It's Official, She's a High Schooler

Can she really be old enough to start High School? Where did the time go and how did one haircut and a new outfit age her enough to actually look like a Freshman?!?!?! I think an even more important question is how am I old enough to have a child in high school? Didn't I just graduate?
Questions aside, I am so proud of her and the woman she is becoming. It is with great anticipation and with more than a little trepidation that today I released her to not only go to public school, but to high school. I know she will do well and that she has a strong mind and strong character to handle it. We are both continuing to learn to "Trust in the Lord" in all things, and I am certainly trusting Him with this. I am so excited to to see her grow in this new adventure and especially in His grace as a Child of God! I love you, DQ!

Back to School in a New Way

With my going back to school and a few other changes in our family right now, I'm sure it won't come as much of a surprise that we have enrolled the kids in public school again this year. They are unbelievably excited, although the younger two do have some hesitations about not being at home this year for school. For me it's been a bumpy journey to come to the place where I'm ready to send them. I was hoping to feel more confident about this decision, but I'm not. I know they will be fine and that I can trust God with the results and that He cares for them infinitely more that I could ever. However, I have a passion for their education that makes me more than a little concerned over what they will receive while attending public school. So, prayers are much coveted during this time of transition for us. My prayers for them are that they will take with them the conscience that we have taught them with God's spirit guiding their choices.
Nevertheless, today was a very exciting and happy day for the Hunter clan as Mo began 2nd grade and Mijo started 5th! They love their teachers and have reunited with some old friends as well as started laying down the bridgework for some new ones. I'm looking forward to knowing their teachers and friends better as well as helping in their classrooms, but I'm not sure how to handle all the time at home while they are at school. Do I finish my curtains first, catch up on some reading, finish my quilt, or take a nap?!?!?! LOL=)

A Long Awaited Break

After a long year of hard work with school for the kids and I, we finally got a bit of a break when my parents treated us to a trip to the Oregon Coast in Brookings, OR. We spent 5 days there and enjoyed every minute of it, especially when the sun broke out on 2 afternoons and the temperature warmed to about 80 degrees. I never thought this Phoenician would be so glad for a warm summer day, but when most days' high was only in the low 50's with fog and or a piercing, icy wind (notice all the sweatshirts and long pants in these pictures?), 80 degrees was heavenly! Beyond that, Grammy, Poppy, the kids and I had a blast exploring tide pools, splashing and fishing in the surf, and taking long walks in the sand. Nothing beats the smell of the ocean and the beautiful sunsets. I always leave the coast wanting more and anxiously awaiting our next trip.

Mijo's big catch-a surf perch

It took a lot of teamwork to get this kite off the ground

Mo caught this starfish while fishing for smelt. We think it was unable to hang onto the rocks because of its injured appendage when she accidentally hooked it.


A harbor seal fishing for the same smelt we were.


I was cold...very cold.

How Thankful Are You?

You Are 77% Thankful

You are a very thankful person - for both the big and little things in life. Your optimism is powerful. Getting through hard times is fairly easy for you.

How Thankful Are You?

What Your Latte Says About You

What Your Latte Says About You

When it comes to what you like, you have your own unique tastes. And people don't really understand them. You can be quite silly at times, but you know when to buckle down and be serious. You have a good deal of energy, but you pace yourself. You never burn out too fast. You're totally addicted to caffeine... but you like to pretend like you aren't! You are responsible, mature, and truly an adult. You're occasionally playful, but you find it hard to be carefree. You are sophisticated and daring, but you are never snobby.

What Does Your Latte Say About You?

Will You Live to 100?

Chance You'll Live to 100: 65%

100 is looking pretty likely for you right now. You've made your health a priority. So kick back, keep doing what you're doing, and enjoy the great life you've made for yourself. And you might get to see what the world is like 70, 80, or even 90 years from now.

Will You Live to 100?

In Honor of the 4th of July: How American Are You?

You Are 82% American

You're as American as red meat and shooting ranges. Tough and independent, you think big. You love everything about the US, wrong or right. And anyone who criticizes your home better not do it in front of you!

How American Are You?