Aunt Kate's house

This house holds very special memories for me and there was a time when I wanted to own it and fill it with more memories of my own. I spent Thankgivings here, summers with my cousin, Christmas time, family get togethers. We were always welcomed at the door with a hug and warm greeting and there were always goodies on the table and soda in the fridge. We were allowed to venture out to the huge backyard and explore. It was a very special place for me. One that held stability, comfort, family ties, a warm welcome no matter the time or day. Before it's sold to a stranger I wanted to take my kids there for a photo shoot. My kids were her great, great nephews and niece. She was my great Aunt and was she ever great. Only a few people come along in your life that are this special.

Although not everyone in my photo shoot was cooperative, I did manage to do a little bargaining for some of these shots. They mean so much to me and I wanted to capture a little bit of my childhood and save it forever.


It was the perfect setting. A warm summer day with the occasional and very welcomed breeze blowing, three beautiful children dressed in white, a very charming setting.




This gate has a wagon wheel on it and for all of my 20 years of going to this house, I'm embarrassed to admit, I never noticed it. Strange how you look at things more closely once they are about to be taken away from you. Who knows if this gate will remain. I wonder if the new owner would give it to me......hmmmm....


There is a great tree in the backyard for climbing. It was where she would let her cat roam freely even if it was only by a very long rope. Strange, I know, but you had to know this cat. A rope swing always hung from the tree and no kid could walk by it without giving it a whirl. Rope swings...ahhh....



There is a back field attached to this property that once held a pony who pulled a cart. The story is that pony loved to pull the cart and was especially happy if it was filled with little kids. I love that story. What could be better than being pulled by a pony in a cart?


This is the barn where the pony stayed and its the only remaining building besides the house that is still standing. There was a playhouse built for the girls back in the 50's. I longed to go in that playhouse but they always told me it was filled with junk and spiders. I wanted to clean it out and play in it so bad. It was not to be.



I can't think of anything more charming than a little old barn in the backyard painted red with white trim. Especially if you know its from the 50's. We're talking Walnut Creek here people. I can picture the pony leaning his head over the door just waiting for a little girl to bring him a carrot or an apple. I wish I knew the pony's name. I'll have to find out.


The back porch. Oh, the back porch. It was where the fun was if we were having a family gathering. It was where she fed all the squirrels. It was always covered in that astroturf green carpeting so we wouldn't slip.

The playhouse is gone, the rope swing is gone and even the green astroturf is gone but my memories remain and they are good and sweet and lovely.

Bocce

He's been doing this since before our first child was born.And he's been doing it with this guy.

At this place.


And he loves it.


And he's good at it.


It may not be what I'm interested in but if he enjoys it, I support it. Because you know what, he has supported me in everything I have decided to do whether he understands it or not. I get it.

The Homeschool Conference

This is by far the best homeschool conference ever. What's a homeschool conference you ask? Well, it's where minivans, capris, baby slings, tote bags and moms come together to soak in the wisdom of those who have gone before us and to enjoy the convergence of so many that have chosen to take the same path, the same journey that requires a certain level of sacrifice and dedication.

It definitely helps that we stay in a beautiful hotel surrounded by a plethora of opportunities to entertain us should we get overwhelmed with information on educating our children and need to fill our empty tummies or empty our overcrowded minds. My favorite part of this hotel is the complimentary warm chocolate chip cookie that awaits our arrival. Yum. No picture available due to my lack of self control. Sorry.
And then there is the vendor hall. Oh, the vendor hall. A homeschool mom's dream come true. One huge room filled with every imaginable homeschool curriculum available to peruse, touch, ask questions about and really see if it would be a good fit for our child. It can be overwhelming but I absolutely love it and there are times when I need to just stay out because I always manage to find some amazing stuff in there.

There are so many tables, displays and booths that it's challenging to know where to start. I just go to one end and weave my way up and down each aisle until I get to the other side. Either that or I leave when I can no longer carry the weight of my bags or I need to get to the next amazing workshop that I just can't miss.




