Glass Mountain

Ian's Finished Ornament

 One of my Cub Scout moms generously donated a gift certificate to Glass Mountain, a local glass blowing studio. I jumped at the opportunity. Glass Blowing is something I have wanted to try for years!

 A lot goes into the making of a glass Christmas Ornament

 4 of my Bear Scouts were able to attend. Each boy got to make his own Christmas Ornament. They got to choose the colors, the style (swirl, solid, speckled, etc.,) and got to heat the glass and blow the glass. Mr Ed, the artist, was extremely patient with the boys and very careful, but not crazy paranoid (like I might be inclined to be).

Ian Absolutely Loved Glass Blowing

Have you ever tried to explain something to a group of 8 year old boys? I can tell you it is by God's great mercy that I am able to keep their attention for more than 3.8 minutes. Mr. Ed kept them eagerly awaiting every word that was spoken. He was very clear, entertaining, informative, and interesting!

Paul refines his ornament in the Glory Hole

 I don't know if it's because I am a child of the 80's, or maybe just juvenile in my humor, every time Mr. Ed referred to the Glory Hole I had to stifle a laugh. The Glory Hole (laugh) was where the glass was heated up and kept soft and pliable. They had to keep heating the glass, then shaping it, heating it, adding color, heating it, shaping it, heating it, blowing... You get the idea. This wasn't a quick process.

I love the Joy on his face

Glass Mountain offers classes to make your own ornament for $35. While I don't even spend $35 on anything if I can help it, this would totally (80's again) be worth it. The entire studio is a feast for your eyes. Beautiful beads, ornaments, flowers, vases everywhere. We were mesmerized by the beautiful unique pieces everywhere! However, I  cringe thinking of his poor wife paying the utility bills!

4 of my Bear Scouts with the master glass blower, Mr. Ed

I think I persuaded Sean to take a couples class and design something to make together.

Erik T, blowing his ornament

I am a tiny bit jealous that Ian got to try it before I did, however, I do have a new favorite ornament! I love that he can look at the ornament every year and remember this experience. I love that his ornament looks like a marble and has his current favorite colors.
I feel blessed to have been given this opportunity to create fun memories with my youngest son.

Table Top Mountain

Beautiful picturesque port a potties in the background~

We spent the weekend with some wonderful friends, ate way too much, slept too little, and exercised not enough.
Sean and I wanted to hike, so despite the child that didn't feel good and another with a poor attitude we decided to head up to Table Top Mountain at Mt. Baker.

Erik and Mama

The very first part of the hike we had to cross some snow. Which, necessitated Liberty removing her Keens to get the snow out of the sandal. Pretty quickly I put her in the Ergo and carried her up the quite steep climb with loose rocks. Sean and I switched about 1/2 way up, I was happy to share the load!

Erik and Aaron

Ever since Liberty was born, I have had an irrational fear of heights. I know it is irrational and I know that fear is not from God. I especially have a problem with cliffs and falling. What I failed to remember was that we had to first drive up steep mountain roads, with no shoulder or railing. Then hike to a beautiful vista with a sheer drop off.

Aaron and Erik on the ascent to Table Top in the background

I actually did great until we go to the top and ALL the rest of my family wanted to stand on the very edge. What doesn't make sense to me is why someone would purposefully do something that causes someone else so much stress.
They all know how much I am afraid,  yet they all wanted to do it anyway.

We got some amazing pictures, and enjoyed a great picnic lunch. We felt the chill in the air that fall is quickly approaching. That is, until I had a breakdown. I started crying and we had to leave. The hike down was not fun. Ian had to stay behind Sean and in front of me. He has no discernment about what is safe and what is foolish.

Typically, I avoid airing my dirty laundry here. However, the difference between childish and foolish behavior can be a difficult problem to discern. The Bible is pretty clear when it says in Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 10:17 Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.

Aaron

I try to give my children reasons behind my instruction. Not random, arbitrary rules, rather rules that have meaning and consequences. On this particular hike Ian ran with heedless abandon down the trail. Both Sean and I warned him to slow down and pay attention. This was a circumstance where his life was in danger.

