Girl Time

We did it! We made plans and we finally made the time and enjoyed our special afternoon. The guys were out running errands. We had the house to ourselves.

Our daughter wanted to have a "spa day" so I looked up at-home spa recipes and we made a cucumber facial for sensitive skin. She told me she wanted to have cucumbers for her eyes. I was given just that one requirement but I wanted to make it special. Special. I love her so I wanted to make it extra special.

So I filled the tub with warm water and added rose petals and salts. She soaked for a bit. She got out, laid on warm towels and I applied those cucumbers to her eyes. I also applied the cucumber facial mixture but she said she did not like the smell of cucumbers so I wiped it off after one minute. Then she had a rub down with warm lotion. She said she was so relaxed. While I soaked my feet, she painted her toenails (oh yes, that was the second requirement, she asked to paint her toenails as well as my toenails and fingernails). I brought us tea, then I read from her current book (a Trixie Belden mystery).

Perfect. The room was warm, a hint of rose floated through the air, the tea was hot and sweet and we were nearing the end of a good mystery. As the time approached for her to paint my fingernails, we moved to the kitchen table and nibbled on cookies as she painted.

What a great afternoon with my favorite girl! We plan on doing this once a month. Only next time, I'll make us little frosted cakes to eat with our hot tea!

Take the time, relax and enjoy the memories and cherish the conversations. Time is ticking too fast so it's best to stop and live in the present. What a beautiful afternoon we had! I love you sweetie.

That Time

The rush of Christmas is over. That one day we spend weeks, if not months, preparing for. Amid the wrapping paper and fallen pine needles, I sat there thinking...maybe planning. Yes, planning. Planning when I'd take the tree down and all the Christmas decorations. How to arrange the family room or if I should attempt to re-arrange the room.

Mentally, I prepared another list. What I need to buy for next year - organization is a goal of mine. We'll see if I do better this year! Calendar, filing supplies, cleaning supplies. As I review my holiday to-do list, I realize I haven't done half of the things I wanted to and the days are passing quickly.

So as I pack up the holiday items for another year, I think ahead of cleaning and yes, those resolutions that fade away by mid-February. I am taking it week by week. We'll be eating healthier and I'll be exercising regularly. That is all I am planning this year. I want to be successful and to do that, you need a short list.

In the meantime, I might not get everything done on my too long of a to-do list but I am enjoying the family time with the big man, our daughter and our son. Spending time, making memories and laughing. Those are the memories that will endure time, not the lists I make and the things I did not get done. Or the things I did do. Camera nearby, we have fun. We have been walking around the yard, exploring the springs in the field, cracking the ice on the ponds edge, filing birdfeeders and watching the deer nightly as they run to our huge birdfeeder to lick up any fallen seeds. They fight and chase each other as they want their share.

Yesterday and today have been very warm for upstate NY so we wore our farm boots and trodded around the wet and sloshy, sometimes icy, land. It felt good to be outside, in the fresh air. Blues skies above and well, the landscape lacks color but it still is nice to get out and wander.

We'll see what the remainder of our family time together brings...until then, enjoy life. love those around you and laugh.

'Tis the Season

The season is upon us ~ the rushing, lists, baking, shopping, gatherings, trees and decorations. Joy. Family. Stress. We scurry through the month of December when we really need to slow down. We need to celebrate.

Celebrate the TRUE meaning of the holiday. Jesus! Have we forgotten? Jesus should be the center of all our celebrations. He is the “Reason for the Season” as you hear occasionally this time of year. He is the Lord of all beings. He is our Creator. Give Him the praise and glory He deserves. Open your heart to Him all year round. Start this month. Make a life-style change. He loves you. He loves all of us. Do you know the most quoted verse from the Bible tells us that? “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Take the time to read to yourself, your family, a loved one. Read the story of the birth of Jesus. Put the meaning back into the holiday. Share God’s love for all of us. Renew yourself. Reach out and help a lost person find peace and meaning in life. God’s arms are open and waiting for us to come to him. He does not want us to be lost. It your choice. Decide. Do you want to live with God in your life or to live life without God?

We are all sinners.
God loves us.
Christ died for us.

