at ventura beach, CA about a month ago
The other day, my thoughts ran along the lines of: My contacts are old, my glasses are broken. I can’t find my car keys. (I’ve been looking for a few days, now.) I have a negative checking account balance–something about the AF messed up the first paycheck, so our first big chunk of real-life money has not been recieved yet. And, when will I get a chance to scrub the bathtub & toilet? Gosh it’s looking dirty.
Do you ever have days like that? But then. Then there have been ups.
I took Mali to the park & she & I just played. We swang on the swings. You know how long it’s been since I last swang on a swing? As I pumped my legs, the sun filtered through the trees overhead & Mali was giggling. I was giggling. I felt free.
Hyrum & I stayed up late last night reading Danny Champion of World. Only 3 chapters left. I’m surprised & delighted at his comments. The way he’s such an adult sometimes & how that makes me a bit sad. But happy because he has that little boy twinkle & still calls me momma on occasion.
Joseph & I got to talk yesterday. 5 different times! I love how we pick up wherever we left off. How he understands my random thoughts & doesn’t mind the kids screaming in the background. He’s already been gone 4 weeks. He lost 7 pounds in the first 3 weeks of COT (commissioned officer training for the Air Force), can you believe it.
So there are good things. Lots of ’em.
Like:
♥ I realized I never showed you the panoramic shot of Mt. Rainer from our hike last month. Yes, it’s beautiful, but more impressive once you realize the only way to obtain this view is by hiking 9 miles, with an elevation gain of 4,000 ft. This view is not accessible via car. No sir, you’ve got to earn this view.
♥ Mom’s Best magazine Fall Back to School edition. It’s free, it’s good stuff, check it out.
♥ A recent find: just a really pretty food/mom blog.
♥ Hey, it’s autumn! So I started an autumn board to collect all the fall-ish things that delight me. So far, my faves are this (I love non-candy alternatives), this vegan version of a halloween classic (I ♥ candy corn, what can I say), & this (such a cute & easy DIY project for the kids).
♥ Quote of the week: 
pinned via Paloma Contreras
♥ How do you feel about vaccinations? I know, that’s like saying: what do you think about religion? Or, even better: Mitt or Barack? Seriously, I have enough drama in my life to not add to it by inviting it onto the blog, but, Meg took some time to share some thoughts about vaccinations. Here‘s the post, & here‘s the follow up. I’d love to know what you think about it.
{For the record, after struggling for a bit with my stance, I decided it was best for my kids to get vaccinated. I chose to do a delayed schedule, & opted out of the chicken pox & hepatitis shots.}
♥ Also, I never got around to sharing this delightful photo. When Joseph & I took some time away last month, we ventured to Seattle for a few days after our hiking excursion. Seeing that kitty a perch his owner’s shoulders like that–a little weird, yes, but you’ve got to admit, it’s also just precious–made me so happy. I think it’s because this guy seemed all alone in the world & you felt sorry for him, but then you see that he has a cat, & you know they’re buds & the guy is not so alone anymore. 
You’ve got to have a heart of stone if this little, bitty kitty doesn’t melt your heart, just a little.
♥ I loved this random post.
♥ This week’s workout: yoga for strength & 18 minute cardio/strength workout
to pin:
almond, oat, & goji berry raw bars
garlicky grilled polenta w/ northern bean brushchetta
skinny gluten-free almond flax bread
roasted potato salad w/ avocado pesto
chocolate almond butter sammy w/ sea salt
siracha, cilantro & lime roasted chickpeas
veggie lasagna casserole
easy peasy succotash
all of these 6 yum desserts
What are you most excited about this week? I’m excited to focus on music & doing arts & crafts with my kids. I also want to take the time to try out a few of recipes I’ve been madly pinning.
Hope you have an an amazing week.
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