Another morning of overcast, drizzle, and cool temps. Supposed to warm up and burn off with sunshine sometime today, which will be a blessing when it gets here.
Yesterday, I had a moment to rant. I believe, and I'm sure there are others who would feel the same, I had reason to do so. I don't go around ranting about politics and/or religion but when I see something that doesn't look or sound right, I speak up. I start out with scanning the irratation, roll my eyes up at it, ignore it, delete it, and then it just gets settled under my skin like a tick. That's when I have to voice and clear my mind. Now that I've done so, its cleared my mind to refocus where I need to be. Appointments, errands, emails, phone calls, etc....to have to tackle, aside from the daily tasks of housekeeping, homeschooling, and trying to make time for the list of "not a top priority" things to take on. The day in the life of the typical yet not typical SAHM (stay-at-home-mom).
I've still a bit of tasks to complete today, an appointment in the afternoon. My nights have been settled with a good book I'm trying to finish reading, aside from thinking about how nice it would be to get into my sewing projects. I'm hell-bent to dive in. I'll get there, I'm sure of it.
The bell is going off to move to the next level of my day, which encompasses a shower, getting the boys dressed for the day, school stuff with Tristan, and hopefully a nap for Zach. A semi-deep clean of the living room, and hopefully something fun for the boys to do today. Starting dinner around 2 pm, letting that cook while focused on whatever it is I need to at that time. So, ladies, as we move along with the day, remember to stay flexible. Last minute changes won't seem so heavy while carrying today's load. ~Momma
Showing posts with label Wild Wednesdays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wild Wednesdays. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
How Many More Days of Summer?
Wednesday morning speaks of afternoon cool temps after a brief show of summer weather. A day to enjoy, and that's my goal. I notice my boys are starting to droop into naps in the afternoons these days, and aside from the knowledge that Tristan may stay up later than usual, the quiet time in the afternoon is welcome. There' s potential today.
So, here I sit, bags sitting on the table next to my laptop, and my mind is swirling with ideas. Yeah, the thinking woman. Depending on how today pans out with rest time for the boys, I may try to get into some sewing. I have an idea for a mini project, and I want to try it out on my sewing machine. Almost craving it. Feed the need, right?
I feel wired, so my post today is brief. I want to make the most of today, as we are edging closer to Autumn and its wonder; I love the change of season and what happens while the temps drop, there's frost in the mornings, and the leaves change colors and fall from the trees. Days of warm cider, sweaters pulled out to wear to the park, and that sense of change and getting ready for Winter. Yes, its that time of year again.
Enjoy your pre-autumnal day! ~Momma
So, here I sit, bags sitting on the table next to my laptop, and my mind is swirling with ideas. Yeah, the thinking woman. Depending on how today pans out with rest time for the boys, I may try to get into some sewing. I have an idea for a mini project, and I want to try it out on my sewing machine. Almost craving it. Feed the need, right?
I feel wired, so my post today is brief. I want to make the most of today, as we are edging closer to Autumn and its wonder; I love the change of season and what happens while the temps drop, there's frost in the mornings, and the leaves change colors and fall from the trees. Days of warm cider, sweaters pulled out to wear to the park, and that sense of change and getting ready for Winter. Yes, its that time of year again.
Enjoy your pre-autumnal day! ~Momma
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Catching Up and Diving In, Part Two
Here I am, another day of catch up; not so bad this time, as I won't have several days to cram into one. Just a day or two to cram into one. Seems like it might be easier, no? Well, there have been some changes here at home that are showing the benefits-even in this early stage-of organization. Maybe being a little more organized isn't so bad....
This week, I've started a trial run on a daily schedule. Getting up in the early AM hours with my little one, Zachary. He's an early bird, and when he wakes up with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, you know he's ready to rock and roll for the day. Wish I could wake up like that; thinking back, I've never been much of a morning person. So, I get up by 6 or 6:15 AM at the latest. Coffee on, working through breakfast, lunch for my mate to take to work, going over the plans for the day. One on one time with Zach, my surface cleaning in 30 mins, and by this time, Tristan has gotten up and we're all crowded around to find out what's new in the world through the local news channel. Daddy off to work, the boys and I move forward with the day. I sit to write, get interrupted here and there, but its all good. Shower and dress for the day, get the boys dressed. School time for Tristan, then onto free play and good times with both. Lunch around the noon hour, relax and reading while munching. An hour of quiet time, regardless of naps or no naps. Dinner prep after the hour is up, play time with the boys (if they're awake), and then dinner for them; they like to eat between 4:15 and 5:30 PM at the latest. I try to grab a bite to eat with them, along with any clean up that I didn't do in the morning-sometimes, the living room is such a wreck from playing that I feel the need for a mini bulldozer to clear it all out. Big dinner when the man gets home, clean up while the boys get their time with Daddy. Play time with the boys, bathes to follow. Moving toward that magic hour of settling down for the night, stories to read and drawing the curtains for the day. Then, one by one, eyes begin to close, mouths heavy with yawns....sometimes, I'm right along with them to fall asleep. Otherwise, then it becomes my time to work. I have a two hour block of time to work on writing, sewing, fiber arts (knitting and what have you), or to just read some nights. If I choose knitting, then I can sit and catch a movie with my mate. In the real world, I pass out alongside Tristan while I'm reading extra bedtime stories but my goal is to be able to work for a bit before bedtime. And now that my mate has some heavy duty studying to start up this month, it will have to become a ritual for us to get our focus on. Team motivation....it could work.....
