Tuesday's Possibilities

Sunshine again this AM. Fabulous. Doing some garden work today, along with poolside fun. Weeding, mostly but some love and care needed. Some seed mixing for Fall lettuce/greens patch. I'll leave it at that for today's plans, as leaving room for any changes that come along. And they do come along-usually unexpected. That's life with children.
Our menu for the week is planned, now to put it into Word and print off. I mentioned it in yesterday's post, kind of as a fingernail appearance of sorts. We had a mellow day yesterday, along with some great playtime. It appeared as though rain was going to keep us in, so we did rainy day fun. Cow bowling, ball play, and music. A couple of books, and then we noticed the sun burst onto the scene, so plans for the park were made. A quick stop @ the market for some produce, and then we walked to the park. Arrival back home, one child napped while the other relaxed. I made dinner. Breaded pork chops, smashed potatoes, and candied carrots. Yum. Bedtime was a bit off kilter but we made it happen all the same. Sometimes, I think my boys think they can hang out all day and all night. Chamomile tea, guys. Does it every time. Zzzzz....
Laundry looks like it needs to be done today, along with a couple of other things as well. I'll get those things done over the course of the day, squeezed right in there with time with my boys and tending one of our gardens. That's why its Task Master Tuesday; do what I can, move whatever undone for another day, and just take life as it comes. It's all good. ~Momma

Menus, Gardens, and Such

Rain. Finally. I've been waiting for this since sometime last week, and we finally get some. Not raining at the moment but waking up to wet ground, means watered plants. If it dries out a bit today, I can work in the gardens, as this is my planned week to do so. Otherwise, I can rough sketch my plans for the gardens, and focus elsewhere.
Today, I start working on a new weekly menu format. Type it up in Word, and then print off to post on the fridge. It will also have any grocery needs posted on the same paper, thus eliminating excess paper postings on the fridge. More space, less waste. Sounds like this fits in with my organizing bit? Yeah, I guess it does. Another tidbit of organizing ideas.
Speaking of organizing, I've mapped out the next three weeks to work on areas in need of attention. Gardens, finishing things and late crops starts. I'm a woman who likes to sew, and my sewing is in desparate need of work. And last but not least, that damn garage. That's all I'm going to say about that. August is a busy one.
Today is our Mellow Monday when it comes to school stuff. Weather pending, we would be at the park today but I think today may have to be a rainy day special. We have a bowling set, among some other things we can do for indoor activities. We haven't had a rainy day play day in a while now.
My mind is already working on the reading I've started. Parenting, homeschooling, all while encompassing the rest of my life. Its always busy here. Hardly a day goes by without feeling overwhelmed or wondering how more stuff gets added to the seemingly never ending "To Do List." I suppose, with more organization and time, it will all come together.
My boys are finishing breakfast, which is the signal for me to sign off and grab a quick shower before diving into the day with them. So, here's to menu planning, organizing, more planning, fun and play, ideas and tasks.....~Momma

The First Friday in August

Here we are, the first Friday in August; sun is shining, sky is blue. Weather forecast seems promising. We are having breakfast in bed, with tri-berry (blueberry, blackberry, raspberry) muffins. My infant becoming a toddler has pounded down three by this time, a dozen more are baking, and waiting for my preschooler to wake up and join us. He's gone to bed a bit late most of the nights this past week, but with sleeping all night, I'm taking it for what it is. Its been a year of trial and error when it comes to raising two little ones who are three years apart in age, but one I would not take back. I wouldn't change anything, as this is how I've learned to wrap life around them, learning from them what they need from me and how best to deliver that.
Through a site titled, Find & Go Seek, I'm finding events and such to do with my boys; this encompasses Vermont and makes a great way to avoid, "There's nothing to do!" August is about going places, kind of like getting those last vacations before school in and enjoyed. I'm also working on building up our traveling, that way my boys can go anywhere. Of course, there are the pitfalls of wanting to go home to sleep in your own bed, falling asleep on the trip (which of course, will happen) and waking up in places they don't know, meltdowns from sitting for too long in the car while traveling. Those can be worked with, over time. Today's activity is breakfast in bed. We pile pillows and a light blanket or two onto an inflatable mattress, put a fun show or kids movie on, and chill out for a bit in the morning. I have other ideas for the day as well; I'll share those on Monday to let my readers know how it went-or didn't.
Yesterday, I was questing for a quinoa recipe to add to the dinner I made last night; yes, I'm including the recipes this morning. I didn't find what I was looking for, so I made one up. Here's last night's dinner.

