Dancing in Circles

This has long been a favorite song of mine.  Good lyrics, great message!

Sadie and her Carrots

I know my blog posts have been somewhat sporadic lately.  The last weeks of summer break and the start of school took priority over documenting everything that makes me smile.  I think I'm back.  At least I have good intentions.  ;) 

I had to laugh yesterday when Sadie suddenly decided that she had to go out and pick every one of her carrots immediately.  She was worried about a gopher or a groundhog or something stealing them...?  I know, I'm confused, too.  So out she ran and came back in with this beautiful bouquet:

Then she stood on her little step at the kitchen sink and proceeded to wash and trim every last carrot.  She is one determined little girl and a hard worker.  And I know this has nothing to do with carrots, but I love her cute little chin.  :)  Can't imagine life without my little Sadie-bug!

Resident Artist

I found this on Sterling's dresser this morning:

Some days I'd just like to get a glimpse of how that boy's mind works.  He comes up with the craziest things!

Project Tree House

When we moved here 11 years ago, one thing we liked about the house was the big deck in back with the tree coming up through the middle.  It was a conversation piece, but we soon learned that it wasn't extremely functional.  In fact, we never used our deck other than as something to walk across to get to the garage.  Why?  Target practice.  Seriously.  The birds who made their home in that big tree liked to dot our deck with their droppings making it clear that sitting under the shade of that tree was potentially hazardous.  None of us were ever - in eleven years - willing to risk it.  So, when Jeff decided to cut off the deck, we didn't protest.  Sadly, no one thought to take a picture of the deck before he started his project, but here is a picture of it in progress:

Here is what it looked like once Jeff had it put back together:

Once the tree was freed from it's captivity, it was just screaming for a tree house.  Jeff, not one to shy away from a challenge, was up to the task. 
Here's the base:  

And here is the finished product (though it will be getting a coat of paint this weekend):

 On a nice day with a slight breeze, lying in that hammock with a good book is heaven! 

Spencer and the Big 12!

Happy Birthday to my Spencer!  I can't believe this handsome guy turned twelve yesterday.  Twelve!!  This is an important age in the church.  Turning twelve means he has graduated from the Primary program and advanced to the Young Men.  This afternoon, Spencer was ordained a deacon in the Aaronic Priesthood.  What a great responsibility and opportunity for Spencer to serve and represent Jesus Christ.  I have no doubt that he'll do great things.  Kind and thoughtful, Spencer has always been pleasant to be around.  He is conscientious, hard working, and diligent.  He likes to get his work done so he can curl up and get lost in a good book.  This boy reads more than anyone I know!  He is a good friend and a great student.  He likes to joke around and have fun, but he knows when it's time to be serious.  One of my favorite things about Spencer is that he goes to bed when he's tired and gets up so easily in the morning.  Somehow that skill has eluded most of the other residents of this house... 

Spencer, I can't imagine life without you.  You have been a blessing since the day you were born and continue to make me smile everyday.  Thanks for being you.  Thanks for the example you are and the happiness you spread.  Happy Birthday, buddy.  I hope 12 is your best year so far!

Love,
Mom

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String

My latest wrapping paper of choice.  So simple.  It makes me smile.  And sing.

First Day

Man, that went by fast!  Summer I mean.  It's hard to believe that those carefree, lazy summer days are behind us and we're right back into the routine of school.  The kids have had mixed feelings about heading back to the classroom.  For Sadie it couldn't come fast enough, but for the others it came all-too-soon!  I've had mixed feelings as well.  This is my first year with all 6 of them in school all day.  Fortunately, I've been feeling anxious to deep clean and declutter and that is so much easier to do without the kids pulling everything back out of the trash.  :)  I'm sure there will be plenty to keep me busy around here.

As far as first days go, today was fine.  No major mishaps.  One locker that won't open and a bus ride home that took way longer than it should have were the biggest glitches.  Today was only a half-day, breaking them in gently.  Tomorrow will be the real test when the classes are longer and there's a possibility of homework.  I'm sure it will be fine.  We'll all adjust to the new schedule and muddle through as best we can...and look forward to Christmas Break!

Here's the gang this morning: (Their smiles may or may not be forced...)

These two braved new schools this morning.  Sterling attends the school closest to home so he gets to ride his bike (Hooray! No bus!) and Spencer is in Middle School with temperamental lockers. 

Savannah had her first day of High School and only got lost a couple of times.  Sam is just glad he's not the new guy this year!

Sadie loves her new school!  She got a great teacher who is like sunshine everyday. 

Soren is the big man on campus this year.  He's in 3rd grade which is the highest grade in his school.  He was thrilled to get the teacher Sterling had last year. 

Here's to a great year! 

Recipe: My New Favorite Cookie

Marta's Coconut Krispie Chocolate Chunk Cookies

You may think these look like any old chocolate chip cookie, but looks can be deceiving.  So you take a bite and you think, "Mmmmm....  Chocolate and...something else...what is that?  Is that coconut?  OH YUM!"  And then you notice the ever-so-slight crunch.  Rice Krispies?  No way!  Yep, these are seriously delicious.  I should know.  I've made them three times in the past 3 weeks.  I bake all 6 dozen and put 3 dozen in the freezer for later.  Obviously later comes pretty quick around here.  :)  We love them and so do any friends we've shared them with.  This one is a keeper!!

Hop on over here to meet the genius behind these yummy things.  Marta has the most delightful blog full of creativity and real life goodness.  I don't know her in person, but her older sister was roommates in college with my one of my high school friends so we're practically bff's.  Just kidding.  I mean, just kidding about the bff part.  The roomate/friend part is all true!  

Anyway, if you want to make a batch of these cookies yourself (and you should!), here is the recipe.  You're welcome!  :)

Friday Funny: Kid History

I know it's been awhile since I posted a Friday Funny.  I was going to abandon the idea and move on, but I just happen to be posting this on a Friday and it just happens to be really funny.  So there you go!  We recently discovered "Kid History" and it's quickly become our new favorite.  Seriously makes us laugh every time we watch.  Good stuff!

Growing Up

This girl is getting so big.  She's pretty happy about it, too.  Me?  Not so much!  For one, she's my baby.  I kinda wanted her to stay small for a while longer.  And two, she's growing out of her shoes and clothes left and right.  There's not much I can do about making those shoes last a little longer, but I've found a solution for at least some of her clothes.  Ta da!!

I literally threw this little slip/petticoat together one day in about an hour.  I even used an old white sheet because I wasn't sure how it would turn out.  I love it and it allows her to keep wearing all her cute dresses and skirts that were getting way too short!  I'm tempted to make one for me...