Category Archives: Photography

P365 – Day 99 (Little Buddies)

David and Sarah found themselves alone this evening. Joshua was off at a sleepover. Daniel and Rachel were invited to a friend’s house for dinner and a movie. It was just the two little ones (oh and Mom and Dad but I’m not sure we really count when we’re looking for fun playmates).

david and sarah

The little rascals (as Rachel sometimes calls them) had such a great time playing together. They are good friends who are very companionable. They had rows of Playmobil figures lined up on the stairs with a big dump truck on the landing next to them. Ready to transport the figures? Run them over? Cover them in a landslide of dirt? Good times!

I’m so thankful that the children enjoy each other and are friends. David and Sarah are close in age but different in temperament and interest. Still, they play together beautifully when the older crew is occupied. They were overjoyed when I said they could have a “sleepover” in David’s room.

“Good, Mom, because I was going to be lonely tonight,” David told me.

How did he know he was going to be lonely? Sometimes you just need a brother or sister nearby to keep you company.

Kathy

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P365 – Day 98 (Happy Easter)

He is Risen Indeed!

We went to the early church service today. As a family of seven, we take up almost a whole pew just by ourselves. Tim convinced us to go to the 8 am service this morning so visitors could enjoy our favorite pew at the later (and more populated) services. Oof! I know it wasn’t a sunrise service (and I have to admit I’m grateful) but it was still a bit early for this sleepy family. Especially since we were out late the night before. Tim even left early to go and pray for the pastor before church.

Can you say Prayer Warrior in the training? Or maybe Prayer Armor Bearer? Prayer Serf? Something like that.

purple couple

We had a delicious pancake breakfast after the service, served by the high school youth group. No dishes to wash, which makes my day (and the children who push paper plates as often as they can). We had a good group join us for Sunday School (studying I Corinthians 14). Lively discussion on prophecy and tongues.

Our Easter guests canceled because of illness. Sniff, sniff. No Grandma and Grandpa time. I decided to still prepare a nice Easter dinner. The temptation to slap some of those paper plates on the table and call it lunch was strong, but I resisted.

easter dinner

Inspired by Joshua’s dinner presentation the night before (blog entry on that still coming), I picked out a pretty tablecloth and even managed to find some placemats and cloth napkins that vaguely coordinated. The kids begged to use the crystal goblets. I think they just like making the crystal ‘sing’ (by rubbing their fingertips around the top of the glass). Ah, we’re a classy bunch. Rachel had already changed into her play clothes so her matching purple outfit was nowhere in sight. Use your imagination.

After a lovely dinner, I snuck away to the couch and fell asleep for a little bit (amidst two computer games and the other general ruckus). Tim and the children cleaned up much of the kitchen. Daniel ran off and got me a blanket and pillow so I could nap in comfort.

My nap was short lived but precious. We managed to clean up the house and get it ready for company, all the while leaving just enough time to watch an episode of Bonanza. Ah, yes; I think this little treasure is going to be a new family favorite. What’s not to love? At least 400 episodes (all in color), brothers, guns, bad guys versus good guys, all resolved in one hour. The boys (and I include Tim in that group) were captivated. Our company arrived just as the show was coming to an end. Tim forbade us to watch the conclusion until he gets home from work tomorrow. Pure torture!

We spent all evening playing games with friends from our Small Group. We started off with a few rousing rounds of Scum (always popular with church groups), moved on to teach the crowd Bang (where you basically attempt to kill the other players) and returned to Scum as a finale. Tim and Don snuck in two games of chess while the outlaws and sheriff were duking it out in Bang.

We ate a casual dinner. Some of the children joined us for games. Rachel was the Bang Consultant – running back and forth helping people with their cards. The little ones played with dolls and cars and the like. It was a very fun evening.

daniel and em

Daniel spent some time holding baby Emily.

Hope you enjoyed your Resurrection Weekend and spent some time with friends or family.

Kathy

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P365 – Day 97 (Cowgirl)

The sheriff is here and she’s ready for any trouble that might be brewing.

Sheriff Sarah

Of course, with that mask you might wonder if she’s helping or stirring up trouble herself. Either way I’d be sure to stay out of her path. She doesn’t look like she will put up with any shenanigans.

sarah

This here sheriff is weary – it was obviously a long day on the ranch (plus the mask gets hot after a while).