Chicken Rosemary

-1/4 c olive oil
-2 chicken thighs
-juice of half a lemon
-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
-salt and pepper to taste

Rinse chicken in cool water, pat dry with paper towels. Separate skin enough to insert one sprig between skin & meat. Squeeze lemon over thighs, follow with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Pour oil over thighs. Let set while preparing summer squash recipe.
Take everything out to the grill. Make sure grill is on low heat (I've served Cajun black a time or two, so flame levels are important), and place chicken on grill. Check periodically and turn to ensure properly cooked meat. When meat is no longer pink, your chicken is done.

Grilled Summer Squash

-1 medium yellow squash
-1 medium zucchini
-Olive oil
-Salt and pepper to taste

Wash squash and slice off stem & end. Slice 1/4 in thick, placing in an aluminum foil pouch (these are fun and easy to make). Pour olive oil over slices, followed by salt and pepper. Leave pouch open to allow heat to get in to "steam" while on the grill.
Place on top rack on grill to avoid burning bottom layer of squash. When squash is done, it should have a bit of a crisp edge to it; if its mush or burned, its been on too long.

Basic Quinoa Turned Pilaf

Cook quinoa according to package or basic recipe directions; please remember to rinse before cooking. Chop one medium carrot, half of a small onion, two small stalks of celery (preferably closer towards the middle and add leaves as well) and add towards the end of the cooking time for the basic recipe. Salt and pepper, if you desire, or add a teaspoon of sesame oil and black sesame seeds.

This was a good dinner. Now, you can increase your recipe measurements, according to the size of your family. For us, two adults and two kids under five, we don't need a spread for 10 people (although, I grew up with this style of cooking to ensure everyone gets enough to eat and then you can have leftovers for a day or two if there's enough). Give it a try and enjoy the taste of summer while we have it; it will be Fall before too long and the menu will change again.
It's that time again to say "So long for now." The day awaits, my boys are coming alive with excitement, and I know I've got to be on my toes to keep up with them. Caffeine iv, please! Enjoy the day, have a great weekend, and make the most of every moment you can. ~Momma

Thursday with a Chance of Clouds

Cloudy this morning. That's ok. We can make do, or is that make due? I've often heard the expression but don't recall ever seeing it written down or typed, etc...another one of those hillbilly verbal expressions, perhaps. Not sure what it will do today but with that aside, we will pursue the day just the same. School, projects, fun, and just being in the moment. Oh yeah, gotta finish the laundry by giving it a good fluff n' fold. Time given, maybe a flat iron.
Right now, I'm trying to plan dinner for tonight. Using local ingredients, with the exception of maybe a spice or two, I'm planning Rosemary Chicken, Grilled Summer Squash (yellow & zucchini), and some type of grain side of either Millet or Quinoa. Haven't figured that piece out yet. Still looking. The chicken and the squash I can do on the grill, taking the heat out of the kitchen, and do the grain stovetop. I'll post the recipes tomorrow while my slow cooker meal is starting.
I had an epiphany of sorts yesterday afternoon. Something that didn't sit well with me at the time. I had to journal about it for a few mins just to get it off my back. As of tomorrow, I will be starting researching, reading, and writing again. My first topic is homeschooling/parenting. What does it mean to be a mom who desires to homeschool her children? What type of parent makes this kind of decision? Is there room to be a parent and a teacher? Can you separate the two, or is it unique to be both? What types of learning styles are there for the children involved, and what type of teaching styles for the parents? Who's who in the curriculum world for materials to teach? How does your ability to teach affect your ability to parent, and does it? Just some questions to ponder. I feel like I'm back in college again, sketching blueprints for the house I'm about to work on for the next six months of study. Once my sketch is down, then I can start clearing the space where the foundation will go. As I read, the plans may change a bit, adding or subtracting to create a uniqueness to what I'm embarking on; keeping in mind to keep the foundation strong, or the walls will crack and the house of the future will not be supported properly. This will most definitely be an adventure.
So, back to recipe hunting for my dinner. My boys are eating breakfast, I'm ready for a shower, and we have the day ahead of us. I believe there's some room for some gardening today, and as we set up some bean sprouts yesterday, we will start some more corn today. Cucumbers and tomatillos are doing well out there, as are my herbs. I found poppies growing in my preschooler's first raised bed box, which was cool to find. Next year, we'll have a bigger bed for him to work with and pass the small box down to his brother, who's already showing interest in dirt. Of course, it could all change, but I'll remain optimistic.
Have a great one today! ~Momma

