Vida la Vida

 Isabelle & Rose at Dog Training this weekend.  What a great morning.  Everyone was a superstar and we even got some sun.   To see all these amazing beautiful dogs together, it was breathtaking.

 Sunday Dinner:  Duck...Cabbage...and Wine of course.

 Scavenger Hike Nature Walk - Just in case you didn't know...Ben's adventurism... kind of makes me a tad nervous at times.  He is ALL boy.  My climbing creative little guy....who makes my heart stop, but makes my heart filled to the brim and spill over.

 We are calling Liv: the DOG WHISPERER...these days.  The puppy handler...director...boss...controller...might be appropriate along those lines as well.   She just loves her new puppies!  Do they look scared?   Um....I think they are getting used to her "snuggles".

Spiderman in the middle of my peaceful bamboo plant.  Seriously?  Dominoes falling in great crashes around me.  This is the chaos of my daily life.  I thrive in peace and order and that does not exist here.   Do I exist here?  I do not know.   My reality is taken for a sailboat ride in a thunderstorm every single day. Pulled in so many directions at once.  I love it, yet it makes me want to puke.   Just something I had to get used to.  Something I had to accept.  Some days, yes some days are easier then others.  Those are the days that we put on the tunes and dance our way through making dinner and the evening hours.  Other days, I struggle not to cry.  Not because things are bad or horrible in any way...just because my selfish self doesn't have things in the way that I would find ideal.  My house is not neat or orderly, I have basically no free/me time.  This gets to me sometimes.  But, I chose this life and I am blessed by the demands that are placed upon me although I dont always realize this when I should.   Most the time I am ok, but sometimes....it all gets me down. Overwhelmed & drowning.   This circus of chaos that I cannot control, it exhausts me and I do not feel that I am enough or ever will be..  But then I ask myself, why do I have to control it?  Who cares?  Seriously.  What rules say that I have to do this or that?  If I could just let go of the restrictions and musts that I place upon myself, than maybe I could enjoy a smidge more instead of getting frustrated with all the time that slips away without my goals, plans and dreams even a glint in the moment of the day.  I hate that time runs fast away from me.  I hate that the children grow so quick.  I hate that I can't give them more of me. I know that I shouldn't hate, but I do.  I hate that I now have grey hair among other things.   I am so afraid of not being able to do , what I need to do.  I am feeling so challenged in so many ways and feel like I am failing a whole lot these days.  I need to have patience, I need  to have strength, I need to have understanding, I need to have wisdom...so I pray for these things.  That is all I know how to do.  I pray that I survive and that I thrive and maybe along the way that I truly do something good and worthy and important, that I make some kind of difference along the way in this crazy world.  In this time in which I seem like nothing...but maybe, just maybe I am much more than that.  Laughter, Tears, Screams and Joy....I am here, through it all....creating it, accepting it, loving it, hating it....being it.  I truly love my life.....I just pray that I learn how to TRULY LOVE MY LIFE.  I need to let go and let love.  I know this.  Let Love.  Let Love.  Let Love.

school fools & double trouble

Science Girl.  Our lesson yesterday.  This girl sure likes to take notes....must take after her mom.

 Science Boy...learning about Dodo birds (extinction) and such.

 We have started our ART wall!  I think we would all love to do art all day long...and quite honestly, haven't got to do it so much yet...so I declared today a fun Friday.  Focus being:  Art, Read, Play.  Repeat. :).  My other reason for declaring this day is because we all needed it.  It has been a challenging week as far as I am still trying to figure out routine...and what works and doesn't work...biggest challenge being, keeping Olivia happy and involved as much as possible.  We took a lot of puppy breaks (and probably a lot of potty breaks as well) this week and trust me, sitting out in the grass with the sun and and the breeze and just playing and laughing....that is exactly what we needed.  All in all, I think we all learned a good amount of great stuff this week...and I need to just breathe and know that it is o.k and it is enough.  We have done enough for now :)

 Paleo Brownies - I got this recipe from a friend, these are super healthy (there is even zucchini in them as the main ingredient) and to top that off they taste pretty darn great.  The first time I made this, I screwed it up because I used too dark of a chocolate, just didn't taste right, so this was my attempt #2 and I would say:  total success.  This dish should be fun to clean...

