Homegrown Sunshine Is Moving

It is official. This is my last post for this blog (sniff sniff). I have created a new blog at homegrownsunshine.wordpress.com. I hope you all will follow me there. :)

Kindness

“A kind word is like a spring day.”
—Russian Proverb

What Kind of Insect Would You Be?

During lunch today, I asked the kids if they could choose any insect they would like to be for a day, what would they be?

(word for word)

Brayden's response: Mommy, I would be a ladybug 'cause they have wings and they can fly high in the sky.

Kalen: I think I would be a bumblebee 'cause they have those hard stingers and they protect themselves that way. And 'cause they have these wonderful stripes, they are so cool. Oh and they have these antennas.

Maddie: I would be a butterfly, because they can fly. I like the way they look and how they flap their wings.

Julian: Definitely a dragonfly, because they are the fastest bug and they can fly.

We have been studying insects within our science lessons. The other day at the library Kalen suggested that we study bugs. We loaded up on library books on this topic. Ah, the joy and freedom of homeschooling. I looked on the web and found this site. I have been winging it (no pun intended) and the kids have really been digging it (okay that was intended). However, today is not our day to actually do science (I had no lesson planned), but I thought this conversation starter might be fun.

Do you all have fun ideas for conversation starters during meals? I would love to hear.

Camping at Hunting Island

Last weekend we had the privilege of meeting up with our friends, the Kruideniers, and heading to Hunting Island, SC. They had camped there before and suggested we all go when the guys could break from their school responsibilities. We went to the mountains last summer and had a blast. We knew we were in for a treat this go around.

We had wonderful weather at Hunting Island. Sure, it was cold at times, but the sun was out during the day. The beach was simply gorgeous. We had easy access to the beach from our campsites (we had two right beside each other). This state park has a lot to offer; we enjoyed nature trails, a lighthouse (with 166 steps to the top that we climbed), a marsh boardwalk, and a nature center. There has been a lot of erosion, but I found the aftermath of that to be beautiful. There are tons of amazing bare trees lying on a naked beach. They looked like pieces of art. They were great natural climbing structures for our crew.

If you asked any of our kids about our camping trip, they would mention the raccoons. There were several raccoons that go from campsite to campsite in search of food and such. You can see them. The kids even named the ones that seemed to frequent our site. They are used to people, I guess. Our fellow campers beside our tents had to rescue one of my canvas bags of food and my tupperware of muffins. They came in brood daylight, those rascals!

Our time with the Kruideniers around the campfire was just priceless, from the huddling around the fire with sticks to looking at one another with sleepy faces each morning. We enjoyed so much conversation, laughs, great beach walks, and super vegan camp food. Daniel even made pancakes for our final breakfast. Our kids love to hang out with their girls. Daniel, Jen, Ellen, and Arianna are such troopers to want to go on this adventure with all of us. I am so thankful for our close friendship with them.

So, a definite thumbs up from me for camping at Hunting Island State Park. We had a really good time. I forgot how much work it takes to actually camp out, especially with small children, but it is so worth it!

Oh, and do any of you know how to get campfire smoke smell out of hair? :)

Keeping Our Options Open

A few months ago we stumbled upon a really unique school in downtown Durham. It is a free year around public charter elementary school (K-5). We know several interesting families that have their children enrolled there. Scott and I decided that if we are indeed responsible for our kids' education, we might as well find out about a school that appeals to us. Scott and I are not the type of homeschooling parents that think that homeschooling is the only way to go. I think it would be way too restrictive to assume that homeschooling is the only way our children could or should thrive or be educated. My preference is to have them home. However, I think it is important that Scott and I keep our options open and not close a door to an opportunity that could be both refreshing and a good experience for our children.

