Technical Difficulties

Ahem,
We're experiencing some technical difficulties with this blog.

I apologize for the big white box with tiny blue question mark in the middle of many of the posts...
I lost a good portion of my photos during the transfer from wordpress.
Thankfully I have a folder of all photos used, so it's just a matter of re-uploading them to the site. It'll take a while, but eventually we'll be back and at 'em.
Don't lose hope :-)

Later!

Day 326 (691)

I went out tonight with my camera, my laptop, and my sweater ...
no idea where i was going.
Wound up at the park.
The night was crisp, but very inviting.
I put down my sweater, opened my laptop, started the DVD inside, and enjoyed my own "Movie in the Park" under this glorious *almost* full moon.
Apparently my hand was shifting while I snapped this photo, lol!
I absolutely love the unintentional heart effect!!!
What was playing? Milk

Day 325 (690)

I went to a late movie last night (Red) ...
just got home an hour or so ago, and technically it's already the next morning (today), so I'm showing this photo!
Owen was already passed out by the time I got home, and Rylan wasn't too far behind.
Nick and the younger two built this fort earlier in the day yesterday, and apparently they needed to test out it's durability through a sleep over.
3 people, 2 dogs, and a cat, all of whom twist and turn in the night ... it held up pretty well.
Living room camping is the best!

Day 324 (689)

I've been showing a lot of food photos lately, haven't I?
A few people have asked if I'd dedicate a separate blog specifically to our foods!
Sounds like a great idea... just not right now. I'm already having great difficulty keeping up the blogs I already have, I really don't want to add another to the mix. I'll definitely keep it in mind for the future, though. Anything to help spread the Raw Vegan Love!
This was our dinner tonight...
a raw vegan burger; made with our lovely new dehydrator.
It's a garden veggie patty (recipe by Me)
sandwiched between Black Sesame Sunflower Seed Bread (recipe by Ani Phyo)
The dressing is a Sweet Mustard with hint of Tomato/Ketchup (recipe by Me)
garnished with Avocado, Lettuce, and Tomato.
Scrumptious!

Day 323 (688)

Larson, biking down the path.
We didn't get too far on our bike ride this evening.
It was Morgans first official bike ride. She's still so tiny... her short lil legs aren't capable of going too far yet (seriously wondering if she's mixed with some small little tea cup breed, lol).
I really enjoyed all of autumn's colors on our short trip around the block.

Day 322 (687)

It was just me, rylan, and owen at our "Thursday Earthfare-Day" meal tonight.
Nick and Larson usually clear the table after our meal, and sort our rubbish into the proper recycling bin ...
today, Rylan did the honors.
He LOVES recycling!
I love him!

Day 321 (686)

It has finally ARRIVED!
YAY!
Our old dehydrator bit the dust a year ago, and we've sorely missed it (the kids, mostly).
It can be trying at times for adults to be raw vegan in a culture that glamorizes unhealthy and fast foods... imagine being a kid. We try to make our dietary choices (both health based as well as ethical) as easy as possible for our children. Dehydrated foods, while not our best options, help our children not feel deprived. There's a great amount of comfort in that!

Day 320 (685)

The boys and I spent all day snuggled in bed watching movies;
only escaping the comfort of our warm blankets to whip up some soup.
It's a chunky vegetable base, with a scoop of warm rice & quinoa, tomatoes, and leeks dropped on top.
Perfect for a cold, rainy day.

Day 319 (684)

Aren't they so cute?!
Spent the afternoon at the library where I dedicated much of my time to quieting the chatter of my teeth.
It was darn cold in that building!

Day 318 (683)

Picnic lunch out back ...

Day 317 (682)

Spaghetti Dinner ...
zucchini "noodles" w/homemade marinara sauce, topped with some oats.
SO GOOD!

Day 316 (681)

This newly turned 12 year old stayed home by himself for the first time this afternoon.
We just had to run 2 minutes down the road to the recycling center, and he opted to stay home and finish up the dishes.
He's quite excited for this new adventure in his life.

