taking time

This week has been so full. I had three tests, one in Philosophy Ethics, the other in World Literature (that was a doozie) and the last in Psychology. On top of that I have a large paper looming over my head that is due before Thanksgiving...Although I really love school and have enjoyed dusting off these areas of my brain, this mama is worn out! Sometimes I wonder, "what am I doing"...I miss collecting recipes and cooking and baking in the afternoons, me and pollywog making crafts each day, and reading for pure enjoyment, not for assignments. I am trying to strike a balance, as moms often must. Not because I can't work or go to school. My husband fully supports all that I want to do, but because I genuinely enjoy being home with my children. I've been considering just taking two classes next semester so I can spend more time with my babe.

I am constantly reminded when I look at her and then glance over at my boy, who is fast becoming a man, just how quickly this time passes.  
Pollywog and I had the best time Tuesday at a local pottery shop.

I painted a mug and added her hand print to it, and she painted a plate. Can't wait to pick up the finished results.

It was so much fun, and something I plan to incorporate for Christmas gifts. Then Pollywog, B and I went to an exhibit that a friend from Seattle was in town doing.

We had a wonderful day. That evening we picked up the boy from wrestling and quickly got him food. This is the main focus of his life! Seriously, he works out for two hours after school each day and keeping enough good calories in him is a full time job. We went to our favorite pizza joint and enjoyed hearing about his day. I am learning the great balancing act of family and school, again. Putting things like this on the bottom of my daily to do's, helps!

 I am so ready for Thanksgiving break! How bout you?

Life in Quotes: day four

"Take care of all your memories. For you cannot relive them." ~ Bob Dylan

Life in Quotes: day three

"Teenage boys, goaded by their surging hormones run in packs like the primal horde. They have only a brief season of exhilarating liberty between control by their mothers and control by their wives." ~ Camille Pagila

Life in Quotes: day two

"A joyful life is an individual creation that cannot be copied from a recipe." – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Life In Quotes: day one

"Without a wish, without a will, I stood upon that silent hill and stared into the sky until My eyes were blind with stars and still... I stared into the sky..." -Ralph Hodgson

ah, yes...the dailys

Halloween came and went with little hoopla. CJ has graduated from the days of trick-or-treating, and spent the holiday at a church lock-in. The trick part was still intact via shaving cream for anyone who fell asleep.

Pollywog will most likely do the whole "dress up, candy thing" next year when she is 3. So this year was a quiet movie night/ light bright nite, with the little on.

She did carve a pumpkin though. She drew on the face, for me to cut

then her and daddy lit the pumpkins

B and I have been trying to take Pollywog on morning walks a couple of times a week. Our favorite trail is so awesome and we feel like we are walking in a painting.

The boy started wrestling this week and LOVES IT! Although I was cringing at the thought of it- the character and confidence building, and academic encouragement the coaches incorporate into the sport has been a welcomed surprise. One thing I have learned, on this journey back into traditional school, is how important teachers and coaches can be. They can literally make or break a teen's school career. They can be mentors in every since of the word, or push a child onto a path of self-destruction. It's that important. Thank God for teachers and coaches who care! Above is a pic of CJ with a visitor that greets us daily and loves to follow the boy around. CJ has been wanting a pet and just maybe a certain white bearded man might bring him one. Well I am off to enter the imaginary world my little one has lately has been absorbed in. Full of songs, dolls, funny play voices, drawing, stories...a world I gladly join in. Did I mention she is in the throes of potty-training and doing so well...and just about weened...and turning 3 next month. Ah, where does the time go? My baby boy is turning 15 next month too- and taller than me. AAAAAHHHHHHHH Baby fever might just be starting soon. but for now I am on honor roll in college and loving every minute of it. Its just enough classes (3) to keep that part of my brain stimulated and let me not miss anything going on at home.