Our family went out one morning to visit this sweet little school. We had contacted the school and signed up for one of their tours. Evidently, they do tours fairly often. The students that attend school there were all in there appropriate rooms at that time. We joined a group of about twenty parents and strolled through the halls as a parent gave us a guided tour within the building. My first impression was that the classrooms and the school building itself is cozy. I am not saying that I felt overly cramped. I am truly saying that it felt cozy to be there. Our kids peered in the classrooms just as we did, their eyes wide with curiosity. We even went outside to the playground. Of course, our kids thought the playground was fabulous. I enjoyed hearing about how the school is very project based. I saw evidence on the walls and within the classroom of that. The tour concluded and then there was little discussion period. We walked our children outside with enrollment applications in hand and an open mind.

The school has a lottery system for enrollment. Scott and I decided to go ahead and fill out the paperwork and enter the lottery and see what happened. This past Monday was the actual lottery. We were notified that Julian, Madelyn and Kalen are now on the waiting list at the very top (1-6). I guess that is pretty good for this sort of thing.

Right now we are thankful to have learned about this sweet school. I feel good about entering them into the lottery and allowing ourselves the option should they get accepted. It is good to have options. I don't want our children to ever think that we have boxed them in at home and not considered other opportunities and such. I want them to see Scott and I actively seeking out what is a good fit for each of them and our family as a whole.

Happy To Report

Scott turned in his comprehensive exam. Whew! That was 6 weeks of intense research and writing. We are so proud of him. Last night we fixed him one of his favorite dinners, put streamers, banners and signs up and spent some quality time with our hero.

He (we) will wait up to six weeks for his exam to be graded. In the meantime, he has student teachers that he advises, assists a class taught within the education program at UNC and will begin brainstorming for his dissertation proposal. Oh yes and he has five presentations tomorrow in Greensboro. He is such an important and busy guy.

As I have mentioned before, Scott wears all of his hats extremely well. I am so thankful for him, so proud.

Considering A Switch

Blogger is telling me that I have met my limit of pictures for this blog. Didn't know this was possible. In order to continue uploading photos, I would have to pay for space. I am not going to choose that option, so I am considering creating a new blog and have a link on it to this one. It kind of bums me out a bit. Until I make the switch, I will just be writing with no pictures. I am such a visual person, so this is disappointing.

This Day

The following song lyrics came to my mind today. It is an older song by Point of Grace. (Scott will be cracking up over the mention of Point of Grace) I use to listen to this group a lot in college. It is a song that I remember singing over and over.

This morning I got a call from my mom before 8 am. So, I knew as soon as I saw her name on my phone that something was possibly wrong. She informed me that my great aunt had passed last night. I knew Beulah had been sick, even recently broke her hip. It was pneumonia that took the last bit of strength she had. My breath was taken as I took in this news. What an amazingly strong woman. What a powerful and capable individual. I have such fond memories of summers spent in her and my grandma's company.

Sadness lingers as I go room to room with our children continuing in another day's work. Life here goes on. I know my grandma and mom are super sad and I would give anything just to sit with them right now. My aunt is at peace now, that is what I keep telling myself.

I moseyed over to my computer and found a friend's post announcing that she is expecting her fifth child. I have heard it said that when a life ends a new life begins, this is true and there is such hope in that.

This Day
Words & music by lowell alexander

This day is fragile - soon it will end
And once it has vanished, it will not come again
So let us love with a love pure and strong
Before this day is gone

This day is fleeting when it slips away
Not all our money can buy back this day
So let us pray that we might be a friend
Before this day is gone

This day is fleeting
When it slips away
Not all our money can buy back this day
So let us pray that we might be a friend
Before this day is spent

This day we're given is golden
Let us show love
This day is ours for one moment
Let us sow love

This day is frail - it will pass by
So before it's too late to recapture the time
Let us share love, let us share God
Before this day is gone
Before this day is gone

