Picking Up Where I Left Off...

Okay, I realize I probably shouldn't have left my blog on indefinite "pause" after my last post (the one regarding the bear in our yard).  I got a few emails from concerned readers wondering if the bear had carried me off to the depths of the forest.  Yikes.  Nothing that dramatic, thankfully! 

The past 7 months have been filled with life's little (and not so little) hiccups.  You know the ones.  Setbacks, worries, and other bumps in the road.   It became apparent that documenting our days in this space wasn't nearly as important as trying to navigate the last half year while still cultivating an overriding sense of peace for myself and my family.  And while the waters are not exactly smooth, I felt that if I waited for life to be all roses before picking up the blogging habit again, I would be waiting forever.  Because, really, that's life isn't it?  The good with the bad.  So, here I am!  It feels exciting to be back here, ready to resume putting life in picture/word form.

Putting life's challenges aside for the time being, there really were many positive moments to celebrate since I last checked in here.  One of which was my daughter turning 5 years old.  Five!  That seems like such a big leap into full-fledged childhood.  Leaving any trace of toddlerhood in the dust. 

The lucky birthday girl had an unintended 3 separate parties, and thus, 3 different birthday cakes.  That's what happens sometimes when you live in the mountains and your summer birthday party gets cancelled due to snow.  In late June, no less!!  This cake helped cushion the blow of the first cancelled party:

A Ladyfinger Lemon White Chocolate Mousse!  Oh yes.  The day after her birthday, she asked me, "Do we have any of that deer cake left?"  Deer cake??  After a few conversational volleys back and forth, I finally realized that she was thinking "moose" rather than "mousse."  And moose led to the word deer.  And there you have it.  Ladyfinger Lemon White Chocolate Deer Cake. 

I've been anxiously awaiting the day I could bestow a very special gift upon my daughter: a wooden barn made for me on my 5th birthday, by my grandpa. 

After he made it, he shipped it in pieces, all the way from New Jersey to my childhood home.  He carefully labeled each piece and included a detailed diagram, all so my parents could re-assemble it easily in time for my birthday surprise.  I love how the labeled pieces of masking tape are still attached to each piece (even each individual stall is numbered to its corresponding slot on the barn floor), these many years later.  With my grandpa's, albeit indirect, guiding hand, I put the barn together in less than 10 minutes.

I added all of my childhood play horses as well.  The look on her face was worth the years I waited to have a child to whom I could pass along this heirloom toy.

Speaking of heirlooms, I also gave her the rocking chair which belonged to my sister and me, oh so many years ago.  It's the kind with the music box attached to the rocker arm, which plays as you rock.  My sweet girl was thrilled, and happily rocked the day away:

It was a grand day all around.  A perfect reminder of the pleasure that is being a five year old little girl!

Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!

Okay, so maybe we don't have any tigers, but we have the lions (mountain-variety) and now the bears. We knew it was inevitable.  I saw some bears playing all over the rock face on the mountain in front of our house.  Locals told us we'd see them -- up close and personal.  But, I was still surprised and a little speechless when I saw this bear stroll right by the kitchen window while I was clearing the dishes from the table.

{Sorry about the blurry photo above, but having a steady hand is a bit difficult when you are face-to-face with a bear.  At least this was my defense to my husband's criticism regarding the out-of-focus shot.  Plus, I was holding my 2 year old son in the other arm.  My dear husband countered that I was inside the house, and therefore, safe.  Thus, his expectation for a National Geographic-quality photo. I told him that I would be more than happy to place all future wildlife photo ops in his capable (and steady) hands.}

He (?) made a beeline to the suet cage that hangs in one of our trees for the birds.  After scoping out the situation for a second or two, he climbed that little aspen tree and snagged his snack.

Oh, that poor aspen! I thought the whole tree was going to give way with the weight of that massive bear.  And the claw marks that he left behind on the trunk -- amazing.

In the end, he left the unopened suet cage full of the suet cake.  I guess he wasn't hungry enough to fiddle around with it.  He promptly gave up and moseyed his way into the trees just beyond our driveway.  I was outside in a flash, taking down our hummingbird feeder and closing the garage (where we have a nearly full trash can).  Perhaps this Papa Bear was on the hunt for his own Father's Day treat?  Unfortunately, he went away empty-handed (empty-pawed?).  Hopefully Mama and Baby Bear had some porridge waiting for him back at the den.  Where I hope he will stay.  Is it hibernation time yet??

