed day, Tami

a new rhythm

{crayon kid art}

There are some little changes happening in my life right now.

I started a part-time job.
I have not worked outside our home for 15 years.
I am a little rusty, to say the least.
And a little iffy.

You know when you think you want to do something, and then you do it, it's not as cool as you thought it would be?
The job is cool. The idea of being out of my homemaker mode 2 days a week, a little scary.
Granted, I 've only worked 2 days.
I know that life will find a new rhythm.

But for now....my house is a wreck, I am out of my cooking groove, and I am feeling melancholy for the days when my kids were littles.
I am no good with change.
I also know that I will adjust. Just like I always do.

All this to say.....writing is going to be a little more challenging.
I will find my rhythm with that, too.

Have a blessed day, Tami

{this moment}

{classroom kid art}

Joining Amanda.

for today and always



Almighty God,

who hast given us this good land for our heritage:

We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves

a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will.

Bless our land with honorable industry,

sound learning, and pure manners.

Save us from violence, discord, and confusion;

from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.

Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people

the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues.

Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom

in thy Name we entrust the authority of government,

that there may be justice and peace at home, and that,

through obedience to thy law, we may show forth

thy praise among the nations of the earth.

In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness,

and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail;

all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(from the book of common prayer)

Have a blessed day, Tami

field trip

 

I am the mom that always signs up to chaperone field trips. I figure that's it a great way to spend one-on-one time with my kiddos. And also, when would I actually get to these cool places on my own accord??? I have been on some great field trips.

The Burke Museum is fascinating. It is located on the University of Washington campus. We had a 30 minute bus ride, not too bad. The bus ride in itself is a treat. Being driven there, meant that I could stare at the beautiful Seattle neighborhoods and sights. A bonus was being able to sit next to a dear mom-friend and have 30 minutes of uninterrupted talk time.

Our focus was the rocks and minerals exhibition. We also studied how the land has changed in Washington State. We had Rhinoceros here at one point. Crazy.

As my kids grow, the field trips will diminish. I am so glad I've been able to join them.

 

Have a blessed Monday, Tami