Many now are past their peak, but there are still berries ripening along the trails as just the right height for Abbie Rose who, yes, was allowed out walking in the outfit she assembled herself – from her sister's wardrobe. <g> We so adore those sisters.
The big kids have appts and practices all day but the little girls and I took a nice long walk in a little window of time we had. Well worth it.
I hope in your busy fall days you find pockets of peace such as this.
{this moment} – A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.
More moments at Soulemama's
…pocketful of posies….
….ashes, ashes…
we all fall down!
What I love about these pictures of Tess at the ball field is that this is the first time she met these girls. Just walked right up, introduced herself and said, "Let's play!" And play they did.
When this game was suggested she squealed "Oh I LOVE Ring Around the Rosy!"
An aside, this happens sooner or later in our family – they figure out it's not "Ring Around the Rosary" It's a Catholic thing. <g>
Moira and I are large and in charge this week with both Allen and Alannah in the States. And now at week's end we are…… tired. Or maybe that's just me. Among other things, this week saw earthquakes at the airport and the death of a son's friend. Difficult calls. Lots of prayers. And the beginning of fall sports for three kids. A few babysitting jobs to run this girl to. And by last night I was running pretty short on words after all that running and thinking and praying.
But I'm never too tired to notice things like the sun bouncing off her hair in the yard. Hey Moira, hold still a minute….
There is beauty and blessing right here with us, right alongside all the other. And girls becoming delightful women.
It's important not to miss it.
I couldn't ask for better a better co-pilot. : )
It could have been a Monday Daybook or a Ten on Tuesday or a Pretty, Happy, Funny, Real on Thursday or a 7 Quick Takes on Friday.
But that would have meant I was on time.
Instead we have the Weekend Update because while I wait for the appropriate to day to post a thing it flies out of my brain.
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Hands-On
We had our first science experiment of the new schoolyear – removing permament ink from a dry-erase board. I am pleased to report this was a success. Easy too. Cover with dry erase marker and wipe wipe wipe. Repeat as necessary. This method is less successful on scientists than on dry erase boards. Just an FYI.
K9
We also had our first field trip. Big hit! The K9 department gave an awesome tour. We tried on all the gear, toured the kennels, and watched a police/dog pair in the field. Aidan was beside himself in rapt attention. This is his current dream job. Fortunately for us all, his mother has been broken in to the idea of her children doing dangerous things and she doesn't hyperventilate anymore as often at the prospect.
Face to Face
Mixing up her adjectives, Abbie Rose told her big brother the other day about her new superpower: "You can't see me…. I'm imPOSSible!" and closed her eyes. Not so, darlin. Being the baby of a family of ten means all eyes are on you. We see you.
You are never invisible here. : )
click on button to see more entries this week
Just random lunchtimes. I love hanging back and watching them talk. Tess and Brendan like to make their own sandwiches these days which takes a very long time from gathering tools and ingredients to preparation to eating to cleanup. But its a very long time that small people are busy and productive and have that glorious Montessori face on. It's when you hear that very quiet heavy sigh of satisfaction over their work. Worth every minute. And crumb.
Did you know that if you look out my dining room window you can talk to your next door neighbor through their window? Sigh. But hey, the kids think this is the ultimate in cool. I am just grateful for blinds <g>
Someone got way too old this summer. She has taken to shopping and cafe hopping downtown every chance she and her friends get.
In case you don't have brothers or football at your house, this is the secret handshake, to be used after a touchdown… yay-ah
running running running, always running
these two as well….
but who can resist those faces? Not me.
This week's theme at Snapshots Around the World is Basket. What does this picture have to do with that you say? Well if you zoom in on Allen's sunglasses you will see. Surprised him with lunch at the park during work the other day. Complete with my favorite – apfelschorle.
Please come join in the fun! We'd love to see your baskets.
One of the best park days ever was spent at the Homberg Stadtpark, known locally as the Pirate Ship Park. There is a large wooden pirate ship playground anchored in an enormous knee deep wading pool full of hefty rafts constructed in such a way that they can carry a heavy passenger load around the 'sea' despite its shallow depth.
Typical of German parks you assume all risk and personal responsibility. There are no gates, fences, staff. Just a giant ship and lots of shady trees around the edges from which moms and dads can keep an eye out.
unless of course Dad lands himself in the water too….
Truth be told this summer has not only chugged along, but has been fairly barreling down the tracks. During times like these it is even more important to provide for little pockets of recollection and quiet. Organized play has it's place. In this camp week that place has been most of our waking hours. But the rest of the time there is also a lot of this.
(and yes, those trains are sporting graffiti. It's some rough territory they travel through… ; ))
For a boy who is in near perpetual motion it is especially endearing to see him so still, deep in thought, as he arranges and rearranges.
Starry Sky Journal 