Day 315 (680)

I was trying on this cute lil handmade skirt in a shop downtown this afternoon.
When I came out of the dressing room, this is who I saw smiling at me ...
Would have been creepy if he weren't so cute! lol

taken with camera phone
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Day 314 (679)

Dinner...
Mashed cauliflower "taters" with gravy, cucumber & tomato salad, and a curry stuffed collard.
I love food!

Day 313 (678)

Check out this dude ...
all ready for some hard hitting tackle football with dad.
lol, he's so flippin' cute.

Day 312 (677)

Today was supposed to be 1/2 cast day ...
but the Dr opted to put him back in a full arm cast for a few more weeks.
He said the bone is healing nicely, he just wants to give it a bit more time being fully supported.
Owen was disappointed for about 3 seconds, and then was over it.
Having a cast on since April ... I guess he's pretty darn well used to it!

Day 311 (676)

A neighbor dog, Ranger, came over to play this afternoon.
Check out how fierce Morgan looks? lol
Her Australian Shepherd roots are kicking in ... must herd the livestock!

Day 310 (675)

Hit up the Farmers Market...
We go through SO much produce that we by many things by the bushel.

Day 309 (674)

Happy 13th Month My Dreads!
It's been a tough coupla months with these dear dreads.
A lot of loving the idea hating the look going on.
Then I take a photo of them...
See them in a new light...
and I am instantly in love with them again.

Day 308 (673)

I was beckoned back outside after coming in to warm my toes.
Owen wanted me to watch him try the bigger bike again ...
he's been so anxious to move up in bike size.
He rocked it!
No more tiny bike.
Bittersweet moment for Mama.

Day 307 (672)

Our little garden boxes didn't yield much of anything this year ... except for peppers.

Day 306 (671)

Happy 12th Birthday, Larson!!!
12! TWELVE!
It's amazing how fast he's growing up.
He wanted to spend the day at the skate park (cast and all), so after a quick stop at the polls (it's election day!!!) we headed out to a skate park we haven't yet visited. We got there only to find out there was no school today ... so it was PACKED!!!
If you've ever been to a really crowded skate park, you know how intimidating it can be... even for experienced riders.
Holy Cow!
It was mayhem!
We didn't stay long before we headed out to our usual, less crowded park. We stayed until the sun set.
He had a lot of fun breaking in his new board!

Day 305 (670)

Larson lost his second tooth in a week yesterday.
He's very excited about it ... can you tell? lol
I think he's pulling them out on purpose so he can get the money ...
again, lookit that face!

Day 304 (669)

The fountain in 5points is home to the All Saints Day / All Souls Day / Day of the Dead / All Hallows Eve & Day / etc Memorial. During the last few days in Oct and first few days in Nov, people are encouraged to visit the Memorial.... honor memories of those no longer here with us by sharing stories, sending love, saying prayers, etc. You can leave little token of remembrance on that table, light candles, and smile.
Death doesn't have to be held inside. It doesn't have to make people feel uncomfortable or sad. It can be a beautiful, healing experience to remember and honor our loved ones out loud. Keep them a part of our lives; always.
We spent hours at this memorial laughing over stories I shared of Tony. A man that was every bit a father to me. A man I miss every single day. The boys, all decked out in Tye-Dye because it was Tony's favorite, laughed and laughed and laughed. Especially his war time bathroom cleaning ritual, lol. They would have LOVED him!!!
We also talk about Gramma Anna (Nick's Mom). While I didn't have nearly as many personal stories of her to share with the kids, I loved her, and miss her dearly. That message is pretty easy to express. Larson remembers her. Rylan was so young that he doesn't remember, and Owen was just a new born. They see a photo everyday of her with all 3 of them on the last day she stayed with us ... so they feel like they knew her.