So, there's my day. Did you fall asleep while the credits were rolling? Was it all a blur? Well, today we're a busy lot here. I have two weeks of menus to plug into Word and print off, new paper to hang. Pics to take of it and post here for my next talk on menu planning and shopping. We're having a rainy day today, so I have to set things up so we can have our rainy day play and a movie. I have to shop for raincoats for my kids so we can go out in the rain instead of staying inside; when I was growing up, there were few days I was inside to play. And my boys love to be outside, regardless of the weather. I may have to do Red Bull shots to stay awake tonight-joking-so I can work on something tonight. Which reminds me that I need to set up a list of things needed to be worked on, that way I can prioritize and pick away at. "How Does She Do It All?" is a movie I'm going to have to see. That's my life, even if I work from home and not away in some office somewhere. Here's to busy, rainy, catch up days and to the women who do too much on a daily basis. May our insane motivation to conquer the world continue. ~Momma
This week, I've started a trial run on a daily schedule. Getting up in the early AM hours with my little one, Zachary. He's an early bird, and when he wakes up with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, you know he's ready to rock and roll for the day. Wish I could wake up like that; thinking back, I've never been much of a morning person. So, I get up by 6 or 6:15 AM at the latest. Coffee on, working through breakfast, lunch for my mate to take to work, going over the plans for the day. One on one time with Zach, my surface cleaning in 30 mins, and by this time, Tristan has gotten up and we're all crowded around to find out what's new in the world through the local news channel. Daddy off to work, the boys and I move forward with the day. I sit to write, get interrupted here and there, but its all good. Shower and dress for the day, get the boys dressed. School time for Tristan, then onto free play and good times with both. Lunch around the noon hour, relax and reading while munching. An hour of quiet time, regardless of naps or no naps. Dinner prep after the hour is up, play time with the boys (if they're awake), and then dinner for them; they like to eat between 4:15 and 5:30 PM at the latest. I try to grab a bite to eat with them, along with any clean up that I didn't do in the morning-sometimes, the living room is such a wreck from playing that I feel the need for a mini bulldozer to clear it all out. Big dinner when the man gets home, clean up while the boys get their time with Daddy. Play time with the boys, bathes to follow. Moving toward that magic hour of settling down for the night, stories to read and drawing the curtains for the day. Then, one by one, eyes begin to close, mouths heavy with yawns....sometimes, I'm right along with them to fall asleep. Otherwise, then it becomes my time to work. I have a two hour block of time to work on writing, sewing, fiber arts (knitting and what have you), or to just read some nights. If I choose knitting, then I can sit and catch a movie with my mate. In the real world, I pass out alongside Tristan while I'm reading extra bedtime stories but my goal is to be able to work for a bit before bedtime. And now that my mate has some heavy duty studying to start up this month, it will have to become a ritual for us to get our focus on. Team motivation....it could work.....
So, there's my day. Did you fall asleep while the credits were rolling? Was it all a blur? Well, today we're a busy lot here. I have two weeks of menus to plug into Word and print off, new paper to hang. Pics to take of it and post here for my next talk on menu planning and shopping. We're having a rainy day today, so I have to set things up so we can have our rainy day play and a movie. I have to shop for raincoats for my kids so we can go out in the rain instead of staying inside; when I was growing up, there were few days I was inside to play. And my boys love to be outside, regardless of the weather. I may have to do Red Bull shots to stay awake tonight-joking-so I can work on something tonight. Which reminds me that I need to set up a list of things needed to be worked on, that way I can prioritize and pick away at. "How Does She Do It All?" is a movie I'm going to have to see. That's my life, even if I work from home and not away in some office somewhere. Here's to busy, rainy, catch up days and to the women who do too much on a daily basis. May our insane motivation to conquer the world continue. ~Momma
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
It's Been a Busy One
Today is blue skies and sunshine after two days of rain and clouds; its been good for the gardens, and good for focusing on other areas of life that need attention. Today, we are shifting gears and diving into the day to enjoy what we've waited for: warmth from the sun and the feel of grass under our feet.
Tuesday's Task Master day was a good one. I've been working on the garage organization since Sunday, and it has felt good to do so. Several bags and boxes have been gone through to clean out, make decisions, and throw out. I'm up to two full large garbage bags to kick to the curb at this time. A temporary place for my business stuff, mostly supplies for my product making, has been secured. Its taking shelter in the section where the garden and landscaping stuff will go until I move that a bit to set up our stockpile. Everything will shift to find its place, boxes labeled and set up for easy access, making it so much easier to get into stuff, continue to sort through and watch everything change. Its change in a big way. And change is good.
Our weekly meal menu is complete, hanging and its one more thing done on my task list. Its so nice to see it up, with the little shopping list of items that we may not have that are needed for the meals they are designated for. If its on sale, we stock up, putting aside for another meal. For the next two weeks, after this one is over, we're doing meals focused on kids being able to help in the kitchen; I hope my preschooler has fun with it. We'll see what's left for the meal once he's taste tested! We made brownies yesterday, and he loved them-my guy who doesn't like chocolate. Go figure.
I have a dentist appointment later today, so we've changed the schedule up for yesterday and today; that also feels good to be able to move things around and go with the flow of those changes. Better than feeling overwhelmed by sudden changes.
Speaking of changes, I did some research yesterday for writing opportunities. I have a list, and a good one at that. Deadlines way out, giving me time to work on those subjects and turn them over for review before submitting. It feels good to write again. I've also been working on my reading, which right now has been about parenting. Ladies and gentlemen, there is no manual for kids when you bring them home, and there is no manual for parenting. I'm learning that it is trial and error, that you won't always get it right, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. It's not an exact science, and it wasn't meant to be. Advice, ideas, and tips are good but not to be taken like they are written in stone; each family and the children in them are different. Call it the holistic approach to living; what works for you and your family is what works for YOU and YOUR FAMILY. I am working on this subject for the next month, at least getting into it and working on my own parenting and family atmosphere; how can you speak about something if you are not living it? Live your values, walk your walk to be able to talk your talk.
And yes, I'm taking a break today. No garage organizing, no research topic reading. Play, fun, and after the kids go to bed, hopefully doing some reading on meditation; something else I'm currently working on these days. Tomorrow, I'm back in the trenches, making a go at that place called a garage, making time for the garden, spending those priceless moments with my boys. Life is good. ~Momma
Taking On Quite A Task August 17th
"To live fully, outwardly and inwardly, not to ignore external reality for the sake of the inner life, or the reverse-that's quite the task." -Etty Hillesum
Tuesday's Task Master day was a good one. I've been working on the garage organization since Sunday, and it has felt good to do so. Several bags and boxes have been gone through to clean out, make decisions, and throw out. I'm up to two full large garbage bags to kick to the curb at this time. A temporary place for my business stuff, mostly supplies for my product making, has been secured. Its taking shelter in the section where the garden and landscaping stuff will go until I move that a bit to set up our stockpile. Everything will shift to find its place, boxes labeled and set up for easy access, making it so much easier to get into stuff, continue to sort through and watch everything change. Its change in a big way. And change is good.
Our weekly meal menu is complete, hanging and its one more thing done on my task list. Its so nice to see it up, with the little shopping list of items that we may not have that are needed for the meals they are designated for. If its on sale, we stock up, putting aside for another meal. For the next two weeks, after this one is over, we're doing meals focused on kids being able to help in the kitchen; I hope my preschooler has fun with it. We'll see what's left for the meal once he's taste tested! We made brownies yesterday, and he loved them-my guy who doesn't like chocolate. Go figure.
I have a dentist appointment later today, so we've changed the schedule up for yesterday and today; that also feels good to be able to move things around and go with the flow of those changes. Better than feeling overwhelmed by sudden changes.
