Childhood At Its Best

For the first time in all my years of mothering, my children didn't want to come in for supper.  Last night, some of our neighbors came over to play and my kids were having the time of their little lives.  I called them in for supper and they were reluctant to come.  I finally lured them in to eat.  They hurried through their meal and asked to be excused to go outside to play some more.  Of course, I said, "Sure!"  Even Brayden went running after them.  They played freeze tag, duck duck goose, ring around the roses, leap frog, and all sorts of fun games.  

As I read my book called Last Child in the Woods and I witness my children playing outside with their neighbors, I am reminded of this piece of childhood that seems to be lacking in our society.  I remember, as a child, playing outside till the sun was setting.  I remember that being the norm.

Yesterday, my children were outside most of the day, with willingness.  This is something I have been encouraging for years.  I have tried to express to them how deeply I want them to enjoy being outside.  I could hardly believe it when it was rest time and they were all wanting to spend it outside rooting around in the woods.  I was so thrilled.  They looked for skinks, walked through the woods, watered the garden and just played.  They did all of it without me!  I was available for photos, of course.  The boys caught two skinks.  Madelyn seemed to have tamed one of them, a Five Lined Skink.  She didn't even squirm.  She held it for almost 20 minutes.  I love that!  

I am enjoying this sense of community that my family has experienced within our neighborhood this week.  I hope it continues.  I hope that we are a house that is warm and welcoming to our neighbors.  I want to be that cool mom, the one that the neighborhood kids enjoy, feel comfortable with and want to be around.  I would love to be a household that invites community, kindness and such.  Most of all, I want my children to love being outdoors.  I want them to feel it as a natural part of living.

Sweet Strawberry Jam

If you were to ask me to make a list of the things that I wanted to do before I die, canning would be one of them.  I have always wanted to do it, but felt intimidated by the thought of the process.  I am proud to say that I am the owner of 8 large jars full of homemade Strawberry Jam!

It was much easier than I expected.  Of course, the children were all tucked away.  I was not confident enough to try it with all hands on deck.  Scott was busy working on an article review and preparing his lesson for tonight.  I had the whole kitchen to myself.  I put on my handy apron and I got to work.  

It really helped to have already cut and washed the fruit.  I started the whole process by mashing the strawberries, boiling my lids and rings and allowing my jars to take a little bath in my sink with some hot water.  I followed the detailed directions that I received in my Pomona's Universal Pectin box.  I measured out sugar and pectin, added it to my pot of boiling strawberries mixture that had calcium water in it, and stirred vigorously (hey, I just used one of Julian's vocabulary words for this week).  Once the strawberry mixture came to a boil again, I took it off the heat and filled my jars.  After all the jars are full, then I put them in boiling water for 5 minutes.  That's it!  I was so proud of myself.  It sure was a sweet reward to have our homemade jam on a bagel this morning.  Yum!!  I hope to do this again and again.

Watch Jules Score

Saturday, I was able to film Julian's goal. He is number 26, the orange player that starts out with the ball and gets it back. We had Scott's side of the family in. You'll hear our shouting. I love Scott's, "Go Julian, Go Julian, Go Julian . . ." and Jan's, "Yeeeeeaaaaaa (followed by her joyful laughter) and "Way to go, team!" I also love Jerry's, "There we go . . . Alright!" Sorry you have to listen to my nasally "Good job Julian!"

Julian was so cute as he celebrated with his team right after. He had a rockin' third quarter. Go Orange Crush! 

Enjoy!

Happy Mother's Day

To all the mothers in my life . . .

You are amazing.  With patience and endurance, you greet each day with purpose.  Your job is sacred.  No one can do it the way you do.  You give, give and give.  With grace, you accomplish those unseen tasks that never get a "thank you".  You are selfless as you adhere to all the many needs that arise daily within your family.  You are a true servant.

You are the heart of your home, creating a haven of rest and beauty.  The way you manage so many different things at one time is to be commended.  I know how hard you work on your laundry, your meals, rearing your children, and the cleanliness of your home.  

You are not "just a mom".  You are a beacon, a builder, a listener, an encourager, and a life giver.  

Continue to be a constant source of light and love to your children.  Be present and guide them. 

I love each of you.  I am proud of who you are and all you do.  I am thanking God for mothers like you.

