"Box of Stones"

Sometimes one song just moves you. 

This one, by Benjamin Francis Leftwich, moved me recently.

You said, I am young and I am yours

I am free, but I am flawed

I am here and your heart

I was here from the start

All About Dallas (not Texas)!

My nephew, Dallas, aged 10, came to stay with us for a week. It was his first trip to our home without his mom, papa, and two younger brothers in tow, so I wanted to give him a week that was all about him  -- filled with new experiences and adventures. While he missed his parents (not so much his younger brothers), he still had a great time... and we loved having him. He's been gone six days now and still, this morning, Avi went to the room where he was staying, knocked on the door and said, "Dally?" Those cousins have a special bond! 

First sewing project: A pillow

So proud of his work.

Product testers!

First snowboarding adventure:

While Dallas has a "cheap imitation snowboard" (as he so calls it) and has "shredded" down the sledding hill at home, this was his first time at a real mountain resort. Special thanks to our great friend Reji who took him and gave him "just a few pointers" before he "shredded that mountain." On the ride up, Reji tried to warn Dal that a day on the slopes can be killer on the body. "I wont be sore, I lift weights" he confidently told her. But the next day he soaked in not one but two epsom salt baths.  "Totally worth it", he said aching muscles and all!

Second sewing project: camo teddy bear.
Dallas was such a quick learner and did so fantastic on his pillow that he 'graduated' on to more a  complex project. I also learned to be a little less directive and allow him the space to do it himself and make mistakes and figure out how to fix them. I think this as much of a learning experience for me as it was for him.

Chicken Chores:

Dallas also helped the chickens during his stay. He fed and watered them after letting them out in the morning. He'd report which nesting boxes had eggs and which had just poop. He brought in eggs, washed off any poop and put them away in the fridge. He probably went out to their coop about five times a day to check for more eggs and closed them in safely at night. He loves those chickens. One day, after a successful egg checking expedition, we had a funny conversation. It went as follows:

Dallas: "The egg is still warm. The black hen was just leaving the coop. It must be hers."

Me: "We call her Little One."

Dallas: "Little One, huh? What do you call the yellow one?"

Me: "We call her Yellow One."

Dallas: "What do you call the red one?"

Me: "Red One."

Dallas: "Well, what do you call the other one then?"

Me (laughing): "We call her Other One."

In the Kitchen: Organic brown rice crisp treats.

(The recipe is borrowed from Kim). It was fun talking with Dallas about measurements and ingredients.  It was great to see him eat these treats which have hemp and chia seeds, two things I don't think he's ever had before. I think Dallas still prefers the kind with marshmallows instead. :)

Adventure: Butterfly Pavilion: 
This was a fun morning. Dallas took "his" phone that had a camera and snapped a bunch of shots of butterflies. Notice that he is wearing his camo bear around his neck. He took that bear everywhere. I loved hearing the sound of accomplishment in his voice when he would tell someone that he made it.

Some favorite moments captured: 

Dallas loves to say, "When I'm 20, Avi will be 10".
And I'm sure the love will be just as great then!

Dallas and his Sissy (that's what he calls me).

Budding artists collaborate.

Afternoon Dance Party.

We had such a fun week with Dallas visiting. He is a great kiddo and a great nephew and a great cousin to Avi.  I look forward to more visits with him in the future... 

(but I also have to say, it's nice to have, back again, "my time" when Avi is napping).

(this moment)

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Inspired by Soulemama

busy busy

If you've noticed, I haven't been in blog world for a few days. We've had family visiting and full schedules.  Thanks for your patience while I'm away.  I look forward to catching up with everyone next week. Until then...

Way past my bedtime....

 Writing new blog posts

Catching up on other's blog posts.

"The Hunger Games" - ugh, addicting. Recently finished the series. Addiction thwarted.


What things keep you from getting to bed on time?

Diary of 5

I just visited The Knitty Gritty Homestead who had visited Harvest Moon By Hand and I too thought this was an excellent way to start the day. 

I am seeing... snow falling -- slowly, softly, perfectly, straight down.


I am smelling... the cinnamon lingering from the french toast made uber early 

to fill the belly of our nephew heading to the slopes for his first snowboarding experience. 


I am hearing... my son's feet and his little voice upstairs as he and his mama 

are slowly rising.


I am tasting... evening in missoula -- in my favorite mug.


I am feeling... grateful that I am getting a massage today.


Your turn...what are your senses sharing with you this morning?

(this moment)

A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Inspired by Soulemama