Going Batty

 We are learning all about BATS in school right now in our Zoology - Science Unit.

 All of a sudden, Olivia is letting Isabelle read to her.  It's been so nice!

 My very special little:  Ninja Turtle!  Ben got to wear his costume to Cub Scouts this past week.  He did lots of slides...good thing his costume has knee pads.

 This is a fun treat plate I made with Paleo Snacks (gluten free - grain free).  Banana Muffins and Granola Bites.

 Here we see Mr. Ben helping me make Pumpkin Pancakes for breakfast.

 Miss O hanging out in a diaper box with a dolphin in her hands and a band aid she placed on her head for an imaginary ouch.

 This is a beautiful Sunrise that I watched recently.  How amazing to see God's world wake up.  Peace and beauty everywhere.  Wonderful way to start the day.

 In the early morning - a Dark Eyed Junco in a nearby tree

Rose and I on our morning walk.   I walked the dogs twice yesterday, once in nature (am), once around the subdivision (pm).  They kind of tire me out.  :)  Happy Friday Everyone!

Walk into Autumn

 "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks" - John Muir

 A few days ago, I had a really tough day with the kids.  Just one of those days when you feel like a failed parent and you wonder what the heck you got yourself into placing these little people on the planet.  Well, the next morning (yesterday), I woke up and decided I really needed some alone time (which does not happen too often), so - I went for a walk to our creek and through the woods....I breathed in the amazing crisp air and listened to the birds all around me and flying above my head.  It was so peaceful and so beautiful and so exciting at the same time.  I know it sounds silly, but it truly means the world to me when I slow down and realize all that I have and all that there is around me.  I need to take these little walks more often.  Simple and Beautiful Life.

This is the turkey that Noah harpooned this week.  Yes, we will be eating him on Saturday if anyone would like to join us.  Just a note:  Turkey's still have not returned to our yard...but we did see a buck yesterday morning!  good thing Noah had a coffee mug in his hand.

Here is my babe, strutting her stuff with her confident walk and smile to boot.  I love this little girl.  She is so strong willed that it totally wears me out by the end of the day....but she is such a special monster, and she is mine.  Last night , I was having trouble putting her to bed, so I sent the other kids downstairs and read lots of books with her and stayed right next to her until she mad it to the land of nod.  I left the room realizing, that quite often I don't that extra time with her these days...to read and hug, just the two of us.  I need to do that every day.  Besides, I don't think she will give me a choice. :)  ---- So, I was up around 5:30 this morning and the dogs wanted to go out.  I thought, man I don't want to let them out.  It's so cold and so dark...but I of course, did let them out, bundled up and let them loose and to my surprise the most beautiful night sky awaited above.  Blackness and bright stars all about....a moon that was just awesome.   Normally, I drink coffee in the morning.  Today, I decided to have some apple cinnamon tea with honey.  Good choice, I think.  I think it's going to be a good day.

Leaves and Bees

October gave a party.  The leaves by hundreds came - The Chestnuts, Oaks and Maples, and leaves of every name.  The sunshine spread a carpet, and everything was grand, Miss Weather led the dancing, Professor Wind, the band. - George Cooper (October's Party).

You just never know what you may come across walking about the house.

Finally!  Fall Honey Extraction.  We are hoping by the next batch, that we can start selling it!  How fun.  (this process does get extremely messy/sticky by the way....but it sure is sweet).

It is very difficult to get the kids out of our bed these days.  It has become "the hangout" for comfort and reading on these chilly nights.

Noah (with a bow and arrow), shot one of these yesterday.  I have pics just haven't loaded them yet.  The kids were so excited and watched the entire process of  "field dressing", prep , etc... They were not sad or grossed out in anyway.  I was a bit sad, although of course, I know it's the circle of life and such....Just wonder if the turkey's will make their way back to our yard again, or if they will choose to avoid.   So weird: one moment the bird is in my backyard, now its in my fridge in a pot of water.