Speaking of changes, I did some research yesterday for writing opportunities. I have a list, and a good one at that. Deadlines way out, giving me time to work on those subjects and turn them over for review before submitting. It feels good to write again. I've also been working on my reading, which right now has been about parenting. Ladies and gentlemen, there is no manual for kids when you bring them home, and there is no manual for parenting. I'm learning that it is trial and error, that you won't always get it right, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. It's not an exact science, and it wasn't meant to be. Advice, ideas, and tips are good but not to be taken like they are written in stone; each family and the children in them are different. Call it the holistic approach to living; what works for you and your family is what works for YOU and YOUR FAMILY. I am working on this subject for the next month, at least getting into it and working on my own parenting and family atmosphere; how can you speak about something if you are not living it? Live your values, walk your walk to be able to talk your talk.
And yes, I'm taking a break today. No garage organizing, no research topic reading. Play, fun, and after the kids go to bed, hopefully doing some reading on meditation; something else I'm currently working on these days. Tomorrow, I'm back in the trenches, making a go at that place called a garage, making time for the garden, spending those priceless moments with my boys. Life is good. ~Momma
Taking On Quite A Task August 17th
"To live fully, outwardly and inwardly, not to ignore external reality for the sake of the inner life, or the reverse-that's quite the task." -Etty Hillesum
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Wednesday with Sinus Pressure
The sun is shining, my boys are eating breakfast, and I'm working through a sinus headache. Despite the last piece of info, we are pushing ahead with our day. Another day of gardening and the pool. Maybe a trip to the park. And its our creative day. Back to the Preschooler's Busy Book for ideas.
Last night's dinner was not too shabby. Ginger chicken one pot meal, with a salad containing mandarin oranges, avocado, dried cranberries, and dressing made from yogurt, orange juice, a sprinkle of nutmeg and a dash of vinegar. Making meals seems so much easier to get back into a routine of setting up a menu, changing days around if necessary, and not hitting the panic button as to what to make to feed the crew. It also maps out if we need an ingredient I don't readily have on hand. Recently, with food prices rising, learning what couponing is really all about, we've been stocking up on items. Coupons, sales, even finding clearance items that we would normally pass up on due to full price. I even pushed the issue when my mate came home without picking up the necessary amount of english muffins to get the sale price; he's going back to the store tonight on his way home to get the sale price and some popcorn-I pop on the stove-with the refunded money. If I can benefit from a sale, I'm on it. If I'm paying full price, it better be top quality. Gotta save where you can save; it makes budgeting easier.
I have a confession to make. I'm a recycle/reduce/reuse kind of gal. We have a drop off center here in town, a place to take your garage, recyling, yard scraps, etc....There's a little shed that attracts all kinds of treasures and the people who look for them. I've found everything from books, school supplies (especially homeschool curriculum), planting boxes and trays, even a small chicken house. Yesterday, I found "Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy," by Sarah Ban Breathnach. Nice piece. The ribbon page marker was on June 27, talking about herbs, connecting to earth when working with the plants in the garden. How appropriate. I was in the garden when I pulled the book to flip through it.
So, I've given my readers my dinner plans, creative day ideas, garden passion, and confessed to my attraction to sales and recycling. And with that, I give you today's Simple Abundance as food for thought. ~Momma
Calling Forth Our Gifts August 10
"You long to call forth your gifts. To explore your talents. To discover and recover your creativity. But where do you begin? You begin by offering an open heart and a willingness to serve." -Saran Ban Breathnach
"Do not weep; do not wax indignant. Understand." -Baruch Spinoza
Last night's dinner was not too shabby. Ginger chicken one pot meal, with a salad containing mandarin oranges, avocado, dried cranberries, and dressing made from yogurt, orange juice, a sprinkle of nutmeg and a dash of vinegar. Making meals seems so much easier to get back into a routine of setting up a menu, changing days around if necessary, and not hitting the panic button as to what to make to feed the crew. It also maps out if we need an ingredient I don't readily have on hand. Recently, with food prices rising, learning what couponing is really all about, we've been stocking up on items. Coupons, sales, even finding clearance items that we would normally pass up on due to full price. I even pushed the issue when my mate came home without picking up the necessary amount of english muffins to get the sale price; he's going back to the store tonight on his way home to get the sale price and some popcorn-I pop on the stove-with the refunded money. If I can benefit from a sale, I'm on it. If I'm paying full price, it better be top quality. Gotta save where you can save; it makes budgeting easier.
I have a confession to make. I'm a recycle/reduce/reuse kind of gal. We have a drop off center here in town, a place to take your garage, recyling, yard scraps, etc....There's a little shed that attracts all kinds of treasures and the people who look for them. I've found everything from books, school supplies (especially homeschool curriculum), planting boxes and trays, even a small chicken house. Yesterday, I found "Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy," by Sarah Ban Breathnach. Nice piece. The ribbon page marker was on June 27, talking about herbs, connecting to earth when working with the plants in the garden. How appropriate. I was in the garden when I pulled the book to flip through it.
So, I've given my readers my dinner plans, creative day ideas, garden passion, and confessed to my attraction to sales and recycling. And with that, I give you today's Simple Abundance as food for thought. ~Momma
Calling Forth Our Gifts August 10
"You long to call forth your gifts. To explore your talents. To discover and recover your creativity. But where do you begin? You begin by offering an open heart and a willingness to serve." -Saran Ban Breathnach
"Do not weep; do not wax indignant. Understand." -Baruch Spinoza
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Creative Wednesdays
I hear the birds singing in the backyard, a promise of a good day today. The sun is shining, the skies are blue. One of my boys is awake and having breakfast, the other still catching z's. Today is our creative day, and a time of changing things up just a bit.
Wednesday has almost always been our day to be creative, in a variety of ways. We've been on a baking binge for weeks, making cake or cupcakes weekly. One week was so hot that we made banana splits instead. Now, I feel its time to change it up a bit. I have my easel set up on the backporch, along with my preschooler's. I also have a copy of "The Preschoolers Busy Book," which gives ideas for activities and creativity with children ages 3-6 yrs. I've picked it up before from the library, and it was time to do so again; I love taking books like this one out repeatedly. Sometimes, you find something of interest that you may have passed by the first time you had it in your possession. What I like about this book is that its sectioned by by themes. Rainy day ideas, what to do outdoors, how to explore when out and about, the three r's (reading, 'riting, & 'rithmetic), the arts (music, dance, drama), and art (visual & crafts) gets its own section. Recipes for homemade playdough, fingerpaint, etc...good source to have around when you have little ones. Being able to stay at home, working on homeschool preschool, this helps keep from the old saying "There's nothing to do!"
