Celebrating Together haiku for you

Sharing this birth day

Is a gift of family

When one became two

The Two of Us

Spencer and I had a few days home alone. We went out on a little adventure. This place is the best...I actually have a bit of a crush on this place. I adore how it brings out the best in each of us and everywhere I look there is such beauty and variety. The sun was amazing and warm despite being the end of December. I savor these moments in time, with my wildling and in nature. I am feeling grateful.

Celebrating

It has been a busy last few days. We celebrated mine and Jake's birthday. We spent winter solstice at a remote beach in the fog and later that night had a neighborhood luminary party. We've been busy celebrating, partying, merry making and anticipating this lovely season. 

Ruben in double digits now!

10 years old is a pretty big deal. He has become quite a little man, so responsible, creative, independent, smart, funny... I really could go on and on! The big thing here is 10 years old and 10 years of having this blessed child in our life. I feel so honored to be his mother. 

We spent his birthday at Black Butte Ranch with friends and family. Hiking, swimming, basketball, and good fun for the whole family. It was a weekend to remember. I just adore this guy and I am so grateful for his presence in our lives. 

Happy Birthday Ruben!!!!

Sunday of the outdoors

This weather has been very inviting for outdoor adventures. Sunday I took the boys for my first solo 4x4 drive. We went to a remote beach in search of tres and his friend surfing a secret break. We arrived to a most epic spot. We did a little picnicking, wood collecting, fishing, sand castle building, and relaxing on the beach. The day was so wonderful, none if us wanted it to end. We all expressed  gratitude for the beautiful place we live, wilderness so close to home and the time together. 

Around here

A little bit of this life we live and a few notes I found written by spencer. 

My weekend in the woods

I had no luck as a huntress. However being in the woods for three nights four days was so satisfying and fulfilling. We camped in the tent and stayed so warm and cozy with the woodstove in the tent. We cooked on the fire, hiked 6 to eight hours a day, went to bed early and woke early, and stood still in a massive forest. Breathtaking really. Fairview is majestic. One night, about 4 am I heard a very loud scream of a cougar it sounded so close! I was terrified! And didn't want to get up to pee. I laughed at myself later , but I will never forget the sound of that scream. An incredible experience, I can't imagine what it would be like if I had actually taken an elk down! The idea of freezer full of wild meat has me thinking I'll be back next year.

In the Woods

We prepared for being in the woods this month. First season for Elk starts in two days. A long time tradition of setting up camp in the woods for the hunters in our family to stay for during the season. Pretty primitive, but something about it works for us. My brother stayed in this tent while working in AK too. The mountains are always a treat to visit. Today I came up to camp with my three boys, all of us together. It was pretty sweet for me. I love to be with them. We're hopeful for an elk this season! A freezer full of wild meat would be so satisfying for this family. Animal or no animal, a weekend in the woods will be satisfying as well.

Lately

So much happens around here as cliche as it may sound time goes by so fast! I have a few random pictures from the past few weeks...

Home made math game as an assignment for Ruben's class, which turned out being super fun. We played twice, while avoiding bedtime.

Fresh caught salmon fillet for dinner. Unfortunately we didn't catch. However we sure have tried! Wrin and Sarah sent this one two us. Yum!! So pretty and fresh!

The gorilla is back! Costume box was brought out and silliness and dressing up took precedent over homework and bedtime on time. 

I am loving shadow pics lately. Loving alone time/ selfcare on Fridays and or a few moments on the weekend. I am rejuvenated by my time in nature. I feel so blessed to be minutes from wilderness. 

Ruben and spencer had parent teacher conferences last week. Both of them having reports from their teachers as leaders in their class, excellent behavior, above grade level in math and reading, and truly a pleasure to have in class. I wasn't surprised they are both true gems. Ruben requested atv ride for a reward. Heck yeah!!! Thanks to torex atv we got a free ride. Jake was our guide in the dunes we had a blast! 

I am stoked for the opening of siltcoos ouet too!!! It uses each year for the snowy plover habitat, darling little birds. This is one of my favorite places ever!! So when it reopens I feel like I have received a gift. 

A Fall Harvest

The garden is winding down. I pulled the last if the carrots. Tomatillo were picked too. Some plants have gone to seed already, I plan to have the preschoolers help with that harvest. A great opportunity for fine motor work and a discussion on the life cycle of plants. I am sad to see the green if the garden go. This year's side garden worked out better than I had imagined. I am already thinking about planting next spring. I'll be putting theses beds to rest soon and opening the garden gate to let the chickens do their work in this area too. I am grateful to have the space and time to tend to this garden. I love that the garden brings both peace and excitement to me, & not to mention the obvious... Great real food too!