Thoughts on Love and Recent Reading

Don't tell the old Anna, but I love reading. Over the past year, I have been reading novels for the first time. For the past 15 years, I have been reading self-help books on single life, faith, marriage, motherhood and parenting. I have picked up a number of novels at used bookstores in our area. Most of the novels have been written in the past ten years. I have been drawn to authors like Bret Lot, Anna Quindlen, and Kim Edwards. The book I am reading now is entitled The Pilot's Wife, by Anita Shreve. It was published in 1998. 120 pages in and I am hooked. Kathryn, a pilot's wife, gets that knock at the door one night. The kind that changes her forever. Her husband's plane crashed. The plot is full of emotion as Shreve presents a character that learns to live with this devastation. Within this story Shreve allows the reader to go into Kathryn's memory of her life with her husband. I want to share several lines from a chapter I was reading yesterday. Kathryn was remembering a fight she had had with her husband. Basically, Kathryn had confronted Jack, her husband, about his behavior at home. He had appeared disinterested and disconnected. They fought and made up and this what was written about the short time that followed.

And the voracious momentum of that night changes, for a time, the tenor of their marriage, so that they look more often into each other's eyes as they pass in the hallway, trying mutely to say something meaningful, and kiss each other with more enthusiasm whenever they meet, in the house or outside by the cars or even , several times, in public, which pleases Kathryn. But after a while, that too passes, and she and Jack go back to normal, as they have been before, which is to say that they, like all the other couples Kathryn has ever known, live in a state of gentle decline, of being infinitesimally, but not agonizingly, less than they were the day before.

Which means, on the whole, she thinks, that it is a good marriage.

I love the language used, but what is being said here troubles me. I can understand what Shreve is trying to allow the reader to know about Kathryn and her thoughts on her own marriage. It touches me. It touches me in a way that makes me never want to line those thoughts up in my mind about my own marriage.

I desire a marriage that strengthens over time. I want to grow more in love versus living in a state of gentle decline. Love takes time, patience, persistence and work. The love that Scott and I share is sacred. It is not always perfect. It can be down right messy. However, we are very determined and enjoy each other very much. Is it uncomfortable sometimes when we argue, fuss or fight? Yes, of course. No one likes to have to deal with the messiness of marriage. But it is there and we have found that you have to push through and choose love. Marriage takes work.

As I read about what Shreve wrote about Jack and Kathryn's attempt to love one another with more enthusiasm just after they made up, I get that. There are times that I feel like I love with more enthusiasm than other times. When I come down off of that enthusiasm, what is it that makes me choose to love authentically instead of give up and just settle for less than what I want? Words like devotion, attraction, faith, servant hood, hopefulness, thankfulness, unconditional, comfort, need, and desire come to mind.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. America's day to be lovey dovey. I think it is cute. I do eat up any special attention or affection I get. As the word love is thrown around all day tomorrow, what I want is to keep pursuing love and be loved with assurance and delight.

I love being married. Sharing my life with my best friend is really enjoyable. I love Scott. Our life together is better than I could have dreamed up. I am so thankful. I don't want to stop here, I want to grow and enhance the love we share. There's work to be done! I am so thankful for the gift of marriage.

Seed Starting

This past week we started some seeds indoors. We tried this last winter and didn't do so well. With the help of the Kruideniers (our friends in SC) Organic Gardening, and About.com we have put a lot more thought into this process and taken a chance with several flowers and vegetables.

I am happy to report that days later, we have sprouts. :) We are crossing our fingers that we will be able to transplant lettuce, cabbage, marigolds, kale, and collards in mid-March. These are all plants that would be more tolerate to cooler temperatures. In March we will also be planting other vegetable seeds straight into the ground. Vegetables like sugar snap peas, turnips, chard, kale, lettuce varieties, and some sweet pea flowers.

As soon as our ground dries up a little more here, we are heading back to Carefree Ranch. This is where we go with buckets and shovel up horse manure to bring home for our garden. The manure enriches the soil. I am sure I will post about that again.

