Weeks Gone By...

I finally sat down today for the first time in weeks to read blogs and felt sad and inspired. I was sad that so many touching things had happened in the lives of my friends in the blog world and I had not gotten to share them as they occured. I was sad that I hadn't taken the time to reflect on our lives the past few weeks. That is truly what blogging is for me... a time to stop and celebrate my family. All this time has gone by and I certainly know I have not taken enough time to enjoy the wonderful moments in life. I have been pretty stuck in the whirlwind of what late August/ early September means in the life of a teacher. This gap in my blog represents a major readjustment period in the life of my family. It has been extra tough because Tony has been out of town and will be out of town the majority of September, October, and November. I have been dealing myself a big hand of guilt for going back to work as my children manage themselves through their day at school and daycare, but fall apart as soon as I get to see them. It is interesting to me how guilt takes up the place within me that usually houses patience. It would be handy if patience just came on extra strong and guilt and all the ickiness that comes with it stayed away for good. I know this too shall pass and already is beginning to turn the bend. It is now time to look back over the wonderful times of the last few weeks and smile... some moments recorded with pictures... some just need mentioning as the camera was left behind... alas, the inspired.

~Beach trip with the Pitners...

Bicycles made for four...



5:30 AM hunt for sand dollars (18 whole sand dollars collected)...


Balloon hats made by clowns, the wait in line was worth it...


Sitting on the jetty giving crabbing a try with no success other than an enjoyable time had by all at Cape Disappointment State Park...


The trip was great! I think my favorite part this year was playing games; Apples to Apples and Chutes and Ladders.

~A week in Portland visiting family...

OMSI Dinosaur exhibit...




Tillamook Cheese Factory...



My best birthday ever at La Tea Da tea shop in Tillamook. It was perfect except Tony couldn't join us. We really missed him...









Tillamook Forestry Center (a must visit)...






A really nice picnic lunch with my mom...


Corn Maze...




~Labor Day camping with the Sokoloskis. We had a great time! The highlight was definitely the masses of huckleberries. Sadly my camera batteries were dead and I only got one picture. I guess that is okay because we plan to make huckleberry camping on Labor Day an annual event.


~Kyndra's first day of kindergarten...






~Last Friday... benifit carnival for the daughter of one of Tony's coworkers who is battling debilitating seizures... our prayers are with you Cameryn!
~Round-Up has begun... we have enjoyed Twilight Breakfast, the kick-off parade, and went to the first day of the rodeo with some friends.
~Clothes shopping with Taunya... the shopping was terrible as it always is for me (definitely my least favorite activity), but the company and lunch was wonderful.
~Spaghetti feed fundraiser for the cross-country team where I saw my friends and old neighbors... the dinner was followed by a wonderful visit from those special friends.
~As I type taking a break from preparing the house for a Round-Up visit with Tony's aunt and uncle.
~Currently sitting in a chair having my hair genlty brushed by two cute, little beauty shop girls... THE BEST!!!