My girls(and a cat), autumn 2010

Here are some more pictures from our quick run up Mt. Hood to play in the snow. I love this little town, especially in the winter when everything is snow covered with soft lights glowing from the windows. Snow makes everything seems so clean, peaceful and quiet.

This is my desktop picture right now, taken when Harry and I were hiking above Timberline in August.

What a fun and happy afternoon. We had one little girl fast asleep by the time we got home. Since we thought ahead, the girls changed into pj's after slipping out of their snow clothing.

The cat from next door who comes over for a daily dose of excitement.

The girls and I took advantage of some beautiful fall weather to spend some time outside.

Lauren patiently allowed me to take some pictures of her while playing around with my studio lights. Her expressions sure show her personality! Sweet one minute, silly the next.

Let it snow, let it snow!

We had an early snowfall on the mountain this year. Two feet accumulated by October 27! So, we took advantage of early release from school and went and played in it for a couple hours. The girls loved it! Unfortunately, we learned that Alyssa had outgrown her snow boots and their current gloves are not waterproof. We made do, but will have to be better prepared for next time.

We are hoping the snow sticks around this year and that the ski areas get a good head start and stay open!

Early this month, our family was able to get away for a few days to Central Oregon. Since we had to postpone our August vacation, we took advantage of our beautiful autumn to relax at Eagle Crest. The girls were pulled out of school for a few days, but they didn't seem to mind.

The first few nights we had a small chalet that bordered a private greenspace with a pond. The girls enjoyed running around there, jumping the little creek and climbing the rocks.

Eagle Crest is home to our favorite mini golfing course of all time. The girls enjoyed it too, although it was challenging.

Lauren had her own technique of pushing the ball along with her club.

One of the best burgers in the country is here at Pilot Butte Drive-in. A must stop for the burger lover.

We enjoyed a stop at the Central Oregon Pumpkin Company where we wandered through the corn maze, petted animals, ate funnel cakes and rode the animal train (tractor ride).

Getting lost in the corn maze.

Pumpkin Cannon!

Baby Pygmy goat- so cute!

One week old baby lambs. I had no idea they were born with long tails!

Picking out a pumpkin.

The Central Oregon Pumpkin Company is near stunning Smith Rock State Park.

We had to opportunity to visit Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, near Tumalo, Or. This organization rescues horses and also works with troubled children. The founder, Kim Meeder, has written three excellent books and has also been featured more than once on Focus on the Family, with Dr. James Dobson.

This horse was rescued after being found standing for several weeks in chest high water from hurricane Katrina.

A swing made from one of those metal round turning things (name????) that you would normally hook horses to. One swings on each of the four arms, someone grabs a rope in the middle and pulls it around. Lauren loved it!

Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch repair and workshop. Children get to have hands on learning with building and small projects here.

The girls loved having our own hot tub off the back deck. Harry and I enjoyed it at night with all the amazing stars brilliantly shining.

It was wonderful to get away as a family and stop at some of our favorite spots in Central Oregon. Now, to buckle back down to the school year.

Back to School

This is a monumental year for us as both kids are in school now. Alyssa is in third grade and Lauren is in pre-school. The first two days for Alyssa have gone smoothly although there weren't any huge changes this year for her. The school was facing budget reductions and had to reduce the teaching staff, so Alyssa's second grade teacher is teaching a 2/3 blend class this year that Alyssa was put in. So, same teacher, same classroom, same hallway..... In some ways, it was a little disappointing for Alyssa as she would have liked a new classroom experience and her very own desk. She is still at tables shared by four kids like the previous grades.

Lauren just LOVES school and enthusiastically gave her teacher a hug when leaving yesterday. She attends three days a week in the morning and spends most of her time at her own desk, front and center, listening and repeating after the teacher. She says three pledges in the morning before class gets started ( to the flag, to the Christian flag, and to the Bible) and then dives into curriculum from the A Beka program.

Big news for Lauren! Last Sunday evening, Lauren asked the Lord Jesus to come into her heart and wash away her sins! Lauren is so excited and happy and has told me several times that she wants to tell everybody about it! Such sweet simple trust and understanding at age four.

Well, today is day 10 for the Amish Friendship starter, so that means baking day. Post to come soon.

Sewing Lesson

For a few months now, Alyssa has been asking me to teach her to sew on my machine. She has already done some mending with a needle and thread, so I thought it would be fun to pick out a simple project for the sewing machine. The craft store had a nice variety of fun fabrics suitable for children's aprons, so I let the girls pick out two each for their own projects. Alyssa went for the cupcakes with the contrasting blue fabric and Lauren went for the popsicles and contrasting green fabric.

After searching out ideas online, we sketched out some designs. Alyssa went for a more straight forward, easy pattern for her first experience, while Lauren picked out something a little more intricate, since her mom would be doing all the stitching.

Alyssa was shown how to take all the measurements, make a pattern out of newspapers and cut out the apron pieces.

Pinning the trim to the main body of Alyssa's apron.

Way to go Alyssa!!

Alyssa wanted big curved pockets on the front.

Alyssa did almost ALL of the sewing. I helped her with the rounded corners of the pockets. Great job!

Since I did all the sewing on Lauren's apron, I made it fully lined on the inside, so it is finished a little more nicely. Someday with more practice, Alyssa can do more difficult projects like that.

Alyssa has also been learning to knit on the round loom. She has knitted a hat for her doll and hopes to make a matching one for herself (Pictures to come). With two crafty girls, we should have no problem finding something to do this winter when we are stuck inside away from the rain. Looking forward to it!