Lists

We are back home. Now we are really all overwhelmed with the amount of clutter we have here. Now, especially, since we are going to be getting Kai's kitten very soon.

So, I work better from a list. I don't need to do the whole list at once, but it helps me from going about things in that crazy dizzy spin that can happen to me. Now there are several lists to be made. One for crafts. One for things to do now. One for things that need to be done, but not necessarily now. One for Christmas gifts.

How many of you out there use lists? How often? All the time? Just wondering :)

Now, as far as Christmas goes. I love to give, so this is my favorite season. However, I need to be able to mail gifts easily from state to state. This year, especially, I will have to pair down my gift size and fragility to match what we can do in mailing.

That means the mini origami boxes are out. It also means the yarn ball ornaments are out. Maybe I'll have to do something completely different than what I had thought of at first! Time will tell. I think my friend Kat had something on her blog that would work very, very well...and so I will think more on it.

We are *home*. Wish we had Beth and Em here with us. Then it would be perfect. However, we are here. The place looks completely different now that the leaves are all gone and the clouds are here. I love rain. Now I just need to buy some rain gear for all of us so we can actually *live* in the rain! Also need some warm things knitted up. Which brings me back to the lists...

Next time I get a chance to be on here, I'll write about our experiences on the road for the two and a half weeks we traveled. We had so much fun!

The last few weeks

K, so we have been pretty busy. Jeff took a contact job with the great guys who he met when were in TN. Now these guys have given him the opportunity to do some great work and write a bit in corporate speak. What that means for us is two fold (or more) : First, it means we get to be here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest as a *family* at home for a few more months without worry. Second, it means we got to go to San Diego with him and see our peeps down there. So this month has been jammin' with thoughts and work and ideas and activities.

Along the way, there was James to be heard! Thanks to our great friend, Mary Gold, I got to go see him in concert once again. This time we were able to attend a few of the concerts together with a few friends in tow. Shirts were made and worn, laughter was had, band members were talked to, and we were able to see each other and have a great time getting to know each other just a little bit more. Totally fun. The first concert we saw was in Portland. We then drove up to Seattle area to see the one there. After that we crashed at Ronnie's house and stayed a few days. Ronnie hosted an intro to unschooling panel, for which I sat on. I was honored to be there and we did have a good time. After that we headed home completely exhausted beyond what we had anticipated.

The next week found us with a Baba here! Kade and I stayed to play nerf wars in the park while Jeff and Kai went up to pick up Baba from the airport. Just before the visit, the boys were elated enough to change their sleep schedule by about 12 hours! The first full day we scoped out a couple of pumpkin patches online and ended up at the Muddy Creek Pumpkin Patch and corn maze. It was perfect! Couldn't have asked for better weather or for a better set up. The boys (and Baba) rode the cow train, we climbed on top of the hay stack, saw the cool hay structures they built (my favorite was the big pig!) and headed into the corn maze. We didn't find all the stations they had, but we did escape, albeit through the side of the maze rather then an true exit! It was a total blast. We then hopped on the tractor ride and scored some pumpkins. The boys chose theirs and we headed home. The next day found us relaxing at home and decorating our place with Baba. The third day of the visit we headed out to find Alsea Falls. We drove out to find that it was closed for maintenance. Not all was for lost, we found there are other falls just to the south. Green Peak Falls was just a bit of a hike and it was spectacular. Very much worth the effort of getting there! We finished the hike by going to a local cafe and enjoying some treats. Kade had decided to spend the time with his friend, Jasper, while we hiked. They had a blast, too, since it had been several weeks since they had one on one time together. Baba's visit was fabulous and the boys were very, very happy to have her with them for a few days. Kade and Jeff brought her back to the airport while Kai and I stayed home.

By the next day, Jeff and I had to really sit down and talk about what we were ready for. Trip with all or just trip with Jeff. After a few days discussion, we decided we would all go down with Jeff to San Diego and then...well, we would already be half way to Beth and Em in Albuquerque...so why not just go see them, too?!

We decided a nice larger vehicle would be good for our trip, since we would now be spending a few weeks in route to our friends and other attractions. So we ended up with this baby