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

Off My Posting and On My Mind

Tuesday's weather seems uncertain but with the hope and the promise of a new day for us, I take it in stride and know that we'll find something fun and rewarding to venture into today. My boys are now both awake, taking on breakfast and a cartoon. I have my time to throw words on paper-words on screen, that is.
Tuesdays are typically my Task Master talks, focusing on my latest venture of organizing through purging, sorting, etc...Today my mind is on the books I've been reading recently and the completion of two of those in question. Kitchen Table Wisdom, which I gave my views of through two posts, and Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner. The second title, one I embarked on through an online study, was also a good and quite moving piece for me to read for the last ten weeks. It also came at a time in my life when I needed it the most. Opening doors to the past, blowing the dust off memories and issues. Learning to look at those things in a new way, facing my fears of how to deal with them as well. I feel myself changing, a needed change for me as a woman, a mother, and of the many, many hats I've come to wear. I have felt at my lowest during my reading, and now with the final page highlighted, I feel I can move on into the light of tomorrow.
Hidden Joy was written and shared by the author and a part of her life's history that had marked her every step for 20 years. She was raped. When a woman is violated in such a way, it takes away so much of her life. Fear colors every dark corner, making it impossible to feel like a functional part of the world. I do not share in Wendy's feelings of violation, at least not exactly what happened to her. But I do know what it feels like to feel paralyzed by a trauma that renders you almost to the point of useless. I know what its like to feel like no one understands what you feel, think, etc...And now, I know what it feels like to finally feel the warmth of change on my face. I'm understanding that I'm not alone, and that I don't have to feel helpless anymore. I have a life, one filled with promise.
I'm now finishing the Woman's Meditation book. Good so far. Enlightening as I turn each page. A good way to get back into my yoga practice, to share that with my boys. A way to give time to and for myself, to share priceless time with my boys. Self care is so important today. With all the demands made on women, let alone women and men, it makes me see why most people run around on auto pilot. We're all in such a big hurry to get to the next thing, we miss what's in front of us. We get to tomorrow, ahead of schedule, and then express impatience at having to wait for Nature & Divinity to show up at the pre-planned time. Or we arrive late, and complain the whole time at what we're sure we missed, thus missing what we were destined to discover. Satisfaction is hard to find, or is it?
So there you have it. My morning thoughts. Food for thought for the day. What motivates you? What satisfies you? Are you in a hurry for what hasn't happened yet? Are you missing the big picture, or the little priceless moments you'll never have again? What legacy are you working on to leave behind for future generations? Lesson for today. Take 90 seconds-time it if you feel the need-to take a genuine deep breath (don't forget to exhale). Note how you feel. Write it on paper, type it on your smart phone. In a week, go back to it. Repeat. Love. ~Momma

Is It Really Monday Again?

Monday comes again; the sun is peaking through the overcast, the promise of a good day laced with the potential for storms. Ok, we'll take what we can get out of it today. Lots happening here, and the mental list is going into sketch mode immediately. August homeschool schedule-yeah, I'm a day behind already, the final week of my online study, two books on my spiritually inspired list finished, my research & writing mode coming back into my life-a little lighter this time, as opposed to diving in without a life jacket, and researching tantrums in the preschooler. And yes, my house in need of a good clean; I have to wonder how it is that Monday comes with a chore list that adds to the one I already have set up. Sometimes, I feel Monday is an unwanted houseguest but today I'm seeing that it will help me process what I need to, mentally. A good sort of meditation, I guess.
Kitchen Table Wisdom is finally complete. A great read, even with the heaviness of the contents. I needed to read this at this time in my life. With the passing of my grandmother, which I mentioned in a previous post, this book and its stories have helped put a perspective on what happened for my grandmother. I could use the word closure, but I feel that with the passing of loved ones, closure doesn't come for quite some time. We need to mourn, to grieve. Its a normal part of the process of living; just like dying is a part of living. The life cycle needs to be honored, to see the sacredness in life. In the midst of mourning on my part, I'm seeing the importance of family, how to rise above age old quarrels, and working on a better tomorrow to let things go that cannot be changed. Why hang onto all that baggage?
August is here, bringing with it the change in the air. I love this time of the year, and as it goes into the months of September, October, and November. The air is different; not quite the thick humidity of July, and not quite ready to become iceberg cold. Perfect. Our second round of gardening is already underway, and lots of landscaping is happening in the front yard. This is also a perfect time to spend at least half the day at the parks, drinking in what Nature has to offer as she changes from blasting heat to a bit more forgiving sunshine and blue skies.
My mind is not quite a fog at this point, making it a good opportunity for an exit. I'm looking forward to finishing my third spiritually inspired book, one on meditation, and then taking a small break with a piece of fiction. Contemplate, meditate, live each day without beating myself over the head about what didn't get done or how imperfect things are. Its a work in progress. The birds are calling, a shower needed, and a jump into this new month. Cheers! ~Momma