One Step Closer

Today we had our third and final home visit with our licensing social worker. She has been with us this entire past year throughout our classes and all our requirements for certification. This visit pretty much marked the end of all of our leg work for the licensing part of becoming a foster family. Hip hip hooray!

What a journey this has been. A path full of uncertainty, eagerness, anticipation, worry, hope, education, joy, and preparation. In preparation for today's visit, we had to show that an incoming foster child would have a nice living space (bed, place for things, etc.). We made some changes in Madelyn's room to accommodate our foster child.

Now, we get to wait patiently to hear back from the headquarters in Black Mountain once they receive our full application and paperwork sent by our social worker with the stamped approval of other important DSS employees. This will be at least a thirty day process, probably longer. Then if we are approved, our licensing social worker will send us our letter and certificate in the mail letting us know we are officially a foster home within our state. Yay! We would then be assigned a different social worker and put on a list, of sorts, awaiting a foster child. If we are chosen for a specific child placement, DSS would call us and give us the option providing care for that particular child. As you can imagine, this will take time.

As I have expressed, I have experienced many highs and lows within this licensing process. I think those were truly necessary and helpful for me to go through to get me where I am today. I am thankful and confident to have come this far and I am at peace with our decision to do this as a family.

Glimpses of Our Snow Fun

A Reminder

On my challenging days, it is often hard to remember to simply smile. Some days I would like to put this sticky note on my kids' foreheads. I know the expression on my face communicates a lot to them. Is it warm, inviting, and loving or is it cold, disconnected or mean?

Now, I do believe that I should be honest with our kids if I am sad or angry. They need to know that those feelings are okay, too. I definitely don't want them to think the world or I am perfect, free of hurt or suffering. As I think about the need to smile more, I am referring to the moments that I am able and choose not to.

I remember some time ago, my grandma telling me that the best gift I could ever give to my children was to allow my face to light up with a smile when they walk into the room. Today, this is my challenge. May my children know that I delight in them, even on my fussy days. Want to join me?

Mars Needs Moms

Here is the cute little boy in the story, Milo, with his dog.

Milo here holding his Mom.

Kalen, our five year old, loves to pick out library books with aliens in them. Yes, when he was four he would always manage to find the Goosebumps series and bring me a handful of them for check out. I managed to somehow discourage the take home on those. When he brought me Mars Needs Moms last week, I gave it a once over and put it in our bag. This book must be good. Any book that implies that Moms are needed must be good.

My instinct was right. Ever since checking this book out, we have read it daily. It is a wonderful picture book by Berkeley Breathed. I highly recommend it. You'll laugh and maybe even shed a tear or two. I know it will touch you somehow if you can get your hands on it and read it. Oh, and I think they are making a movie out of this one.

Here is a review I found online at The Imperfect Parent website about the book. I couldn't agree more. Read it, it is really good.

Review by Amy Brozio-Andrews

It's a rare occurrence that I'll ever come right out and tell you in so many words that you need to go out and read this book, but, well, here it is: You really should go read Mars Needs Moms. I've read dozens upon dozens of children's books, and Berkeley Breathed's picture book really is something special.

On Mars, there are no mothers. No mothers to cook, clean, or carpool; no mothers to bake, bandage, or baby you; no mother to kiss you, miss you, or even discipline you. And so the Martians have been watching, waiting, and planning. And there's one little boy who cannot for the love of Mike figure out what's good about his mother. She a "bellowing broccoli bully" and a "slave-driving, trash-mashing, rubbish odor ogre." Milo cannot possibly imagine what's so special about her. And after one especially trying afternoon (from both of their perspectives), he tells her so.

Much to Milo's surprise, that night the Martians arrive and decide to take his mother back for their own. He takes off after them, finding himself aboard their ship, where he dons a helmet and waits to arrive on Mars. Upon landing, he tumbles down the gangway, and he makes it just fine, but the helmet doesn't. And so it comes to pass that one little boy, in one quick instant, realizes exactly what makes mothers so special.


