water on a hot day

 We finally got some heat here in Southwest Washington. Felt sooooo good! Since my summer has been so busy with working I decided to "take a day".  The kids were appreciative and Daisy our lab was too!

 Between watching the kids, wading in the river and lounging/browsing books it was a relaxing day.

Silly teens! :o)
Lori xo

Popping in!

I'm still here, really I am.

Been a very busy time here as I am sure it has been for you too! Summer is ending and everyone is scrambling to get in that last time away with the family as well as getting ready for Autumn.

School is drawing near for kiddos...that means ordering curriculum which is fun, but is time-consuming. We are really excited about what will be coming in the mail to enlarge the brains of the younger Barre's here :o)

(Aliss' birthday breakfast in bed-yes that is Ramen in the stemware-just what was ordered)

I am now the momma to TWO adult children. That sounds weird!

I lost a good friend to cancer. Went to her celebration of life ...with all of the photos of her and testimonies about her I almost expected to look over and see her sweet smile. She is dancing with Jesus now, it's just us left behind that have to get used to our days without her.

The garden is not a complete waste this summer. I shovel-turned a section (read small-er section) and have some amazing organic tomato plants thriving there. I planted them from seeds too! There coloring is so beautiful and in the morning their leaves actually sparkle. This was the first year that I have started tomato from seed. I usually buy the seedlings, but wanted to see how the organic seed would do. I am so pleased with them! I think the milk jug mini greenhouses helped tremendously.

I bought a volvo stationwagon and we are all really enjoying it. I love the gas savings!!

Getting used to not heading back to college this year after several years. Just finished up the exit loan counseling and feel a huge weight off of my shoulders. I have LOVED (!) the learning and reading books that I normally wouldn't gravitate toward, BUT there are many other areas that have gone neglected (like home organization) that NEED some immediate attention. ;o)

What are your plans as we head into Autumn? Is anyone making cider? We may be given a cider press from our sweet neighbor. I am so excited about that!

Hope your day is GREAT!
Lori

this moment-swimming

~{This Moment}~

A moment I want to pause, cherish and remember.

More "this moments" over at Soulemama

 

 

Missing these two little sweeties as they spend time away with their dad.

Hello!

This chickie has been away from the nest (blog) for quite awhile! I am not even going to try to catch up all of the time lost...a tad overwhelming and could turn into a book. ;o)

This is where my friend the bullet-point list comes in handy:

March 26-my boy turned SIXTEEN
Time flies by I tell ya!
I couldn't be more proud of my son and who he is now and who he is becoming.

Spring soccer for Hannah-

 I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Counseling/Psychology/Human Services.

  I have to say that part of me is relieved to not have the pressure of paper due dates, but just as much of me misses the people that I got to know and spent so much time with. During that time my nephew Jeff and niece Brandi came down to celebrate my graduation. While they were here we celebrated Tessa and Jeff both turning 21. BTW Jeff I am so proud of you for graduating with your AA.

Our dear pet Bear is now "sleeping" under the pear tree. We were blessed to have him as part of our family for two years. He will be dearly missed.

 New babies on the farm...two mommas to chicks that aren't theirs biologically...beautiful.

First day out of the nesting box...they are three days old and momma is taking a dust bath.

 

I am sure that I could keep going and going about what has happened in our lives in the past several months, but alas I will stop on account of all of our sanities. ;o)
Be back soon!
Have a GREAT day!
Lori