Receive God. Take action. Ask Him to come into your heart. You will have everlasting life if you believe in the Lord Jesus.

Being a child of God is the most wonderful thing in the world. It is not easy but nothing worth working for is easy. The Bible tells us, “In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)

God is always there for us. For me and for you! Believe. Have faith. Love Jesus!

Merry Christmas!

Favorite Room

Ok, my favorite room is….. the kitchen. The heart of our house. Currently I have been measuring and re-measuring and planning a new layout so when we have the time and money (years away), I’ll be ready to meet with a designer and review my plans, needs and must haves. Until then, life goes on.

I cook, bake and keep it clean. My kitchen is large so I have counter space and room for almost all my kitchen accessories. I spend a lot of time in this room. Someday it’ll be nice and cozy and I’ll never want to leave. In the meantime, it is a happy place.

The bulletin board has various projects attached to it made by our children. Their artwork also decorates our windows and my Country Kitchen sign. Our sun catchers hang from 2 of the windows. From our windows we can see our side yard and lower pond and the back yard and upper pond. We watch deer year round from these windows. Hummingbirds flutter by from late spring until early fall. And on one Fathers day, we watched a bear walk up the side of our yard and disappear into the woods. We have not had another bear sighting in our yard or field since.

We eat together daily in our kitchen. We study, work on homework and projects, we talk and chat over tea or hot cocoa. I plan menus and pour over cookbooks and magazines. We cook and bake. I love to bake. I am not sure how my passion started or when, but I believe the force behind it was my mother. No doubt about that. First of all, she is a wonderful cook/baker. When we were younger, she would occasionally make homemade cinnamon rolls. I can smell, see and almost taste them. They were big, fluffy and oooh so good. She has the ability to take ingredients (usually whatever she had available) and make something delicious out of it. I hope one day I can become a confident cook like her. Some day. After all, I do have goals.

I used to write recipes on recipe cards and keep them in files. My little boxes of treasure. Looking back now, I wonder if I really thought I’d use them. What was I thinking? I recently decided that there was NO way I could ever make every recipe I have written down or cut out and saved. Besides, how many apple pie recipes do I really need? Yes, the dessert category was my largest collection. (Refer to first post). So slowly, I have gone through these recipe boxes and thrown out hundreds of recipes. I have placed limits on my recipe clipping habit. If I don’t make the recipe within a month, it goes into the recycle bin. I have yet to enforce that. I laugh when I find that I have torn the same page from a magazine twice. However, I am down to a half-full box and 2 binders. I am almost there and then my recipe collection will be under control. I have recipe cards from my great-aunt that are part of my family history. These I keep. She had beautiful handwriting and she noted what family member the recipe was from. I have 2 very special items in my kitchen. Two of my great-grandmothers bread boards. I use the large one all the time. I only wish I had one of her aprons!

So when I do try new recipes and we like it, I have a binder that I put the recipe in. It is appropriately call “Approved Recipes”. As an after-thought, since I started this binder collection years ago, I now note when I made the recipe and if it was for a special occasion. I’m creating a little family history of my own.

I write in my cookbooks like some people write in their Bibles (I cannot yet bring myself to do that – in time). I enjoy making new dishes for my family. Seeing and hearing their reactions. Even at their young age (5 and 8), they will grab a cookbook and look through it and pick out a recipe to make. It’s ideal as we have special dinners whenever we want. They set the table with table clothes, napkins, china and wine glasses and candles. In the winter, it is very cozy as the evenings are dark at dinner time. When the guys build a roaring fire, we move the table into our front room (perhaps to become our dining room). Candle lit dinner by the fire. Good food. Good company. Isn’t that why people gather in the kitchen anyway?

"Wow"-ed

First: Friday our son said grace. This is not unusual. Either he says grace, his sister does or both of them do. He will be 5 in December. His grace was longer than normal and very thoughtful. When we said amen, I was smiling. So was his father. He stunned us. Both his father and I told him how nice his blessing was. He gave thanks for our food, and asked for another good day. He prayed for his daycare provider and her family. Then he prayed that his friends would be safe, have fun at home and that all the students at his elementary school would be good members of their caring community! Wow!