Be forewarned, before the book is over, Mom's in serious jeopardy. I distinctly recall having a moment of blind panic while reading this to my child and seeing Milo's mother slumped against her son, safe in his helmet, and thinking, Berkeley Breathed had better make this end well because I am not up to having a discussion about death with my kid just before bedtime. And I breathed a sigh of relief, because he does, and does it well. While the idea of a parent being willing making the ultimate sacrifice for her child sounds really heavy for a children's picture book, in Breathed's hands, it's handled with grace and sensitivity; the specter of Milo losing his mother is brief but quite real, and Milo's realization that his mother is more than just a killjoy is a sweet revelation.

Famous for his Pulitzer Prize-winning Bloom County and Opus, Breathed's illustrations will look vaguely familiar to his newspaper fans. Colorful and stylized artwork speaks volumes; poor Milo's mom doesn't get more than an arm's worth of illustration-time until her slack body is being carried away by the Martians. But when she removes her own helmet to replace Milo's broken one in the harsh Martian atmosphere, we see her through Milo's eyes, and she's simply beatific.

With a nod to classic science fiction (the opening line is a derivation of H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds first line) and a real appreciation for little boy's perspective, Mars Needs Moms is truly a memorable story. Breathed keeps the tone and illustrations irreverent enough to save the book from becoming morbid or depressing. While younger readers may not fully understand the implications of Milo's mother giving up her helmet to save her child, they'll still celebrate Milo's overcoming the Martian invasion and abduction of his mother. This is a book that parents and children can share together, speaking volumes about the selfless love of parents for their children, no matter how many times we, like Milo's mother, might have to tell them how inappropriate sister-tinting is.

Attempting to Help the Hurting

I have typed up two posts that were about Haiti. I couldn't click publish on those because I felt like my words just weren't adequate enough. Here is a one minute message from someone who is and has been highly involved with Haiti and has been there within the past week.

Also, here is a link to Hope For Haiti Now. This is a site that you can donate from. Also, there is a telethon on all the major networks tonight. Here is a You Tube clip about that.

Coffee Chocolate

That is what they call it. When we have leftover coffee, Scott and I make this drink. We put the leftover coffee (always decaf) in a pot, dump in some soymilk, put a tablespoon or two of cocoa in, and several squirts of agave nectar. We whisk the ingredients together and heat on stove. Scott and I have been doing it for years. It is a fun way to not waste that leftover coffee in the coffeepot. We have started sharing this yummy drink with the kids over the past few years. It tastes like hot cocoa to them. Just thought I would pass it along. Please call it by the cute name they gave it. :)

Chocolate Chip Scones

As requested, here is a fabulous recipe for vegan scones from The Joy of Vegan Baking by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. I doubled this recipe for my family and we ate on these yummy treats for days.

Chocolate Chip Scones

Ingredients

1 1/2 teaspoons Ener-G Egg Replacer (equivalent of 1 egg)

2 tablespoons water (I think warm works best)

2 1/2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour

1/3 c granulated sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 c of non-hydrogenated nondairy butter, cold ( I use Earth Balance)

1 cup of nondairy semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup nondairy milk ( I use soymilk)

Extra milk or water as needed

2 to 3 tablespoons nondairy milk for brushing tops

Cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling on top

Preheat the oven to 425 F. Lightly oil a cookie or baking sheet or line with parchment paper.

In a food processor or by hand, whip together the egg replacer powder and water until think and creamy. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter to the dry ingredients and cut it into small pieces with two knives or with a pastry blender. You're not creating a paste; you want a coarse crumbly batter that resembles bread crumbs. (To make flaky scones, leave some of the butter pieces as large as peas.) Stir in the chocolate chips.

Add the milk and egg replacer mixture, and keep the mixing to a minimum to avoid developing the gluten in the flour (which produces tough scones). Mix with a wooden spoon, fork, or your fingers just until the dry ingredients are moistened or nearly moistened. The dough will not be completely smooth like bread dough.

