the end

  I have finished the last book.  I am still crazy geeked-up about the whole thing. I spent the entire morning of my 30th birthday finishing it & then promptly ran out the door with the three oldest boys to see the last movie installment in theaters. That did not seem like an occasion worthy of the day but then, on the way there, it hit me. It is a rare thing when a mom, a middle schooler,  a ten year old, & seven year old are all incredibly excited about the same movie. We loved every minute & we did it together. What a happy tale I have found myself in.

a birthday affair

 We were given tickets (and $100 cash to spend!) to our first ever Puyallup Fair. Some friends at Mars Hill blessed us & it just so happened to coincide with my 30th birthday. We took the afternoon off school & headed to the fair.

 The boys really liked this attraction...hmm....

 Lost children or deep fried butter, wow. I mean, just, wow.

 My baby boy, Collin, is in one of those swings! He was a daredevil, as always. I do not think the height requirement took extra-tall four year olds into account.

A super fun way to spend the day. We were right at home with the Carnies, how I do love our little circus.

book six

Albus Dumbledore: You must be wondering why I brought you here. 
Harry Potter: Actually sir, after all these years I just sort of go with it. 


Parker's ferocity with the Bible ( he just finished for the 4th time, btw ) trumps my Potter obsession. I will say the books continue to resonate with me deeply & our adventures of late. 

Aden Jolie-Pitt?

  Aden Mathew is in 2nd grade this year. He had an absolute blast in 1st grade, this kid just loves school. I am working to make our "homeschool" equally rewarding for him. He is a natural rule-follower & likes to challenge himself. I am loving his quirky style, accentuated by his new haircut. Someone said he looks like one of Brangelina's kiddos.

  We are into week two of the online schooling. The first few days were excruciating. I was so ready to give up. This week has been better & I am hopeful. As I am walking through the lessons with the boys, I have had some tender moments where I am just so glad they are mine. I really like my kids. I feel so lucky to be their mom even with the weightiness that goes with that.

Parker

For some strange reason my preteen did not want a back to school photoshoot. Hmm...shocking. These are some recent pictures, though. Parks got a nice summer buzz from Dad & is handsome as can be. To think I agonized over what this kid would look like when I was pregnant.

I am going to have to step up my game if I am going to teach Parker anything this year in 6th grade. He hates the idea of the Online School but he has been much more trusting of his dad & I over the past month. I want to brag on him a bit, this young man has read his Bible, front to back, THREE TIMES THIS SUMMER. This may seem inappropriate but, HOLY S***! He is inspiring us to a new standard as his passion is contagious. All that reading has led to some amazing conversations & is one of the reasons I know we are supposed to be in Seattle for this season.

Parker, you continue to raise the bar. We are so proud of you & the man you are becoming.

green thumb

 This little gem popped up in our yard about a month ago. Eep! Eep! More pink flowers? I know I am in the right place. Also, hummingbirds are consistently found hovering around it.

 Kaleb has always had an interest in nature. He is happiest covered in dirt & looking for wildlife. I appreciate his green thumb because no one else in the family has it. I think his shaggy 'do goes with his personality so good, looking all the more like Grandpa Jeffrey as well.

I snapped a few photos of his on his first day of school. He is a 4th grader this year. (Whaaa???) Parker, Kaleb, & Aden are going on the adventure of Virtual Academy with me this year. It is public school curriculum done at home & a certified teacher is available for meeting standards & help if needed.

 The flexibility in schedule combined with the uncertainty going on in our life right now, were the reasons I thought it would be a good fit. Wish us luck! (I will post the other boys pictures as well. Kaleb started first because his materials came in the mail first.)

book five

I am still reading & obsessing more than ever. This book was the hardest for me to read, a lot of rage going on inside Harry. Kaleb decided we should watch all the films again after reading each book. This film was the most disappointing as well, in comparison to the book. I guess all that rage would be even harder to watch so they cleaned it up.

Not sure if I have lost all of you who follow this blog. The book reviewing will probably end with Harry, I just needed a change in the narrative on the blog. I know I am a late-comer in the Potter world but I am savoring each book while I can. Finishing the books is bittersweet, then I will be back to my own tale. One that I am more & more convinced, is a good story.

"Indeed, your failure to understand that there are things much worse than death has always been your greatest weakness."

Dumbledore to Lord Voldemort

book four

"we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. Lord Voldemort's gift for spreading discord and enmity is very great. We can fight it only by showing an equally strong bond of friendship and trust. Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open."
Dumbledore

"what would come, would come... and he would have to meet it when it did."
the last line of book 4

 I tell ya, these books are just hittin' the spot for me. So timely, the messages come through dear Harry's turmoil.

  You know what has been the difference from a good day and a bad day around here? I mean, the days that you just soak in every wonderful moment and the ones you wish had never come at all?

  Nothing.

That's right, nothing. The circumstance for us in Seattle, (no job, no family, everything being unfamiliar) has stayed the same for us, for the most part. It has just been the way we look at it. Matt and I are fighting some hard battles in perspective, and we are finding joy along the way. It is such an ugly process, seeing your heart always prefers the easy way, the comfortable way, the socially acceptable way. (uggh...) Then we celebrate with our loved ones on the other side, because we are better for it. Seeing the dark bits in one another and finding we are loved anyway. Makes me choke up just typing it.

beach bums

the crab pot

 As promised, we took Kaleb to the Crab Pot in Pike's for a seafood feast. I could not get a decent picture of the birthday boy, he was buzzing with excitement.

 Bibs & mallets? We knew we were in the right place.

 Tasty, entertaining, fun for all ages. We left happy & full.

 Fun times with a boy that reminds me of life's most important matters. Time in nature, snuggles with loved ones, & exercising your imagination daily. How fitting that our redhead would be that spark in our lives.

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
~Mary Oliver