Day 303 (668)

Our cul-de-sac put together a little after Trick-or-Treat Halloween Party this evening.
Each family was supposed to bring food to share, as well as set up a craft/game/activity to do.
The food portion, of course, panned out (we're in america, right? food is our priority, :-/ lol) ... but the games and activities sort of fizzled. Only a couple of families actually had something set up.
Such a shame. It really could have turned out great.
We set up of a Halloween Scavanger Hunt outside that was a big hit
(not sure if that was because it was great fun, or because there weren't many alternatives! lol)

Day 302 (667)

Our post hosted a Fall Festival for Halloween this evening.
The Pirate, The Hippie, and even Michael Jackson stopped by to make an appearance.
It was mostly geared toward younger children, and the emphasis was HIGH on candy, so we didn't stay long... but the kids still had fun seeing everyone dressed up.

Days 301 (666)

Enjoying dinner of "cheezy" dill salad, and a game of Skip-Bo with my littles ...
(who really aren't that "little" anymore)

Day 300 (665)

Look how big she is getting!!!
Compare to this photo just 2 weeks ago!!!

Day 299 (664)

Showing my Marley love!
Three Little Birds
Don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', "This is my message to you-ou-ou:"

Day 298 (663)

Back to our home away from home to get one of our boys casted up!
This scene is no longer a surprise to any of you, I'm sure!
Larson fell off of a skateboard.
The funny part ... the skateboard didn't even have wheels on it!!! lol
He landed on his wrist, again. Tuck and roll, kid ...Tuck.And.Roll!
He didn't break or fracture anything. His dr gave him the option of going into a wrist guard or a hard cast for a couple of weeks until it was feeling better.
He chose the hard cast.

Day 297 (662)

Accidentally snapped this photo while we were out this evening...
I love it!

Day 296 (661)

I love wild mushrooms (for their beauty ... not for eating, lol)
Check out the spider!

Day 295 (660)

R & O checking out their exploded volcano.

Day 294 (659)

We went to the Hootie & The Blowfish Tribute concert tonight. We missed the unveiling of the sculpture and street renaming, but we made it in time to hear some of the tribute bands. And of course, the honorees hopped on stage at the end of the night to do a few songs. They got their start here in Columbia, SC ... the city was proud to have them back, honoring them and all they've brought here. I was going to use a photo of them actually on stage, but I thought this more fitting for the celebration!
Gotta love local live music! Don't care what genre it is ... if it's local, and it's live, I likey!

taken with camera phone
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Day 293 (658)

Happy Spirit Day!
Remembering those lost; Standing by those fighting for acceptance.
I'm wearing purple today in honor of Spirit Day. Are you?
Speak out against anti-LGBT bullying!

Day 292 (657)

We walked around 5-points this afternoon.
I love brick walls. Like seriously ... LOVE them.

Day 291 (656)

Owens post op appt was this afternoon.
They took x-rays, and his bone is healing great ... again, lol.
They gave him the option of replacing his cast, he said yes!
The purple is gone ... he's now rocking a glow in the dark cast. He thinks he's pretty cool!

taken with camera phone
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Day 290 (655)

We went to the 2010 Soldiers Show this evening.
I really enjoy going to these each year ... they always do something so different.
This years was really good. They even had a tribute to Michael Jackson ... which Larson LOVED! Me too.

Day 289 (654)

Morgan!
We dug up and transplanted our garden boxes this afternoon, and found out that Morgan LOVES to play in the hose (notice her dirty, wet fur). She played SO hard that she needed to stop for a rest ... under a plant for shade!

Day 288 (653)

We thought it was a cat at first; then we got closer ...
It's a cute lil fox!
How Cute!

Day 287 (652)

They're hungry! LOL!
Stanley is still looking for a new family ... anyone, anyone.

Day 286 (651)

Ry and O doing a puzzle.
I love watching them.
Tatum, too! lol

Day 285 (650)

Awww.... Here she is.
SO mother effing cute, isn't she?
The puppy breath on the other hand ... still not sure how some people can like it?!
We've decided to name her Morgan (yep, another one).

