sew

Just as children learn to read on the laps of their parents, I am overjoyed that these girls are learning to sew on the laps of the ones they love so dearly.

Little bags and quilts are the perfect projects to ignite their sewing curiosity.  It is neat to see them working the machine, cutting and measuring and ultimately utilizing something they made.  It feels good to see them making something.  I like that they understand the amount of work it takes to make even the smallest project.  I think it infuses appreciation of handmade goods into their lives.

Away

Just a little time alone, to linger over a chocolate croissant and a proper latte, made with the correct amount of dense foam does wonders for a busy mother.

A little trip up the mountain to this charming cabin with wood burning stoves to keep the frost away swept us from our sometimes monotonous routines at home.

Just a little drive up to a natural hot spring along birch tree-lined roads made us take another look at the wonders of Mother Nature.

Happening upon a woody and spirited snow-girl in the woods was as magical as magic can be.

Ice and snowy roads made the adventure up the mountain that much more alluring.

Taking a bit of time to rekindle a beloved hobby lifted his spirits.

To spend time together and rediscover ourselves amongst the radiant snow, mountain air and to enjoy time that was completely ours, was renewing in the best of ways.  I remember thinking, I will be a better mother having had some time away.

There he waits

She stands tippy-toed on her little green stool to take part in the cooking activites that happen daily around 5pm. From another perspective, he stands ever-so-close just waiting for something to drop.  He knows the youngest children drop the most down.

toilet camp round 3

I guess it was time.  Being dry after a nap and night was always a tell-tale sign it was time to begin.  Unfortunately, with our third I have become tired and lazy or maybe more relaxed?  I stumbled my way into toilet training over spring break at the suggestion of my mother.  Until she suggested it, I hadn't given it a serious thought even though I knew it was creeping up on us.  After thinking about her idea, I decided spring break would be a great time because it gave us the time to be at home for a few days without interruption of pick-ups and carpools.

My little camper was extremely excited about picking out her own underwear at the store, especially with her older sisters in tow.  We stocked up on baby wipes, Clorox wipes, clean underwear, books, a potty chart, stickers, M&Ms (yes, I do use those as a reward) and an episode of "Daniel Tiger" to begin "toilet camp."  

We played at home for 4 days with many accidents, urine stained grout, an overflow of laundry, eager big sisters, an exhausted Mommy but an excited little camper. 

As we continue on this "camping" journey which I know will take a few weeks to completely master, I consistently pray for patience which is harder to come by this time around.  Even though it is sometimes frustrating and hard for all of us, we are so proud of out little camper and her toilet accomplishments!  Way to go!

springtime strawberry, cucumber & mint salad

In our neck of the woods, strawberries are plentiful and sweet this time of year.  After some warmer days, sunshine and a few good rains, my mint is bounding out of it's pot with fresh leaves a plenty.  In my half-hearted attempts to eat seasonally with my family, I put together a little springtime salad with what we had on hand.

Mixing together strawberries, cucumber slices cut into quarters and fresh mint leaves, 

turned into a refreshing salad that my whole family devoured.  

With the mint added, no dressing is needed.  

(for the mint, I just cut it finely with our kitchen shears -- 

I find it far easier to cut herbs rather than chop them)

On a side note, it is incredibly easy to grow mint.  My mother refers to it as a weed.  It can grow almost anywhere.  Mine in thriving in a dilapidated old pot that has been chewed on by the dog on our back deck.  It is wonderful to have on hand to embellish fruit and vegetable salads alike.

spring in the air

The pink blossoms on the tree at the far corner of the yard have risen high above the fence and glisten in the warm afternoon sun.  They beckon for us to reach high to touch, pluck and inhale their delicate flowers.  They are always the first sign of warmer weather and spring's arrival.

This view

I had forgotten how lovely it is to look out and see such a bright sight in normally such dark woods. The way the snow illuminates the ground and the bare trees is breathtaking indeed.  It is a view worth savoring!