You At Two...

Happy 2nd Birthday to my sweet love!  My little boy is now fully entrenched in the toddler years. Although I'm quite certain we stepped foot into the challenging toddler years about a year ago!  So much has transpired in what is, really, such a short period of time in the grand scheme of life.  But, for our relationship as mama and son, it has been two years of growing, testing, understanding, learning, coping, and becoming more wrapped up in absolute love for one another.

Here are a few thoughts I have regarding you, living life at two, that I never want to forget:

*Your whole being is encased in a soft, sensitive, compassionate envelope.  I'm not sure if this is a trait that has been nurtured by spending so many hours in the company of your big sister (and best friend), or if this boundless kindheartedness is inborn.  Regardless, here are a few ways this admirable quality plays out in our everyday life:

             -When we are reading a book and the character is having

a rough day or is sad about  something, you ask me to stop reading mid-story so you can kiss and hug the character on the page.  It is a daily occurrence around our house to see you clasping an open book against your chest, eyes closed, and patting it gently.  Only after you have given it some love, can we continue with our story.

-When your sister does something less than kind to you (and, thankfully, this is rare and usually extremely mild, like giving you a light shove or taking a toy from you), and I reprimand her, she usually ends up crying.  {And it's not that I'm yelling or being harsh, she's just extremely sensitive to criticism or having her behavior corrected}  Anyway, even though you are the one who has been wronged in some way, you always stop crying and begin to comfort your sister because now she's the one crying.  I've actually witnessed blood dripping from your lip (after your dear sister pushed you flat onto your face), while you take the time to pat your sister's arm and stroke her face in order to cheer her (the instigator in the event) up.  You never hold a grudge.  You give love no matter what, even if the situation would dictate otherwise.

-If you hear (or even sense) that someone wants something, you go to any length to get it for them.  Often when coloring, your sister will say, "I wish I had a black crayon to color with."  You, holding the black crayon, immediately stop drawing and hand it over to her gladly.

The other day, I was standing in the living room, and I said under my breath, "Now what did I do with that measuring tape??"  You were sitting half a room away, playing with your cars and trucks.  I noticed you get up and walk past me.  You went downstairs.  I could hear you rummaging through the craft room/playroom, talking to yourself.  A couple of minutes later, you appeared at my side, holding the measuring tape in your chubby little hand.  My smile was the only reward you needed.  You LOVE being helpful.  And you have an incredible memory.  How you could remember that you had seen the measuring tape in that crowded, overstuffed craft room/playroom is a mystery to me.

- When we are out on the swing set, every time I give your swing a push, you immediately say, "Sistah, too!  Sistah! Push sistah!" (sistah means "sister").  Meaning, you want me to give your sister a push too.  You can't stand the thought of your sister being left out of anything, so concerned you are for her welfare and happiness!

-Three days ago, when I was couch-ridden with a terrible cold, you squeezed yourself onto the couch next to me and stayed there for the next three hours while I rested.  You only got up a couple of times to get a new toy to hold.  This speaks volumes, as normally you never. stop. moving. Ever. Never. 

-In the middle of the horse quilt that Grandma made for me, there is a quilt square with a puppy dog.  Since you have a soft spot for puppies, you lean over and kiss the puppy's face.  Every day.  Several times per day.  I have pictures of you laying on your tummy, your nose pressed up against the quilt on our bed.

*Speaking of hugging and kissing, when you give anyone a kiss, you use your nose.  Ever so gently, you lean in and touch the other person (of stuffed animal or book) with the tip of your nose.  It's precious.

*When one of your toys is asleep, you go around the house tapping your nose with your index finger, saying, "Shhh...shhh....Seep-een."  Seep-een meaning "sleeping" in this scenario.  Instead of bringing your index finger to your lips as most people do when they want someone to hush, you tap the end of your nose 5 or 6 times.  I'm not sure why.  You seem to like using your nose for what the average person relies on their lips.  You're quirky and cute.  It's one of the many reasons I love you.

*Your voice is so varied.  Sometimes it's high and chipmunk-y.  But usually it's deep and husky.  Almost raspy, like you have a cold, even though you don't.  Your Daddy and I mimic your voice a lot when we talk to each other because it makes us giggle. 

