Zoo trip

 We recently took a visit to our local zoo who's membership has been one of our best investments. The kids had a great time seeing everyone in costume even though we didn't dress up ourselves due to how cold it was in the morning. Everyone took the day as a champ and a great nap was taken afterwards.

Please keep our doggie Shemp in your thoughts. He ran off late last night and is still missing. We are praying for his safe return however we are worried he went to go fend off the coyotes. The kids are missing him so I would like him home soon. 

It's been awhile

The last few weeks have been hectic to say the least so I do apologize for the lack of posts. Between the littles being sick, an ER visit for me, and weekly phone conferences with Randy's Ex it has been draining.  There is still however plenty to be grateful for.



...I was able to visit our church for a 1 day women's conference for preparing your heart for advent. I was highly encouraged and motivated. It was nice to know that we as a family have been able to reduce highly with the presents to focus on presence and our family has many traditions and rituals that other families are striving for. Our goal for this year is to give back a bit more and show the kids a bit more volunteer time.

Photo by Beanie

... Xrays after the ER to know that I don't have any true damage to my neck due to excessive car crashes.

...Sickness being shortlived by help with essential oils.

Photo by Beanie

...success with continuing the rhythm roundup boot-camp by Waldorf Essentials. We are TFW members and was a great worthwhile investment for our family.

...we have had to talk with Randy's ex regarding Mark's grades. We are praying now for guidance and hope that we can get him home and where he needs to be as he is struggling through classes yet again.

Photo by Beanie

... Mark getting an eye exam and discovering he needs glasses. We are hopeful that he will have more progress after he is able to see. 

photo by Beanie

...getting through birthdays and hitting a 1 year nurseversary! 

Photo by Beanie

...we have been blessed massively financially as bonuses and a returned deposit couldn't have come at better times. I have been stressed massively regarding money but God has been providing as always and been reminding me to rely on him more. 

...we are very excited to possibly start with a new organization called Spiral Scouts.  Here is to hoping it may be a good fit for our family.

How has your week been?

An autumn poem

Yellow the bracken,

Golden the sheaves.

Rosy the apples,

Crimson the leaves.
Mist on the hillside.
Clouds gray and white.
Autumn, good morning.
Summer, good night.

A birthday sweater

I have made an effort this year to have each of my kids get a handmade piece of clothing for their birthday. Nanners got a dress that I ended up buying from Etsy that she loves that included a matching dress for her doll. I did start this sweater for Giddy however it seems HUGE even with the hook adjustment for gauge. I am thinking of just making this for Ryguy and making a new one for Giddy's birthday in 2 weeks. I am using this pattern for the sweaters. It is written kind of confusing for assembly however the individual pieces work up very quickly due to the thickness of the yarn and hook size. I am super excited to see the boys together in their sweaters. Now to pick out buttons!


 

The runaway bunny

Recently we read the book The Runaway Bunny by Margret Wise Brown. I love the simple illustrations and simple sweet story. We spent some time climbing our treehouse and painting outside. I planned to make some cards with the water color paintings we did but they had to be saved for another day. I am not sure what we will do for them yet. Maybe make some star decorations for our Michaelmas festival coming up.

 

 

We talked about how yellow can be different shades including the flowers we found by our yard. 

The big piece of recycled counter-top works great for painting. It is large enough for several sheets of paper, heavy enough so it doesn't bend and is easily cleaned. It was garbage picked so the price was perfect!

Yarn doll

Many times I am commissioned to crochet projects for a family friend.

I got a message from our friend and she asked  "Can you make this for me?"

I of course had no idea what it was. After some looking on the internet I have become knowledgeable about Enderman. He is a character from the Minecraft video game. He is a bad guy and destroys things.

 I looked for patterns around the internet and did not like any of them. Most of them had square bodies and round arms. In a pixelated world round arms don't work well.  I did sit and create my own pattern for him via the photos on Google and unfortunately it took  much longer than I anticipated

due to my arthritis.

 

Yay for Enderman!

Happy birthday Nanners

  

Some time to reflect on the last week and share some things that have made me grateful.

No time to be depressed when you are happy for what you have.

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Magnar got it! We have been working on this skill for a long time now and never could get it on his paws due to him being so squirmy. It made me very excited. 

Nanners just turned 6. She got her hair cut and straightened since her biggest wish is to be like her big sisters.

...hanging up the old swing again and Giddy loving it. He is picky on his vestibular movement so made me very happy. 

... Randy realizing he needs to work on his weight and diet and it giving him the motivation to go back to healthier eating.

...dog sitting Red, Randy's old dog, and giving him a much needed brushing, bath and nail trim.

...Some fun hair chalking. Ryguy enjoyed blue streaks and Nanners green hair.

On a more serious note. Although we do not get along often I am feeling for Jenny, Randy's ex and mother to the kids. Her sister, Luanne committed suicide during the week. I am asking for prayers of safety and comfort for the kids and their mother and family as they travel down to help clean out her home and spend time with her husband and 2 daughters.