...and speaking of blogging...

Overlooking what has become an apparent pattern of steep lapses between blogging jogs.

The coffee is dripping (too, too slowly) and the horizon is just a little lighter in the east. Rabbits are audaciously chewing my hostas and mums. Though I woke early to Lydia fussing, she must have found her pacifier in the dark crib, for the house is now quiet but for the coffeemaker. I've allowed these morning hours to be slept through much of the summer, but today is a new day.

Today is a new day!

The calendar begins years anew in January, but it seems an unlikely time for renewal... we emerge from the deep dark winter with three or four months of the year already accounted for in school days and laundry baskets and grocery lists. This September is the start of my new year. It'll be our third year homeschooling, this time with two and sometimes three pupils. It'll be my third year as Sub Teaching Leader in the Holland Day BSF class, a life-changing role that I'm realizing now I've never once discussed here. Judah is starting soccer, Eden will begin another year in piano, and yes, I'm still running a photography business and attempting a few projects around the house. Last September, these mounting commitments precipitated a breakdown of sorts as I realized something had to give, and the experience showed me that, well, that's okay, too. But as excited as I am looking forward into a "new" year, I need to take a minute to look back over the summer. Making a list a few weeks ago retrospective of the summer season was a gratifying exercise, and showed me a few of the following self-indulgent stats.

Summer 2013

Activities and Trips:

Camping at TriPonds
A Week at the Friendship Lodge on Long Lake
Two weeks of swimming lessons for the older two
picked and froze strawberries, blueberries, and peaches
Movie in the theater with E&J
Baseball game with daddy for E&J

Read four books
Planted perennial garden along the driveway
Powerwashed and scraped trim (ME) to prep for painting
Trim painting picked up by my INCREDIBLE brother-in-law, who also tackled three entry doors, shutters, and the garage doors

ER trips for each of the four kids:
Lydia had an allergic reaction to a cashew while vacationing in Alpena
Selah broke her leg on a trampoline
Judah stepped on a nail in the garage
Eden lost some memory after slipping on the bathroom floor (That might have been in the spring, but it's so neat and tidy here.)

I was able to barter for a repaired fence, dental visits, a piano keyboard, and electrical work

In addition to barters, BeeTree clicked 14 family sessions, 6 newborn session (so far... waiting on a few babes!) some head shot and commercial work, and (I am SO excited to say this,) my first non-family BIRTH story.


Though I considered (probably wisely) leaving pictures out in favor of a little extra time to prep for the onslaught of small children in a few precious minutes, I couldn't bring myself to leave so long between posts and then include no photos. In addition to the items listed above, summer included these scenes, as well:

 Eden lost both of her top front teeth, this one courtesy of Judah's elbow

We enjoyed week after week of glorious, delicious vegetables and produce from Eighth Day Farm

Judah discovered Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Lydia perfected her walking (and running and climbing, and screaming) skills

The kids formed a "Detective Squad" complete with secret hideout

Selah further developed her fashion sense

Eden and I began our fall curriculum early and have been digging into Japanese culture, this day making our own sushi

With my history in these matters, it would be foolish to make any promises... but I hope to be back here again soon.