Double Trouble resting together.   These two are of course quite a handful....yet, a pretty wonderful handful at that. I did write the message on our kitchen chalkboard today to say: 2 puppies 4 sale!  But, nobody liked that.  So, I guess we will keep them for another day.  The great thing is the kids are really learning to keep their toys off of the floor!

went for 1 came home with 2

 Rose - This is our gentle beauty

 Scout - This is our playful pal

 Rose & Scout

 Scout & Ben

Family (circus - haha)

Since the move, I have had it in my head and in my heart that we would be welcoming a puppy into our mix soon.  Well feeling settled and like something is missing....finally the day had arrived.  We went to our favorite breeder to get a GSD puppy.  We went for one, we came back with two.  I know!!!!! Call me crazy!!! Call me insane.  I know.  It's o.k.  I accept.  I felt crazy, saying....Yes.  Yes, we can take two home.  Especially, knowing how I had such a hard recent past with our last dog, Lance.   But, I also know this.  I know that Lance was sick for a long time and he had a hard life and in turn we had a hard life because of it.  I also know that not every situation is the same.  I also know that we learned alot from past experiences.  Alot.  Things that we plan to do differently in the future.  I know a puppy is much work.  I know that two puppies is much more.  I don't care.  I welcome this circus.  This chaos.  This mess and this noise.  Right now, today - I say YES.  YES, let's invite these puppies into our home and our hearts.  We have so much more room here among other things, we have a new start in so many ways to give and get in return, wonderful relationships and experiences with these special animals.  So much to give and so much to get.  We let two puppies come home with us because we plan to raise, train and love them as a family.  We have plans and intentions and goals and dreams to help and to better lives.  ALSO - For those who don't know, Noah travels alot for work, these companions will give me the security that I need to know that the children and I are sleeping peacefully and safe at night.  I admire this breed (German Shepherd Dog) so much.  They are so beautiful and strong and amazing.  This is among many other reasons we choose to take these animals into our lives.  Yes, heartache and trial is bound to happen ----but life does need to happen and this is life.  I want to just live.  I want to say yes to the crazy.  I want to take a chance. So, crazy this may be - but that is o.k.   Welcome to our family Rose and Scout!  Speaking of crazy...Yes, I just brought two puppies home to a family of 3 young children, Yes, I am homeschooling and Yes, we do the Paleo diet (lifestyle) for the most part.  That is us.  That is who we are.  Off the beaten path.....the road less traveled.....and that's o.k. and in fact, it is more than o.k.   Goodnight friends and family.....i LOVE YOU and I can't wait for you to meet our pups!

Nature with us

 Early Evening Deer (did I mention that Noah got a bow and arrow and wants to shoot these beautiful creatures and I, just want to shoot them with my camera.....different strokes for different folks I suppose).

 Beautiful Blue Jay.  This is the "bully" of the feathered world....watch out and move out of the way when this giant, bright bird makes it's arrival.

 Night Sky - wow, that amazing moon behind the clouds .  love it.

 Blue Eyed Boy child caught a grasshopper today.  :)

Boy child picked a flower for his mother, his little sister thieved it.

Homeschooling

SCHOOL this year:  For those who do not know and for those who do, YES - we are homeschooling this year.   I strongly believe this path for my family was placed on my heart by God.  I never thought I would be doing this, but I am and now, I couldn't imagine not.  I know there are many people who do not understand or that think I am crazy and that is o.k.  I know I am capable and I know that I want to do this.   I know this isn't right for everyone, but I do believe it is where and what we as a family need to be doing at this time. (we are taking school one year at a time).  We are so excited to take this journey together.  I know it will not be easy, but I do know it will be rewarding in so many ways.  We started Monday and I can't even tell you the blessings that I have felt since we began.  I have also already come across what I know will be some of our challenges.  I will be documenting and sharing some of our adventure (here on this blog) along the way ...the Good, the Bad and the Ugly! ha ha.  I pray for strength and wisdom as we educate at home and I believe with all of my heart that this is where we belong.