This was by far my favorite booth. Amazing. Handcrafted items and do it yourself supplies. All made in America. Wholesome, beautiful, pleasing to the eye. I had the need to touch every item in this booth. Real felt, real wood skillfully cut by a laser, embroidery thread, beeswax made from their very own hives.They were a new vendor this year and I asked if they offer field trips. They laughed. I wasn't joking. I want my kids to see that type of entrepreneurship, the willingness to work hard, to create a quality product, one that can stand the test of time. This is just one of the things that I love about this conference. You never know what you'll find and yet you know you will find quality.



And then there are the workshops. With a plethora of subjects to choose from one can find something that will meet your need. The great thing is you can go to a workshop from the moment you get there until the moment you leave or you can go to a few and spend the rest of your time in the vendor hall, you can do whatever works for you and that works for me.




And at the end of the day, there is a soft pillow to lay your head and you and your roommates can chat away about the day, the upcoming school year, your children, your homelife, whatever is on your heart.
Because this conference is set up to allow for the freedom to do as you please there are opportunities to explore just a little outside the hotel. This place is a must. Cupcakes. Need I say more? Nope. Go there. That is all.


If you've been paying attention you will notice that some of the people are dressed a little differently. This particular convention has a Mennonite presence and in some small way it's comfortable, familiar, right. It feels nostalgic, the dresses, the head coverings, the modest shoes and clothes. It reminds me of a time in our country when our children were educated at home or at the one room school house and it was the norm. I am so thankful that we live in a country that allows us to choose how we will educate our children and I am thankful for gatherings like this that remind of us why we do what we do. I feel ready to take on the year but first I need to sew myself a dress and harvest some beeswax. Just kidding. I think....

Enjoying the Time Together

While Marcus was away at scout camp Justin enjoyed being the oldest brother in the house. I tried to make our time special so we redid their room. It was painted sky blue and he wanted it grey, well, he really wanted black but there is no way one of the rooms in my house will ever be painted black. I compromised and painted all of their furniture black. That wasn't too hard since it was already navy. We bought new sheets, comforters and curtains, all black of course. The room turned out great and we're all happy with the results.


This one wants his hair long, wants to wear only black and purple and insists on wearing his socks and shoes no matter how hot it is outside. I always said he'll be the one who is cool. He knows what he wants and what he doesn't want, this one.

It used to frustrate the heck out me but I've been thinking a lot about how I was at that age. Um, ya, exactly the same, except for the purple and black thing. Come to think of it, I'm like that now. I'm learning to give him space, encourage and support his strengths and interests. He's a great kid, extremely talented and can make you laugh. The boy in as incredible artist, one that has talent and needs a place to express it. He's learning Japanese since he's very interested in manga art and manages to impress all the teachers at the Japanese school especially since neither of his parents are Japanese. My favorite question at the Japanese school that I get every time I go- "Is your husband Japanese?", um, noooo.....


Although it was hard to have Marcus gone for so long, it was nice to have more time to spend with Justin. I'm always happiest though when all of my family is under one roof, our roof and everyone is sleeping soundly in their own beds at night.

Freedom

Bryan and I learned long ago that we don't do crowds and I don't do freezing cold temperatures. The two combined does not make for a happy holiday. After schlepping our kids down to the local fireworks a couple of years in a row only to hear mostly complaints and a few oohs and aahs, we decided to stay home and do our own fireworks, like when we were kids. Well, when we were kids things were a little different. California wasn't such a nanny state that told you what you could and could not do everytime you turned around. It's illegal to set off "safe and sane" fireworks in Contra Costa County but you can buy the fireworks all over the place. We're pretty safe and sane people but unfortunately in this state a few numbskulls can ruin it for those of us who are safe and sane.

We decided we would be law abiding citizens and set off our fireworks in a city where it is legal, Dublin. Luckily we have some really amazing friends who live there and let us join them in their 4th of July celebrations. It was a tough decision, I'm not gonna lie. We like setting off fireworks in our own backyard but we're doing our best to raise children who follow the law even when we don't like it.

