EKjourney Backup

We woke up to cloudy skies and drizzly rain but the forecast for the Dalles showed partly sunny and warm.  Perfect for the hike we had planned.  We set off with a picnic lunch, trail treats, and extra clothes...just in case.  We made our way up the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway to our first hiking destination, "Emerald Gorge".     This bridge goes over the Sandy River into Troutdale. Sandy River Some sort of cruciferous field.   Rain and fog...oh dear The magnificent view looking out over the incredible Columbia River Gorge...or so we imagined. The view on my lap. I have seen some lovely pictures of "Emerald Gorge" on pinterest and have wanted to hike this particular area for quite sometime.  Unfortunately, my camera did not react well to the low gray clouds and the undergrowth.  The majority of the pictures required the flash and turned out blurry.  The fast pace of hiking isn't the best for tripod photography but I still think I captured en...

Wednesday, was my first craft night of the new school year.  I had forgotten how much I enjoy that quiet creative time and I am so glad that Phil mentioned scheduling this in on our first week back.  I had dinner all ready and prepped and by 5:30 or so, I was getting the creative thoughts swirling.  I recently got a selection of orange yarn and I had been eager to piece together an Autumn inspired hat.  This Pumpkin hat is what came together.  I love that I can start with a general idea and the hat builds itself from there.  I never really know the shape or final size or the look of the hat until the last stitches are worked up.  I started with an acrylic stretchy band and the rest is 100% wool.  I especially liked the way the ribbed top came together, very pumpkinish!  I am still adjusting to the look of the longer stitches and the looser weave that they create.  I personally like tight woven stitches but at double the time, this 5 or s...

Today is Phil's first official day back at work and the children's first official day of the homeschooling year.  But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the LORD, have spoken!   Jeremiah 9:24 For it is written, "I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE." 1 Corinthians 1:19 I read in 1 Corinthians 1 and 2 this morning such a good passage about the wisdom of God and the foolishness of men and my hope is throughout our homeschooling journey that the education my children receive here in our home is one that points them to knowing and understanding the Lord.   Sawyer, age 9, 3rd grade Jubilee, age 8, 2nd grade Evangeline, age 6, Kindergarten Brighton, age 4, Preschool Glorielle, age 3, Preschool