EKjourney Backup

Wednesday, I had a procedure on my leg to fix my varicose vein.  I really don't care much that they are unsightly as I can wear long skirts or capri type shorts but the discomfort prompted us to take advantage of this rare time that I am not nursing exclusively or pregnant and get the procedure done to prevent other complications (skin conditions and ulcers can result from circulation issues). The procedure itself was relatively minor in terms of surgery but the recovery has throw me for a bit of a loop.  The procedure involved 10 or so numbing shots from my knee to my hip and then a large catheter being inserted into the vein and cauterizing it shut, in essence, killing it.  Pleasant isn't it? The shots were mighty uncomfortable but with the leg numb, I didn't feel the actual vein closure.  However, it  was miserable for a good 20 minutes.  When the procedure was done, they put a black compression stocking with a lacey to...

Our neighbor brought a bag full of Asian Pears and this Windmill over.  I love the color and the vintage look of the faded paint.  This is where our garden is progressing...much of the foundation has been laid and now we are decorating and adding the detailed touches! Pumpkin Field! Is there anything so gorgeous as the faded light of Fall?  As the golden fields of straw?  The bright oranges, reds, and golds in the trees and the fields and the sunsets?  I just LOVE the Fall.  My most favorite time of the year! The children and I were running an errand and we noticed an orange field off in the distance.  I wondered what could be blooming with such brilliance this late in the year.  Of course, pumpkin harvest!       Old barns, I love old barns!    Cucumbers fields I think the Willamette Valley is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen!  With a few old castles on the hillsides, it would rival even Tuscany!

We thought that without coaching during football season, the Fall would have a more relaxed feel!  Not so, as we have jam packed something fun into every weekend and filled our days with school!  It has been such a blessing to have that extra time together and enjoy as much outdoors before the rain sets in.  However, we are going to find ourselves winterizing and putting the garden to bed for the cold season...during the winter at this rate. Lots of excitement in every week.... These two young raccoons were terrorized into staying in the plum tree all day.  Claudia kept a close eye and barked at them continuously.    Sawyer's detailed plan to capture and tame them as pets.  You can see S, in the bottom right, poking the raccoons in the top left and knocking them into the cage below.   Early morning execution of the plan.  I did let him chop up a sunflower stock into a nice poker and give them a gentle nudge.  They growled ...

We want our children to have a well balanced life of adventure and appreciation of home.  We strive to make our family and sibling relationships top priority!  We focus on unity and togetherness, keeping our children loving, learning, and growing together.  It isn't always easy but the fruit of family love and seeing my children as one another's best friends are sweet indeed! Homeschooling, while offering flexibility, is also something that needs to be continuous, organized, and routined.  It takes time, it takes devotion.  We school 4 days a week, at home, leaving one day (plus the weekend) for flexibility, catch up, and adventure. Spontaneity is hard for a family of 5 young children.  Just getting in the car entails:  diaper checks, potty time, filled water bottles, shoes and socks, sweatshirts packed, diaper bags, snacks if we are gone close to lunchtime, camera, stroller, combed hair, 5 little ones strapped into carseats...you get the pic...

The forecast was for hot weather so we decided on a spontaneous trip to the coast where the temperatures were to be a bit cooler but still sunny. Newport was having some sort of festival.  I scared the daylights out of Sis when she was tentatively looking at the crab and I snuck up on her and gave her a scare.  She did not want to pose for this picture. And neither did Brighton.  These were so pretty and colorful against the gray. About the weather, not warm, not sunny.  We were all freezing! Newport from the Bay  There is something lovely about brightly colored boats!  Sea Lions    Yes, this is cute...but I tell you it became borderline ridiculous as we navigated through the busy waterfront.  This literally drew crowds.  Most people (particularly ladies) turned their heads gasping at the sheer adorableness OF THE DOG!  We could not go 10 feet without someone stopping to ask about our dog, to comment to their companion within o...