We ended up having a really great time and we're happy we did it the way we did. In the end, we know that the rewards are greater for those who live righteously and with integrity. It's doing the right thing, the more uncomfortable way, sometimes it goes against our will but we know in our heart that it's right. Sometimes it involves fireworks and sometimes it involves something so much bigger, like a life altering decision. Why don't we listen to those who are closest to us, the ones who love us the most? Why do we go against those who want to protect us? Is it a fight for independence or is it stubbornness? We have to be careful because we don't want to be burned, scarred forever doing damage to those around us and those who never asked for any involvement but became a part of the situation simply by a careless action of our own. It can start with something small, something we think is small, but it can lead to something so much bigger, with such a huge impact. Fireworks are beautiful and fun and exciting, especially because we don't get to see them that often, but they can also be very dangerous.
There are situations that come along that are beautiful and fun and exciting but can be very dangerous if handled incorrectly. There are rules set in place to protect us, especially for those who tend to be careless. We may not like the rules but they are to protect us none the less. Following the rules gives us security and reaps a reward that only those who choose to follow the right path seem to enjoy.
The other path only leads to heartache and destruction, not freedom.

I for one am happy that I live in a country that stands for freedom. Sometimes it seems like that freedom is being infringed upon but it's still the best country in the world and I'm so blessed to live here and to raise my family here. I'm thankful for friends and celebrations and choosing the right path.

Maui

For some reason this was never posted. It's a little late but you know what they say....

As we head into the second week of our vacation here on Maui my mind continues to ponder. Is the good stuff good because we haven't taken the time to really enjoy it or it's good because it doesn't happen very often. Maybe it's both. It's good to wake up to a warm breeze blowing over your summer jammied body. It's good to slow things down and lounge around in the morning, throw on your swimsuit and head to the beach. It's good to take a shower in the afternoon and then fall asleep among the cool sheets with damp hair. It's good that a 1000 piece puzzle is on the dining room table and you can work on it little by little.
It's good to round up the kids and head to the ice cream shop. Oh, it is good.



Is it good to get up early before everyone else and have some quiet time? Is it good to tackle your to-do list? Is it good to keep a clean house? Is it good to pay the bills and run errands? Yes, all of those are good things but they are quickly put into perspective here. They are not what is most important. People. That's what's important.


And for me, it's these people.

Let's Slow It Down

I'm not sure what it is about Maui that does it but things just slow down while we're here. It could be the fact that there are no to-do lists, errands, yardwork, housework, meetings, appointments, lessons, and the list goes on. I do enjoy all of those things at home but here, here it's just nice to wake up to birds chirping (even if it is 5:30 in the morning), the sight of my children sleeping in their beds with no covers, and the ocean framed by palm trees out our balcony. I don't even mind showing a little skin.
I almost don't mind throwing in a load of laundry or washing a few dishes because when I'm done I can sip my coffee, work on my puzzle, finish my book, or just sit on the balcony and enjoy the view.
Knowing most of our family is a just an elevator or pathway away is soothing. It's part of the magic of Maui. Some of them are missing this year. Work, money, commitments all pulling them in different directions. Most of them will reunite here this October without us but I'm happy for them that they will get to experience the magic too.
Marcus loves boogie boarding, Justin not so much. Justin enjoys creating monsters out of sand and so does his sister, well not monsters but she still enjoys building sand castles. She also enjoys catching waves on her mini boogie board.


This place allows me the space to think, to ponder, to process everything. I am happy with my life. We're raising our kids, building our lives, laying a foundation for what is to come. Sometimes I see a crack in that foundation and realize that it needs to be filled, reinforced so that it doesn't cause a divide, one that cannot be fixed. Teenagers have a way of revealing cracks. Everything can be going along smoothly and then trip, you stumble on that part of your life that was uneven and is pushing itself to the surface.
And then there are those times when you glance at your sons and realize they're growing into men. Men you hope will be filled with integrity and honor like their father. Men who will choose a wife and choose her wisely. Men who will love their wife with all of their heart and his children unconditionally. Men who will provide for their family, protect them, care for them and give them his best.
The best thing is, I'm married to that man.