Happy Halloween

     It's been super busy here.

3 of the boys did football. They had an amazing time.

Ryan and Marc team both made it to the first round of play offs, Lolos team made it to the second round. 

     Marc and Lolo officially part of our family. The adoption was finalized the beginning of this month. 

Yes, Marc broke his arm. At football practice. The great thing, the doctor said he could play with his cast. Jason found some foam, he cut to cover the cast.  I was glad he was able to finish out the rest of the season.

The boys have been working on their scout ranks and advancements. They all enjoy doing outdoor activities. Yesterday they got most of the leaves raked up ( an acre lot=lots of leaves). They did an amazing job. The wind of course, picked up this afternoon, now you can't really tell.

The picture below was taken Wednesday

The picture below was taken today

Last year the trees didn't turn all the colors they have this year. My neighbors apple trees have been very productive. He gave us lots of apples. I made 13 quarts of applesauce and canned it. I have another box on my dining room table. I am hoping to make apple pie filling. The walnut tree that is on the property line has been quite bountiful as well. I purchased 150 pounds of potatoes. I canned most of one 50 pound bag. I got 36 quarts of potatoes canned. One of my friends asked if canning potatoes was a Midwest thing. I replied it was to keep mice from eating my food. We haven't had any mice yet, several of my neighbors have. I am hoping they don't venture in. They are tearing up fields to the east and north of me. We have had several skunks and raccoons. One morning a raccoon was in my backyard, the dogs almost caught it. One of my other neighbors lost several hens to one. I have been locking mine up since the middle of September. 

My son worked for the same farmer this year. I scored lots of free tomatoes. I was able to make 13 quarts of tomato sauce. I used an attachment for my kitchenaid mixer to separate the skin and seeds. That made the process so much quicker! I will probably not can whole tomatoes in the quantities I used.

We have replaced almost all the windows. We scored on their purchase. They were on close out. We saved several hundred dollars. It has made a significant difference already. We have had a few light frosts. No huge change in the inside temperature. I figure the snow will begin falling soon, that will be our biggest test. The sliding glass door opens so easy now! I am very happy with them.

     We are already making plans for the front yard next year. I want to build up the flower beds in the front. I would like to add low water shrubs, preferably with colorful foliage. We are also planning on taking grass out next to the street. We have a 5 foot easement. It is a hastle to water, we will be removing it and put down gravel. We have talked about several ideas, we just need to get them on paper and see what us practical.

Too much..

I know that Seattle is known for its amount of rainfall. Yesterday was a little overboard. We had just over 2 inches of rain in 24 hours. It was great. My stupid drain outside my lower glass door couldn't keep up, and water began to come into the basement ( which is the older boys bedroom). I've never seen them move so quickly in getting their junk off the floor. Jon and Tom had cups, filling them and tossing the water into the yard. Tom suggested renting a jack hammer to create a new drainage hole. I told him I didn't think that my husband would go for it.
  Later today were are suppose to get a wind storm. It's been several years since we have had a good one, so it will be interesting to see how much damage happens, especially since it was so wet yesterday.
   I had the kids make sure their flashlights are ready, I have kerosene for my lamps. Now just waiting for the fun to begin...

Snow in Seattle

I dont ever remember it snowing this much in November in Seattle. I love the snow though. I enjoy watching the kids go out and playing in it. One of the many benfits of homeschooling, I dont have to worry about snow days. The other day the boys spent all day outside, playing and sledding. We are suppose to go to Issaquah for Thanksgiving, but we will see. Right now the younger boys are outside enjoying the snow, making a snow man.