We headed out to Hockey for Kade on Friday. After that, we picked up the Flex and headed home to pack in prep for an early morning departure for the south. We stopped in Montague to see my folks and pick up the annuals that I had been hoping to get for a bit. The boys had a good visit. I can't grasp how folks age. I am now thinking about how well I'll be doing when I'm in my mid to late 70s. How well will you do? It's an amazing journey, this life. Anyway, after some time with the dogs, the lovely cat and the chickens and a nice meal prepared and served by a woman who is boarding with my folks (she's working on a special program that places those looking for work in assistance programs and is working around the corner at the Hub) we left Siskiyou County (all the while enjoying the view of Mt. Shasta) and made it to Woodland for the night. The next morning we were off early and headed to Orange County. We checked into the hotel and headed out to visit with my lovely Aunt Mary. It's hard to express how cool she really, really is. We spent a few hours chatting, then headed back to the hotel to sleep a bit. We got up to go visit Mary and Sarah the next morning for a few hours. Around noon we headed out to San Diego so Jeff could get all organized for his conference call the next morning. After that, we headed out to Mandy's house for a bit of a visit. We missed the fun of the craft making, as we were so late, but totally enjoyed seeing many friends. That night we headed out to Flo's house. Flo and family were so gracious and housed us during our stay in the area. Tuesday found us at La Jolla Shores with the funschoolers group. Wednesday we saw our friends Zack, Zayden and Erika; Cameron, Ella and Gardenia; Kade went out with his friend Ryan while the rest of us chilled with Juliet, Camille, Flo and Marc. Thursday found us at Dos Picos Park and the kids got to play Warrior Cats (based on the novels) with the funschoolers. Time in San Diego flew by. We headed out Friday morning to Las Vegas, where we find ourselves today. Last night we hit the pool and the kids arcade and won some fun things. The boys went on the two 4D shows they offered, Sponge Bob and the Extreme Log Ride. We had dinner together in the hotel...we are staying at the Excalibur, and then made the journey to see the Pirate/Siren battle in front of the Treasure Island Hotel. After the show we headed back to the room for some much needed sleep! Today we didn't have to wake up to an alarm, so took advantage of that. The slow pace of waking found Kade and Jeff heading down to the kid arcade again and then they brought us up some breakfast. For the rest of the day we have ice skating, pool time and then the Tournament of Kings dinner show. Sound like fun? It has been. It's way too much for me, though I'm somehow hanging! It's a lot of movement, lights, and noise...along with the interesting vibe that comes with this city. The boys are in hog heaven, though, and are enjoying this experience completely. I'm so happy to be on this journey with them!

Up next : Grand Canyon and Flagstaff then Albuquerque.

Annie showing off her Birthday gift...

and seems to be a happy woman!

Annie's been here!!!!

And she was kind enough to hook me up with some color. Here's the new look!

New arrivals

Meet Popcorn and Pochi, Kade's new to him gerbils!

Pochi

Popcorn





Kade is just beside himself with happiness. It's great to see him so into them.

Friday Fill-Ins

1. My back or front as it seems...depends on when you stop me in my spin.

2. Autumn is wild.

3. Leaves are falling all around; I can't wait to jump in them.

4. I'm embracing forgetfulness.

5. Healing is natural.

6. Beading is what I've been up to lately.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending time with Annie, tomorrow my plans include visits from friends and Sunday, I want to walk with my good friend.

Cuties

Yes...my kids are cute. Especially when they are enjoying themselves. This time, however, I'm talking about these boxes.





I have enjoyed making origami with Kade. He's made something similar, but this is my first time making these. It might have helped me fold if it was actual origami paper, too, instead of scrapbooking paper. But I somehow made do!

And for those waiting for cute...or at least news of what we are doing...here's just a moment.

Guatamalan worry dolls...

Kade found this craft on activity tv.



We didn't have the trash bag ties (can you say Ginger's too hippy?) but we did have pipe cleaners. This makes them a tad bigger than they were on the show...but still well worth the effort.


These two were made by Kade's hand. After he finished these, he was done and asked if I wouldn't finish his 'family' for him. He wanted two more. A girl and a Mama. Here's how they turned out.





I did a few for myself and hope to get back to them soon.




I also finished gifts for Annie...she is wearing the belt of bells, so I didn't manage to get a picture of that. I did, however, get to take a picture of her new hat! I made it out of cotton. The colors look weird on the camera - it really is raspberry and lime. Too cool. I may have to make one for me!





Annie is officially 21! I'm so happy for her!

Maybe it's a great time for those worry dolls, after all! Life is so big and full. The kids grow up so fast. Now it's time to meditate and try and keep up!

More on that food thing...

As it turns out life just isn't the same without bread and things made with gluten. I like to eat bread type things. However, the gluten does play me a bit. This means I'm searching for ways to satisfy that craving in a manner less harmful to my body. Here is my latest baking using gluten free flour. I used the first one I grabbed, really, and can taste (very much, as it turns out) the garbanzo bean flour they added to it. Next time I will try a different flour. Still...it's hard to not like these!

Peanut Butter Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Cookies.



BTW, if you want any next time - get there before Kai.

Inspired

Yes.

Inspired by Ronnie to eat more of those fabulous greens...here is my counter


Here was last nights dinner.


Included : Romaine, green onion, red bell pepper, snow peas, parsley, alfalfa sprouts, tomatoes and


this great dressing that Jeff selected...



from this book.



Breakfast yesterday morning was a smoothie of strawberries, bananas, almond milk and romaine. I think I like kale better in smoothies. Can't wait to try this one!

