getaway

I won't be "Mother of the Year" in 2012.

This week already feels a little different.

Monday School finished up this week.  Henceforth Mondays will be our own again, and I fully plan to crack down and get a lot done on those mornings.   History, Bible, Math, Language Arts, laundry, you name it.  I can hardly wait to get going.

This Friday night is our homeschool co-op's Showcase Night.  Three of my children will be taking part in presentations.  There will be Spanish recitations.  Owen's class will be singing.   There will be tables displaying class work - such as a board game my son helped create. Their teachers will be present.  There may be a video montage.  It will be a chance for the to show off what they've been doing and learning this term.

And I will not be there.

My husband will be taking the kids by himself, hopefully taking videos of what I'm missing.  He'll be navigating the crowd with our brood in tow, tending to bathroom emergencies, finding seats, reminding them to listen quietly, c lapping for them, and then taking the lot home and getting them into bed - without me.  Did I mention I won't be there?

Nope.  Instead, I will be resting in a cozy beach house at the coast.  I'm taking the baby (who would apparently starve if I wasn't around to nurse him regularly) and heading west with a group of friends for a weekend of relaxation and encouragement.

I'm excited, looking forward to it, anticipating...and feeling a little guilty.  I don't like the idea of missing their presentations.  I feel bad that Jeff will be playing the single parent while I'm away (though I know he's more than capable; he is such a great dad).  Still I am choosing to go.  I want to go.

I want to bask in the wisdom and perspective of these mamas - did I mention they're all homeschoolers?   I want to get away for a few days, to have an adventure, to enjoy the company and fellowship of other women.    And I want to soak up the encouragement which I'm sure will slow.  The reminder of why we do what we do.  The reason(s) we're on this crazy journey.

And I think it'll be worth it.

So I'm taking the leap, going out on a limb, stepping out of my comfort zone.  And yes, I'll be missing Showcase Night.  Still, my kids know I love them and am praying for them.  And when we get back I will snuggle up with them and watch the videos of the presentations I missed - hopefully a more relaxed and even happier mama.

Here I go...to the salty sea air, the sound of the waves, the murmur of women's voices and the pleasure of being away from home.  Here I go...to conversation, laughter, food, and most of all, encouragement.

Worth it?  Yes...

have baby, will travel

We very much enjoyed our time at the beach!

life on the beach

Our family recently spent a few days on the Oregon coast for our family reunion. As always, we had a great time.

Kyle could not get his fill of beach time. He spent hours building in the sand, digging, and finding treasures.

Jeff and the boys got their kites going!
At one point Benjamin's kite got away from him. I have no idea how, but before I knew it, he took off down the sand, running as hard as he could. I held Jeff's kite, and he took off running after Ben. They ran and ran...I'd guess maybe 50 or 75 yards. I watched them with my heart in my throat, unable to tear my eyes away.

When I saw Ben lurch forward and land on his stomach, my heart sank. There was no doubt that he had lost his kite. Certainly his heart would be broken. Jeff caught up with our fleet-footed son as he began to rise, and he helped Ben as he slowly stood up. I fully expected to see him come back down the beach in tears.

Suddenly, though, I noticed something. The kite was not drifting away! To my amazement, I felt my eyes fill with tears. I was so glad for him, when I had been completely certain that his beloved snake kite was gone forever. After Ben and his dad trudged back, they told me that Benjamin jumped and landed on the kite handle. It seems like quite the gamble to me, but the boy reclaimed his kite.

Still, it was a while before my eyes were dry again. All over a boy and his kite. Motherhood is turning me into a sap.


My kids are such beach bums.

Look at my buried treasure!

Elise and her daddy got in some good father-daughter bonding time. She caught many a nap while being worn by him during our time away.

But the real reason we made this trip was to celebrate family. Here are Jeff's paternal grandma and grandpa. They have been grandparents to me also, and we cherish them. They've been an amazing example of faith and commitment, and they will leave a powerful legacy. Here is a photo of Bob and Yvonne with just some of their great-grandchildren.

All in all, a wonderful trip. But even wonderful trips can tucker a fella out!

Bella Beach bums

I can't resist posting just a few more pictures from our beach family reunion. These are provided courtesy of Uncle Russell (and used in this blog with his permission).
Thanks, Uncle Russ!

My smiley Kyle, enjoying what turned out to be the only sunny, warm day of our vacation.

Benjamin anticipating his dinner...

Owen "making out" with the glass in the front door (a passing walker got a great deal of amusement out of this, apparently).

Me, Owen, and Jeff by the fire pit behind the house

One of our group photos. We have such a great family ~ each and every one is a blessing. And I hope no one minds that I include this shot! I just love it. Notice Owen trying to escape from Ben's grasp on the bottom step. And Kyle was a bit distracted....

hit the beach!

We have arrived! This year the family reunion is at a sweet little place called Bella Beach. Yesterday the weather was absolutely stunning. Even though the air was a little cool, we all enjoyed our time down on the sand ~ especially watching the kids frolic.

Jeff and Benjamin, scoping out the water. Beautiful Pacific!

Kyle flirting with the waves.

Owen loves, loves, loves to play in the sand! He could not get enough of it. He just sat and played quietly for ages.

prelude to a vacation

Tomorrow we'll be hitting the road!

It's time for the annual July 4th family reunion, which we all love so much. To my knowledge, it's always, always been in central Oregon. But this year? We're hitting the beach! Central Oregon is lovely, but I am so excited about feeling some sand between my toes again. It's been way too long!

But first things first. Packing.

I've got the boys almost completely packed - minus toothbrushes and sleeping bags. Likewise for my own things. Jeff will take care of his suitcase himself. It's the miscellaneous stuff that's still hanging over my head: food, beach toys, sunscreen.

Today has been filled with additional preparations: cooking the beans for the dish I'm contributing to dinner Thursday night, making cookies to take along, finalizing my list of food items, cutting carrot sticks, making another batch of homemade deodorant (not specifically for vacation, I was just nearly out), getting all washed baby wipes ready to roll with our supply of diapers.

The boys are super excited about this trip - they are true beach bums. Benjamin has his personal backpack jam-packed with toys, CDs, etc. We have pirate music to listen to en route, as well as beach and pirate books. I think we're nearly ready to roll.

The place where we'll be staying does have internet access, and we're planning to bring the laptop along. So I just may treat you with some pics of the fun while we're still there! I make no promises, though. The first order of business is fun, family, and fellowship.

We are so blessed in the extended family God has given us. Every year we're reminded anew just what a great group of people to whom he's linked us. I know this year will be memorable as always!

Just gotta finish packing first...