*You wave backward: with your palm facing your face, rather than your palm facing outward from your body.

*Saying sorry (pronounced "Saw-eee") comes very easily for you.  You say it over and over again whenever you make more work for me (as in spilling your milk or tipping over your bowl of food).  Let's hope you're still able to admit it so readily when you are a grown man! ;)

*You are sly and sneaky and clever.  Very often, we should be annoyed or frustrated by your relentless efforts to defy us, but I find myself frequently amused by your resourcefulness and persistence.  Especially when I see that sparkle in your blue eyes and that dimpled smirk spread across your face. 

*You love to get my attention when it's clear I am trying to concentrate on a given task.  When I am leaning over you, trimming your tiny nails, trying to concentrate on not clipping your skin in the process, you lean your head way down next to mine, and nose your face right in front of my line of vision. Instead of having a clear view of your fingernail, I see your goofy smile about 1/4" from my face.  It never fails to send me into gales of laughter.

*And speaking of laughter, we joke that you are our little comedian.  You love to get the laughs from your adoring audience.  I think this is more for our benefit than yours.  I genuinely think that you just love making the people you love happy.  At the tender age of two, you have already learned one of life's greatest secrets: tis better to give than receive. 

Sweet boy, you have given us so very much in such a short period of time.  Thank you!  We love you more than you know.

Spoiling My Man

We officially entered into our "busy season" last month.  We have 12 celebrations of either holidays (like Easter and Memorial Day) and birthdays in our little family in the span of 8 weeks.  That adds up to a lot of gathering and feasting (even when we double up on some of the birthday parties).  But then we have a social "drought" from July through September, so we have adequate time to recover before autumn and the upcoming holiday season hits.  My husband was the guest of honor a couple of days ago.  My gifts to him included:

*Removing all unpacked boxes from the house, and then cleaning said house. {As for the boxes, I carried them down to the garage.  I'm not sure why I thought having to stare at them sitting in my house for the last 4 months was going to make me empty them sooner.  It didn't.  Frankly, their presence just stressed me out.  This way, I can (and will) take up one box per week from the garage and empty it (either by finding homes for the items or by donating them).  The clutter stays out of our living space and I can tackle the boxes one at a time.  If absence doesn't make the heart grow fonder, maybe that'll be the kick I need to get rid of the stuff once and for all.}

*Filling his collage picture frame that he keeps on his desk at work with updated photos of us all.

*Tucking, inside his lunch box, an impromptu drawing I made of him (which, if I had known he was going to hang it up next to his desk, I would have spent more time on it!)

*Hanging some artwork and other surprises that I had ordered, all by myself (not the ordering, although I did do that all by myself, but the hanging part -- I hate hanging things on the walls myself.  I'm always fretting whether the nail is going to hold the object, or it's crooked, or not centered, etc.)

*Helped Roo decorate a plate with a drawing of herself holding hands with her Daddy.

*Made one of his favorite dinners: Cider-glazed pork chops, baked potato fries, applesauce (not from scratch, though. I looove homemade applesauce), lemon/hazelnut green beans.  And for dessert: Chocolate Peanut Butter Trifle, which was, in a word, AMAZING.  How can you go wrong with layering fudge brownies, pudding, whipped peanut butter, peanut butter cups, sweetened sour cream, and heavy whipped cream?

It was a day without bickering, complaining, lots of phone calls to Daddy at work to check and see how his birthday was going, homemade birthday cards, great wine (for me) and beer (for him) with dinner, the children going to sleep peacefully and without incident, and the two of us sitting on the front deck listening to the orchestra of birds die down as the moon and stars made their appearance.  It was simply lovely.  That night, just like a child who had just celebrated the perfect day, my husband wondered aloud, "Why can't every day be my birthday?" 

A Little Something for Me

Happy Sunday, everyone!  Pictured above is a little gift I bestowed on myself for Mother's Day this year.  Sometimes we have to treat ourselves to non-essential, but pretty things, don't we ladies?  I saw this necklace gracing the pages of many blogs lately, and I just knew that it was destined to become my new "everyday" necklace.  A staple in my jewelry wardrobe (other than my wedding rings, of course). 

I love the sentiment stamped on it, "hand holder, dream soother, love giver."  Plus, I'm partial to the word "Mama," the way in which both of my children refer to me.  I honestly feel that wearing this necklace makes me feel more present and aware of some very important components to my "job."  When my son is screaming and crying inconsolably for the third hour in a row, I finger that silver medallion hanging around my neck, and I am reminded to be a "love giver."