Kathy

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P365 – Day 96 (MOGL)

We have at our house a MOGL – it’s not a dreaded disease, a new cookbook, or a large bump on a ski slope. No, it’s a Mower Of Great Laziness! We’ve had this visitor here before. Last year the lawnmower would run for a minute or two before shutting off. You basically had time to get around the yard once. At that point you were pretty much forced to sit on the porch swing with your book, waiting until the mower was ‘rested’ enough to continue. A half an hour mowing job could be parlayed into a whole day’s work (with time for smoothie breaks).

the boys

Here David and Joshua check out the dandelion collection.

To my great joy, and Tim’s disgust, a visiting elf (no doubt kin to the shoemakers crew) came by while we were on vacation and had our mower repaired. Ah, the lawnmower was back in business. No more lazying around. The front AND back lawn could both be mowed in ONE day.

look at them dandelions

Boy, look at this beautiful dandelion garden.

It’s spring here in the beautiful northwest and we are very overdue in taking care of our lawn. We live in a lovely neighborhood. It isn’t fancy or pretentious but the homeowners do take care of their lawns. Driving up and down the street you are treated to sights of Japanese rock gardens, stunning roses, perfectly manicured lawns, and the House O’ Dandelions. Uh, that would be our place. I should say – The House O’ Dandelions and Other Weeds.

blackberries

This is on the OTHER side of the backyard fence. The owner of this piece of property must use some pretty mighty Weed and Feed. Maybe it’s called Blackberry Miracle Gro.

Despite having skilled gardeners on both sides of our family, Tim and I do not have a single green thumb (or even a pinkie) between us. It wasn’t too long after we were married that we realized we were both waiting for the other person to take on the landscaping job. In my family it’s my father who is the gardener, in Tim’s family, it is his mother. It’s been almost 15 years (next month!!!) and neither one of us has risen to the task yet. I’m afraid we are doomed.

sarah points

Even Sarah can’t help but point out the intense growth of dandelions raging around the yard.

Thankfully, this fact wasn’t known by the cul-de-sac police when we rented and eventually bought this home. Of course, with three boys (and one a teenager) you would think our lawn maintenance troubles were solved. Isn’t it practically a rite of passage that a young boy mows the family’s lawn? And with five children, there is surely always someone in trouble who needs a job (oh, weeding comes to mind).

weed and feed

Don’t worry, Mom, we’ll take care of these nasty, old weeds.

Joshua went out and used up an old bag of weed and feed last week. Is that really what it’s called? It does beg the question – are you feeding the weeds? That’s what it sounds like to me. Scary. It’s certainly working in our yard. I think the dandelions are multiplying on a daily basis. Joshua decided he had better mow before spreading out any more weed killer (smart boy, that one, and useful too). This was when we discovered the tragic news.

The MOGL was back and it might, in fact, be a dead MOGL (mostly dead, we’re not sure). This does not look good for our lawn and the hope I had for some kind of damage control on the dandelion explosion. Joshua isn’t taking the news very well.

no good lawn

taking it out

I’m not sure that’s really a very effective way to get rid of the weeds, Joshua.

Kathy

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P365 – Day 95 (The Lord’s Radiance)

Today the sun was out and the weather pleasant and warm. It was wonderful!!

rachel reading

The three older children each spend time reading to David and Sarah on a regular basis. They are FANTASTIC helpers!!!!

Tim came home from work and heard me speak wishfully of getting in some exercise. He promptly sent me off to the Y. What an awesome husband! He knows I am thoroughly enjoying my workouts these days – he thinks I’m twisted and sick but that’s beside the point – and wants to support me as best he can. On my part, I made sure dinner was planned and set into motion before I left. Thank goodness for a capable 13 year old who can handle side dishes with ease.

Rachel and I drove off to the Y with our windows down, enjoying the sunshine and warm air. There were children outside riding bikes, people walking in the neighborhood, and just a general alive feeling in the spring air. Tonight, reflecting on how much I enjoy the sun and what joy and literal warmth it brings to my life, I found this passage in Isaiah:

The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Isaiah 60:19

How amazing to have this promise, to know that a time is coming when God will be our source of light! I think of how a sunny day can lift my spirits, transform my day and bring cheerfulness to the entire family. In western WA we do NOT take the sunshine for granted. And yet, I realize this joy is just a mere glimpse of the wonder and glory it will be to stand in the Lord’s presence and glory in His radiance.

I am, once again, so awed at the little glimpses He gives me of His character and richness. When I long for the sunshine and warmth of a spring or summer day, in some sense I am really longing for the time when:

Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. Isaiah 60:20

As we approach Easter and Resurrection Sunday, I am humbled that the creator of the Universe, who died and rose again, wishes to reach out and speak to me in His Word.

Kathy

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