Patterson's Farm

We took a field trip last Friday to Patterson's Fruit Farm in Chesterland, Ohio.  It was so much fun that I thought I'd share some pics :)

We hopped on a trailer pulled by a tractor to go to the family fun area and orchard.

Going for a ride by the corn fields!

We went on a brief tour to take a closer look at the apple trees and learn about them.  We wanted to pick all the apples while listening but we did a pretty good job containing ourselves. 

Most of the trees had a lot of fruit.  This tree was a rare and special exception.  Can you see why?

After our little tour, we enjoyed a yummy, crunchy gala apple, and my 4yo finally got to taste the apple cider she had been talking about for a week!  Delicious!!

Then, it was time for more FUUUUUNNNNN!  The longest slide ever.....

My boo loves her vehicles!

Fun houses and little buildings to play in.

They spent a long time building forts with the hay bales.  Check this one out....

And, last but certainly not least, we stopped by Patterson's market nearby to purchase some of my favorite donuts in the world.   Patterson's Apple Cider donuts.  A yearly tradition.  I would have taken a picture, but the donuts disappeared too quickly.

A day full of wonderful memories!

Feeling Blessed

Life is short.  I've had TONS of little blessings over the past week.  Just a note to say I'm so grateful.  Feeling so loved.  Even with crappy stuff happening like psycho mice trying to haunt my house, there are so many things to be grateful for. 

My favorite moment today -- my 7yo looks at me after a morning of homeschool.  She says, "Mom, this is one of my favorite days."  My heart just melted because it was just an ordinary day.  I love my life.  I love what I'm doing.  Even when it's hard.

Changes.

Big day today.  Emotional day.  Today, my husband announced his resignation from his position at Momentum. It's been months of a long journey and God has confirmed over and over to us that this is the right decision.

The good news is that this decision is due to Matt feeling that the job just isn't the right "fit" for him, nothing else.  We still love Momentum, everyone there and the awesomeness of things happening in Cleveland.  There's no drama going on, no cat fights, no "hidden" reason that we're not telling.  It's not a decision that was made quickly or easily.  Tears, prayers, solitude, & counseling have all been part of our journey.  We love Cleveland and how God is working here, and at this point, we are intending to stay here and at Momentum -- of course, keeping an open mind and heart about what's next.  We feel peaceful and confident that God has something in mind for us.  We are excited to see what's in store... and a bit weepy at facing the end of an "era." ;-/  Thank goodness we're not leaving Momentum.  Don't think I could handle that right now!!  whew!

I'm really proud of my husband.  He has faced a journey requiring MUCH courage.  He has chosen to be vulnerable about things when I know he would prefer not to be.  He has been willing to display and be open about parts of his life in a way that I know many people never would.  He has been listening and working so hard to know what God wants for him.  He is a true inspiration to me & I'm learning so much taking this journey with him. 

And now.... job searching time!

Fireflight-For Those Who Wait

My New Job

Hi friends -  Quick update on my life since my last post.  We started OHVA last Wednesday.  I am in information-overload, but all is going well.  OHVA parents warned me that it would feel overwhelming at first until you get in a groove.  They were right, but at least I had the head's up!  It's more about how to use K12 software, what to click, etc.  I think I've got most things figured out now. 

I am LOVING the curriculum!  Matt & I were stunned to see how much our 1st grader learned in the first week of school.  Wow.  And the best part is, she is enjoying it.  Our 4yo is along for the ride too.  I'm impressed with how much she already knows.  I'm still working through other "fun" things for her to do while I work on more intense things with my oldest.  I'm trying to make sure the 4yo & I have our special time together each day too.  I have always tried to do that one-on-one daily time with both -- even if it's just 10-15 minutes, it makes such a difference.  Having school each day is helping me be consistent with it.

CON - I haven't been assigned a teacher yet, but OHVA has had an huge # of enrollments over the past week.  They are working on overflow at this point.  Hopefully, we'll get our assignment soon and I can get to know our new teacher.

Weeding through information & research, lessons and trying to read other books has filled my time from morning until bedtime.  (There's also been some extra stress with possible lay-offs with Matt's job at Momentum.  But that's a blog for another day.)  I haven't watched TV in weeks.  Actually, I've watched it a couple times.  Specifically, 3 episodes of Friends in the past 3 weeks.

It's a whole new world!  I thought I would be a little sad when we saw the school buses drive by on the first day of school.  Nope -- we were doing a dance-party in the living room with our bedhead hair!  We've already had great adventures and I know there is much more to come.  I'm getting more relaxed, figuring out what works.  And now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to veg out in front of the tube in my broken loveseat. ;)  I'd better schedule the chiropractor visit now.