I opted for the large link chain instead of the sterling ball chain because I love the flowy openness to it (another visual reminder to stay open and receptive throughout my day).  And I also think the links look like a series of wedding bands: the symbol of never-ending love, a love so deep that there is no distinct beginning or end.  I feel that the unbreakable bond that characterizes a wedding ring is just as easily (if not more so) adapted to the love we mothers have for our children...an eternal love.

I do think that all women have an innate nurturing spirit.  We expend inordinate amounts of energy loving, nurturing, and taking care of the people in our lives -- whether those people are children, husbands, friends, or parents.  So, to me, Mother's Day is a day to celebrate all women and the way we make this world a better place by being in it, taking care of our dear ones and making them feel like the treasures they are.

"Those Bird Food Cookies"

Well, one thing I can say for certain is that I am ecstatic that spring has officially sprung! I was so ready to say goodbye to winter -- the tail end of it, anyway. Those last remaining weeks of the season dragged on and brought with it more winter woes: another round of cold/flu for the littlest one and three cracked ribs for me (all that coughing seemed to be more than my poor ribs could take).

So, with all we've had pulling our attention and energy, I've been trying to be kind and not beat myself up for not undertaking any Lenten resolves. I usually try to add something to my Lenten observance (like additional prayer and meditation time or random acts of kindness), rather than subtract something (although I do really need to examine my sugar habit and cut it back or out completely).

I've been so busy taking care of the little ones' sickness around here that I've noticed some severe mama-neglect going on. My remedy? Going to bed much earlier (which is a really, really hard one for me, as nighttime is when I try to squeeze in my precious Me-Time) and those little nuggets of goodness in the photo above, alongside a cup of tea with honey. They are called Grace's Best sunflower seed cookies. Or, as my daughter calls them, "those bird food cookies." Can you tell that we've been busy keeping our bird feeders stocked with sunflower seeds for our feathered friends? ;) Anyway, they are unbelievably delicious for as simple and as healthy as they are. I picked up a package at my local health food store and I wished I had bought more. Don't let my picture fool you...they may not look all that edible and I'm definitely not a food photographer, but they must be tried.

It's the little things like a hot cup of tea and some specialty cookies to dip in it that add a little boost to my day. Bestowing such small tokens on myself make me feel like I'm at least coming in somewhere on the list (you know "the list" I'm talking about: kids, husband, home, errands, etc. etc.).

Happy Spring to all of you! I hope that you are finding little ways to sneak in some self-love and self-preservation during these hopeful days of Spring.

Reconnecting...

Whew! It feels like forever since I've been "connected" to the outside world. Since we don't have a tv or newspaper delivery and the radio stations we pick up are intermittent, I've felt so isolated and out-of-touch with the happenings in the world outside of these four walls. But, we finally have the internet and I'm slowly catching up on news (blog and otherwise).

In fact, my dear husband has taken the children on a little nature walk in the snow so I can curl up in bed with my cocoa and my laptop and check in with some of my favorite blogs. Call it a Valentine's Day present of sorts from him to me -- even though we actually don't celebrate Valentine's Day around here (as a "couple," I should say, although the children and I do Valentine crafts and such).

My, it's been a very interesting transition to our new life here in the mountains. Most of it has been wonderful. But naturally, with all things in life, it can't ALL be wonderful. We've hit some bumps in the road, but we continue to forge ahead and I'm so looking forward to filling you all in on the highs and lows (but, we shall be focusing most intensely on the highs as everyone has their own lows, so who wants to hear someone drone on about those, right?)

Well, the gang is back, so I will sign off here. I think plans are brewing for a fire and some marshmallow roasting. But I can't dash off before wishing you all a day filled with all things good, whatever "good" means to you: love of family and friends, a warm home, food on the table, a job, a hobby or interest that you feel passionate about, a good book paired with a yummy drink, a long nap, a hot soak in a tub, lunch and a movie with your sweetie, time alone to write in a journal, or prayers and good wishes sent your way from near and far. We all define a good day in a different way. So, whatever it is that you need, my wish is that you find it and feel it today.

Thanksgiving Weekend Recap

My, we certainly had an eventful Thanksgiving holiday weekend around here. All parts were memorable, some for good reasons and some not.