Gather the dough into a ball (you may need to add just one more teaspoon of nondairy milk or water, but you will be able to form it into a ball), and place on a lightly floured surface. Pat or roll the dough out to a 1/2-inch-thick (1.3 cm) round, and cut into 8 or 10 pieces - triangles are a traditional shape. Place them 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) apart on the baking sheet, brush with nondairy milk, and sprinkle with some cinnamon and sugar.

Bake until the tops are golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on a rack or serve warm.

Yield: 8-10 scones

Scrumdiddlyumptious

My kids and I are reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory together. Words like scrumdiddlyumptious (meaning really delicious or marvelous) come to mind easily when I think of yummy food. We have enjoyed trying out some new recipes lately. Two of my favorite successes have been this awesome bread recipe from a gal I met here in our city and some chocolate chip scones I tried out from my new vegan baking cookbook. Let me know if you want the recipes.

Psst . . . they are vegan. Shh . . .

Straight from Brady

My favorite quote of the day was from Brayden. As he was cuddled close to me after dinner tonight he said, "I like you forever, Mommy." So sweet!

Cute Stuff

Madelyn made this sweet little felt bag. It was her first attempt at making something from her new Cute Stuff book. Jan and Jerry gave Madelyn this book for Christmas, encouraging her to sew (one of her latest passions). I helped her out quite a bit . She used my machine to stitch around all the sides, she picked out the fabric colors and what kind of animal (she chose a frog) applique she wanted to create. She really has a special touch with the machine and with maneuvering sewing materials. Have I mentioned how fun it is doing this with her? To connect on this level of common interest is really cool. She is growing up so fast. I keep telling myself, savor this.

Mostly Better

I have two little cute boys playfully squealing in the shower. The other two are slowly eating their breakfast. Laundry is at least folded. Homeschooling is almost underway. It is a new day. We are a bit renewed. The sun is shining and I am hopeful.

Yesterday, Scott officially started his six week session of Comprehensive Exams. He was given three questions and he has to give up to fifty pages worth of information, all he knows, pertaining to those questions or topics. This is exciting and stressful for him. I am very proud of where he is and how far he has come in his program at UNC.

It's Not Easy Being Green

In the course of 36 hours, all six of us have come down with a nasty stomach bug. We are in survival mode right now. As a tiny whirlpool continues to spin in my belly, I can't help but be grateful for all the days I am well and don't necessarily feel the need to pray for wellness.

Kalen and Brayden are eating, drinking and, for the most part, seem to be their playful selves. The rest of us are trying to convince ourselves that we are stable. :)

One Fine Day

It is so delightful to have a homeschooling day that flows like honey. Yesterday was one of those golden types of days. I am talking about good attitudes, good food, great homeschooling activities and accomplishments, cooperative baking, and even a special treat from someone special.

Brayden practiced his Bs

Kalen is a super hard worker. Here he is doing his Draw Write Now. He is our Kindergartner. His handwriting is really coming along. I sat across from him admiring.

Brayden got creative with PlayDoh. Yes, this makes a mess, but it was worth it to keep him busy and happy.

Madelyn received this awesome keyboard from her Papa and Mimi for Christmas. Maddie and I are learning together at home. It is quite fun! She has a natural touch.

Kalen and Madelyn

Kalen is stirring the dry ingredients for our Chocolate Chip and Banana muffins. I found a new recipe for those in my new vegan baking cookbook.

Brady stirring in the chocolate chips before we put them in the pan.

What a treat! What kid can resist licking the batter? It was especially good batter and the muffins turned out great!

My mom sent us a package in the mail. She knitted all the kids hats and Maddie a scarf. They are gorgeous! The kids were so excited. They were doubly excited to find lollipops in their hats. Thanks, Mom!

We ended our day with a really yummy meal. I made Sloppy Joes, Fries, cabbage and baked beans. Yum!