What will we do today? Oh, a smattering of things. Some art, a bit of math and science, music (listening and playing), free play (this is always a good way to come down off of concentrated work for 20 mins at a time), reading, and just going with the flow of the day and having fun. If you're child is not enjoying his/herself, then why do the activity? If it peaks his/her interest, go for it. If it doesn't, let it go. If you like it and think your child might have fun with it but just doesn't seem interested at the initial time, save it and go back another time. New things appear differently to all children. Some dive in, loving change. Others want to test the water, toe at a time. Don't push or pressure, let them grow as they will; because they will blossom.
Here's to Wednesdays, the creative process, busy children, and the parents who love them. Cheers! ~Momma
Wednesday has almost always been our day to be creative, in a variety of ways. We've been on a baking binge for weeks, making cake or cupcakes weekly. One week was so hot that we made banana splits instead. Now, I feel its time to change it up a bit. I have my easel set up on the backporch, along with my preschooler's. I also have a copy of "The Preschoolers Busy Book," which gives ideas for activities and creativity with children ages 3-6 yrs. I've picked it up before from the library, and it was time to do so again; I love taking books like this one out repeatedly. Sometimes, you find something of interest that you may have passed by the first time you had it in your possession. What I like about this book is that its sectioned by by themes. Rainy day ideas, what to do outdoors, how to explore when out and about, the three r's (reading, 'riting, & 'rithmetic), the arts (music, dance, drama), and art (visual & crafts) gets its own section. Recipes for homemade playdough, fingerpaint, etc...good source to have around when you have little ones. Being able to stay at home, working on homeschool preschool, this helps keep from the old saying "There's nothing to do!"
What will we do today? Oh, a smattering of things. Some art, a bit of math and science, music (listening and playing), free play (this is always a good way to come down off of concentrated work for 20 mins at a time), reading, and just going with the flow of the day and having fun. If you're child is not enjoying his/herself, then why do the activity? If it peaks his/her interest, go for it. If it doesn't, let it go. If you like it and think your child might have fun with it but just doesn't seem interested at the initial time, save it and go back another time. New things appear differently to all children. Some dive in, loving change. Others want to test the water, toe at a time. Don't push or pressure, let them grow as they will; because they will blossom.
Here's to Wednesdays, the creative process, busy children, and the parents who love them. Cheers! ~Momma
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Thoughts and Goals
Wednesday is here-have we already surpassed two days? Yes, we have. Today is our day to bake, and we've not baked a cake in two weeks; who wanted to last week with the extreme heat? We would have baked right here in the house, along with the cake! A day to spend on the back porch once my "chores" are done, and taking each moment as it comes. Comtemplating plans for the ECHO and for our weekly trip to the library.
My thoughts this morning seem to keep going back to books that I'm currently reading. Granted I'm reading them in chunks, as being a busy SAHM (stay-at-home mom) doesn't give me the time to read like I once had but I take what I can when it comes to quiet time for myself. So far this week, my oldest is taking an afternoon nap-can we say miracle? This, when combined with a napping one year old is like heaven. So far, I've taken the time to catch a show I've been meaning to watch (Netflix) or catch up on my reading. During those times, I also found myself just sitting and thinking about many different things that color my world. My reading lists seem to jump to the forefront, though. I'm getting ready to close a chapter in my reading life with the online study I've been a part of for almost ten weeks now. Reopening old wounds, doors that seemed once locked for eternity are now flung wide open. Looking at my life, foregiving the hurts and disappointments. I feel as if I'm standing in front of a full length mirror, taking a good, hard and long look at who I am. Where I've come from and where I stand today; knowing these helps project me to where I'm going for the future. I am marked by my experiences, being shaped into the woman I am yet to become. Setting those Gucci bags of bitterness, fear, and despair so far is the hardest thing to do but will be the most rewarding for the rest of my life. I can't white-wash my past but I can learn from it and let it go so it doesn't control my present or my future. My present needs me and my future will be shaped by the choices I make today. Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner has been a good read. I wonder if I'll take part in the study to follow. We'll see what happens.
I've also been reading Kitchen Table Wisdom, and to be honest, its been a hard read for me. Dr. Remen weaves her personal experiences of being a Crohn's Disease patient into the fabric of some of her many patients going through their own experiences. Most, if not just about all, of the stories I've read have been about cancer patients. And each story is different, with the color of reality of what cancer does to the patient diagnosed and the people in their lives. This book came at a time when I needed it the most. My maternal grandmother-mom's mom-passed away on Good Friday this year, after seven months from date of diagnosis: pancreatic cancer. I saw her when she was first diagnosed and three weeks before she passed. I kept in touch by phone, sending pictures through texting so she could see my boys and their lives. Its not the same as being present but its what I could do as she went through hospital stays, procedures, and treatments. In March, she said enough. She had her fill of what modern medicine was-and wasn't-doing for her. As she has always been the matriarch of my mother's family, this is the hardest hit we've ever experienced. With three and a little more months having passed since she transitioned to an eternity in heaven (I'm truly convinced she's there), we are still in a mode of numbness. Family gatherings, special events-we stumble along like zombie cattle. She's always been the center of it all, doing whatever she could to make each get together a memory.
My reading is bringing me to a level of a sort of understanding of what was going on for her, how her passing is affecting us, and what it means to continue living-because this is what she wants for all of us. I feel spiritually raw, emotionally exposed. And yet, the small, still voice speaks to me of a time coming when true understanding is on the horizon. To help with this transition for myself, I'm reading a third book, based on meditation for women. What I've learned so far in life, we pray for answers, healing, help. What we don't do often enough is to meditate to hear the response to our petitions. I'm learning, I'm learning.
So, my goals? To finish the three books in question-please see my book list of spiritually inspired books (leave out the Shadows book, as I've not picked it back up just yet), and to move back into the world of reading, researching, and writing. I've rough sketched what I want to focus on, finding inspiration in events and opportunities that are presenting themselves presently, and going with the flow of life as to where I'll be in the times to come.
