Mr. Freckles

Introducing our newest addition to the family, Mr. Freckles the scarecrow. After seeing a similar one at the pumpkin patch, Jasper was determined to make his own. Our first stop, Goodwill for some true scarecrow garb and then on to the farm for a bale of hay (let's not talk about the random pieces of hay I am still finding in the car!!). Upon completion, Jasper quickly named him Mr. Freckles due to a handsome pattern of green spots all over his face.

So much of our outdoor play has been centered around Mr. Freckles. Jasper often brings him food (usually a sprig of rosemary or an acorn top) and adorns his hat with a leaf bouquet.

The "YO" Hat

This is the latest beanie in Samantha's hat collection. Made of a blend of llama and wool, it comfortably fits without any tugging or scratching. After 4 months of pondering this amazing pattern from Soulemama, I finally have mastered the art of YO's (yarn over's).

Our collection

The beauty that Fall brings: the vibrant color, piles of leaves for creative play and the abundant foods .

What fun it was to walk our neighborhood in search of Fall's treasures knowing a warm fire was waiting for us at home.

"Look Mama, I'm a flying leaf!!"

The brisk Autumn winds have changed our play a bit. The children have such a connection with the changing seasons and in this case, Samantha wanted to fly from a tree, catch the wind under her and then gently land again on the Earth.

The problem: we don't have a swing or even a tree big enough to hang a swing.....

That did not stop my daughter. She went straight into the garage, found 2 jumpropes and then directed me on how to properly attached them to our 10 foot dogwood in the front yard.

School is in Session

Samantha and Jasper have started school and honestly cannot get enough of it. Jasper tells us everything that goes on in his class while Samantha keeps most of it to herself. Although, occasionally Jasper (and Lucy in this case) are invited to be students in Miss Samantha's Class. Her favorite subject to teach is form drawing. What is so sweet about the whole thing is that she speaks just like her teacher Ms. Nelson.

I'm Peachy....

This was a hard moment for me. Oh, the signficance of tooth loss; a girl growing up to quickly for my taste. Wasn't I just washing loads of cloth diapers and pureeing broccoli for her?

After she lost her teeth (2 in two days), she wanted to go to Laughing Planet and have an I'm Peachy smoothie. There is something special about that straw being able to slip into her mouth without having to open her teeth. Oh, and the way she said "Peachy"!!

Sweet girls

In mid-August, our sleep became disrupted. Our wool toys were found tattered and wet. Yes, Alice and her dear sister Lucy came to live with us. But how could you get angry at such sweet baby kitties?

Camping with Auntie

Who doesn't love to go camping with Auntie. In August, we headed about 45 minutes East to Memaloose State Park along the Columbia Gorge. The weather was perfect and the company was even more perfect. We love you Auntie!!

Random acts of play

This was our month of July. Playing, playing and more playing. Samantha and Jasper spent their days as tailors, mommy's, juice bar owners and firefighters. When I had a moment to play, you would find me in my sewing room conjuring up a new idea. Shall I make a skirt? No.... maybe a swimming bag.

Oh, lovely Vermont!!

In mid-June we headed to Vermont where we spent a week at Tyler Place. What a relaxing and memorable time we had taking in a very slow paced east coast. All I can say is that I always thought Oregon was the only place for me. I could definitely see myself living on a dairy farm with a sugar shack.

Here we are enjoying some family crafting time at Tyler Place.

Farewell Kindergarten

In June, Samantha graduated from Kindergarten. Her school put on a lovely ceremony where the parents created a tunnel with their arms. The children made their way through the long winding maze and as they exited they then began their journey as 1st graders.

A sacred gathering

We started off our summer with a birthday. Samantha turned 6 in May and the gnomes and fairies were there to celebrate.

Can you believe it...Mommy finally started her blog!!

Oh, how good it feels to finally be here. I wanted to have a blog for so many months but due to my inability to do most tasks on a computer it has taken some time to get up and started. Thanks to my wonderful soulmate who taught me how to turn on the computer amongst other things!!

I feel that I have so much to share with all of you but I will begin with our summer. And then finally catch up to October....