Top 5.

There are many things that have kept me from blogging here on Paradise lately.

Here are the top 5.

#5

Homeschooling.

Yes, this deserves a whole post on its own. The first line will be "Getting passed the jumpers, sandals with socks, anti-social, nerdy stereotypes and educating my kids (at home)." In the meantime, I'm spending the majority of the morning, from 9am to noon, teaching both Emma and Mandy everything from math, letter, sounds, recipes, laundry, and even computer skills.

#4

Drops.

For many years I've believed I had no time for devotion to God. There was always that niggling guilt in the back of my mind that said, "You find time for other things you enjoy...". Drops is a culmination of my desire to grow in my relationship with Christ and also encourage other women. The commitment has me writing more and using precious time that I didn't know I could find.

#3

Photo Sessions.

They are coming out my ears. I love a calendar full of sticky notes with appointment dates and times -- sticky notes because at this time of year the weather is so variable and re-scheduling is a possibility. When things feel too crazy, I remember last year when I was recovering from Remington's birth and sat nursing my newborn. Time flies when you are having fun. These fall days full of sunshine are so intoxicating! The leaves, the crisp air, the sweaters, the knee high boots, oh my! I am inspired to take photos of families that will bring them joy.

#2

Birthdays.

The last few posts have been about birthday, birthday, and more birthday. All 5 birthdays in our little family fall between September to November. No worries, you don't have to hear about birthdays the other 9 months of the year. Our extended family including cousins, grandparents, and aunts, and uncles, add 12 more birthday to the "cooridoor" in the Autumn. This year we did a huge birthday extravaganza at a play center and invited all the kids. 12 in the above picture are cousins -- cudoes to you if you can pick them all out. It was good times.

#1

Vacation.

We took two days and went to central Oregon for a little R&R&S (rest, relaxation, and swimming).

Getting away with this guy and our children remains my favorite thing in the whole world. Walking, shopping, swimming, playing, tv-watching, makes for a fantastic time. We are already dreaming about our next get-away. Sigh.