 A beautiful morning glimpse out of the sun room porch .  Please try to ignore the weeds that I need to pull between the stones.

 Belle & Ben getting ready for our History lesson yesterday.

 blue bird in birch tree

Ben has been waiting for a package in the mail and was sooooo excited to get this handmade batman cape from Aunt Mary! (You should have seen him running from the mailbox!)  He was so excited and it's perfectly exactly how he wanted it!  He even shared it with his sisters! (for a moment). Thank you Aunt Mary!  Also, a big thank you to my dad for sending us such wonderful pictures of some of our recent times together!  We are really enjoying them so much.

Foxy

I have been trying to create a new post all evening, but for some reason, the picture function is not working right now.  I feel frustrated as I really wanted to share some pics along with my words and thoughts...yet, I suppose in life, sometimes "we can't always get what we want".  So for now, I may ramble a bit, I may or may not share my original intentions and purpose at the moment...I don't know.  So anyway, today is way too warm for my taste.  I thought we were supposed to be on the cusp of fall yet tomorrow is due to be 95 degrees.  Um...no thank you.  I do not want 95 degrees...I don't want it on ham, I don't want it with green eggs, I don't want it at all.  The end.  Anyway, today, as the kids and I read a history lesson together under a tree in our yard, Olivia started pointing and screaming....and not far from us was a...beautiful FOX.  It was awesome. It was staring at us and we were staring at it and I couldn't get my camera out fast enough before it high tailed it away (most likely in fear and shock of the small child screaming at it).  (( by the way if one more flickin fly or gnat or whatever lands on me right now, I may scream)).  Anyway, point of my story was...it was totally unexpected and awesome to spot this creature today.  History Lesson & Nature Study all in one!  Also, I got a great pic of a bluebird in a birch tree.  Ben and Noah attend Ben's first cub (tiger) scout meeting yesterday and Ben was super excited.  Watch out family and friends, he will be selling PoPcOrn in the very near future so you may receive a phone call or a visit from a cute little boy with big cheeks asking you to support the Troop.  Olivia is in a total not sleeping mood at all lately which is oh so fun.  The other night we are all sleeping /laying on our beds, next thing I know, and my light is on....Olivia got the stool out of the bathroom, and decided to come in and turn our lights on, then she says:  Hi.   Geez, this kid- she seriously needs to go to sleep once in a while.  It would be lovely.  k, im hot and crabby and bugs are still landing on me so I think I will go.  Have a good night...and hopefully a super friday.  I will try and post my pics tomorrow or soon...cuz ya never know what ya gonna get and...you get what you get and you don't throw a fit.  The end.

pink ball

 Love that I captured this hummingbird resting for a split moment! hehe

 This molting cardinal looks a bit of sorry sight.  I do know he gets fed well though.

 Baby Girl will not share our new pink basketball with anyone.  Although you can't see it, she is now sporting little pony underwear (not a diaper) for the time being.  I just follow her around with a mop.

 This is my brand new Easel!  I have always wanted a BIG one and we picked this out yesterday!  I guess that means that I need to start painting again.  Better get those "art" boxes opened up!

A glimpse out the back door on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Yes, I do believe I like this Camera.

 I am in LOVE....with my new camera!  (above, one of my very favorite birds - chickadee). This morning has been so quiet and beautiful.  I saw a mommy and baby deer frolicking together - the baby kept tagging the mom and running away and coming back. The sun is shining bright.   The kids are mostly still sleeping.  My coffee wasn't bitter.  My thoughts are not bitter.  I was just thinking about how I have not seen any "new" or "different" birds lately and an Oriole (orange and black) appears on the back deck and stares at me!    Wow.  Little miracles around us all the time.  Little signs of hope to hold onto.  Things that tell us, we are ok....we are going to all be o.k.  Just do what we can in this moment.

 Hummingbirds come to this flower all the time.  It is awesome.

 oh, speaking of...here's one now. hehe  Pic is taken through the screen but I still like it!

