cabbage patch and kids

We have been purging like mad around here, attempting to regain some order. We have never lived in a house for more than 2 years, upgrading to this house. We have been here for 6 years now! I know that is not long in the grand scheme of things, but for us that is enough time to have filled every corner, every closet, and each square inch of storage space with stuff. Things are beginning to spill and spread....everywhere. I was dejunking the backyard, and I was able to get rid of all the broken, unused, and out-grown kids toys (that felt SO good!). I also went through all my old garden pots and ended up giving most of them away. I only kept a couple. I haven't filled pots in years. But since we are fixing up the front of the house -staining and painting and adding trim, I thought I would buy plants for my pots to put on the front porch.
So off I went to the Nursery today. I had some specific flowers in mind - which they didn't have. And then I saw these -

 Ornamental cabbage. 

I remember the first time I ever saw these plants. I was NOT a fan.
Why would one put vegetables (even ornamental) in pots at their front door?

But today.... today I kind of liked them.

I thought that they would be just the thing.

Now the real test - if they are still there in the morning!

Those deer, I may kick myself for buying them, while they thank me for the tasty treat.

 I am finished this front area - staining, and repainting the trim. 

So much house to go yet.

But shingle by shingle we must finish before the wet weather comes. 

Oh, and this. 

This is my door bell. 

It was one of the very first things I noticed when we came to view this house 

and I have loved it every day since. 

Can one actually be in love with their door bell? 

Well I am.

I am sure you don't care, but there it is, nevertheless.

And while I worked away on the house, the boys did this:

 Over and over, down the hill. 

It made me laugh.

Reminded me a very large amount of a biker and his babe.

(I love Bergen's face in the first picture)

a fresh new year

At the end of May my heart is light and the skies seem extra blue - Summer is here {in regards to the end of homeschool, that is}.

In August the panic and doubt start to creep back in. 

Slowly. 

In from the back door, disguised as unease.

Another year is approaching, and I have yet to begin to prepare. 

I will be, once again, responsible for the education of these children. 

Daunting. 

But this year is going to be different. I say that every year, but this year... this year it really, truly is. 

I pray for help and guidance.

And then I being my planning. 

The ideas fill my mind so quickly I fear I will not be able to remember them. 

I scramble for paper and I feel that peace that always comes - everything will be okay. It will all work out. 

They will learn. I can teach. And we will have fun. 

I read this not long ago on pinterest and decided that it would be my personal theme for this year of home schooling:

And for the children:

You have to have a sense of humor if you're gonna make it out alive!

What ever your style of learning, from our home {school} to yours, have a good one!

As for Long Beach - It was damp and cold, with some sun, but still so much fun.

I was so careful in my packing. I packed enough clothes for 10 children, but when it came to shoes, 

they grabbed what they did on the way out the door. You would think I would check at least Nya, 

but she always gets her shoes, and I assumed she would pick her crocs. But no. 

Not good enough for this lady. She prefers to camp in ballet flats!

(we stopped and bought her some flip-flops on the way)

Nya did not leave my sight. Not for one minute of one day. 

Wherever I went, there too you could find Nya.

Whereas the other children where off with their cousins and friends.

Therefore, most of the pictures I took were of Nya.

And if you like mexican food, and you are ever up Tofino way, please promise me you will eat here!

I waited for 45 minutes and paid $11 dollars for the BEST fish burrito I have ever eaten, 

and I would do it again!

And when good shoes are in need of a wash, I put them in the machine.

When they come out I fill them will cloths and let them air dry. They always come out great. 

And I figure if shoes are wrecked anyway, why not give it a go.

here we go

Tomorrow morning we are off to Long Beach for the whole week.

Here's hoping for hot weather and happy children!