Perspective

Some nights we just need to drop everything (*gasp* even the children's bed time) and escape into the wilderness. Moments such as these help to put everything back into perspective.

"Often we want to be somewhere other than where we are, or even to be someone other than we are. We tend to compare ourselves constantly with others and wonder why we are not as rich, as intelligent, as simple, as generous, or as saintly as they are. Such comparisons make us feel guilty, ashamed, or jealous. It is very important to realize that our vocation is hidden in where we are and who we are. We are unique human beings, each with a call to realize in life what nobody else can, and to realize it in the concrete context of the here and now. We will never find our vocations by trying to figure out whether we are better or worse than others. We are good enough to do what we are called to do."
~ Henri Nouwen

Perspective

the Pumpkin Challenge

smile! Too sunny! Daddy photobomb (with wheat) We found out that it was pumpkin time at the organic farm we love. When we were there apple picking in September they told us their pumpkin crop wasn't doing as well this year and that we should come to get one early in October. I somehow forgot that detail but thankfully they still had some pumpkins left out in the field when we stopped by after K's horse lesson.

As usual, the sun was intensely bright - not a good thing for our annual pumpkin patch photos. I personally prefer taking photos in cloudy skies. The cloud cover diffuses the light of the sun, producing a soft even light that results in softer contrasts. Oregon skies are amazing for that. Here in Idaho the skies are always cloudless and the sun is beating down on us. So out of necessity, I am trying to learn the art of backlit photography. The key word here is trying. Of course, as usual, I am learning by trial and error. I suppose actually researching how it is done might help, but all the resources I find talk about "creating the look" in photo editing software. That doesn't help me as I don't have any photo editing software, (actually I do own light room but it confused me so much, I took it off my computer.)  Plus, I rather like the challenge of figuring it out in the moment. I am a bit crazy like that. Do any of you have any tips or resources you might care to share?

P.S - Can you believe those pumpkin hats from 2011 are still going strong?!

the Pumpkin Challenge

Glow

What could the girls be looking at so intently? Here's a peek... It's a shrew!

Just a few glimpses into the past four days.

Impromptu stop at Voodoo Doughnut for some vegan sweet yummies. The last time we were there was the day Little L was born. The combination of the doughnut and walking our husky is what brought labor on. Well, at least that's what I say!

The girls got their Fourth of July celebration they so badly wanted with s'mores and all! We made our red, white and blue popsicles but then I forgot about them until the day after. It was a bit too chilly for them at the time, anyways. We couldn't see any fireworks (It's a bit hard to see the sky when you're in the woods!), but made some of our own with glow bracelets. The girls thought the above pictures were hilarious.

Kevin saved four shrews from imminent death (at the jaws of Paw Paw). The girls mothered them until nightfall (even bringing them into our house inside of pots and pails) when we released them behind our fence.

I am going through a rough patch right now with one of my sweet children and trying to keep my head above water. I would so appreciate any prayers and words of encouragement you would be willing to give. I know a lot of it comes from this period of transition and even more looming on the horizon but that can be hard to remember when you are in the moment. I find myself questioning if I'm cut out to parent a strong-willed child. This challenging, but oh so loving, child of mine was sent to me for a reason and I don't want to let her down!

Glow