Sunshine in a jar

I think of the tomatoes I’ve canned, peaches in the freezer and they zucchini bread we’ve baked as stashing away a little bit of sunshine for a snowy cold day.

Last week I canned 18 quarts of tomatoes.  It is probably the last of the season.

My garden is just about done. 

I haven’t been out there taking pictures of the wonderful produce we’ve been harvesting because well it is pretty much all picked.  I haven’t pulled the tomato plants because there are still a few tomatoes here and there and the zucchini is still producing a few.

But we are basically eating what comes in and not storing any up.  Don’t get me wrong I would rather pick a tomato that go buy one at the store!  They are still delicious but my mind isn’t focused on what needs to be done in the garden each day.

The seasons are shifting.  School assignments not watering and weed pulling are dominating my days.

It is time to do more book work instead of yard work.

I miss summer already. 

Maybe I will try to turn over some dirt and try a fall planting of lettuce.

I am not ready to let go of summer and sunshine just yet.

First day of School 2011

One of the biggest parts of our lives is homeschooling. 

Yesterday we talked at breakfast about the privilege from God that we have to be able to homeschool.  I think I forget that sometimes amid the day-to-day grading, planning & keeping it all running. 

Homeschooling is a job(one I do only by God’s grace).  Being a student is a job.  But ones that we are hugely grateful to be able to do everyday.

There are 3 students in the Brush Creek Academy this year.  One in high school, one in jr high & one in elementary.  Crazy huh?  Keeps me on my toes.

After our discussion about the “privilege” of homeschooling, I reminded them that being thankful for something would mean not grumbling or groaning about it.(snicker snicker)  There were some groans from all persons involved last week as we realized that our summer hours were going fast.

As our day went on, I was so blessed that they all had good attitudes & worked steadily on their assignments.  Some of the lessons this year are academic and as always there are many that are life lessons.  Chores, cooking, being organized, home repair etc.

We didn’t tackle a full load of school.  I like to start at about 1/2 so we can work out the kinks(missing books, where to put assignments, etc)

So we were done by noon & headed to the library.

We normally do this on Tuesday once all our activities start back up but I also had some grocery shopping that HAD to be done. 

We saw some friends at the library.  The mom’s decided that a trip to the park was the perfect thing for the first day of school(theirs too!)  Unfortunately we were so busy having fun that I forgot to snap any photos while we were there.

It was a great first day of school & I am ready to tackle the next . . . well week or so. 

Black Bean and Tomato salad

We’ve had TONS of cherry tomatoes.  Almost more than we can eat.  No lie.  Joshua goes out to pick for me and brings in 3-4 cups.  Then the next day he does it again!

This salad is so yummy.  We eat it with a little cheese, lettuce & sour cream.  You can also add taco meat.

Black Bean & Tomato Salad

1-2 cans beans(I’ve used black & pinto in the photo)

1-2 cups chopped tomatoes

1/4 cup cilantro

1 1/2 cup corn(or one can, drained)

1 head of Romaine lettuce chopped(not pictured)

Mix ingredients together.  Chill if you have the time. 

If not, it is still great!

Embracing Vacation

The sunset was amazing. 

The water was like bath water. 

We couldn’t resist getting in. 

Love my family for posing for a very cool shot!

School is just around the corner, planning time needs to be found, responsibilities are looming, commitments are on the calendar

We didn’t go far, we didn’t do much, we just enjoyed every moment together.

Wish I could go back.

Pomme de Terre Lake

Oh I love doing nothing.  Not all the time because just sitting around does get old.  But if I have the opportunity to just grab my book, a glass of tea & sit in the sun for an hour by the water.  Oh yeah I am all over that. 

Especially at sunset

A lot of times we use our vacation to go & see this fabulous country that God has created or to see where history happened.  We originally planned to find a beach to visit this year but that plan fell through so instead we searched out some water closer to home.  Lake Pomme de Terre fit the bill & we found a great house on VRBO which is a great site by the way.

We were there 6 nights and I am pretty sure I didn’t do a lick of work while we were there.  Well okay I did do a couple loads of laundry so we had clothes.  But two load for 8 people for 6 days—well I am okay with that.  Here are the highlights!

Playing games

On the water

Fishing

more fishing

Playing in the water

more fishing

Learning new games

Time alone

Time together

We live in such a fast paced world that I cherish every moment where we can just hang out together, be thankful for each person & enjoy the time.  There is just nothing like it.