I wonder how many times I've thought to blog and just didn't make time for it. A lot! Journaling with pen and paper, writing, blogging...whatever form it is, I like it. I like keeping record, I like looking back. I like dumping my thoughts to make room for new ones. I got a major concussion in college and I can't help but wonder if that doesn't play a role in my lack of memory.
It's Labor Day and Mark and I have been working around the house and yard all morning, its been awesome! I went for a mellow bike ride while I listened to an audio book, "Where the Crawdads Sing". It was recommended to me and I wanted to read it before we went to North Carolina in July but it didn't come available through the library until now. Because of the holiday it was nice and quiet on the roads, more people out than cars.
We've had an amazing summer-full of good things. The girls are back at the elementary school. They were worried about being behind in some things and what do you know-they're not, but are ahead in many things. Homeschool mom money in the bank. I'm so thankful for the courage I had to homeschool last year. It was a process and often times uncomfortable. But it has forever changed who we are, how I think, and my perspective on many things.
Mark and I have stepped up our vision of what goals we want to happen. The feeling of accomplishment is priceless and I love the endless possibilities. I've worked hard on my health since being in a big ol slump since earlier this year. I was gaining weight fast, feeling terrible about myself, not knowing what doctors to trust or talk to regarding thyroid issues. I'm seeing an internal medicine dr, and have taken time to feed myself only good things and its made all the difference. I'm not bouncing off the walls with energy, but I'm feeling better. We've spent a lot of time, sweat, and money improving the front yard and now hoping to clean up the back to make way for new projects (we're on 1/2 acre so there's always work to be done!).
The girls are growing up quick. I did try to potty train Annie earlier this summer but put her back in diapers (which saved my sanity). Ruby's days of first grade are long for her so far, but she doesn't complain much and is outside playing as soon as she gets home. We've been invited to to take part in a video for the company that makes the drug she's on, as well as talk at a conference regarding our experience in a couple weeks. I'm thankful for the opportunities we have to share. I've recently gone back through journals and pictures. I read a book about the psychology of post traumatic stress and growth which has been insightful and helped as I piece the past together. Ruby still takes her magic cancer fighting pill every morning and hospital visits every 4 weeks. Jane and Siri have started up soccer again. They love their teams. Siri is still a read-a-holic. Jane prefers to be out going going going.
Mark continues to love marketing and photography, both of which he amazes me by his talents and ability to improve and learn. He reads a crazy amount of books and is always trying to get better. After about 5 years as the Young Men's President over our congregation at church, he got a new calling as the Ward Mission Leader. I'm going to be teaching a Wednesday morning cycle class at Vasa and look forward to having that time to challenge myself. Putting myself in front of people, with a mic on, with music and movement I've made up, sometimes makes me incredibly nervous. I almost always end up loving it and being able to share energy. Once a month I teach the 11, 12, 13 year old Sunday School class and love this new age so I get a feel for what is coming my way...Siri will be 11 this month!
Thank you to all you wonderful family and friends who help us along our way-with your friendship, help with kids, yard stuff, all of it!
finally got all of us camping!
(Tanners Flat)
fun visit from cousin Kate!
Annie is sad "the boys" (our neighbors) recently moved
Ruby has been obsessed with the chicks who've made
our backyard their home this past week.
I went to an awesome self development conference last week!
Time on my own, away from my usual house/kids routine was so good for me.
September!
First day back to school.
They're adorable.
cabin time!
fun Primary's Oncology family party
(minus the part where Mark took a fevering Annie home early)
annual visit to Ocean Ice
Jane did a very cool Jr.Firerighter camp
love love love the 24th of July gathering at Joan's
getting reading for a horseback riding lesson
Mark and I loved being part of youth conference
Another dream come true for me-to visit North Carolina. All 6 of us went!
We got to participate with Lighthouse Family Retreat....AMAZING people and organization.
more cabin time on the 4th!
Siri and her friend made some mulah with their super snacks
Bear Lake Van Dorn family reunion
Cold but beautiful!
Ruby was brave a spent 5 days at Camp Magical Moments in Idaho.
She can't wait to go back-another incredible organization with generous volunteers.
Homemade pizza is always a good idea.
Camp Hobe
Ruby did swim team this summer!
It was very informal, but got her in the pool and moving every morning.
Siri and Jane spent a week at Camp Hobe.
So proud of them for being away from home all week and doing great!
Those Thackeray siblings are the.best.
Biztown with homeschool friends was so fun!
She got her bunny and named him Handsome
Went to Colorado over Memorial weekend to visit
one of our favorite families on the face of this earth.
Annie's phone skills.
So many pictures of grass and the bottom of cupboards on my phone.
Life is good.