1. Family is what you make it to be.

2. Knitted rows go back and forth.

3. I love a good poke.

4. A smoothie makes a good meal.

5. I've got the groove!

6. You don't play Mario Kart? : wth!!!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to snuggles with my boys, tomorrow my plans include seeing good friends and Sunday, I want to squeeze on Annie and party at her new pad!

Just a thought on time...

In 23 days, Annie will be the age I was when I met her.

Kade will be the age Annie was when she met Kai.

Kai will be the age Annie was when she met Kade.

Time is fleeting and precious. I love the changes it has brought and the people that these three are. It just seems to have gone by faster than I thought it would.

If you are looking for me...you can find me snuggling with one of them.

If I'm not here...

then I'm working on my Etsy stuff, or playing with friends, or doin' stuff with Jeff and the boys.

Just know, I'll be back!

New interests

Kade is now fascinated with origami. This has lead to much folding. Here are some of the things we have all made...

What happens when you say 'yes'?

Yes...exercise your right to think for yourself. So true.




Fun ensues.

How's about a touch of Halloween in May?

May you say? Well, here is what fun one can have in May!

Victor Borge with Auntie Mary.

We went up to see Auntie Mary a few weekends ago. The boys generally like to go up there. She is always ready for us. There's popcorn made and drinks chilled. Kade and I went down to the pool for a bit while Kai and Auntie Mary talked. When we got back from the pool, she mentioned she had saved a few things for us to watch with her. Up comes Victor Borge. One of my all time favorites. The boys say they don't want to watch, at first. Then slowly they both come into the room and enjoy this show with us. Here is one of their favorite parts...and one that I would have to listen to it over and over to actually follow the whole story.



I love that they heard great music artistically interpreted.

Adventures...and ghost hunting.

I know I have been absent. However, that is mostly because we have been busy. Aside from the trip back East to see our family and friends, we have been visiting friends here and also visiting places.

Today we went to the Whaley House in old town San Diego. We arrived a tad early and were able to see friends before we went into the museum itself. Part of the joy was bumping into the man behind the Old Town Ghost Tours and Secret Haunted Places, Mike Brown. He volunteered to take us into the cafe and use some of his equipment to interact with one of the ghosts there. Of course, we said, YES! John, the ghost, is apparently stuck in that room. He did come down and make the machine sound off. John stays near the ceiling, so that is where we looked first. It was amazing as well as a bit creepy. Definitely worth every second.

Then it came time to tour the museum. Bill, our incredible docent, and another wonderful young woman, were very helpful and informative. He told us all about the history of the house and answered Kade's questions with humor and respect. Kade, of course, wants to know if he makes money being a docent and if Kade can wear the costume.

It was a wonderful tour. The grounds are beautifully maintained as well. There is a lovely gazebo the boys enjoyed playing around. Kade said there was a ghost woman who was there. He said she liked watching them play. Too cool.

After the Whaley House, we headed down to the El Campo Santo Cemetery located two blocks south. The boys explored a bit. Kade was able to roam freely. Kai said he felt heavy and 'not well' while we were in the cemetery, itself. Once we were out, he was fine, though. One of the unusual things about the El Campo Santo Cemetery is part of the cemetery was taken over by the expanding town. There are markers, now, that show where grave sites are. Like the Roseline metal markers, these grave identifiers are numerous along the sidewalk and some are even in the street.

Overall a fun day with friends. We came home, made lunch and rice crispy treats. What could be better, I ask?

OH! Oh, oh. Forgot to mention. C saw Thomas Whaley on the upstairs balcony while we were listening to the docent up in the theatre. She thought it was just someone working at the museum until she came downstairs and was looking at the pictures in the country store. She gasped and said, "I saw this man, Thomas Whaley, upstairs!!!!" Too much fun.

I redid this slideshow and added a few pictures from our friend. Also, this one has music, so you may wish to pause the music on the side bar. Enjoy!

Whaley House and El Campo Santo Cemetery from Beachbum on Vimeo.

Beauty

This morning I awoke to two precious eyes, recently returning from dreamland, looking into mine. I smiled and moved the hair away from his eyes. Looking deep in the depths of them, I told him he was beautiful. He stated, "I know, Mama" as he snuggled closer.

It filled my heart with warmth and happiness.

He knows.

He believes it.

Early on in my parenting journey I remembered hearing that a child sees himself/herself with the same eyes a parent sees them. If you see your child and notice all the things out of place: the smudges of food on his/her face, the shirt crumpled and on backwards or shoes on the wrong feet; your child will see themselves with "flaws".

I am one who has had to put that perfectionist away. I needed to remind myself, all the time at first, to see myself and them with eyes that truly loved...and saw beauty.

So the happiness I feel when they notice their beauty or are confident in themselves is truly a joy.

What a way to start the day...

I want to watch this happen in real life...

And then I want to make some!