Second: While in mass on Sunday, our daughter said she felt like crying because she was so happy about God. I told her that was okay. That she was feeling his presence and I often felt like crying also. Knowing our Lord is there with us, brings an unspeakable joy to ones’ being.

So I don’t question myself about their faith. We are leading them in the right direction. Our daughter loves to read her Bible. She has become a little evangelist. She educates her best friend and shares stories from her Bible. She peppers us with questions. She loves our at-home religious education studies. She enjoys letting her brother sit in and listen. We now read from his Bible once we finish our lesson. We want him to learn with us. We are all learning as there is so much to learn.

This journey we are on together only gets sweeter as we travel. It is a blessing knowing that we are all traveling together toward our Lord!

Crafting

I like to craft. I learned to crochet when I was 7 or 8 years old. My mother’s beauty salon was at our house and two ladies helped me learn that skill. I never made much but I enjoyed crocheting scarves and other little things. Before that, I used to draw. I drew maps and made my own world. I wish I kept those maps. I remember the “countries” had very strange, long names. Back to crocheting. I have made numerous afghans for family and friends. All different and all very much appreciated. I still cuddle with my afghan that my gramma made me. She made each of her grandchildren one. It is perfect! I remember she would sit down in her chair after the kitchen was cleaned and crochet. You did not bother her. I still cannot make shell afghans like she did. That is one goal I am striving to accomplsih - to crochet a shell afghan like my gramma.

When my sister announced she was pregnant, I decided to try my hand at cross-stitching. I completed my first sampler and mailed it to her. I have since cross-stitched many more projects. It would be interesting to be able to examine that first project, as I know my stitches did not all cross the same way. With every project, you learn another technique that enhances your skill.

Twelve years ago when I moved back to my childhood home, I started working with a group of talented ladies. Realizing we were crafty in one way or another, we starting working on our crafts. We held craft nights. We’d stay after work and devoted an hour or two to working on our project of choice. We also learned more about each other. We started teaching and sharing crafts. We learned to scrapbook and make cards together. We still have card parties. Our next card party is Monday, November 17th and we'll be making Christmas cards! We have a demonstrator lead our card parties. We make wonderful cards, learn new techniques and order products.

Within the last 6 years, I took a “learn how to knit” course. I learned the basics –casting on, knit and pearl stitches and casting off. I was told that was all I’d need to know. Not exactly true. However, one of my best friends, helped teach me more about knitting. She helped me knit my first hat for our daughter (way too big) and she has assisted me on other projects since then. She is developing that confidence I need to be a secure knitter.

Then there is scrapbooking. I need to work on more pages as the photos are filling more and more boxes. My goal is to complete a 2-page spread every week!

Not sure when I plan to start but maybe it’ll be this weekend.

Slowing Down

We are easing in to autumn. Life is slowing down and I am excited, at least for this weekend. I have nothing that I have to do. Don’t get me wrong, my to-do list is long and I add to it before I cross things off it. However, swim lessons are over for this season. We don’t have to spend hours at the pool on Saturdays any more. The big man has fenced in trees to protect them from foraging deer. He has also arranged the storage sheds and prepared for winter, as it will soon arrive. Winter clothing and accessories have been hauled out of storage and have been placed in dresser drawers and hung in our closets. Kids have new winter boots, hats and mittens. I bought some chunky yarn and when time permits, I sit to knit myself a scarf. Our little man has declared he wants a scarf so when we are out, we’ll stop and he can chose what color(s) he wants his scarf to be and I will crochet him one (crocheting will ensure I finish it quickly).

I have been spending time pouring over my magazines and noting recipes I want to try. I add the needed ingredients to my shopping list and add the recipe to my 2-week menu. Slowly I am making changes to our diet. Slowly, I sneak in the healthier foods and new recipes. Gradual - that is how these changes occur. My attempts to avoid any kitchen riots. It is working! Both of the children seem to be moving out of their “I am not eating that” food stage and have been willing to at least let the new recipe sit on their plates and touch their lips. Inside I jump for joy! They are tasting it, picking through it and eating some of the ingredients. Eventually, I know they will eat what I put before them. In the meantime, I let them separate their food and eat what they will.