The lowlights include: a too-late night brining the turkey, running to the overcrowded grocery store 4 or 5 times for "one last thing," trying to wedge a very large bird into the pan, setting off the smoke detectors (more than once), no naps, too many naps, teething, throwing up, renting a carpet cleaner, food poisoning (not from my Thanksgiving feast, in case you were wondering), cancelling long-awaited plans, rescheduling said plans, locking the keys in the car out in the middle of the forest.

However, I cannot forget the many blessings brought about this past weekend as well:

My little kitchen helper, fresh herbs in hand-- so excited to help prepare the meal!


"Painting" the turkey with oil, prior to roasting

Getting dressed up (Yes, she's wearing sandals. And yes, they are on the wrong feet)

Cocoa moustaches

Rock climbing

Sled rides, courtesy of Grandma

The peaceful stillness of the forest

Apricot-pecan cinnamon rolls

Family naps in the pillow house

Hope you all had an enjoyable and restful weekend with your dear ones. I'll be back soon with some recipes and Christmas crafting updates!

Snow Day

With another snowy day comes another opportunity to get in the kitchen and bake. Fall and winter are really the only times I feel a pull toward baking. While I do enjoy cooking for the most part, I don't really get into the baking swing until the weather demands it. Cookies, cobblers/crisps, muffins, apple cider doughnuts --- these don't generally make an appearance until days like today.

So, I thought it was the perfect time to make the sugar cookie recipe that appears at the end of this book we've been reading quite frequently:

It's such a cute story: all about a girl and her animal friends speculating what the moon is made of: cat thinks it's milk, butterfly thinks it's sugar, mouse thinks it is made of billowy clouds of flour. And if you add all the ideas together in a bowl (which they do at the end of the story), the end result is a warm sugar cookie.

So, while I added each ingredient, we thought back on the story and I asked Roo, "Now who thought the moon was made of a pat of butter?" etc. as I went along. She remembered every single one (not that I would have known the difference, unless I really gave it some thought -- my memory seems to be disappearing faster than these sugar cookies have today!). I love it when a story can be tied into an activity like this one. It's a great chance for my girl to flex her skills of comprehension and recollection. Plus, it's just fun to turn a story into a real life experience. Especially an edible experience!

Here are the "moon" sugar cookies which we turned into Halloween cookies. The shapes are somewhat ambiguous, so I'll tell you what we have: a cat, pumpkin, ghost, and bat.
The icing turned out a subtle orange, which I prefer as opposed to that garish neon-orange frosting you see on some store-bought goodies this time of year.
Sadly, it's after baking cookies like these, that I realize we don't have cookie decorations on hand. Thus explaining the Christmas tree and red/white sprinkles on the center cookie. The others have a dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder which gives them a nice flavor since the cookie itself and the powdered sugar icing are sooo sweet. My daughter didn't even question the use of Christmas cookie sprinkles, she was just happy to decorate them (and eat one, of course!).

To balance out the sugar, I served a carrot and apple salad for lunch alongside some cashews and almonds. Then I made this yummy pasta salad for a light dinner:

It's very heavy on the veggies (here I used cucumber, carrot, tomato, green bell pepper, and roasted red bell peppers from a jar), which is one of the only ways we can get the amount we should in a day. I like to think of the pasta noodles as more of a "condiment," rather than the main ingredient in a salad like this.

As I usually do, I had some way overcooked, grilled chicken. I had sprinkled some chicken breasts with Montreal steak seasoning and left them to cook in a skillet. Then I went off to play with the kids, fold laundry, sort through some winter gear, etc. In other words, I totally forgot about the chicken and it was dry, dry, dry. Which, I have to say, normally I prefer dry chicken because then I know it's fully cooked. My family jokes because I am the only person they know who complains when chicken or turkey is too moist!

So, I've found that the perfect use for overcooked chicken is a pasta salad. The Italian dressing manages to seep into even the driest cuts of meat and make it moist again. Of course it's best when you have a few hours to let it chill and the flavors meld together. Not exactly a warming or comforting dinner for such a cold day, but I think the cookies fill that void nicely.

"Don't You Love New York in the Fall?"

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address."

Those are some of my favorite lines from one of my all-time favorite movies, "You've Got Mail." Yes, fall is here and that means it's time for what's become one of the most anticipated of fall traditions: the annual viewing of "You've Got Mail" with a dear friend of mine.

