Our 7-year-old is still talking about seeing the Northern Lights last week and keeps saying she wants to see them again. So, inspired by that beautiful night, we decided to do a little art project together and talked some of her siblings into joining us as well! We...
Northern Lights
We could only see the Northern Lights at home with the help of cameras, so after dinner, we took a drive out to Farragut State Park. It was so worth it! We followed it up with some picture books and a fun craft this...
Hiking on Mother’s Day
On Mother's Day some of my kids and I headed to a nearby trailhead to hike for the afternoon! It was a little more intense than I had imagined... The hike down to the river was easy, but I ended logging 5 1/2 miles on my FitBit and 89 flights of stairs by the time we...
Picking Berries at the Strawberry Patch
"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all." — Laura Ingalls WilderWe got up early this morning to go pick strawberries with friends! 🍓🍓🍓"Live in each season as it passes: breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the...
Front Porch Bird Watching :: House Finch Nest
"The bird who dares to fall is the bird who learns to fly."This spring we have once again enjoyed watching the house finches build a nest on our front porch. We've been glued to the nest all week hoping to see the babies jump out of the nest and learn to...
Silver Falls Park on Michaelmas
It was a long 4+ hour drive to get to where our teens were going to be confirmed. Since Confirmation was scheduled for 7pm, with Benediction following, we decided to turn the trip into a little vacation! It's not easy finding affordable accommodations for a family of...
Stout Grove :: Visiting the Coastal Redwoods
After the boys' high school golf tournament, we made one last stop before heading back home. I always love visiting the Redwoods! It had been awhile since our last visits to Stout Grove (here and here) and a first for our youngest two. I haven't been able to walk much...
My Daybook :: July 18, 2014
Outside my window...we've been enjoying our daily visitors. "Why, don't you know? They're twitterpated!"I am thinking...about Melody's post on Discovering God's Purpose for Your Blog, Charlotte's break, Katherine's post on authenticity and ambition, and Mary's...
Hiking the Gorge Trail
Last Saturday afternoon, during our recent camping trip, we went on a hike along the river to see the Gorge! It was absolutely breathtaking and the pictures don't do it justice. In this area the river cascades through a constricted channel of basalt lava and the gorge...
Young Hunters Day 2014
For years we have been taking the children on a "Field Trip" to the Young Hunters Day, an annual event which includes lots of fun activities, lunch, and even a raffle. It is sponsored by our local Hunters Association and is always completely free to attend. In...
Prayer of Mothers
Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me. Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege—to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.