EKjourney Backup

Yesterday...  Sawyer managed to find an alligator lizard (first one I have seen around here...Phil was very freaked out by it LOL) and two snakes while doing the morning farm chores. Our science for the day was herpetology, naturally. I admired my garden...peas, radish, spinach, carrots, beets, swiss chard, and parsley. I weeded. I breathed in the scent of Lilly of the Valley blooms. I wondered why my decorative shelf was covered with legos, Uno cards, doll house toys, and color sheets. We ate simple but hardy. We ate radishes from our garden. I watched children play in the sprinkler that Phil put together. I laughed at B making a tail for himself.

Our plans for the day fell through so it was time to set Plan B in motion.  The weather was decent (aka, it wasn't raining), our bodies were itching for a little physical activity, our minds were ready to drink in the splendors of creation, our emotions needed a little centering and focus....it was time for a family adventure in the glorious outdoors.  So, we packed food, sweatshirts, got bagels for breakfast, and headed out to Silver Falls State Park....not more than 30 minutes away from home but a magically wonderful place! Heading out...can you believe we get to live here? Looking down as a little stream cascades down the dense forest ravine. Skunk cabbage I love wooded trails. These are the most delightful little ferns - dainty, lacy, and with a black stem!  I love them! Catching drip drops from the mossy rocks. Love this man, love this man's children! Hullt Creek An unnamed falls - just a little one cascading off the rocks and into the creek. Bridge crossing What a l...

Wowers, what a week!  The weekend prior was busy with a Friday outing and Sunday Easter Festivities so we started out feeling like the weekend just rushed past us.  Wednesday, Phil got home from work and fell asleep sitting up on the couch.  In the evening, he went back to work with all 5 little ones in tow.  Thursday was "take your child to work day".  I have to say, I marvel at my husband and what a wonderful Dad he is.  He took the children to work with him ALL DAY!  I dropped them off after breakfast, with a packed lunch, games, and a few odds and ends to keep them entertained and they spent the day with Phil and his students.  I ignored all the things I ought to have been doing and went back to the "drawing board" with my felted bowls.  I am ever so slowly dialing in the right combinations of wool and the right techniques.  Friday was long and filled with frustrations and disappointments.  Sometimes training is such a challenge...