The must-have's for such an event: comfy clothes, comfort food, and a cozy couch. My friend and hostess leaves no detail overlooked. She thinks of everything (and I mean everything):

*Warm and inviting ambiance? Check.

*Well-thought out menu, guaranteed to soothe and satisfy? Check.

*Pillows, throw blankets at-the-ready, and fall-scented candles? Check.

*Plenty of laughter and good conversation before, during (thank goodness

for the "pause" button), and after the movie? Check. Check. Check.

We take our tradition very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that neither one of us will watch the movie outside of that annual October day. This involves quick reflexes and discipline (because, hello, it's cuteness and humor make it a hard movie to pass up) to flip channels quickly, should one of us come across a showing of "You've Got Mail" on TV (which invariably happens, as this movie always seems to be popping up somewhere).

I can't tell you how much I look forward to being a guest at J's home. She makes every visitor feel like royalty. And yet, at the same time, she makes every visitor feel like family. That's a hard balance to strike, but she manages with ease to do so.

Isn't it a blessing to find someone with whom everything "clicks?" A friendship that evolves and sustains itself naturally and easily? It's such a gift to talk to someone who knows and understands your thoughts without you needing to say anything. Of course, we never manage to stay silent when we're together. For me, she's one of those friends that I could talk to 3 times per day and never run out of things to say. My husband doesn't understand how I can talk to J over the phone for an hour, when I'm going to be seeing her in person the very next day. And then, after seeing her, I can have a "re-cap" conversation with her for another hour over the phone. "You just saw her for 3 hours yesterday!! What more could you possibly have to say??" he says to me in exasperation. {No, he doesn't really get exasperated. I know that he's happy I have such a good friend. Plus, it takes the pressure off him having to listen to me chatter away so much!}.

One of God's greatest gifts is the gift of family. It's a special thing indeed when you find a friend that feels like family. So, treasure your family and those true friends that fall in that inner circle. This journey in life is so much more precious and fun when you share it with those near and dear to your heart.

And while I'm thinking of it, does anyone know of any good movies to kick off the other seasons of the year? J and I were thinking of starting a spring or summer movie tradition, but haven't come up with any movies synonymous with winter, spring, or summer. Suggestions, please?? Even if you don't know of any "seasonal" movies, any particular movies that are better watched with girlfriends than husbands/boyfriends? (I know my husband has ruined many a "chick-flick" with his eye-rolling, sighs, and "Oh, brother" comments!)

A Day Full of Blessings

A magnificent autumn day was the backdrop to a momentous family celebration: my parents celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary today. Rightly, we filled the day with all things good: reminiscing, eating (lots of eating: with crab-stuffed mushrooms, a hearty and tender roast with buttered noodles and oven-roasted veggies, red wine, Boston cream pie and Irish coffee -- how could we not stuff ourselves??), laughing, playing in the leaves, sharing homemade cards and handwritten poems, and presenting gifts that could never rival the gift that my parents have given us: a living example of true commitment and everlasting love.

A beautiful day to celebrate love and a beautiful day to celebrate Autumn's arrival. The joy was positively contagious! Of course, watching sweet little ones reveling in the leaf piles will bring smiles every time.

Swinging on the swing is always a favorite. But swinging on a swing right through a huge pile of leaves is an experience not to be missed! All the hard work of raking...

...for a sweet reward!

All afternoon, while listening to constant happy chatter and giggles that could not be contained, I glanced around me and realized that there was a blessing of one kind or another everywhere I looked: in the bright blue sky, simmering on the stove, sitting around the dinner table, digging in the sandbox, crunching through the leaves. Enveloped by God's sweetness and goodness, I couldn't think of a more perfect day. It is such a satisfying feeling to go to bed after a day well-spent: we wrung out every drop of delight from the day we were given. Such a good, good feeling.

To Cap Off Our Summer...

We spent part of the Labor Day weekend laboring in the fields: picking strawberries and raspberries in the sweltering heat. Ugh! But (as I pointed out to my husband when he balked at the price of our organic berries) the whole experience was totally worth it (and you can't put a price on family fun, can you?). I also cut several bunches of basil and some fresh flowers too. In the end, our tummies and our baskets were full of sun-ripened goodness.

