Singing a Song of Remembering...

Today we celebrate another milestone in the life of one of our children. Ashley, our youngest of 5 children, is graduating from high school. This will be the graduation ceremony we will celebrate and mark the end of 27 years of homeschooling. We started when Zach was 4.

For each of our children, we hunt for, gather and sort through boxes and albums of photos of their childhood for a Senior slide show at graduation.

We spend several days with photos spread out on the table (and on the computer desk top) - remembering and talking over fun times, beach trips, playing in the snow, family vacations, birthdays, Christmases, camping trips, having to wear co-ordinating outfits and of course those bad haircuts. We try to tell them the stories behind the pictures that represent events they might not remember - hoping that as we do, we are reinforcing basic family truths: that they are loved and valued and that we cherish them.

Raising these kids have been a joy and a privilege. It's been challenging, sometimes difficult and there are so many things that I would love to do over and things I regret not doing - but it's been a profound gift to have each child added to our family. And, Ashley is no exception! So grateful for her life and for the young woman she's grown to become!

Happy Graduation, my baby girl!

Here are a few of my favorite pics of Ashley:

        

Mexico Vacation

Ron and I had the opportunity to spend a week in Baja, Mexico. A friend of ours graciously offered us their condo on the coast in a gated community just south of the border: San Antonio Del Mar.

We didn't take too many pictures but had a lovely, quiet, restful and relaxing time- spending large chunks of time reading, thinking, praying, writing, studying and just enjoying the extended time

away to get refreshed.

We spent our mornings at the condo gazing at this beautiful view.

During the afternoons, we did a little sightseeing down the coast- driving to Ensenada a couple times.

We explored some beautiful coastal areas, and found 3 great restaurants.

Here are a few pics of our trip:

Enjoying the view everyday.

One of the meals we made at home.

Found a great lunch place just across the street from us.

Saw this huge statue while driving along the coast... 

reminded us of Rio.

so you can see the scale of him...

We spent the afternoon at La Bufadora (click to see pics).

 Our phone cameras couldn't quite capture how incredible it was.

Ensenada

Saw a cruise ship docked.

I'm pretty sure this is called: Three Heads Park. :)

Plaza de Las Tres Cabezas

Did a little tourist shopping... not my favorite. It was like walking the

gauntlet with people at every step constantly trying to get your attention, haranguing you

 to go into their shop or restaurant.

A little stressful!

Ah, back at home! Peace!

This is the amazing view from the bed!

 We had a wonderful lunch here - Las Rosas Hotel and Spa!

Had a very elegant dinner at Mi Casa Supper Club.

La Estancia Steakhouse

We tried to catch the sunset at home every evening.

My new favorite thing...

I've been watching these home organizing videos - gleaning a lot of tips and having so much fun transforming areas around the house!

This is from http://www.alejandra.tv/home-organizing-videos/

Happy New Year!

We rang in the new year by--- getting organized. Sounds boring, I know, but it has been better than a vacation!  I've spent the last couple weeks taking back control of areas in our home and lives that have been a source of frustration and irritation for some time. Starting this new year with our home and lives in order feels light and unencumbered - it's truly a fresh start to a fresh year!

A sampling of what I've been up to:

1. got my personal day planner and household planner in order; got our new devotional plan set
2. cleaned out and organized the garage (25 years of homeschool books!) Was ruthless in eliminating anything we've been storing needlessly. Sent 2 carloads of boxes to Goodwill!
3. organized bedroom and linen closets, drawers and armoires
4. reorganized the kitchen cupboards and drawers to be more efficient
5. bought and installed pull out racks for pots and pans and trash/recycle. Made a coffee and tea center and a baking center.
6. re-organized our laundry room; installed new shelves
7. bought new glass food storage containers and eliminated the frustration of the overflowing cupboard with the mismatched tupperware
8. went through our closet and pulled out all the shoes and clothes and other items we don't wear / use anymore and sent them to Goodwill
9. organized the bills/mail /office center; cleaned under our bed
10. organized all the craft / office supplies

Whew! Although it was a flurry of work, it's been so worth it! Feels refreshing!
I'm ready for the new year. Bring it on.