Sweet times

My heart aches when I see these pictures and yet I have deep joy because of this time together with Russell's family.  I'm so, so thankful we made this trip!  I linger over these photos and remember little tidbits of conversations, visits, laughs & even the tears that flowed. This was a trip filled with firsts & lasts.  Reminds me again that we don't know when our 'last' experiences will take place.  The most important thing is to keep our next step faithful, because it could be our last. 

 

 

Kitchen time

Having a kitchen helper always makes tasks in the kitchen more fun.  Loved spending time in the kitchen with Ben this past week.  He can add another dish to his "I've made it" list:  cornbread. 

 

The grin says it all....something is about to happen & I may need to duck for cover.

Changing plans...

Another life lesson:  Plans are made to be changed.  We had big plans to see friends & family in Phoenix, Santa Fe & along the way.  But with one sick kiddo, we had to change directions.  Trevin felt really bad but getting better at home was just a much better option. 

One boy was happy to be on the road...

 

Birthday boys

Never mind that Miss Vienna is outnumbered by the boys in our Wednesday night meeting.  It is a happy day when get to celebrate birthdays & eat chocolate!  

Race day

Hard work pays off...Ben finished 16th out of the 5th grade class in the 2 mile Turkey Trot last week(cancelled before Thanksgiving because of rainy weather).  I tried to lower his expectations because of his foot trouble this fall.  He surprised me!  Trevin did great in his 1.5 mile race as well.  They don't give out ribbons in 1st grade...but since I was helping the coaches I have a pretty good idea that he would have been in the top 20 as well.  I broke a new record for myself....25 miles in spin class.

It feels great to work hard & finish well.

Grandma's rolls

For many years now, Grandma (or Great-Grandma) Bunette has made the same sourdough rolls from starter faithfully every week.  Anytime we were at her house, she always offered us rolls with jam - either as a snack or with the meal.  So, it was a sad day when she took her starter out of the freezer and found that it was no longer active.  In some ways it makes life at 100 a bit easier for her now.  But we will miss all her labor in the kitchen to make these amazing rolls.  

Trevin was sick the last time we went up to Grandma's last weekend. So she sent his 2 rolls home for him to enjoy.  He savored every bite!!

a pumpkin on my table

I love the change in perspective when I'm reminded of everything I have to be thankful for.  My little pumpkin turned out cute & goodness, it wasn't too hard to fill up the space.  

Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

Thought for Tuesday

Trevin's project

Trevin intently wrote his thankful thoughts on a little pumpkin this week.  He needed help with a few words, but I have noted progress in his writing skills!  It is certainly getting easier for him.  Yay! 

" I love my parents.  We will be thankful and have the right spirit.And don't say mean words.  I am thankful for daddy letting me go to Park and Pizza!  We want to respect around the world."

I think he's got the right idea!!

Florida bound

He's off!  This time Russell is travelling to Florida.  I looked into flying out with the boys for the weekend, but it just didn't make sense this time.  Fortunately the boys really didn't care.  They are currently scheming how we can get back to Sandpoint as quickly as possible.  However, it IS difficult to get the girl out of Texas.  Oh the wisdom from our sweet nephews.  Jeannie & I laughed until we cried about that one.  I look back & miss her so much!

Russell was gone for nearly half the summer.  It has been a growing experience for me & there certainly have been growing pains.  The good:  more patience, empathy for who are in this same situation, getting more organized, learning how to keep things fun for encourage cooperation from all parties, more appreciation for quiet time.  The bad:  sometimes the burden feels awfully heavy.  The good outweighs the bad for which I'm very thankful.

I find myself humbled as I struggle at times alone in this parenting business.  This is good. Convention message for me: Humility is essential when establishing ourselves on the rock.  A lesson I must keep learning.

Success

Fall Hike: Bull Creek, Austin, TX

The boys are always up for an adventure even when someone is hobbling around with a foot boot.  The fall weather did not disappoint as we made our way along Bull Creek.  Of course, we had to climb, run, jump, & explore...getting our feet wet which didn't prove to be very comfortable while shopping at Trader Joe's afterwards.  But hey - we survived & it wasn't so bad after all.  Yep, there is still a bit of drama even without girls in this family.  

Our next hike will be this winter...in New Mexico or Arizona.  Let the planning begin!  

I need to get maps & recommendations.  

Pancakes & peaches

As usual I tried a new recipe since we were having company tonight.  Not sure why I do this to myself, however I could tell this would be a keeper.  It was wonderful!  I made Peachy Pancake Sauce tonight with some frozen peaches.  There is nothing like a warm fruit sauce on oatmeal pancakes.  Delish food & nice fellowship on this drizzly, cool evening....a lovely way to end the weekend.

Click here to view recipe.

Looking ahead to Monday now & thankful for all His provisions.

International Children's Day

This is a huge event at the boys' elementary school....booths representing at least 12 different countries with snacks at each booth and lots of fun facts.  It was an exhausting but fun day.  It was fun serving english tea & cookies to the kiddos as well as showing them pictures of Parliament, the Star of Africa (diamond) in the Crown Jewels, Tower Bridge, & more. 

My fun fact:  What time is tea time in England? 

No borders

A recent reminder at convention -

We are a part of something that crosses boundaries and has no borders.

Thankful on this Thursday for a change in my perspective.

Investigations

It was rather fitting that pumpkin investigations took place this week.  Trevin invited me to help their table with his project.  The kids had fun learning while getting dirty.  Pumpkins float!  Our pumpkin contained over 390 seeds.  And what a fantastic mess we made...just glad it happened at school & not at my house!

Thought for Tuesday

Pondering this convention gem...Responsibility is the response to our ability in serving God. 

Convention Days 2016

Music with Steve P. was such a treat after the Spanish convention...violin, viola, cello, trumpet, piano.  The boys' 2nd cousin, Mandy, was with us also!

Visit with John & Bernard.  I think we went around the world twice that evening.  What a wonderful privilege to get to know Bernard just a little.  He shared some precious things.

Crutches at convention!  Short version:  an unfortunate accident when a friend stepped on Ben's foot on Sunday at the Spanish convention, pain & immobility sent him to the ER that night...xrays showed a line with a possible fracture...dr's orders "nonweightbearing for 1 week." He didn't let the crutches slow him down too much(after he finally let me teach him a thing or two about crutches...if only he knew I've done crutch training 573 times at the hospital).  Anyway, he can check that one off as another 'first'.   

Sans crutches the following week. 

This was an accidental picture, but I love it anyway...a strong arm around our little boy & the comfort there.  We love the feeling of comfort at convention, being together while separated from so much.  And now tomorrow we go back out again.  Even the boys feel the difference.  Trevin told me tonight, It feels like tomorrow will be the first day of school again.

Tonight I'm thankful for all that was poured out to us in these past few weeks and to be counted in.