Rare photo with Sean and I 

It was a very good reminder that our children are under our protection and although I have expectations of my children I still need to anticipate that they will need corrected and trained in the way they should go. My attitude toward correcting them makes all the difference.

View looking down into the valley from Tabletop.

When I expect to get out of bed at 6:14 A.M. and someone wakes up sick at 5:30 I can be extremely irritated on missing out of those precious 44 minutes of sleep. However, if I know someone is sick and expect to get up several times at night it is a completely different response from me. Instead of frustration or irritation they get compassion and gentleness.

Back: Taylor, Sean, Carolynn, Aaron
Front: Ruby, Liberty, Ian, Erik
Missing:Mikaela

Mostly this is a reminder to me to remember that my job is to lead my children and train them in the way they should go. I need to expect them to need correction, expect them to fall short and extend to them the grace and mercy that my Lord and Savior gives me.

The Warrior Dash

A few months ago, several friends and I were talking about participating in an event called The Warrior Dash. Everyone quickly jumped on the bandwagon and signed up. Everyone, except me.

Me, waiting to catch the shuttle to check in for The Dash

I really wanted to do it, but did not have the money to sign up and knew that I was not training for it.
Last week I purchased my spot, at a discount, from a friend who decided not to do it. After I bought it I went online again and looked at the course. How I wish I would have trained!

My Warrior Buddies, Dr, Brad & Dr. Dana

Dana wasn't feeling great, and Brad was Mr. Encouragement. We had decided to stick together, and I am so glad we did! Part of me wanted to run hard and prove myself, but it was so much fun to be together.

Warrior Cheer

Early in the race, we covered 1/2 mile through muddy trails with stickers on both sides. I slid about 3 feet and almost wiped out. Brad cheered, "Yeah for slippery muddy trails, we almost fall on!"
Then at each obstacle he cheered that it was coming, and while we were doing it, then that it was over. It made me laugh over and over. I honestly think lots of the people that were around us stayed for his encouraging banter.

Ready, Set, Go!

 One muddy pit didn't look that bad, but I chose the wrong spot to enter and fell flat on my face! I have to say the only injury I received was from hitting my knee on something beneath the mud. Dana didn't fair so well, her shoe came off in the mud and she had to dig for it!
Being short was much to my advantage, there were several obstacles that you had to crawl through or under and I didn't even have to army crawl!
I was really worried about the rope we had to climb then scale a huge wall, I didn't think I had the upper body strength for it. I did it without any problems!

Almost Done

 Aaron really wanted to come watch me. Even though he didn't come he told me that at 12:30 (my start time) he said, "Go Mama!" He also told me when I was leaving for the race that he hoped I was successful. When I asked him what successful was, He replied, "That you don't die!"
I am so Thankful that I was successful!

We Did It!

The most fun was jumping over the flames together.
 The most difficult obstacle for me was the mud crawl. The pit was so deep I couldn't touch the bottom! I also wear contacts and after someone (I will never tell who) =) threw mud in my face I could hardly open my eyes. The grit and grime between my teeth didn't help much either.

Next time I think I will wear shorts. The pants were a bit heavy.

Right after I finished, I gave Sean a great big muddy hug! Unfortunately everyone else was too muddy to touch the camera, so I don't have any pictures of it.

Muddy Couple

  The info page said that there were showers, really there were old men with fire hoses. I guess it's a good thing I am cuter than Brad, because at least I got hosed off!  The guy asked Dana and I if we were married. I said, "Not to each other!"

Going to the "Shower"

 I went out to have a good time with my friends and was not even going to check the race results. But Dana called and told me that I was 89/700 in our age group and 606/5,793!
I think next year I might just go for competition!

Guess we forgot to raise our arms when we got rinsed off

After our 'shower' we noticed that many parts did not actually get clean, at all.

Our entrance fee included a free beer, I used mine to rinse my hair and hands! 

 I called my friend Amy, I had never been to her house before, and asked if we could come hose off. I still had so much grime in my eyes I could hardly see.
She gracefully and willingly offered her shower. I was so very happy.

Here's to a great time, great friends, and great accomplishments! 

Then Sean and I finished our date day with Dinner at PF Chang's with Brad and Dana, and some shopping together, alone.
Thank you so much to my momm for watching our children so we could have some fun together! Maybe next time Sean will join in, since he got muddy anyway!

