Leaf Importers


Wishes do come true!
Today Tim took the boys to work to scoop up a huge truck load of fallen leaves to bring home to our little front yard. The leaf pile was a dream come true for Joseph and Peter, and they made full use of their pile.

Throwing leaves, diving in leaves, rolling in leaves, hiding in leaves, kicking up leaves, jumping through flying leaves... how many ways to enjoy a leaf pile.

Then it rained. So it was time to jump in the wet leaves, roll in the leaves, run through the leaves...

Now it's time to do laundry!

Clay creations
The clay mined locally (across the street in the green-belt) is not only great for dam building, but also for sculpting. Peter formed a candle holder shaped like a pumpkin yesterday, and plans to display it on All Hallows' Eve (Halloween). The boys are very hopeful that we can get to a pumpkin patch today so they can carve jack-o-lanterns tonight.

The big event (All Saints' Day) will feature Saint Joseph (Joseph) and Saint George (Peter) at Mass on Saturday morning. The costumes are finally assembled and ready to wear and the excitement is building. The biggest dilemma is whether or not St. Joseph should have hair or not.

For our family, the secular events of Friday night have something to do with amassing candy, but the thrill of the chase is the primary motivation, combined with running through the neighborhood after dark with friends. We "buy back" the candy (save a few special varieties) at a pre-arranged price, and give it away to customers at our shop.

Zachary (14) has mixed feelings about wearing a costume this year... but he has suggested that he be allowed to hide in the yard after dark with a dis-armed chain-saw to scare trick-or-treaters.

This is our first year ever has homeschoolers that we have not participated in "Historical Halloween" with other families. The kids would give first person accounts of their characters to residents in nursing homes. Combining public speaking, community outreach, drama and history, it was a tradition well worth the efforts and struggles.
I miss it just thinking about it. But as with all things, there is a natural ebb and flow. Maybe we can get Historical Halloween up & going for next year. In the meantime, I need to prepare for a truck load of leaves arriving at our house soon.

Fish tales...

Down at the dam yesterday, the boys found a fish in the lower pool. They were able to catch it, and released it into the upper pool atop the dam. (This after a failed attempt to catch it and bring it home to show mom.)

Our question is, of course, whether or not the dam was impeding the fish's progress...

The size of the fish has been debated, best guesses put it between 5 and 8 inches.

The excitement of fish relocation soon gave way to the thrill of dam construction. Joseph and Collin "mined" clay, while Peter acted as general contractor.


Speaking of boys in the wild, did you see the story in the news today about the 13 year old Washington boy who ran away on the eve of his first day of public school (after being homeschooled, and following a divorce and break-up of his family)? He survived in the wilderness for 12 days on a (failed) attempt to reach a "Tracker School" in New Jersey! Now he says public middle school "doesn't have to be a bad thing." Bet middle school will be pretty boring compared to trying to survive in the mountains on his own for 12 days... but probably more comfortable and at least as safe.

Toilet vs. Cell
Phone...

The toilet won.
Don't try this at home, kids!

What can we say?

We really love watching the boys play soccer!

Leaf Importers


Some people remove fallen leaves from their yard this time of year, but we import them! The boys are so excited to play in a leaf pile that they are making daily treks with buckets, hoods, and other carrying devices to bring home leaves from piles in the neighborhood.

They asked me yesterday if they could place an ad in the paper, "Will pay for your fallen leaves." I said I would think about it. I am still thinking.

New Digs

After failed attempts to build on a lot near where our current shop is located (can you say RED TAPE?) we are going with PLAN B... buy a building already to occupy. Or, nearly ready to occupy. The demolition work has begun, with wall removal, carpet removal, window removal, and other various jobs to be done prior to moving our business into the new location.

Yesterday the boys were able to spend a few hours with Tim at the new place, doing various demolition jobs. They were covered with dust, and very pleased with the work they had accomplished in a few hours together.

The site is bigger than our current location, and has a second building which is home to several local businesses (now our tenants). Check out Tim's new key chain!

Tim calls this one the "public restroom" at our new location. There are also 2 "private restrooms."

We'll let you know when our grand re-opening will happen. In the meantime, if you're in the mood to strip floors or help with moving day, do let us know!