This farm is one we regularly visit every year at this time. Everything is grown organically, so I don't worry when the little ones eat more than they pick! It's so quaint and welcoming. As one of the workers told us, "Everyone who comes here to pick berries or vegetables is happy. I am so lucky to work around happy people surrounded by beautiful gardens for a living!"

Our little guy had a blast. He trudged up and down the rows, holding tightly to his berry of choice in his sticky, juice-covered little hand!

And we were amazed by how fast Roo can pick berries. A year or so ago, she spent more time eating berries than filling her basket. But this year she was very focused and task-oriented (which was probably why it cost us so much more this year than in years past -- paying by the pound adds up quickly with a nimble-fingered four year old helping you!).

A stop in the farm's general store is a must. They sell these delicious treats called fruit logs: dried fruit (from the local harvest) rolled in coconut. Apple-cinnamon, peach, strawberry-cherry, and lemon are among the flavor choices. They are so soft and chewy. The perfect sweet to top off our picnic lunch.

I have plans for cobbler and coffee cake with some of our berry bounty. I will freeze the majority of our pickings to enjoy in the coming fall and winter. As for the basil I picked, there will be lots of pesto. We put pesto on almost everything: pasta, roasted veggies, chicken, burgers, and sandwiches!

We spent the rest of our weekend biking, going for long walks, and lolling around in the hammock at our family's BBQ. It was pretty much the quintessential long holiday weekend.

My contribution to the BBQ meal was sweet corn-on-the-cob and this pie:

I can think of few better ways to cap off the summer season than with a fresh peach pie! Definitely what made it extra special was the cream cheese crust, which ended up tasting like a giant sugar cookie (in fact, the crust did turn out about a 1/2 inch thick--just like a cookie). Fresh, sugared peaches piled high on top of a cookie crust and topped with whipped cream? It's hard to go wrong with that, isn't it?? Mmmm! The only unfortunate part was the lack of leftovers to take home! :)

Beating the Heat

As we continue to brace ourselves against hot and icky weather, we've been forced to find some new ways to be entertained inside. Pictured above, you'll see quarters adhered to my daughter's feet with clear packing tape. Well, think of these as really, really cheap tap shoes. I took a marathon tap/ballet/jazz combo class when I was her age, and I just loved wearing my tap shoes every chance I got. I was telling her some story about "When I was a little girl..." and the topic of tap dancing came up. When Roo asked me what tap shoes were, I realized I've denied my daughter the thrill of standing in front of a mirror in leotard and tights, with a bunch of other cuties, to tap and twirl to her heart's content. While enrolling her in some sort of dance class is on the agenda someday, I figured I could fashion some tap shoes right now. I know I didn't coin (hee hee) this idea myself. I've seen tap shoes made from loose change several different spots in the past. Just tape them onto the heels and balls of the feet and off you go:

Being confined inside has also brought renewed interest in the doctor's kit. Here's Roo using the "checkoscope" (that's 4 year old medical lingo for stethoscope, by the way. She says it "checks" to make sure the heartbeat is strong and clear. So, based on that rationale, checkoscope certainly deserves heavy consideration as the newest word in medical terminology) to listen to Rascal's heartbeat:

Yes, they are wearing long sleeves and pants even though I just complained about a heat wave. I am guilty of running the central air just a bit too much, I think. I still feel hot even when they start getting chilled. So I dress them appropriately for the arctic blast that blows through our vents in order for me to stay cool (and, thus, less cranky).

Fortunately, he sits very patiently through this thorough examination. Every time. And it happens about a dozen times per day. I love the doctor's glasses she's wearing. And I also love how she makes up a random temperature: "Ah, 422.5... that's a little bit on the high side."

A couple of the benefits of the doctor's kit being used around here is the chance to learn some new vocabulary: otoscope, reflex hammer, syringe; and I think it has definitely helped our son learn to sit patiently at the real doctor's office while they do various tests and exams. After what his sister puts him through (again and again), his actual hospital visits are a piece of cake!

While I was putting Rascal down for a nap, Roo adapted this bridge from a wooden garden stake and the Bounce and Spin Zebra (it's about time that zebra carried his weight around here. He's been sitting idle for months).

I can wish for "sweater weather" as much as I want. It isn't going to make Fall come soon enough. So, in the meantime, we will keep hunting down new activities to wile away the hot summer days.