  

My 30th Birthday

Today was wonderful. I was loved on by so many people.  I smiled the whole day through. 

Last Day of My Twenties

How do I feel?  Excited!  I have worked hard to get where I am in life.  I am thankful and hopeful.  

The twenties have been such a ride.  I went to college, met Scott, learned about what a spirit filled life is, met lots of new people, got married, enjoyed living in the mountains, gave up meat, became a mother, finished school, and had a bunch of kids, learned about homeschooling and decided to.  God is so good.  I have enjoyed how he has molded me through the seasons of life.  

I have learned a lot.  I have learned about selflessness, what it is and why it is needed.  I have learned that I love home life.  I have learned about loving people intentionally.  I have kicked and screamed my way through some hard lessons like learning when to speak, how to be flexible, and how to not be so rigid.  

Every day presents a new challenge.  I am looking forward to what is ahead.  

So, goodbye twenties!  Bring on the thirties!!  

Strawberry Pickin'

I read Jen's blog this morning and was inspired to take the kids strawberry picking.  I had been wanting to go.  Our friend, Griff, that lives here in Durham had told us about a farm in Creedmoor that allows people to come out and pick.  I had the information a week or two ago and had been waiting for the perfect day to do it.  Today was the day.  

We had such a great time.  It was so sweet handing each of my kids a basket or bucket and watching them pick till their hearts were content.  It was a beautiful green field full of strawberries.  

I caught Brayden a couple times just going to town on his basket, face dripping with red juice. Kalen kept calling to me from across the field and showing me how much he had in his basket.  Madelyn and Julian were hard at work.  It is quite productive when you take 5 sets of hands out to pick a bunch of strawberries.  

The sun was bright and warm.  We made such a sweet memory.  Now, the kids are in bed and it's time to wash and put away all these berries.  If you have any great strawberry recipes (vegan or not), please pass them along.  In the mean time, we'll just be wiping our chins from digging in.  

Get Out and Vote!

This morning, we loaded up the kids and went to a local elementary school to vote.  It was such a pleasure and thrill for me this time. 

Last night, I was chatting with Maddie before bed.  I usually talk with her about what we may be doing the next day.  I told her that we were going to vote in the morning.  She said, "What for, Mom?"  I said, "Remember how there are people that are leaders in our country and government?"  She said, "Uh-huh."  I told her about how people over 18 get to go vote and be a part of the electing process.  I reminded her about Barack Obama and how we had talked about who he is and how he is running for President.  I told her that I was excited that I get to vote for him.  She said, "Because you want to be President."  "No," I quickly told her, "I get to go somewhere tomorrow and write down who I want to be President."  "Oh," she said, "You want Obottom to be in charge?"  I said, "Yes, Obama!"  

If any of my NC readers have not voted yet, go on, get on out there and vote!

Brayden's Day

We celebrated little B all day yesterday. When I went to get him after he woke up, I told him it was his birthday. He said, "Oooh." So cute, so clueless. At two, they don't really know what is meant by "birthday". He took what he could get though. We fixed up his favorite breakfast, French Toast. Yum! Of course, it was served up on his special plate. Thanks again, Laurie.

We pampered him the entire day. We even went out to one of our favorite parks. Scott met us there and we had such a sweet time. As it started to rain, we headed home for supper and cake. I baked a carrot cake. I got the recipe for that from my friend, Jen. Yes, it is totally vegan and so very delicious!

As I was putting Brayden down last night. I cradled him and told him how very special he is. I said, "Brayden, today is your birthday and you are two!" He said, "Yes." I laid him down in his bed, covered him up and told him good night and I love you. Then, as I was walking out of the room, I said, "Brayden, Happy Birthday!" He said, "Okay." So simple. So sweet.

Brayden Turns Two!

Our youngest little one is turning two today. We are so thankful for this little brown eyed boy. He captured our heart from the very beginning. My, how fast children grow. He seems to be growing and changing daily.

Brayden Kenneth is a charmer, so sweet and huggable. He is dependable and such a good pal. Brady can be fiery. He will be a passionate guy when he gets older. He enjoys being outside and playing with his siblings. He is not afraid of holding critters.

Brady enjoys animals and books. He likes to draw and paint. He can be quite curious and often mischievous. But, he usually is not alone in that.

We all enjoy him so much. He is a delight and so unique. We are so thankful for this little guy.