With these thoughts posted, along with a brief burp of my goals, I'm off to bake cake, clean the garage, play with some visual artwork on the back porch, and love every moment I have with my boys. Life is good. The cardinals call to each other, embraced by the morning's singing of robins calling the sun to rise, the blue jays sending the squirrels scattering, and the weather waxes and wanes, so we're going to do what we can today. Enjoy! ~Momma
My thoughts this morning seem to keep going back to books that I'm currently reading. Granted I'm reading them in chunks, as being a busy SAHM (stay-at-home mom) doesn't give me the time to read like I once had but I take what I can when it comes to quiet time for myself. So far this week, my oldest is taking an afternoon nap-can we say miracle? This, when combined with a napping one year old is like heaven. So far, I've taken the time to catch a show I've been meaning to watch (Netflix) or catch up on my reading. During those times, I also found myself just sitting and thinking about many different things that color my world. My reading lists seem to jump to the forefront, though. I'm getting ready to close a chapter in my reading life with the online study I've been a part of for almost ten weeks now. Reopening old wounds, doors that seemed once locked for eternity are now flung wide open. Looking at my life, foregiving the hurts and disappointments. I feel as if I'm standing in front of a full length mirror, taking a good, hard and long look at who I am. Where I've come from and where I stand today; knowing these helps project me to where I'm going for the future. I am marked by my experiences, being shaped into the woman I am yet to become. Setting those Gucci bags of bitterness, fear, and despair so far is the hardest thing to do but will be the most rewarding for the rest of my life. I can't white-wash my past but I can learn from it and let it go so it doesn't control my present or my future. My present needs me and my future will be shaped by the choices I make today. Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner has been a good read. I wonder if I'll take part in the study to follow. We'll see what happens.
I've also been reading Kitchen Table Wisdom, and to be honest, its been a hard read for me. Dr. Remen weaves her personal experiences of being a Crohn's Disease patient into the fabric of some of her many patients going through their own experiences. Most, if not just about all, of the stories I've read have been about cancer patients. And each story is different, with the color of reality of what cancer does to the patient diagnosed and the people in their lives. This book came at a time when I needed it the most. My maternal grandmother-mom's mom-passed away on Good Friday this year, after seven months from date of diagnosis: pancreatic cancer. I saw her when she was first diagnosed and three weeks before she passed. I kept in touch by phone, sending pictures through texting so she could see my boys and their lives. Its not the same as being present but its what I could do as she went through hospital stays, procedures, and treatments. In March, she said enough. She had her fill of what modern medicine was-and wasn't-doing for her. As she has always been the matriarch of my mother's family, this is the hardest hit we've ever experienced. With three and a little more months having passed since she transitioned to an eternity in heaven (I'm truly convinced she's there), we are still in a mode of numbness. Family gatherings, special events-we stumble along like zombie cattle. She's always been the center of it all, doing whatever she could to make each get together a memory.
My reading is bringing me to a level of a sort of understanding of what was going on for her, how her passing is affecting us, and what it means to continue living-because this is what she wants for all of us. I feel spiritually raw, emotionally exposed. And yet, the small, still voice speaks to me of a time coming when true understanding is on the horizon. To help with this transition for myself, I'm reading a third book, based on meditation for women. What I've learned so far in life, we pray for answers, healing, help. What we don't do often enough is to meditate to hear the response to our petitions. I'm learning, I'm learning.
So, my goals? To finish the three books in question-please see my book list of spiritually inspired books (leave out the Shadows book, as I've not picked it back up just yet), and to move back into the world of reading, researching, and writing. I've rough sketched what I want to focus on, finding inspiration in events and opportunities that are presenting themselves presently, and going with the flow of life as to where I'll be in the times to come.
With these thoughts posted, along with a brief burp of my goals, I'm off to bake cake, clean the garage, play with some visual artwork on the back porch, and love every moment I have with my boys. Life is good. The cardinals call to each other, embraced by the morning's singing of robins calling the sun to rise, the blue jays sending the squirrels scattering, and the weather waxes and wanes, so we're going to do what we can today. Enjoy! ~Momma
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Wednesday and Cooling Down
At least today is cooler than the last two days have been. Extreme heat and humidity make it so a body just wants to seek out a moving breeze-any cool, moving air will do, really-and bask in it. Today, we can recover from that and make the most of the day ahead. No, today is not a task master day. Not necessarily a gardening day but could have some potential before the rain comes later today. I feel the need to sketch out a brief "To Do List" and take the day to wittle away at it. I have a few things to catch up on, so we'll see what happens.
Yesterday, a trip for a bag of popcorn (kernels to pop but not a microwave bag; we've since gotten rid of the microwave here) took longer than anticipated due to a car accident blocking our way. I felt sad for those being pulled from one of the cars as we waited to be redirected through traffic. I decided to turn around and go around. I've been in accidents but nothing to the degree of having to be placed on a stretcher and taken to the nearest hospital. Pray that I or my kids never have to experience that. Bag of popcorn secured, posting tabs for any of the books I'm reading-highlighting takes too much time for me-and we came back to watch movies for the rest of the day. Snacks, lunch, naps even; yes, my boys both napped at the same time, for the same amount of time, and woke up together to take on the rest of the day. Amazing. I managed a 20 minute power nap myself.
My preschooler is in need of baking a cake today, so its a carrot cake to smother in cream cheese frosting later on. Yummy. We have some reading to catch up on, along with reorganizing his flash card box. Maybe the pool before the weather turns. Ideas, ideas, ideas. Go with the flow, Momma. Make the most of every moment but don't fail to embrace the moments that come in a flash, and become memories before you can blink.
As my sentimental emotions begin to well, I come to the end of this post. I enjoy the time I set aside to write, giving myself a few minutes to empty my mind, to breathe and recharge. My day calls to me but not to just be a task master or crazy urban farmer. It calls me forth to embrace the day with my children, to make the most of the moments I have with them. To teach, to share, to experience, to laugh, to love. They are little now but will not remain so. Love endures.
~Momma
Yesterday, a trip for a bag of popcorn (kernels to pop but not a microwave bag; we've since gotten rid of the microwave here) took longer than anticipated due to a car accident blocking our way. I felt sad for those being pulled from one of the cars as we waited to be redirected through traffic. I decided to turn around and go around. I've been in accidents but nothing to the degree of having to be placed on a stretcher and taken to the nearest hospital. Pray that I or my kids never have to experience that. Bag of popcorn secured, posting tabs for any of the books I'm reading-highlighting takes too much time for me-and we came back to watch movies for the rest of the day. Snacks, lunch, naps even; yes, my boys both napped at the same time, for the same amount of time, and woke up together to take on the rest of the day. Amazing. I managed a 20 minute power nap myself.
My preschooler is in need of baking a cake today, so its a carrot cake to smother in cream cheese frosting later on. Yummy. We have some reading to catch up on, along with reorganizing his flash card box. Maybe the pool before the weather turns. Ideas, ideas, ideas. Go with the flow, Momma. Make the most of every moment but don't fail to embrace the moments that come in a flash, and become memories before you can blink.
As my sentimental emotions begin to well, I come to the end of this post. I enjoy the time I set aside to write, giving myself a few minutes to empty my mind, to breathe and recharge. My day calls to me but not to just be a task master or crazy urban farmer. It calls me forth to embrace the day with my children, to make the most of the moments I have with them. To teach, to share, to experience, to laugh, to love. They are little now but will not remain so. Love endures.