Animal Park Visit

During the fall, we plan many family outtings. On Sunday, October 12 we went to a local animal park after mass. The weather was perfect – sunny, low 70’s and the autumn colors were breath-taking. Our son called the trees a “rainbow forest.” We had been talking about visiting this farm park since last year and today we drove the 15 miles from home to get there.

When we arrived, we saw an expanse of fencing, corrals and wide walkways. After paying for admission, pony ride tickets and 4 bags of corn, we started our walk. We were joined by a young, active German Shepard (our little man calls them German Checkards) that wanted to play fetch with a long stick. We were more interested in the baby goats, sheep, horses, ponies, longhorn cow, donkeys, chickens, ducks and turkeys, llamas and yes, even the ugly ostriches. Do you know they flounce as the walk? Their head is just so ugly. We fed them corn and continued our walk. We strolled through the park and feed corn to the animals.

We watched the dog run around the duck pond several times as well as jump into the water and swim. His attempts to catch a duck were not fulfilled. I have a feeling he never is successful but you could tell he enjoyed the game!

The big man took pictures and did a great job. Before we left, they kids rode a pony. As one rode, the other got to lead the pony around the riding rink. Riding Sunny, was the highlight of the trip. We spent almost two hours there – sharing the park with just one other family, so it was wonderful. No crowds!

We voted to visit again next fall. I am sure by then, word of mouth will have promoted this farm and there will be more families in attendance next year, but we look forward to that visit and perhaps there will be more people so we can enjoy the hayride.

Delicious Breakfast

Tired of cold cereal? Do you like oatmeal? Try this recipe! It is delicious, easy to make and very satisfying!

2 cups old-fashioned oats
2 cups low-fat or skim milk
1/2 tsp. best-quality vanilla
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup dried cranberries or other dried fruit
1 large unpeeled firm apple, grated
4 Tbsp. maple syrup

Mix all together. Pour into a greased 3-quart dish. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes.

Yummy!

If you make this the night before, to warm in microwave, add a little milk to each bowl, mix with oatmeal and warm.

His Beauty

Slow down, look around and know that Gods' love is every where around us and He gives us beauty every where, every day. Have you noticed? Do you stop and look?

So easy to miss, yet right there! Open your eyes, your ears, your heart and look, listen and feel!

Breath taking art from our Lord, right in our backyard. Enjoy....

Thank you dear Father for the beauty you wrap us in!

Autumn Tobogganing

All you need:

A hill

A wagon

A helmet

Hang on, squeal and laugh!

Stressed

New job. New routine. New schedule.

It has been a stressful September. I switched jobs. We put my dog down. My routine has been uprooted. I am settling in. I am adjusting. Or am I kidding myself?

Our economy – need I say more? I worked for an automotive manufacturing business. I enjoyed working for this company a little more than 12 years. I met my husband there. I made more friends than I thought possible. Those friends showered me with a bridal shower and two baby showers as well as yearly birthday cakes. Great friends and wonderful memories! The time had come - it was time to leave. Layoffs and down-sizing were common and I wanted to find a job, one that I chose, not one I was forced to take as a result of unemployment. I submitted resumes and interviewed twice. An offer was put on the table and after consideration and discussion at home, I accepted. In doing so, I said farewell to old friends and tried to train co-workers as best I could in two-weeks’ time, while still taking care of my responsibilities.

With a new job, there are changes. I have had to navigate through a campus and catch buses from a parking lot to an office building and turn that around each afternoon. Stressful! I have now opted to catch a bus near home and ride into the city. Our morning routine has changed. We have a shorter and now rushed morning. I drop the kids off at daycare instead of watching them get on the bus at our driveway. I get home later – only 20 minutes or so but that is time away from my family. I am now forced to create my two-week dinner menu and make sure I have all ingredients on my shopping list. (This is a good thing). I make sure I do more at night to prepare for the short mornings.

The new position is going well. I enjoy the people, the work and the environment – an Ivy League University. I am working in a great school and it has good benefits. One benefit, there is a library in the building I work in. Yes, a library or even better, the university’s library system is at my finger tips! (Feel the power.) It has a great selection of cookbooks and nutrition. I have visited twice and have checked books out. A small slice of bliss for me! With the bus ride to and from work, I have time, uninterrupted time (yes, I am selfish) to read. I had hopes to crochet or knit also but it gets rather crowded so I’ll stick to reading for now.

Change is good. It has been good for my stress level as it is now very low. My husband and I are not talking “shop” all the time and that is great for our family. I miss the ability to go see my husband whenever I want but it does make me appreciate our time together even more.

We are all adjusting and we’ll make it work. Time is ironing out the little changes I have been fretting about. Or so I thought…I have come to the conclusion that living with less stress may not be good for me!

Last night I boarded the WRONG bus. I sat down, took my book out and started to read. Then I realized the bus drove straight when the night before the bus veered to the right? Why were we going this way tonight? So I asked the lady sitting next to me, “Is this the T Transit?” Yes, but it was going to towns C&O NOT towns S&W. I would be dropped off one town beyond the town I park to ride. So I called my family and asked them to come rescue me. HaHa (only I was not laughing)! I did not have to wait long before the red chariot with three happy family members in it pulled over to pick me up! And we made the most of it. On the way home, we went to dinner at the new golf course clubhouse. We were the only people there and all they had was the typical fast food – hamburgers and fried stuff but it tasted good as I don’t make fried foods at home. The kids liked looking at the pool table, dart boards and we sat at a high table so they loved the high chair stools. Little joys!

Yep ~ other than that small adventure, it was a regular night. [I hear you laughing! That is good…laughter is good for your mental health – glad I could help].

Before leaving the house this morning, I said to our children, I would make sure I boarded the correct bus! So our Pre-K school boy told me his bus has a cat and a number on it and it matches his tag. Then he asked me, “Does your bus have that?” I had to say no but said maybe it should. Just to help me!

So, how is life treating you?

Autumn Festivities

Our family continued a fall tradition on Saturday, September 20. We went to a local apple orchard and picked apples. It was a beautiful day ~ sunny and in the low 70’s. Perfect apple-picking weather!

We were home from the kids swim lessons, had eaten lunch and they still had energy abound so we loaded them into the truck and headed to the orchard, approximately 8 miles from our driveway. We picked a bag of apples before enjoying fresh apple donuts at the barn. Our daughter was our official “apple taster”. She let us know if the apples were juicy and sweet. I am not sure how many apples she tasted but it was good to see her eating them as I remember the first couple of years, she wouldn’t try to eat an apple. Given time and a lot of patience, things change!

We were smart this year and picked a lot of small apples – the right size for lunches so there will not be any waste! Once home, the big man grabbed my new cookbook and chose a recipe (see below) ~ it is delicious and so simple to make. We topped it with whipped cream but warm it up a bit and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you’ll have a nice dessert! Enjoy and eat slow, savor the flavors!


Apple-Berry Streusel Bars

2 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 cup butter, melted
3 cups thinly sliced and peeled tart apples
1 jar (12 oz.) raspberry preserves
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Beat in butter just until moistened. Set aside 2 cups for topping. Pat remaining oat mixture into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, toss apples with the remaining flour. Stir in the preserves; spread over hot crust to within 1/2-inch of edges. Combine nuts and reserve oat mixture; sprinkle over fruit mixture. Bake 30-35 minutes longer or until lightly browned. Cool completely on wire rack. Cut into bars.

Autumn

Fall. Is it here? It believe it is. Yesterday we had our first frost. I needed to scrap our windshield. Today we also had a frost. Autumn is here and you can see, the changes have started. I love this time of year! Yes, it’s starting to smell and feel like fall. It is the middle of September so the season is changing. I am excited as fall is my favorite season! I love the colors, the crunch of footsteps in the leaves, the crisp mornings, the smell of the first wood fire. It’s full of activity and lots of hours outside.

It also means I can bake any time and it won’t be too hot. Nothing is worse than wanting to bake and having to wait for the cool morning hours or a cool evening. I bake every week, at least once. One of my favorite hobbies. My mother was a great cook and baker. I think her for setting such a wonderful example. I bake out of love. I have a recipe box full of recipes that I want to try. (I won’t mention the huge box under the guest bed full of clipped recipes waiting for me to go through). Apple cakes, pumpkin scones, pies, a walnut-wheat bread….the list is long. We bake to fill the cookie jar, we bake to treat co-workers, we bake to share with friends. We bake because it is family time for me and the kids. It’s a math opportunity - ½ cup plus ¼ cup equals __. It’s another opportunity to talk about kitchen safety. Both children get to fill a cup, level it, dump it in the bowl. They practice cracking eggs. They are a great help and a joy to bake with. Our conversations vary as we talk about healthy food, trying other recipes, what we did that day. They like to “test” the batter (I don’t always allow this) and fill their cookie sheets. And they like to “taste test” the warm goodies from the oven. They always need more than one sample to give their opinion!

Today we are planning to go on our annual “apple picking” trip to a wonderful little orchard 3 hills over. I already plan to make a wonderful apple crisp later today!

Baking warms our kitchen, warms my heart and I know we are making wonderful memories together!

First Day Survival

I survived!

I took the day off today as it was the first day of school! Both children are off to school this year. No more waiting for the little big guy! I let both children sleep in, I made cinnamon french toast for breakfast, we ate, got dressed and headed off to school on time! Tomorrow they climb onto the bus, that means no sleeping in and a 40 minute bus ride. Today the little big guy and I walked his sister to her room, 3rd grade, and met her teacher, Mr. E. We found her desk, checked her room out and left her to begin the school year.

Excitement was in the air!

We had to wait for his class time. Our school district starts the Pre-K and Kindergarten students out slow. They need to adjust. They visit their classroom and teacher the first day of school, followed by two half-days. Next Monday they start full days. He was a little disappointed as he wanted to stay the whole day. He was upset all day. He was mean - not himself. I tried to improve his mood. We went home, made chocolate chip cookies and spent time together. Then we went to daycare, cookies in hand, to see his big sister get off the bus with her best friend. I survived ~ he did not. As I write this, the tired little big guy sleeps on our bed. He is exhausted. All that excitement and his allergies are in full swing. So he sleeps.

I survived today but I am in panic mode as tomorrow and Friday he will ride the big yellow school bus ALONE - not with his sister. I know the school bus drivers will take care of him but I am worried. Stressing big time! Another hurdle for me ~ uugh, I did so well today. What if he falls off the bottom step on the bus? After all, it is a huge step for such little legs. Ok, trying not to panic...they won't let him get off the bus unless they see his daycare provider at the end of her driveway. The stop is on a busy main road too - more panic. I will relax once I have received her call and I talk to my little big guy about his second day of school.

Already, tomorrow is long!

School Shopping

Today was a long day! We went school shopping. Our daughter and I headed out before mass to check a store for sneakers. After trying on 5 pairs of sneakers, she chose 2 pair. Great - check sneakers off her list. We also found 5 tops while there. We meet before mass and all of us attended mass. Kids were very good but hungry so we stopped for lunch and then drove to the mall. The big guy went home to work on a woodworking project. I’ll have to write about that because I have beautiful tables in our house that he has made. We started at Sears for pants for the little guy. We bought 4 pair ~ they were on sale! He also picked out one shirt so we purchased that. Off to another store to get the little lady some jeans. Jeans that fit her perfectly and I don’t have to cut 6 inches off and hem. She found all that she needed and a top too! Add three shirts for the little guy, a 15% off total purchase coupon and we all left with a smile on our face. Last stop to look at lunch sacks. They both found one and we picked up themed ice packs for them (splurge)! We made it home and almost 100% of our school shopping is done. Just need to get the little guy some sneakers.

I enjoyed the time alone with our little girl - not so little as she turns 8 in two weeks. Watching both kids get excited about clothes and to see what catches their fancy, is interesting. They both are very particular and know what they want. I should be thankful as that makes shopping easier. Today, our daughter went outside her box, she is growing up, and decided to purchase two pairs of flare jeans! The little guy, anything that falls within a football theme, is what he wants.

What a day and I hate clothes shopping!

Country Fun

Our country back road, dirt and full of pot holes and ruts, is busy once again. At the end of our road, they have been drilling for gas. Apparently the job is complete, as the tractor trailer flatbeds have been coming down our road in “parade” fashion. The kids have to stay far away from the road at all times but now they are excited. See what they are doing ----

Most of the truckers honk their horns, the kids scream and laugh in excitement and then they wait for the next truck, the next honks. Too fun and cheap entertainment! What a way to start the day.

Changes

Fifteen days and a big change is coming our way and I am struggling with it. If I was Scarlett, I’d be saying “I can’t think about that right now. If I do, I’ll go crazy. I’ll think about that tomorrow.“ I have to face it. Our youngest will be headed to school. He will start Pre-K this year as he is a December baby. He is ready to go to school and has been for a long time. I am not ready!

He’s my baby. He’ll come home changed after the very first day. He’ll be more independent - needing me less often. Thus I am not ready for this. I must admit I am excited for him. He watched his sister climb onto the bus last spring and asked, “Why can’t I ride the bus?” Now that his rite of passage is here, well, I am hesitant. I worry even though he’ll have his big sister on the bus and in the same school. He has been excited about shopping for his school supplies, choosing lunch bags and this weekend we’ll experience school shopping for him. He is a picky dresser. He likes clothes that make him look “handsome.” I’ll follow the bus to school and watch as he gets off and gets directed into the building. All through my tears. It’s so hard to let go. Our kids are ready to grow up before I am ready to let them. So as mothers do, I’ll rise to the occasion and play my part ~ and inside I‘ll weep. Camera in hand, I’ll take pictures and at a later date, I’ll create his “first day at school” scrapbook page.

I look forward to cutting his sandwiches into various shapes, tucking a sweet bit of chocolate in his lunch sack and leaving simple little notes for him, just like I do for his sister. I want him to know I love him. I want him to excel. I hope he likes his teacher, his classroom and classmates. I want it to be a positive experience from the beginning.

Change is bitter-sweet. I was emotional over their progress. Reality hit me after the excitement wore off over their rolling, crawling and then walking. I was relieved when they were able to tell me what hurt and where. And yet, their development meant growth. Another baby phase left behind. It all passes so quickly ~ too quickly.

As parents, we want to protect our children from everything. An impossible task but we still try. I tell myself, I survived riding the bus, elementary school and all that little ones will encounter. Yes, it was a different world back then but he’ll be okay.

Is there anything left to look forward to? Yes, and I anxiously wait while at the same time I cling to the past, the memories, moments and cute expressions. Never wanting to let go. And as sure as the hand on the clock continues to circle and tick time away, changes will keep coming my way. Only 15 more days!

Liquid Sugar

I am an addict.

We all are to one thing or another. Addict: a person who is a slave or devotee to a habit. I have a habit. I enjoy it alone, with a good book, on a rainy, cold day. Doesn't really matter when or where. I am addicted to hot tea. Maybe it's not the hot tea but the spoonfuls of sugar. I use the tea as the vehicle for the sugar. When I am cold, I love to wrap my hands around the hot mug. It can be hot and I brew a cup of tea. I don't remember when I started drinking hot tea but I know I love it. It has to be hot, dark and then I add the poison - sugar. I drink tea daily. I am not a coffee drinker, although I love the smell of brewing coffee. If it tasted as wonderful as it smells, I'd be addicted to that. I know there are worse addictions and this really isn't bad - or is it?

Google white sugar. Sugar can be detrimental to one's health and here I am, pouring the stuff into my body. I am opening the door, or I should say, I have had the door open a long time. My welcome sign should read: Come on in, health problems. One of my hobbies is baking and cooking. I enjoy making healthy meals for my family. I enjoy teaching my children how to bake and cook. We talk about healthy food and those foods we should eat once in a while. Oh, and let me make another cup of tea. I am killing myself. I try to stop. One year for Lent, I gave up hot tea. I made good on that and the first thing I did after Lent? I filled my tea kettle! Back to the sugar...numerous effects on one's body. Raises insulin levels, depresses your immune system, helps fuel certain diseases, elevates triglyceride levels, makes one gain weight - ok, that is enough for now. Google it if you want to read more.

So, I have to ask myself, "Am I ready to change?" To make that healthy change I have been avoiding for years? I will try and I'll think of my methods over a cup of hot tea....don't worry, I have some herbal teas. I don't add sugar to those. Could that be the answer????

It's tea time again!