Date night

Matt's mom ended up with some extra tickets to the BSU vs. UW game last Friday night, it made for a sweet date night. We grabbed some food at Mazzeh first, ran into the best of girlfriends tailgating, and then settled into the North End Zone for the game. The weather was chilly, neither team played well, and Matt missed the second half getting us coffee but it was a blast regardless. Funny thing, after walking back to our car at midnight, Matt saw a couple going at it in their car. The guy turned the inside car light on and the girl was totally naked while we climbed into our car to drive away. We were in a hurry, embarrassed for her, but she was comfortable sitting there without clothes on. I joked later that was because she was in college and all her parts were where they are supposed to be. 

the haps

Life lately; This fall was rich with reunions. We met up with family and friends we had missed while in Seattle. That cute blonde with Matt? That's Julie, she was the reason he graduated high school. Always lending him her notes or filling in him on the days he missed, I think it was like 54 days or something ridiculous.

 Also, it appears we have been reuniting with a lot of food. The Boise Fry Company along with friends and family giving us their eggs and potatoes and grapes for juicing. Hooray for the Idaho harvest! And the donuts! My fantastic friend Ruth brought them over in the midst of a homeschool disaster and saved the day. 

One last thing, I am reuniting with getting dressed. I joke that the reason I homeschool is that I don't have to put on pants. Yoga pants forever! But I found that maxi skirt pictured (twice!) and it may be the perfect solution.

After some very social months, this introvert has been doing a bit of hibernating. I have painted the living room and bathroom, it makes the hermittude kind of functional. Painting away and catching up on The Vampire Diaries and The Originals while the boys obsess over Minecraft and Matt watches the NFL. Tis the season for technology!

 I am already missing fall. Winter hit hard for me this year. I have been super anxious. Working through all that and listening to the lyrics,"oh for grace to trust Him more," on repeat. It is pretty fitting then that the view from our front porch is the cross.

and again

In keeping with the teacher's schedule, Labor Day weekend was going to be our best bet to drive back up to Seattle and haul back all our stuff. Just enough time to pack like crazy and say good-bye. Ellen had 3 of our boys stay the weekend with her and Parker stayed with his best friend in Seattle, it was nice for Matt and I to be able to power through it. Also, my parents came up to help. Such a blessing to have Ken play the worlds biggest game of Tetris in the U-haul and my mom packed up my entire kitchen. (a task I was ardently avoiding) They went off to the BSU vs. UW season opener Saturday night and Matt and I grabbed dinner at a favorite on Alki beach, Cactus. The sun was out and setting, a very peaceful night to let go of our time in Seattle.

We woke up to pack the last few things in the truck, like the mattresses we had slept on. There was even time to catch our beloved Pastor Eric Mason speak at Mars Hill in downtown. The old church building is spectacular and his message was about strongholds, especially in our mindsets. It seems like the main takeaway from Seattle for me is to challenge my mindset often. I love that the people of this city are so receptive and open to new ideas, wonderful for my wandering soul.

Speaking of wandering, we finally found an open Starbuck's on our 6th try! Weird.

Arrived early Monday and threw all the stuff wherever it landed. Yikes. 

Matt's brother Taylor spent one of his last days before going off to college doing the heaving lifting with Matt. I was worried we'd worn them out but they still had energy for this:

Some Idaho favorites so far, Cafe Rio (pork salads foreva!!!!) and the bait vending machine.

Also, love Friday night football in a small town.

All the really important things in life are the same. Loving these wild men that have been entrusted to me. I liken our family to a snow globe right now. Shaken up but I know it will all settle down... right before we move again!

chapter 2

 Another rushed post brought to you by moving across the northwest, starting a new job, and blending a family.

 We arrived in the 208 in mostly good spirits and I promptly started taking photos of the sky. Goodness! Idaho, you know sunsets!

 That full moon got all the blame for my wonkiness amidst the transition. Also good for wonkiness? Get yourself to Granny Annie's and have some ice cream.

 And maybe catch a slug or two for your hosts. We stayed with our good friends the Teels the first week. They are hospitality whizzes and forgave our fragile state. (And their girls love slugs, so the boys jumped right in)

 Plenty of coffee in a fitting mug.

 Part of the 2 week rush to wrap up our Seattle Experiment was to see Kelly and fam during their Idaho visit. Dan and Ellen were having a small celebration for their marriage and both boys wanted to be there. Here are the happy kids and the worn out guys.

 I had a chance to go back to school shopping with the Teel girls. They were most interested in Mrs. Field's Cookies at the mall. Maybe there is not such a gap between boys and girls ;)

 Cute hats on girls and cute hats on boys.

 Matt made the transition to teacher look pretty smooth. I thought we could all call him Mr. Archuleta but he said the students call him Matt. (what?)

 We are staying at Ellen's old place, just rearranged what was here and then held our breath to see if our stuff from Seattle would fit when we drug it back. (spoiler: it didn't)

 I cut Parker's hair! Part of my plan called Operation Teacher's Salary. He was pleased, saying it has a Macklemore vibe.

 And then I basically has a nervous breakdown. I am wound too tight for this moving every 2 years crap. Oh yea, this was all MY IDEA. I found this on Instagram the moment I was struggling the most.

 Yes and Amen, with a side of detox tea. (the stress diet has been killer. hello, Twinkies)

 Our house sold! Full price offer and buyer paying closing costs. Woot Woot! I knew that house was a gem and I'm so glad someone who loves it is moving in.

 Grandma Ellen's new place has a pool. Now tell me what is more fun than 7 cousins and a pool on a hot summer day?

For the first time in the 13 years I've known my sweet sister-in-law, we got to celebrate her birthday with her. She is patient and loving, makes the cutest babies and she let Collin blow out her candles. Miss this crew so much already.

Thanks for reading, the posts while half-crazed, are helping me bring it all into focus.

Oh Canada

Squeee! We all just came off a major high from a visit with Kelly and his boys. The older boys went to the Seahawk's game whilst I got the pleasure of entertaining Collin and Baby Kiel. So much fun packed into a few days. We all have a good times hangover. (6 dozen Krispy Kremes anyone?)

Da Bears

 Who cares that they lost, these Bears fans are the best. Also, the awful mix of ugly uniforms that the Superbowl teams will wear this year, hurt my eyes. All that yellow. Gag.