~Momma
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Another Wild Wednesday in the Green Mountain State
You know you live in New England when the weather forecast is the same for three days straight but Mother Nature follows her own rules. "If ya don't like the weatha, wait five minutes; it'll change." Today was designated for rain all day. Well, I can tell ya, when 6 am rolled around today and the sun was streaming through the bedroom curtains (no, to me they are not window treatments), I sensed that Wednesday and Thursday swapped forecasts. Watching the local news and catching the "new" forecast for the week, big changes. Well, all I can say is this. When I wake up in the morning, look out the window and see what I see for weather, that's how I plan my day-unless I have appointments and errands to run. Otherwise, making huge plans to stand by just don't jive with me. And when you have young children, you always make room for head spinning changes.
Yesterday, I took my boys downtown to the ECHO center. Check out my HOP category; there's a link to their site. Great place, down on the waterfront. We have a family membership, so all I have to do when I walk in the door is have our card scanned, and in we go to explore. We took the bus to get there, so parking was not an issue for me; just waiting for the right bus to go back home was interesting. We checked out the current exhibit, which focuses on nature that glows. Fireflies, sea life, etc...pretty cool. Then off to the lake room. Different fish that live in the lake (that would be Lake Champlain), the history of the sitings of Champ, our lake monster; and some of the boats/ships that have sunk in the depths of the lake. Upstairs to see the frogs. Frogs from around the world. A water table to show waterways, cultural displays, and a grand bee line to the upper deck to watch the boats and feel the breeze coming off the lake. Nice. A snack in the park, which is a stone's throw from the center, my boys had to watch the boats while walking on the boardwalk before it was time to walk up the hill to wait for the right bus home. What seemed like what could be an easy venture to get home turned into a bit longer on the waiting and changing buses. Ok, so the next time we go downtown, we'll be making it a day. Time @ the ECHO, lunch and play in the park, watch the boats while on the boardwalk, and then go home. Priceless.
Today, I feel a bit more settled about what we're going to do. I have gardening to keep going with, the boys will have their pool, and we can make the most of what we have. One more week, and my gardening will become maintenance and harvesting-finally. What's good about the work done this year is that next year it will be so much more easy to put stuff in and what it grow. Its only taken me three years to pull this together but all good things come in the time they were meant to arrive.
Tomorrow is potentially my sustainable living topic. I want to talk about.....
~Momma
Yesterday, I took my boys downtown to the ECHO center. Check out my HOP category; there's a link to their site. Great place, down on the waterfront. We have a family membership, so all I have to do when I walk in the door is have our card scanned, and in we go to explore. We took the bus to get there, so parking was not an issue for me; just waiting for the right bus to go back home was interesting. We checked out the current exhibit, which focuses on nature that glows. Fireflies, sea life, etc...pretty cool. Then off to the lake room. Different fish that live in the lake (that would be Lake Champlain), the history of the sitings of Champ, our lake monster; and some of the boats/ships that have sunk in the depths of the lake. Upstairs to see the frogs. Frogs from around the world. A water table to show waterways, cultural displays, and a grand bee line to the upper deck to watch the boats and feel the breeze coming off the lake. Nice. A snack in the park, which is a stone's throw from the center, my boys had to watch the boats while walking on the boardwalk before it was time to walk up the hill to wait for the right bus home. What seemed like what could be an easy venture to get home turned into a bit longer on the waiting and changing buses. Ok, so the next time we go downtown, we'll be making it a day. Time @ the ECHO, lunch and play in the park, watch the boats while on the boardwalk, and then go home. Priceless.
Today, I feel a bit more settled about what we're going to do. I have gardening to keep going with, the boys will have their pool, and we can make the most of what we have. One more week, and my gardening will become maintenance and harvesting-finally. What's good about the work done this year is that next year it will be so much more easy to put stuff in and what it grow. Its only taken me three years to pull this together but all good things come in the time they were meant to arrive.
Tomorrow is potentially my sustainable living topic. I want to talk about.....
~Momma
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Day Three on Gardening
Wednesday is here again, and with the sunshine already peeking through the curtains, I'm ready to take on the day. Laundry to start, and then outside to garden like a mad woman for the day. My boys will have the joy of the pool, which is parked right next to the bed I'm currently working on. According to the forecast, we are to anticipate 4 days of rain and clouds, starting late tonight until sometime Sunday. If that helps all the efforts I've put in since early Monday morning, good. Garden like crazy, let Mother Nature take care of the rest. Today is my day to write about homeschool ventures and womanly thoughts but with the gardening buzz I'm on, my sustainable living hat seems to be glued to my head. So, my days are a little out of order but hey, when you have good weather, a ton of gardening to get done before the end of the month, you go with it. Why stress?
Speaking of gardening ventures, nurseries, markets, and whatever stores are carrying seeds and plants are practically throwing things out. This is my time to buy. When I can get plants for half price or less, seeds for 75% off the retail price, I'm a happy camper. Bulbs are now on sale, so whatever catches my eye is going in the cart. I picked up seed potatoes for a drop in the bucket price, and they are blue potatoes at that. I usually work my own seed potatoes with the reds and whites but now to have blue in my garden landscape is so cool. Hope they do well, as I'm putting them in to be "new" potatoes next spring. I'm not much of an annual plant or seed buyer but have learned they make nice color pop when waiting for my more permanent plants to come forth and after some bulbs have shown their glory. A nice in-between addition. Petunias, fushia, and begonias are hanging from the back porch, adding color pop to the back yard. So, color is just popping all over this little 1/4 acre piece of land. I believe in making the most of the space you have, and I know I'm doing just that.
Went through my seed box yesterday, and have seeds set aside for next year already. Going through all of my seeds, both saved from last year and whatever we've picked up along the way, I sorted so that I know what needs to go in now and what can go in late August. There are some that can seed all season, so I put those in a spot as well. This is part of my organizing insanity I've ventured on because of the flooding in the basement we experienced this past spring. Mother Nature at work to scream at you to treat her right-no problem.
So, here's to another day of gardening. Digging in the dirt, pulling weeds and extra wild violets I don't need in that particular spot but knowing somehow they will appear again. That's fine. Yarrow, iris, and day lilies are staying in the garden bed I'm working today, and I'm ok with that. Sometimes, you need to leave what you find to let there be harmony in the garden.
