Smile Run

It's been a year and a half since John broke his ankle.  It's been a long, trying journey back to full healing.  He still has issues with it, maybe he always will, but that remains to be seen.  John is on the two year healing plan and he often has to remind himself that his break was severe and the doctor was very honest about how long this would take to heal and that there may be lingering symptoms.  That is a humbling reality for a guy who has been very active all of his life and John is slowly adjusting to his new abilities.  However, the story isn't over yet, and John truly does not know just how limited he will be in the end.  He's vertical and pretty mobile, but his limits need some testing for us to know just where he stands.  John has taken a few trots and has played with kids a bit, but there has been no full out exertion of his leg's ability.  There is a healthy amount of fear in truly pushing the limits of his leg.  None of us have forgotten the pain of that break and none of us wants to revisit something like that.  Still, there has to be some testing of limits.  After much thought, prayer, and research, John chose to participate in a 5K run.  He chose one with a course that was of good terrain and he vowed to listen to his body.  The goal was to finish.  That's all.  It wasn't about his time.  It wasn't about winning or beating anyone.  It was about finishing.  And if that meant that he had to walk the whole thing, then so be it.  But he wanted to see what he could do and how it felt to move with all of that metal in his leg. 

So he signed up, and on race day, we went out to the park to see him through.  The weather was perfect and John chose a great organization.  The run was actually a fundraiser for an organization formed in memory of a young boy who died of asthma.  There were several activities for the children to enjoy while we waited for John to complete the run and plenty of friendly people to chat with as well.  

The huge bubble makers were a big hit and John tried his hand at it after his run

Corn Hole was a great pass time as were free treats like popcorn and cooling snow cones.

We took Charlotte and Hudson with us and they drew a lot of attention.  American Leopard Hounds aren't very common and many people were interested in learning about the breed.  :-)  

John guessed it would take him about 30 minutes to complete the route--he was pretty close.  He crossed in just about 37 minutes.  John admitted to walking some, but was pleased with how his ankle performed and even more so with how it felt.  The test run was a success.  By no means can we declare John at the finish line of healing, but he is one great big step closer, and for that we are thankful.  God has brought him so far and given him so much ability back--not only is he walking, but he can actually say that he can run. :-)  I do believe that this run will be annual for John--he'll want to be sure to keep (and improve if possible) his mobility.  I can't think of a better cause to participate in--both for the fundraiser, and for John.  There are lots of reasons to smile when you can run.  :-)

Pumpkin Pleasures

 

At the end of a rainy week when the temperatures were pleasant and the skies bright and sunny, we ended a school day with some pumpkin fun,  :-)  I took the kids to the pumpkin farm where we explored the variety of available pumpkins and gourds from traditional to heirloom and chose a few favorites.  

The grounds were muddy, but that didn't keep us from weaving our way through the corn maze.  

The spicy smell from the snack shack was so enticing we couldn't help but to discover the tasty treats that were inside and to purchase a few fall favs to take home.   

The kids had fun climbing on huge tractors, riding on barrel horses, playing a bit of corn hole, visiting the farm animals, and relaxing on the porch for a bit.  Seriously, the weather was perfect!  With our picks loaded up, we headed home to share our findings and to make pumpkin shakes--an autumn tradition that goes back to Pumpkin Festival at Oregon Hill. :-)  The younger kids had yet to taste these epic blends and it was high time they were introduced to them.  

Not surprisingly, the shakes were a hit.  :-)  Our next round of pumpkin fun will be in carving...stay tuned! :-)

Wildflower Walk

 October is easily one of the best months where we live.  The weather is wonderful, the biting bugs start to decrease, the colors start to really pop, and there are plenty of activities to appreciate.  Actually, October usually explodes with things to do and see and we love it.  

At the beginning of the month, we took the opportunity to walk in the garden before it closes for the winter.  The garden never disappoints and our afternoon was quite enjoyable.  We were welcomed by blooms bursting over the waterfall bridge and a stage stacked with harvest decorations, all for our enjoyment.  

The Japanese Maple section of the garden is always super pretty.  With the sun peeking through the orange, red, and yellow leaves, it was quite a sight.  

We had a bit of fun interacting with the statues along the pathways to the real highlight of the afternoon--the wildflower patch.  

It was well worth the short hike!  Wildflowers spread out all over the hillside, bees of all kinds buzzed from flower to flower, and the sweetest flowery fragrance filled the soft breeze that made the sun above us so pleasant.  

We lingered long soaking in the serene beauty.  By the time we left, we were one of the last to leave before they shut the gates for the evening.  If we're lucky, we'll make it back one more time before winter.  But if not, these wildflowers have made a lasting impression that will stay with us for quite some time.  :-)

School Resumes

 

The morning we awoke to begin our new school year was drastically different from the weekend prior.  Instead of bright blue skies with great big puffy clouds and the sun shining while the heat warmed you up just enough for you to want a cool breeze or the air conditioner on, we were greeted by clouds, a bit of gloom, a light intermittent breeze that activated the tunes of the wind chimes, and temperatures low enough that we could spend the entire day with all of the windows open.  We were thankful for the beautiful weekend we had just experienced and then began to open windows and plan reading time out on the porch and were thankful for the uniqueness of each season.   

This school year I only have four students and we range in grades from elementary to high school.  Connor has begun his freshman year and is already loving that he works independently from the rest of the pack.  It affords him more time flexibility to fit in both textbook and tool time--which he very much appreciates.  

Sonja stepped up to junior high this year and with Connor's promotion, she is promoted by default.  Sonja is now the pack leader--at least for group work.  Junior high status brings with it a heavier work load, but Sonja is up to the task--even if she doesn't fully understand the work this year has in store for her (she's still saying it's not more, silly girl).  :-)

Riley is finishing up elementary school this year.  It's odd to think that I'll only have one elementary student next year.  Suddenly the kids are feeling very grown...and I think this is a transitory growth year for them all.  In each of their first day photos, their faces seem bigger and somewhat awkward in each of their maturity and developmental  phases.   

Hannah is in fourth grade this year.  This advances her in Sunday school status as well.  Sonja graduated out of Sunday school classes and is now a teacher's aide and Hannah moved into class with Riley and the big kids.   I'm glad Riley and Hannah get some time together.  So often it's Riley and Sonja that team up.  The new set up allows for both of them to grow closer in relationship (which will hopefully help them in school collaboration as well) and help them to develop new personal skills as a shake up in group dynamics is bound to affect interactions.  Hannah is feeling pretty accomplished in her new status, but now she's got to step up her maturity in different ways.  It'll be a big year for our Miss H.  

So here we go--diving into the 2021-2022 school year!  May God bless our days with productivity and positive growth.  <3