The puppies are growing so fast.  They are doing great at training.  This is Rose.  She is proving to be the more feisty of the two.  But, she loves to snuggle.  Scout loves to play!!  He especially loves to play: take something away from Rose...and run!  I enjoy watching and being with the kids and the dogs out in the yard, playing free and crazy....fresh air, beautiful earth.  School is going well for the most part these days.  I think we have some of our challenges worked out and are getting into somewhat of a routine.  This week, I had a wonderful visit with one of my homeschooling friends.  She is a blessing and I admire her greatly - she inspires me in many ways.   Well, we have 2 of our 5 family members Halloween costumes decided on and purchased.  Just trying to decide the final 3.  Keep going back and forth with a few scenarios.

 Also recently, Uncle Al came for a visit on his Harley!  We also just learned that his dog, Huntley got a part in an upcoming episode of the t.v. show:  Chicago Fire.  I have been cooking like crazy lately, trying all different recipes.  I made a great Paleo Pumpkin Pie that the family loved!  Some other recent new paleo meals were: stuffed cabbage, pork apple sliders, pumpkin custard, grain free granola, bacon wrapped chicken thighs and others I cannot think of at the moment...but by far one of the favorite new recipes that is requested quite often is: Pumpkin Pancakes.  I found these really cute ramekins to use for all the custards and such.  Also, soon I will be trying a chicken pot pie which I thought those dishes would be perfect for.  I am so thankful to have a dishwasher nowadays.  The cub scout is still selling popcorn.  Ben will soon be contacting those who said they wanted to order to tell them what he's got to offer!  (sorry we have been sluggish about doing this).  Guess, I should go do something....what I do not know.  Maybe make a grocery list...or take a shower before the troops are up...uh oh, too late.

A walk in the woods

Although it is my favorite season, with the busyness of our days, I sometimes forget to spend some time outside. Yesterday some friends and I , decided to take a usual get together in which we meet at the library, and meet in the woods instead. It was a beautiful day to be outside, enjoying God's gift of nature. This time spent together was simple, yet so filled with special moments.

Today, I could barely get through simple grocery shopping...I had to come home right away this morning. I had to forget my big plans to get certain things done today because I just felt so ill. I don't know why or where it came from. I've rested alot of today...yet - it still lingers. So Ben & I have just been bums at home today. I don't have to pick up Isabelle until about 5 since she has girl scouts today. I bought bone-in pork chops for dinner, I have no clue what I will do with them.

Outside my window I see yellow leaves blowing by. I am thinking about: there is so much I want to get done, but am finding a hard time getting organized and motivated lately. I am hearing Halloween Diego in the basement and Ben talking to the t.v., I am tasting Ice water (our filter needs to be changed), I should: take a shower, I am going to write a list when I get off of the computer, I am reading nothing at the moment, just can't seem to concentrate...I am hoping that I soon find some answers and directions through prayer, ...I don't think taffy apples are as good as they used to be when I was a kid...I am thankful for: some peaceful time to try and feel better and figure out what I need to do...I wonder when we will carve our pumpkins.

Day at the Pumpkin Fest

Recently, the wild winds of Autumn, led us to an enchanting festive place called: Bengston's Pumpkin Fest (Homer Glen, IL). It was a crisp yet joyous outing. There was so much to look at & do. Some of the attractions were: petting zoo, hay ride, pig races, haunted barn, corn maze, etc.

Ben - Planning Big Trouble.

Isabelle petting the farm animals.

Some witch.

Ben eating cotton candy & sitting for a spell with this guy named Frank.

An Autumn Storm is Brewing...

Delicious Autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive Autumns - George Eliot (my very favorite autumn quote).

Autumn has blown in. The winds are whipping fierce today. I love it! It's cold and it's a bit gloomy...yet my soul desires this enviornment with every ounce of my being...I can't really explain my relationship with fall...my need for the crisp air...and the beauty of it all. Autumn is when I feel most alive and connected to the earth. I feel the most inspired and relaxed. Seeking warmth and finding it. Treasuring moments of pure bliss. Anticipating the magic of the leaves and wondering where they shall carry me to or what they may bring to my front door this time. What a pleasure this fleeting season. Embrace & Enjoy these breathing days & courting nights - Love, C