~Momma
Speaking of gardening ventures, nurseries, markets, and whatever stores are carrying seeds and plants are practically throwing things out. This is my time to buy. When I can get plants for half price or less, seeds for 75% off the retail price, I'm a happy camper. Bulbs are now on sale, so whatever catches my eye is going in the cart. I picked up seed potatoes for a drop in the bucket price, and they are blue potatoes at that. I usually work my own seed potatoes with the reds and whites but now to have blue in my garden landscape is so cool. Hope they do well, as I'm putting them in to be "new" potatoes next spring. I'm not much of an annual plant or seed buyer but have learned they make nice color pop when waiting for my more permanent plants to come forth and after some bulbs have shown their glory. A nice in-between addition. Petunias, fushia, and begonias are hanging from the back porch, adding color pop to the back yard. So, color is just popping all over this little 1/4 acre piece of land. I believe in making the most of the space you have, and I know I'm doing just that.
Went through my seed box yesterday, and have seeds set aside for next year already. Going through all of my seeds, both saved from last year and whatever we've picked up along the way, I sorted so that I know what needs to go in now and what can go in late August. There are some that can seed all season, so I put those in a spot as well. This is part of my organizing insanity I've ventured on because of the flooding in the basement we experienced this past spring. Mother Nature at work to scream at you to treat her right-no problem.
So, here's to another day of gardening. Digging in the dirt, pulling weeds and extra wild violets I don't need in that particular spot but knowing somehow they will appear again. That's fine. Yarrow, iris, and day lilies are staying in the garden bed I'm working today, and I'm ok with that. Sometimes, you need to leave what you find to let there be harmony in the garden.
~Momma
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
What is Happening With Public Schools?
Wednesday greets us with sunshine and perfect temps before 8 AM. A trip to the library today to gather books for leisure, educating, fun, and just plain ol' pickin' up a good book. I think its great that there are electronic books out there on the market; I'd have one just for my magazines so I don't have that looming pile I have to decide what to do with once I'm done with the issues. As far as reading a book, though. Call me old fashioned but I love a good, gently worn spine. Turning the pages, the feel of the paper the written word is placed upon. Wondering the travels of the book before it came to me. Give me a dog-eared, non-conventional classic any day of the week!
I write today with concern as a parent, wondering what is happening with the education system. News reports flash across our tv screen talking about sexual molestations happening at an elementary school in our state. Children being violated by children. A child psychologist steps forward to state that this happens more often than we as parents actually know about. That doesn't sit well with me. How could I send my children to school, wondering all day how they are doing, how they are getting along with others, and if they are being bullied or sexually abused? Here's another valid reason I support homeschooling.
Another report, aired last night, covered the percentages of children and their performance in history class, specifically covering American history. Less than half of a group of 1700 were presented with three questions and were unable to answer them correctly. 1. What war did America fight Hitler? 2. Who is this man (Abraham Lincoln) and what is his importance in our nation's history? 3. What was the purpose and importance of the Proclaimation of 1763 (could be 1765, I don't remember @ this hr)? These children were fourth graders, and they couldn't answer these questions correctly. What is wrong with the system that a student can't identify a past president? I know learning starts at home, and the shape we're in as families today with the economy, the overwhelming need to have every new electronic on the market, eating fast foods & pre-packaged meals out of convenience isn't helping the situation. But to send your child to school and what they should be learning isn't working as it should? Here's your sign, Bill Engvel. Another reason, a highly valid one, for me to advocate homeschooling.
I know not every family can financially support making the decision to homeschool. At least that's how one feels when first examining the idea. I've been home with my boys since just before my oldest was born. Now, with my youngest reaching towards the threshold of his first birthday, being home is a bit tight but still worth the effort. I would work outside the home if quality daycare & preschool programs weren't through the roof with their rates. There's also a waiting list for the best ones. Which leaves me with the knowledge that I would be working to pay for daycare & preschool, forget about being able to cover my bills. So, I choose to work from home. Granted its not a steady check, there are no benefits, no vacations, etc....but the perk of being able to be home with my kids, know that they are safe, and I know what they are learning; its worth every moment of the day.
So, as our Wild Wednesday unfolds, breakfast is disappearing as quick as the coffee, its time to move on with the day. After a couple of good days of gardening, I can back up a step or two, make the most of the moments today, hug & kiss my kids, and feel blessed for all that I have.
~Momma
I write today with concern as a parent, wondering what is happening with the education system. News reports flash across our tv screen talking about sexual molestations happening at an elementary school in our state. Children being violated by children. A child psychologist steps forward to state that this happens more often than we as parents actually know about. That doesn't sit well with me. How could I send my children to school, wondering all day how they are doing, how they are getting along with others, and if they are being bullied or sexually abused? Here's another valid reason I support homeschooling.
Another report, aired last night, covered the percentages of children and their performance in history class, specifically covering American history. Less than half of a group of 1700 were presented with three questions and were unable to answer them correctly. 1. What war did America fight Hitler? 2. Who is this man (Abraham Lincoln) and what is his importance in our nation's history? 3. What was the purpose and importance of the Proclaimation of 1763 (could be 1765, I don't remember @ this hr)? These children were fourth graders, and they couldn't answer these questions correctly. What is wrong with the system that a student can't identify a past president? I know learning starts at home, and the shape we're in as families today with the economy, the overwhelming need to have every new electronic on the market, eating fast foods & pre-packaged meals out of convenience isn't helping the situation. But to send your child to school and what they should be learning isn't working as it should? Here's your sign, Bill Engvel. Another reason, a highly valid one, for me to advocate homeschooling.
I know not every family can financially support making the decision to homeschool. At least that's how one feels when first examining the idea. I've been home with my boys since just before my oldest was born. Now, with my youngest reaching towards the threshold of his first birthday, being home is a bit tight but still worth the effort. I would work outside the home if quality daycare & preschool programs weren't through the roof with their rates. There's also a waiting list for the best ones. Which leaves me with the knowledge that I would be working to pay for daycare & preschool, forget about being able to cover my bills. So, I choose to work from home. Granted its not a steady check, there are no benefits, no vacations, etc....but the perk of being able to be home with my kids, know that they are safe, and I know what they are learning; its worth every moment of the day.
So, as our Wild Wednesday unfolds, breakfast is disappearing as quick as the coffee, its time to move on with the day. After a couple of good days of gardening, I can back up a step or two, make the most of the moments today, hug & kiss my kids, and feel blessed for all that I have.
~Momma
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Play Day
We've been waiting for today to come. Sunshine & temps in the 70's, therefore pushing for some time at the park. We'll take lunch along to stay and enjoy the good weather. My boys are craving the need to use the excess energy they've got exploding at the seams of their little bodies. If you're the mother of boys, you know what I'm touching on. And if you are the mother of girls who have the same extrovert qualities, I've been there as a child, so hang onto your seat.