Cedar and Pine Lakes Hike

Last week my kids were feeling crummy and we were slowly plowing our way through school. We noticed a sunny day in the forecast. I decided that we simply must take advantage of the weather and get some exercise. 

I love to hike! I like exploring new areas, being together, and getting exercise. I feel like we are finally at a place that it isn't overwhelming to take these excursions. 

Like I said, a few of my children were feeling crummy and the beginning of the hike starts out pretty steep. One of them came to me in tears asking if they could wait in the BRV. Another was whining and dragging their feet. I gave that one a swat and told them to shape up and the other one I encouraged that the fresh air would help them to feel better. 

 The elevation change on this 5 mile hike was 1,750 feet! Liberty spent most of the time in the Ergo either on my back or on Taylor's back. When she was with Taylor she was a bit more demanding. Saying things like,"Giddy Up horsey!" and, "yaw, yaw, Why you going so slow TayTay?"

 There was still snow on the ground but fortunately we were dressed for the weather. I even found a pair of new hiking boots in the closet, in my size! I was thrilled! I wonder where they came from? The shoe fairy, perhaps? Maybe the shoe fair could also leave me a pair of Ariat Fat Baby Boots!

 Dana, is my running partner,  chiropractor and friend. She is also about a foot taller than me. I usually work really hard to make sure that I am not holding her back but when she put her 4 year old on her back I was in awe! Ruby wanted to be carried for a bit as well, I only offered to hold her hand while Dana actually carried her for awhile.

 You really must appreciate Ruby's sense of style her fur hat, skirt, Bog boots and baby (complete with diaper bag), Every time I turned around Ian was asking me to take his picture. He did make me a bit anxious with his complete and utter lack of awareness of the cliffs, waterfalls and moss covered logs hanging over a precipice. This is the son who routinely falls off of his chair at breakfast!

 Lukas, Bree and Dana at Cedar Lake, our lunch stop! I enjoy her children's sense of adventure, their positive attitude, and mischievous antics.

 Doesn't he look like his father? This is Aaron's sophisticated look. I took all of these photos on my iPhone. I must say that I have gotten quite lazy when it comes to packing the nice camera,  I really don't want one more thing to carry.

We enjoyed our lunch then headed back down the trails. Erik's classic quote was, "Isn't there another, faster easier way back to the van?"
We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is a priority for us to enjoy and explore. I am  excited we have so many new trails to experience this season.
We all felt better and everyone was in bed early and slept wonderfully.

Fragrance Lake

We made it to Fragrance Lake! Pretty amazing photo taken on my iPhone!

Yesterday, was beautiful! Yes, it started with a layer of snow covering our yard. But, here in the Pacific Northwest when the sun is shining and I can see blue sky, I don't want to waste it inside!

This was probably the only stretch of the hike that was not uphill and muddy. 

We did our morning work, and were struggling through trying to keep people on task. When I decided to take advantage of the beauty where we live! 

I called my friend Christine at 1:30 and asked if she wanted to go for a hike. She didn't even hesitate when she answered, "YES!" 

Another thing to love about homeschoolers, they can take a break whenever they need to. 

Taylor, Ian, Mark Aaron, Aaron, Erik, Sarah, Storm, Ruby, Christine

 We met at 2:30 and headed to the trail head. I told my kiddos to grab their coat, water bottles, and a granola bar. I am not much on detail. Didn't think about all the snow around here, or that it might be cold in the woods, or that we might need extra clothes, or even that it was almost 3 in March and it might get dark soon.

Christine, Me, Libby in the Ergo

 I was focused on one thing: getting out in the sunshine!
We parked, paid the stupid $10 use fee, and started up the trail. The bigger kids left Christine, Ruby, Libby, and I in the dust! I only looked at the hike enough to know it was 2.25 miles to the lake. I completely forgot about the 2.25 miles back! Liberty made it all the way up to the lake without a problem. Well, she had a minor mishap of falling and breaking open the scab on her nose, again. Fortunately there was only a little bit of blood. There was a lot of mud!

Erik said he would have rather stayed home and finished his homework. Who is this guy? 