Day 284 (649)

I don't think I mentioned it, but we found Myrtle a new home. We were hoping that her mellow nature was just her needing to acclimate to her new surroundings ... but no, she's just a laid back, easy going, mellow pooch. She wasn't really keen on bike riding, or swimming, or running around outside while we play soccer, etc. Instead of just leaving her home every time we went out with Tatum, we decided it would be better to find her a family that was more suitable to her needs.
That was a couple of weeks ago, and we knew we still really wanted to add a second dog to our family, so we continued to search for the perfect fit. I was mainly searching for an older rescue pup (over a year old). We visited many of them, but none of them really seemed to "fit", and we surely didn't want to rush into something that wouldn't work (like with Myrtle).
That's when I heard about this baby in Cherryville, NC.
A 7wk old australian shepherd puppy that was found on the side of the road with her sister. Skinny, dirty, covered with fleas, and a bulged out belly filled with worms. Sister found her new family earlier that day, and this sweet girl was left all alone.
Ok, we're on our way! Another 2 1/2 road trip out there to pick her up.
She's ADORABLE! Skittish already, in her only 7 weeks. Can't imagine what her life has been like.
On the way home we stopped in this CUTE town ... Chester, NC ... for potty breaks, leg stretching, and photo ops.

Day 283 (648)

We played Earth-opoly tonight.
I love this game. It's so cute!
Oh, and I won. That helps my love for it! lol

Day 282 (647)

Dinner...
bed of spinach, raw couscous, shredded carrots, and topped with raw hummus.
Not very good, actually. lol
It was the couscous ... need to try a different recipe next time.
Blech!

Day 281 (646)

We came home from the store this afternoon, and this is who we saw outside of our house!
We've never seen her before.
We had two new neighbors move onto our street recently, so logically we thought she belonged to one of them.
Nope.
She wouldn't leave our yard... which made us think perhaps she was dumped off here.
She's inside for the time being. She seems to be acclimated to dogs. Other cats ... not so much!
I'm calling her penny. She has this rusty/bronze-ish color in her stripes. The photo doesn't do it justice. And she's lucky to have found us. Most people call the game warden for stray cats, and they're put down. Penny fits :-)
She's really very pretty!

taken with camera phone
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Day 280 (645)

Rylans watermelon.
He planted the seed, watered it, transplanted it when it sprouted, took care of it, and here it is ...
His harvest!
Woot!

Day 279 (644)

Boo!
We decorated for Halloween tonight.

Day 278 (643)

Owens surgery was today. It was super quick, as the best scenario worked!
When he re-broke his arm (for the 3rd time), he bent the metal rod they had in there after the 2nd break (which was scheduled to be removed later this month, btw!).
The Dr was first going to see if he could straighten the rod without having to go in. If that didn't work, he'd remove the rod, and hope his bone was sturdy enough to not need another one. If not, they would reinsert a new, straight rod until the bone healed. As a last resort, he'd screw in a plate to hold the bone in place while it healed.
Of course we were hoping for the least invasive, and yay ... it worked!
The Dr was able to straighten the rod by bending the arm. Owen was only under anesthesia for a few minutes. His recovery has been much better so far. He's already up and at em. He wants to RUN, but I've got a tight hold on him for today. Want to make sure the anesthesia is out of his system before I let him loose. Don't want him getting dizzy, falling over, and breaking something else!

taken with camera phone
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Day 277 (642)

We packed our car up, sadly turned in the hotel key, and went out to enjoy our last day on the island.
Up first, biking and swimming on the beach!
I've never biked on a beach before. Can I tell you ... I am so totally addicted.
I want to bike on the beach every morning!
Next, biking through the entire island.
This was THE most bike friendly place I've ever been. I totally fell in love.
We saw TWO alligators on our journey. Ironically, both were chilling on their banks (different lakes) RIGHT next to the "Beware of Alligators" signs they have posted at every lake/pond/creek/etc. So funny.
Last, back to the beach for a sunset dinner ...
and then we hit the road so we'd be ready for Owens surgery bright and early in the morning!

taken with camera phone
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