I just realized I had my 200th post!

And I didn't even know for weeks. That figures! I thought I'd make a big deal out of it. Something special...

Something special these days is that I still have time for occasionally blogging and reading my favorite blogs... trust me that's the only me time I'm getting!

I'm in the process of trying to figure out how to enlighten all of you with my new found wisdom. The wisdom that comes with going to school full time for elementary education then coming home to be a full time mommy. It's really amazing and I'd love to share... if only I can find the right words.

I will... soon... stay tuned ;)

Thank you lord for a rainy day

Because the rain gave us:

....a cancelled soccer game,
... a postponed girl scout event,
... a reason to light a cozy fire and candles.
... time to catch my breath,
... time to finish up on homework
and catch up on housework.
... time to play a game with each of the girls.
... time to prepare for family and friends about to arrive.
.... a cozy evening to enjoy homemade wine and laughter.

Thank you lord for this rainy day and all my blessings!!!!

Summer entries need their closure...

Hi friends. I put the garden to bed today. What a depressing year. By the end of the season I was just not into gardening anymore! Maybe a winter will change my mind but I'm not so certain.

Our harvest was better than I had expected. we harvested roughly:

30 peppers, including about 10 jalapenos (which we had a ton of last year)
20 tomatoes (yeah, that includes cherries and grapes! What a year!)
lots of herbs! I have dried enough basil and oregano to give as gifts. I have made 2 batches of pesto. I only have enough thyme and rosemary for my own usage but I am still pleased.
a good 4 lbs of lettuce was harvested throughout the year
Corn... well, we ate 3 weirdly shaped, small ears of corn... but the stalks look cute around my mailbox ;)
Potatoes: were harvested early, I had what 10? 15??
Scallions: I had more than enough!
Not one zucchini!!!! OMG!!!
Squash: 15 or so rather small. All from one plant
Cukes: about 20 throughout the season
Cantaloupe: only 2 that were edible size. Quite yummy!
Honey dew: 1 good sized one
Pumpkin: 1 and it hasn't turned colors yet. So disappointed!

I think that's it?? Oh no strawberries or grapes. Maybe next year. There's always hope for next year!!!

About the CSA... it was a bust for my family. My hubby was right, it was just too far away to become part of the routine. I just couldn't get there when I needed to. I think last week was the last day of operation. I probably left $50 on the table. OOPSIE! Lesson learned! I won't try that again next year.

Here's to winter dreams of next years growing season!

A four day weekend...

A BIG thanks to Christopher Columbus and my college! I have a 4 day weekend and each class finished up with tests last week so very little homework! A nice twist is the rest of the family only has three days off... which gives me a mommy day! I love my kids but boy do I miss mommy days!!

This weekend has been filled with baking, hiking, cleaning, snuggling, soccer, bike riding, and time to think.

Oh The leaves are just perfect for peeping! A hike up a new mountain provided great views. Little did we know a cell phone tower would block most of it :( But I did have great reception! LOL! We made the most of it and then enjoyed yummy diner food. Nothing better than a hot turkey sandwhich after a brisk walk up a mountain!

I've noticed since starting classes the family is becoming more independent. It's great! From my view sitting at the kitchen table I get to observe things like pine needle collections turn into bird nests, bag lunches prepared, dishes loaded into the dish washer... it's wonderful!

From my position in the computer room I get a blocked view. I give guidance however, it's a crap shoot whether it's being done correctly or not. For example: Thing 2 really wanted to make a packet of kool-aid she found in the cupboard (god knows why she was in there or how old the kool-aid was... I never buy it). I was busy studying but she was persistent so I said she could do it herself. She was so excited. She came in here and wrote down all the directions.

KOOL AID
1 Cup sugar
2 quarts water and ice
stir.

She was so proud of herself and hurried off to get busy in the kitchen. I finished my project and went into the kitchen. Here I see my girlie with a regular sized cup trying to suck up a gooey mess of ingredients she had added to it... yes, it seems she misunderstood that it was not a single serve recipe! I've never laughed so hard!!!! How I wish I had a picture for you! We spooned the mixture into my big blue pitcher and added more water. She thought it was much easier to drink now! She then took out her pen and added something to her recipe: Big Jug.

Yes, the greatest thing about being busy is letting them try, fail, and learn a lesson. I now sit back and watch the process, add a few suggestions, ask a few questions....

It's funny but I think I was too into it. I wasn't letting them fail. How will they learn if I just give them the answers???

School may also be effecting my mothering. I'm learning in my science methods class to give an inquiry question to the students then let them investigate the activity BEFORE telling them what the outcomes should be. Then we sit down and discuss what they learned. Amazing Results!!!

Like I've said, I should have done this years ago!

After a month I have learned....

~~Husbands can really step up when they need too... thanks honey!!
~~Teaching activities with the inquiry method really gets kids into the lesson
~~My English grammar needs a lot of work
~~I blessed to be at the best school with teachers who really care
~~I spent more quality time with the kids now that I don't see them as much
~~I really can do this, even if it is in baby steps
~~Every parent should take education classes... boy I wish I had this stuff sooner!
~~I'm meant to be a teacher
~~Time flies!

What do you love about fall?

Bright blue skies and a crispness in the air.
Apples for picking, and processing.....

Apple crisp, apple muffins, apple bread, apple sauce... so delicious!

Studying new subjects, minds open for learning, getting back to routines.....

That includes Momma too.....

Gardens for harvesting, herbs for drying, basil for pesto, veggies for one last garden dinner...


Embrace fall and all its wonders.

never forget

Dear God, Please hold those families who lost someone in the terrorist attacks of 9/11 carefully in the palm of your hand always, especially this time of year. Guide those who have and continue to serve and protect our county in order for us to experience the blessing of freedom. Give them the wisdom, courage and protection they need. Amen

Inside a firetruck during a 9/11 moment of silence