Christine was worried about the time and ready to head back, so we asked a guy (running up the trail) to tell the kids to head back if he saw them. He did, and they did. But when we met up with them we realized that we were really close to the top. Christine did not want to be so close to the goal and not make it so, we all headed up to the lake together.

My new favorite photo of Aaron, He has a genuine smile!

 I'm so glad we did. Because when we got to the top the sun was shining, the water was crystal clear and calm. It was a perfect opportunity to soak in the glory of God's amazing creation!

Mark Aaron, and Aaron. I felt like I was taking a picture of their dads when they were young. 

 We then had to hurry back to the BRV (Big Red Van) to get the boys to scouts on time.

Liberty and Ruby.
It cracks me up that they currently wear the same size clothes. 

One of the other calamities was that Ruby asked Sarah for a piggy back ride. Sarah probably weighs about 10 pounds more than Ruby and when Ruby jumped on Sarah's back she made Sarah face plant in the muddy snow and Ruby went right over the top and face planted as well. It was sorta comical as it seemed to happen in slow motion. Sarah was embarrassed, and Ruby was slightly dirty and sore but we weren't any worse for the wear.
Upon arriving at the BRV we were treated to a beautiful sunset over the bay. Whew! we made it just before dark. I barely made it in time to get the boys to scouts (which is important since I have the key to the building).
We will definitely be looking to discover more hiking trails in our area! We all needed the fresh air and change of scenery.

We're Off!!

We are heading out for The Christian Heritage Homeschool Conference this weekend! We have been every year and it is a wonderful time to fellowship with other homeschoolers, be inspired, encouraged, and challenged in our mission.

Libby practicing her driving skills in the driveway.

This year's speaker is Kevin Swanson. He is an amazing Godly man that has no problem engaging the children, they love to watch him and listen to his message.

In the midst of all this we had an appraisal done today, I have gone and looked at several rental all of which won't work for one reason or another, and packing and purging.

I hope your weekend is filled with as much fun as mine!



Capitol Tour

It is always fun to spend time with special friends. They have been incredibly busy with Jason's schedule, taking time to spend a few days together was a huge treat!

Justice, Honor and Liberty

Paisley is about the happiest baby around. She is so content and lights up when anyone looks at her, which is all the time!

Jess called the Capitol to find out about getting a tour, she was told that they usually schedule the tours a year in advance! Since we are friends and family of our State Representative and homeschooling families in the district we were able to get our own private guided tour.

In the Rotunda is this beautiful chandelier, a VW Beetle fits inside the chandelier! The names of all the counties are in their proper location around the ceiling. We found Whatcom County on the North West corner!

We visited on National Guard day and had the amazing opportunity to hear the band play "My Country Tis Of Thee" I had goose bumps it was very powerful. The Rotunda is made almost entirely of Marble (the marble is split in half and identical on both sides of the room) and the acoustics are something even I appreciated.

In the center of the Rotunda on the floor is the official Washington State Seal.

Ian got to sit behind the desk of Representative Overstreet.

We had the privilege of going on the floor of the House of Representatives. I paid attention to what my children were wearing, clean nice shirts and pants with no holes unfortunately I did not make them take off their coats! There is a strict dress code on the Floor about wearing suits and ties. Even our Tour Guide had not been on the floor with out much thought and planning.

The official photographer came and took our picture with the Seal of Washington. He even asked the Speaker of the House to move out of our picture! I was wearing a sweater (that I could not take off) and carrying Liberty and Justice and was wet from walking through the rain and sweaty, not really feeling my best.

The curtains have real gold thread in them!

The highlight for the boys was holding the guns the National Guard had on display.

Aaron had to help Ian hold this gun, I think it weighed more than Ian! The men we spoke with were Snipers! It was pretty interesting and fascinating to hear about their experiences and why they decided to serve our Country.

We began our day at the Capitol with Ruby puking in the car and me puking while I was cleaning up her mess. Later in the Visitor shop I walked by a display that Libby grabbed hold of and pulled the whole thing down. Then Ian purchased a Native American coloring book with his own money only to find out later that the book was not appropriate for a boy!

Real adventures bring history and learning alive!