My boys love to be outside in any weather. Even when the temperature drops into negative territory — which thankfully doesn’t happen too often here, at least when using the Fahrenheit scale — they want to be outside daily. Currently, my 5-year-old plans to homestead at the North Pole when he grows up (just to show how much he loves winter).… Continue reading
A Children’s Book about Home Birth
The other day, my boys were digging through one of our bookshelves, and pulled out a stack of books that we haven’t read in a long time. We have hundreds of children’s books, so while we read every day, it isn’t too difficult to find some books that have sat unread for a period.
One of the books they pulled out was Jenni Overend’s Hello Baby.… Continue reading
Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Having a child with food allergies can be tough. At home, we’re used to it. We simply avoid all foods that trigger problems. When we’re at someone else’s house, or the rare time we eat at a restaurant, things become more complicated; our restrictions are tough to ask of someone else.
One of the most difficult things for my son as he’s grown older has been the issue of treats, especially when we’re at a gathering or party and every child but he is eating a treat of some kind.… Continue reading
Thought for the Day: Angelou
A thought as you go about your Tuesday:
“We spend precious hours fearing the inevitable. It would be wise to use that time adoring our families, cherishing our friends and living our lives.” ― Maya Angelou… Continue reading
The Beauty of Books
I love reading. I love learning about different things, whether about a period in history, how to craft something new, exploring a particular person’s expertise, or learning how to cook an interesting dish. But even more than that, I love delving into a piece of good fiction.
In this lifetime, I have chosen to live a particular life: one that intimately involves a specific set of people residing in this particular place who live in a certain manner.… Continue reading
Chai Spice Mix
I love drinking a cup of hot tea, especially when it’s cold and dreary outside. And when I feel like I need some extra warming, I add a teaspoon of this spice blend to my teapot as I steep my tea. If you brew your tea by the cup instead of by the pot, simply add a smaller amount according to your taste (perhaps ¼ teaspoon?).… Continue reading
Simplify Saturday: Remove the Superfluous
I’ve been thinking a lot about simplifying our lives. We live in a culture that exonerates busyness, that carries the message – both implicitly and explicitly – that the busier we are, the more worthwhile and important we are. Our culture also tells us that having lots of stuff, especially lots of expensive stuff, will make us happier.
I don’t believe either of those things.… Continue reading
Involuntary Neglect
Have you ever suddenly realized that you’ve been neglectful of something that you care about? This morning I looked at my plants and realized it has been over two weeks since I’ve watered them. Yikes! (There’s also evidence of toddler damage, but that’s a different matter.) Between the holidays and traveling, I simply forgot to do it. They didn’t call loudly enough to be heard over the hustle and bustle of everything else; they just slowly started to wilt and dry out.… Continue reading
Thought for the Day: Ross
I came across this quote this morning. I thought it was a lovely touchstone:
“It’s good to have an end in mind but in the end what counts is how you travel.” ― Orna Ross
Join me today in focusing on enjoying the journey.… Continue reading
Keeping Cold Germs at Bay
A few days ago a friend came over with her two children. One of them had a drippy nose.
While my boys are typically very healthy, I know there have been a couple of terrible cold and flu bugs circulating about town. My toddler’s teething is tough enough; I really didn’t want to face two sick children.
But instead of calling off our playdate, I added a drop of Thieves essential oil and a drop of Orange essential oil to my diffuser and turned it on (I get my essential oils HERE).… Continue reading