 Our bees are finally moved here.  Now all we need is a Bit Of Honey. :).  Below:   This is our backyard and here are the kids walking to the creek.  We decided to go for a little stroll in the woods.  SO, yes I am loving my new camera (I did not love when we were at the store and Honey Badger knocked down an entire display of ipad cases, but we survived).   Happy Saturday!

an apple a day...or 2 or 3.

 This is how Olivia eats an apple.  (next time I blog, I will be sharing pics taken with my new camera!, also soon I will be sharing new school year news).  Have a lovely day!

 Isabelle wanted me to take a pic of her in her new shoes, of course livy jumped in the pic.

 3 scrubs in a tub.

 Ben fell alseep in the car

 new recipe:  brick grilled chicken with garlic & artichoke sauce

We found this awesome walking stick insect on the screen.

Benny The Kid lasso's up 6.

Our Ben has turned 6.  We surprised him with an awesome day at a Wild West Town.  We just got in the car and drove.....when we arrived, he was in a bit of a shock.  speechless.  Then when we walked in....Ben was greeted by some of his very favorite family members!  This day just kept getting better and better!

 (good thing I secretly packed his cowboy gear...and then the kid got some fun face paint to boot!)

 Here is Ben and Grandpa Al in jail.  Both arrested in town and dragged to the slammer.  They had to sing and answer questions to get their way out.

 At home later, we concluded this amazing day with chocolate covered strawberries, ice cream and ninja turtles.  Ben got so many wonderful gifts including his very own golf clubs and a snorkel!  The boy child announced that this was his best birthday ever (he says that every year, hehe).  Thank you to everyone who helped make it so special.

My own little wildlife.

This morning when I woke up, I heard the turkeys outside below the deck and saw and heard the various birds. Next time I look out the window I see deer in the back.  fun.  Next thing I notice, the turkey and deer had joined eachothers company and merged in what seemed to be at times frolic and play.  At one point, one of the deer stood on it's hind legs, it was...awesome.  I wish my camera was working properly (must get a new one).  All pics turned out fuzzy and dark or too light.  I caught a little bit on video.  I know that I am a super dork, but I just truly love this stuff.  It is a beautiful slightly cool morning...and I feel so blessed to witness God's creation...and now it's time to tend to the wildlife inside my house!  Have a great day!

Happy Birthday Isabelle Claire!

Happy 9th Birthday to my amazing Isabelle!  This photo is a self portrait that she took using her long awaited, much desired birthday present...IPod Touch.  All her dreams have finally come true.  She has declared this to be her best birthday ever!  (she says that every year, hehe).  I love this little girl, I just wish she wasn't growing up so fast.  It's so true when they say, a blink of an eye.  

Canned you Beet this?

 bird watching

 Happy Sunny Olivia

 Canned Beets

 Glued this puzzle for keeps.

lamp we fell in love with at an antique shop and bought for the new abode.
Weekends come and weekends go and here we are Monday morning.  I woke up at 6 am to hear cows mooing and find a mama and baby deer in the back.  I love this place!   I was freezing so threw on my favorite plum robe and some slippers (this is awesome, this weather, I am not complaining in any way shape or form).  I drank my coffee and now I will write some lists.  It's nice to put things behind from last week and focus on this fun week ahead.  Last week, we worked much at the old house.  Finally, I can say all our stuff is out and its pretty darn clean (with some help!).  Even though we do not close until the end of the month on that house - Now, I finally feel like I can start focusing on here.  So many boxes to unpack, organizing to do, purging to do.  But, it's all good.  Exciting.  I love having a storage room with shelving verses an attic with everything thrown in disarray.  Due to our heating/cooling unit needing to be replaced, we are putting off our main floor painting...so not sure if I will hang anything on the walls or just wait.   It's been so joyous buying school supplies.  Today shall be fun as there is a special girls trip planned to go shopping.  Tomorrow, my Isabelle turns 9.  I cannot believe it.  Wow.  She has asked for one very special gift and tomorrow (she's actually been asking for it for months and months and months)...she will get it.  Tomorrow we will celebrate what an amazing girl that she is.   I can't wait for her to wake up to decorations and surprises.  Well, I must be off for the moment.  May today be wonderful to all. :)