Play days are good to have. Makes for all the time of brainstorming, task tackling, and seemingly endless hours of the ever revolving "To Do List" consume our days as multi-taskers. As I can only truly speak for myself, I have to keep in mind that when I take my boys to the park, its to play, enjoy the good weather, and to have fun. The mental list of things yet to be done can wait. Take pictures, kick that ball, swing on those swings, slide down those slides. Provided the ground is dry, roll in the grass. Is this as easy as I write? No. I become caught up in my thoughts of things to do, places to go, people to talk to, etc...I admit it. I believe there is many a mother who knows this for herself, too. Dads do it, too.
As we approach the marker of 60 degrees before 8:30 am, I feel that need to sign off, get ready for the day, and the best part: have fun. So, here's to our wild Wednesday and to having fun. Embrace the child within you to appreciate the days your children have before they become adults; time waits for no one.
~Momma
"A time to dream
A time to plan,
Time essential
To every man."
-AGS
Play days are good to have. Makes for all the time of brainstorming, task tackling, and seemingly endless hours of the ever revolving "To Do List" consume our days as multi-taskers. As I can only truly speak for myself, I have to keep in mind that when I take my boys to the park, its to play, enjoy the good weather, and to have fun. The mental list of things yet to be done can wait. Take pictures, kick that ball, swing on those swings, slide down those slides. Provided the ground is dry, roll in the grass. Is this as easy as I write? No. I become caught up in my thoughts of things to do, places to go, people to talk to, etc...I admit it. I believe there is many a mother who knows this for herself, too. Dads do it, too.
As we approach the marker of 60 degrees before 8:30 am, I feel that need to sign off, get ready for the day, and the best part: have fun. So, here's to our wild Wednesday and to having fun. Embrace the child within you to appreciate the days your children have before they become adults; time waits for no one.
~Momma
"A time to dream
A time to plan,
Time essential
To every man."
-AGS
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Will It Be A Wild Wednesday?
Mid week, and the day has begun. Another day of water in the basement duty-joy. I say that with a sarcastic taste in my mouth. Yet, we will manage-we have so far. Enough said about the basement, otherwise it becomes a dreadful centerpiece on my kitchen table of life.
The kitchen table is where I sit to write; the advantages of a laptop. The kitchen table is also where so many things happen. Baking, cook prep, art projects, soap making, sewing, etc....Sometimes, I believe the kitchen table to be the heart of the home. I know it was for my grandparents' house. Each time I would go to visit, growing up and continuing into my early adult years until the last few years on occasion, I always knew where to find my grandmother when entering the front door. If she wasn't working crochet thread into spider web like creations we all know as doilies, she was most likely in the kitchen. A chat with my grandfather while he sat in his recliner watching tv, my internal gps would always point me to the kitchen. Take a seat at the table was the customary ritual, as she would be clearing away the last meal's dishes, placing into the sink for rinsing. Sometimes I would catch the scent of whatever she was cooking when I hit the front door, so the beeline for the kitchen was a bit faster; you never left their house hungry.
So, as I sit and write here at my kitchen table, those kitchen memories surround me. I look around at my own kitchen, looking for traces of connection. I am a hearth keeper, and my home's heart beats at the kitchen table.
~Momma
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb."
-Psalm 139:13
The kitchen table is where I sit to write; the advantages of a laptop. The kitchen table is also where so many things happen. Baking, cook prep, art projects, soap making, sewing, etc....Sometimes, I believe the kitchen table to be the heart of the home. I know it was for my grandparents' house. Each time I would go to visit, growing up and continuing into my early adult years until the last few years on occasion, I always knew where to find my grandmother when entering the front door. If she wasn't working crochet thread into spider web like creations we all know as doilies, she was most likely in the kitchen. A chat with my grandfather while he sat in his recliner watching tv, my internal gps would always point me to the kitchen. Take a seat at the table was the customary ritual, as she would be clearing away the last meal's dishes, placing into the sink for rinsing. Sometimes I would catch the scent of whatever she was cooking when I hit the front door, so the beeline for the kitchen was a bit faster; you never left their house hungry.
So, as I sit and write here at my kitchen table, those kitchen memories surround me. I look around at my own kitchen, looking for traces of connection. I am a hearth keeper, and my home's heart beats at the kitchen table.
~Momma
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb."
-Psalm 139:13
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Wingin' it on a Wednesday
I gotta tell ya, I'm lovin' this weather this week. Best week we've had in a very long, long time. Warmth from the sun, trees that have been budding are now starting to slowly unfold their leaves. Grasses green, flowers in bloom. Gardens in progress for produce growing for the summer months to come. Life is good.
Today is our creative day here at home. Candied mint leaves-yum....the directions call to make a simple syrup but I'm going to substitute with maple syrup-a Vermonter's touch. I found this project in a book I picked up for my preschooler. "Growing Up Green." This month, and on into June, we will be gardening and bringing sustainable living into action. What better way to learn at such an age the importance of living off of what you grow, making the most of what you need, and cutting back on what you don't really need. Plus, its good for the planet. Yeah, tree hugging hippy mom. That's me.
I look up at where our mail sits to remember I didn't organize this spot yesterday. Blame it on the laundry-omg, there was at least two weeks of it and took me a full 24 hr time frame to plow through. Glad that's done with. I could care if I ever look at another sock without its mate. That is, until the next day I have to load the washer....
So, here's to a wild Wednesday. My wild woman instincts are telling me to keep track of the mental list of things to do and make room for the flexibility of change. Don't be rigid with the day, as each moment that comes our way is to be savored, not picked apart to find out "what's wrong with it." Yes, some circumstances need closer examination but when you harbor on that for longer than necessary, you lose those priceless moments you'll never get back. Cheers!
~Momma
Today is our creative day here at home. Candied mint leaves-yum....the directions call to make a simple syrup but I'm going to substitute with maple syrup-a Vermonter's touch. I found this project in a book I picked up for my preschooler. "Growing Up Green." This month, and on into June, we will be gardening and bringing sustainable living into action. What better way to learn at such an age the importance of living off of what you grow, making the most of what you need, and cutting back on what you don't really need. Plus, its good for the planet. Yeah, tree hugging hippy mom. That's me.
I look up at where our mail sits to remember I didn't organize this spot yesterday. Blame it on the laundry-omg, there was at least two weeks of it and took me a full 24 hr time frame to plow through. Glad that's done with. I could care if I ever look at another sock without its mate. That is, until the next day I have to load the washer....
So, here's to a wild Wednesday. My wild woman instincts are telling me to keep track of the mental list of things to do and make room for the flexibility of change. Don't be rigid with the day, as each moment that comes our way is to be savored, not picked apart to find out "what's wrong with it." Yes, some circumstances need closer examination but when you harbor on that for longer than necessary, you lose those priceless moments you'll never get back. Cheers!
~Momma
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