A Letter for a Friend.

One of my dearest friends (ever) will be leaving the Portland area, and moving down South- to Ashland Oregon. She was accepted into OHSU nursing school, and I could not be more proud of her.

Lynny:
You're lovely.
Honest.
Driven.
F.U.N.
Loyal.
Hi-lar-ious.
Humble.
Generous.
Loving.
Strong.
You've been by my side through all our major life's events- first loves, graduations, Backstreet Boys, room-mating, fights, make ups, weddings, 10k's, puking after 10k's, marathons, babies, break ups, forever loves, and acceptance letters into our dreams.
I could not be more proud of the woman you have become, and the path you have worked so hard to walk on.
I hold your abilities and achievements to the greatest of respect- knowing you are changing this world by being the best Lyndsey you can be.
You're move to Ashland is beyond bitter sweet- but do know, every day you're gone, studying, reading, learning, growing; I will be thinking of you, and continually cheering you on, supporting you, loving you, missing you.

I'm so proud of you.
Xoxo

When a Quirk becomes a Disability

Swimming lessons started back up at our local pool. In Lou's class, last month, she had 3 kids (including herself) in the class. It took her a few days to feel comfortable, but eventually she got her groove and had a wonderful time.
She definitely had some quirky behaviors, but was able to learn and grow, building her skills and self worth.

This time around she is one of 9 (yes, 9) kids:

More kids.
More chaos.
More sensory sensations.
More touching.
More noise.
More unpredictability.

More Quirks.
More rejection.
More disabilities.

Such a crazy position to be in: watching your child struggle, assisting her (the best you know how) to get her through the program- feeling helpless and empowered, all at the same time.
Helpless:
How much I would pay to take away Quinny's barriers; to allow the world to see the little girl we get to see. As a parent you just want to make it better, easier...
Empowered:
I was given the opportunity today, to watch her brain in action, when her neurological system was short circuited. To see where we need to focus our therapies, to give more tools to Quinny, so that SHE can show the world what a rad chick she is.

It just shows us that kiddos with cataloged disabilities have all the abilities of a typical child- they just need the tools, creativity, patience and ambition of those around them, to thrive.

Quinny starts private swim lessons tomorrow with the teacher she adores and the pool she never wants to get out of. The proper environment for her to learn the skills and grow in her self worth.

This ain't no joke peeps- parenting is HARD.
But I am having the time of my life- learning and loving.

Beach Babes

Our Beach Babes

GFCF Apple Pie

This morning I had a bit of extra time- before kids woke up and after zucchini bread was in the oven- so I thought I could bake an apple pie to enjoy throughout the day.

I am loving the pie crust recipe from "Cooking for Isaiah":

2 3/4 cups AP GF flour
1/2 tsp. xanthum gum (if not in AP blend)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/3 cups chilled veggie shortening, cut into cubes
2/3 cup ice water


The book says to mix ingredients in food processor, but with mine out of commission, I opted for my hands and a wooden spoon- SUPER messy, but it works.
I then split the dough in half, threw each round in some plastic wrap and in the freezer it went. It takes about 15 minutes to harden the dough up, so this is when I make the filling of the pie.

The filling:
I just peeled and cored 5 granny smiths, threw in some cinnamon, brown sugar, lemon juice, and pie spice. Nothing was measured, just mixed to where it "looked right".

A few weeks back I was cleaning my mom's kitchen for her, when I found this vintage painter's cloth-type mat in her utensil drawer. Turns out it is used to roll out pie crusts, and what was even better- she didn't want it any longer!
Can I just say, if you like to bake pies- go buy yourself some painters cloth! This piece of fabric saved me SO much time and energy in flouring my counter top, re flouring and cleaning it all up. In LOVE.

Certainly not fancy, but a delicious apple pie went in the oven at 6am this morning (at 350 for 45 minutes) and in our bellies for lunch.

I had a bit of dough and filling left over, so I made some pocket pies for the girls too.

I folded them in half and popped them in the oven- 350 for about 15 minutes. Next time I will cut the apple pieces smaller for these little pies- they turned out tasty, but SUPER not cute.

Project Time: Re-Do the Glider

$15 glider from Goodwill.
$60 in upholstery.
Day and a half of sneaking in sewing (thank you nap time).

A $75, teal tweed, fabulous glider.

Before:

Middle:
I didn't have a pattern, so I just copied and pasted, measured and guessed- fingers crossed the whole time.

After:
A success!

We're Ready !

35 weeks.

Pre-eclampsia started showing its ugly head a few days back, but so far hanging in. I think it's clear that pregnancy and Jill are not a good combo.
The (mini) crib is set up, and with Big Sister's decorating skills it is ready with all needed accessories- we're ready to roll!

Farm Play

Jake's parents (Oma and Opa) live on 17 acres about 30 minutes from us.
There are endless adventures for the ladies to dive into, get dirty with, explore, uncover, and just have a fantastic childhood existence.

It is so incredible to have my two curious, energetic, creative, and HEALTHY critters back in action! They are both doing wonderful now- we still need to put 5 pounds back on Quinny Lou, but at the rate she is eating, this may happen by the end of tomorrow.


The River:

The Greenhouse (with indoor sprinklers):

The Berries: