Thursdays are date day for my honeybunches and me. We try to save this one day - just for us - to rejuvenate ourselves and take time to just be with one another. Some days we do bigger things, but today was simple and fun.
We breakfasted in a thunderstorm on honeybuns and lattes. I don't even want to know how much fat I ingested, but it was yummy. We played cards, which is something we have loved to do for years. We are both fiercely competitive -in a playful manner. I lost the first game, and we ended the second in a draw.
Lunchtime came as the skies cleared, so we went out for sub sammies. It was a great day, and we each came away from our time together with our batteries recharged. My husband is without a doubt my best friend in the world, and our date days are the highlight of my week.
I came across a post on one of the message boards that I frequent when I returned home today. The post was a rant in every sense of the word about this poster's husband. Although I understand her frustration (as her husband's behavior is truly abhorrent) I have to wonder why so many of us tend to settle for less than we deserve in a relationship. After reading and responding to the post, I must say that I am so thankful for the wonderful relationship I share with my husband. I am grateful beyond words, as I have been blessed beyond measure.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
wonderfully, busy, summer days
I've not posted in several days, probably because we have been happily busy just living life. We've done small chores, big projects, and included plenty of summer fun along the way. Since my last post on parenting, I've received some great insight from friends and had some indepth conversation with my husband. I discovered that our parenting style is not really lacking, but rather my consistency was the lacking component. When I get busy doing whatever task may be at hand, I don't always stop to give my full attention to one of the children before giving my answer. Sensing that, the children don't give my answer their full attention or their full respect. I've realized that when I stop to give them the attention their request deserves, they in turn give my answer the respect it deserves. All in all, my actions and responses usually determine the subsequent actions of the children. I've been parenting for 16 1/2 years. I just lost that piece of the pie for awhile. Now that momma is back on track, the children are happily chugging right along with me.
With more peaceful and cooperative days happening, we have been able to accomplish some tasks that had been waiting. The garden has received some TLC in the form of a good tilling. Loose black dirt with lovely green plants is a sight that makes this country girl's heart sing.
I've also learned a new life skill. My 80 year old father coached me as I put up a new clothesline. I was quite proud of my handy accomplishment. My first line dried load of laundry went out this morning, and it was a happy sight. The sight of freshly laundered clothes dancing in the breeze is another smidgen of goodness.
The children are enjoying their backyard pool. I decided this year I would help them to earn their pool time. I will match their swimming time to their schooling and or helping time. It is working splendidly. They have been more helpful than ever and they haven't missed a day of swimming yet!
All in all, these have been good days full of simple work and simple joys.
With more peaceful and cooperative days happening, we have been able to accomplish some tasks that had been waiting. The garden has received some TLC in the form of a good tilling. Loose black dirt with lovely green plants is a sight that makes this country girl's heart sing.
I've also learned a new life skill. My 80 year old father coached me as I put up a new clothesline. I was quite proud of my handy accomplishment. My first line dried load of laundry went out this morning, and it was a happy sight. The sight of freshly laundered clothes dancing in the breeze is another smidgen of goodness.
The children are enjoying their backyard pool. I decided this year I would help them to earn their pool time. I will match their swimming time to their schooling and or helping time. It is working splendidly. They have been more helpful than ever and they haven't missed a day of swimming yet!
All in all, these have been good days full of simple work and simple joys.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
how come?
There are moments that I wonder, question, and ponder our parenting style. I was raised in a passive/aggressive home where anger (or expressing any "negative" feelings whatsoever) was not allowed. My husband was raised in a military family where following orders without question was the expectation. We decided years ago that our parenting choices would be ones that encouraged our children to express themselves and allowed them to grow into their own special and unique personalities. For the most part we've done just that. And likewise, for the most part we have felt that was a good and healthy decision.
However, we have an eight year old daughter (with her father's I.Q.) that makes me wonder if perhaps we should have instilled more boundaries. I love her intellect and the way I can almost see the questions and opinions forming in her mind. I don't, however, love the fact that she constantly questions ME, my requests, and my directions. I struggle far too often with the patience required to answer not only her first question of "How come?", but the subsequent questions that are sure to follow. Sometimes I just want her to pick up her shoes from the family room floor - just because I said so - without question.
I'm finding my frustration with simple household chores and behavior issues effecting my ability to be the great unschoolish mom that I truly and deeply want to be. The questions need to fit into a neat little box and come at a time that is convenient for me. But then that's not unschooling, is it? I'm going to have to search my heart, do some yoga, breathe deeply, and answer the questions - anytime. I need to rediscover the joy of the simple, full, alternative life we have chosen, and embrace all that it means. But sometimes, just every once in a while, can I say, "because I said so!", and still be a card carrying positive disciplining, simple living, really cool homeschooling mom?
However, we have an eight year old daughter (with her father's I.Q.) that makes me wonder if perhaps we should have instilled more boundaries. I love her intellect and the way I can almost see the questions and opinions forming in her mind. I don't, however, love the fact that she constantly questions ME, my requests, and my directions. I struggle far too often with the patience required to answer not only her first question of "How come?", but the subsequent questions that are sure to follow. Sometimes I just want her to pick up her shoes from the family room floor - just because I said so - without question.
I'm finding my frustration with simple household chores and behavior issues effecting my ability to be the great unschoolish mom that I truly and deeply want to be. The questions need to fit into a neat little box and come at a time that is convenient for me. But then that's not unschooling, is it? I'm going to have to search my heart, do some yoga, breathe deeply, and answer the questions - anytime. I need to rediscover the joy of the simple, full, alternative life we have chosen, and embrace all that it means. But sometimes, just every once in a while, can I say, "because I said so!", and still be a card carrying positive disciplining, simple living, really cool homeschooling mom?
Friday, June 20, 2008
Hassenpfeffer - What's NOT for Dinner
No, I'm not killing defenseless, adorable little rabbits, but I've got to tell you that at 6:00 in the morning, they are NOT adorable. They are especially not adorable when they are breakfasting on my lettuce!!! These are not your ordinary rabbits. Oh, no. These are Watership Down rabbits with an attitude! And they are fearless.
I stood two feet from one of them and yelled, "Hassenpfeffer!" It looked unimpressed and meandered away - into the damn lettuce. Since it was 6:00 a.m. coupled with the fact that I was wearing my birks (everyone knows birkenstocks should not get wet - or muddy), I didn't chase the little rascal.
Usually our little sheltie scares away all the critters, but she was otherwise engaged. We had a thunderstorm last night, so she was sleeping late - in the house. While I was staggering with coffee in hand after the rabbits from hell, Pfoetchen, the sheltie, was snuggled up in bed with the kids.
I didn't catch my rabbit, but just in case I get lucky next time, I'm saving the recipe.
Hassenpfeffer (Pickled Rabbit) Recipe #52897
German version for making rabbit. Good served with Potato Dumplings, sour cream thickens the sauce and adds a good flavor.
by Taylor in Belgium
2 days 2 days prep
SERVES 6
2 rabbits, cut for frying
vinegar, and
water, in equal amounts
1 medium onion, sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
4 bay leaves
1/2 cup butter
1 cup heavy sour cream
Place cut up rabbit in a large bowl or crock and cover with marinade of equal parts water and vinegar, the onion, salt, pepper, cloves and bay leaves.
Cover the bowl or crock and let marinade in a cool/cold place for two days.
Remove rabbit pieces and dry each piece.
Melt butter in a Dutch oven or heavy skillet and slowly brown rabbit, turning it often.
Gradually add some of the marinade sauce, about 1/2 cup each time, and simmer with a lid on it until it is tender.
Add sour cream just before serving.
© 2007 Recipezaar. All Rights Reserved. http://www.recipezaar.com
I stood two feet from one of them and yelled, "Hassenpfeffer!" It looked unimpressed and meandered away - into the damn lettuce. Since it was 6:00 a.m. coupled with the fact that I was wearing my birks (everyone knows birkenstocks should not get wet - or muddy), I didn't chase the little rascal.
Usually our little sheltie scares away all the critters, but she was otherwise engaged. We had a thunderstorm last night, so she was sleeping late - in the house. While I was staggering with coffee in hand after the rabbits from hell, Pfoetchen, the sheltie, was snuggled up in bed with the kids.
I didn't catch my rabbit, but just in case I get lucky next time, I'm saving the recipe.
Hassenpfeffer (Pickled Rabbit) Recipe #52897
German version for making rabbit. Good served with Potato Dumplings, sour cream thickens the sauce and adds a good flavor.
by Taylor in Belgium
2 days 2 days prep
SERVES 6
2 rabbits, cut for frying
vinegar, and
water, in equal amounts
1 medium onion, sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
4 bay leaves
1/2 cup butter
1 cup heavy sour cream
Place cut up rabbit in a large bowl or crock and cover with marinade of equal parts water and vinegar, the onion, salt, pepper, cloves and bay leaves.
Cover the bowl or crock and let marinade in a cool/cold place for two days.
Remove rabbit pieces and dry each piece.
Melt butter in a Dutch oven or heavy skillet and slowly brown rabbit, turning it often.
Gradually add some of the marinade sauce, about 1/2 cup each time, and simmer with a lid on it until it is tender.
Add sour cream just before serving.
© 2007 Recipezaar. All Rights Reserved. http://www.recipezaar.com
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
What's For Dinner
- Grilled Pork Steaks
- Pasta with Pesto
- Baby Spinach and Romaine Salad
- Fresh Picked Onions with Sea Salt
- Multi-Grain Bread
- Chocolate Cherry Bundt Cake
I do love my garden!
and we're back
It's time for me to seriously re-try the blogging thing. Life has been CRAZY, but things are beginning to calm down - at least enough to cram another hobby into my days.
The garden is growing, the pool is filling as I type, and each of the girls had her mandatory emergency summer medical appointment taken care of last week. (I still can't look at my sewing machine without getting squeamish.) Now all I have left to do is blog - and come up with something meaningful, witty, or otherwise inspirational to say.
The garden is growing, the pool is filling as I type, and each of the girls had her mandatory emergency summer medical appointment taken care of last week. (I still can't look at my sewing machine without getting squeamish.) Now all I have left to do is blog - and come up with something meaningful, witty, or otherwise inspirational to say.
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