update in pictures

So we have been incredibly busy here.  I've already decided next year in Sept and Oct we will only do school four days a week.  There is so much canning and gardening work that needs to be done, I just can't keep up with it all.  Plus, we have to get everything ready for winter.  I'm still not done but thankfully its been really really nice out; in the 50s which is unusual for us. Yesterday it was in the 60s and I opened the windows. 

Here's some pictures from the girls' rodeo that took place in Sept.

Princess Buttercup with her ribbons; two first and two second place

Careful around the cones



Princess Daisy riding Moonshine

Being careful not to knock over the cans

Bug-a-bug riding Windsor; her favorite horse

Princess decided not to participate this time.  The girls have been taking riding lessons since March.  They each participated in four different games.  It was a long but fun day.  They absolutely love Morning Glory stable and so do I.

TL has bought a guitar and started taking lessons.  He's doing really really well and enjoying learning an instrument again.  He did piano and violin when we were in Japan.  Bug-a-bug wants to learn "country instruments" like violin (fiddle), guitar, and banjo.  We'll have to see if we can get something going next year for her.

The youngest three are still in American Heritage Girls.  Princess didn't want to but decided to try it again on Tuesday night.  I'm hopeful that she will be want to join us again.  A lot of really wonderful girls for her to be with.

TL is still in taekwondo although a foot issue had him miss many classes this summer.  He went to Philmont with his scout troop but has decided that he's pretty much done with scouts.  It saddens me that he won't make eagle but I understand that with the issues with leadership and the lack of organization with our troop has changed his attitude towards scouts.  Still he's working a lot and doing okay with his school work so he's a pretty busy young man.  And of course, he's very helpful around the house here.  I depend on him a lot and am very grateful that he does whatever I ask of him without questioning or complaint.

School is going well; although we are a little behind where I wanted to be.  Not too bad considering all that has to be done here to get ready for winter.  We're really getting into some good stuff now and the girls are really enjoying their lessons.  The littles are learning about volcanoes now.  I can't wait to pull out the rocks from our kids from Northwest Treasures.  I'm loving the books that come with the kits.  Full of some really fun things for the kids to do.

We had our two pigs butchered and now our freezer is literally stock full of pork.  I'm excited about that!!  Hopefully the chickens will start laying any day so we'll have fresh eggs once again.  And the pantry is getting full with the sales items I've been buying.  My goal is to have several months worth of food on hand.

I'm busy making some items for Christmas gifts now.  Doing some knitting and making some quilted items.  I hope to get some done for around the house also.  I never seem to have enough time!  After Christmas I will be focusing on scrapbooking;  TL  is graduating and his book is done through age six and hubby retires and his hasn't been started yet.  UGH!