Higher Ideals

Every year that we live on the homestead, we learn new things. For example, this year we learned the cutest way to collect fresh blackberries is in a leaf basket.

“Spring and morning were laughing to each other today and I went out to them and made a third.” – L. M. Montgomery, Emily’s Quest

I don't dislike technology. We have family movie nights. My kids exchange pics and videos with extended family. They make up stories and tell them through short films. We look up local plant and wildlife online. We use the internet to bring classical and folk music into our home. We allow technology to enrich our lives. What I strive for with my kids is to teach them to use technology for connection, creative expression, and learning, not a babysitter or distraction from real life.

One of the most heartbreaking aspect of screens is the opportunity cost... all those moments of a happy, healthy childhood stolen.

Lazy days at a river followed by savory evenings with a bonfire

My daughter asked me how she could make music on her own when the only instrument she has access to is a piano (and she's a beginner at that). I told her she just needs to slam a car door, ring a bell and run a blender. Then I played for her this demo that Hiraeth recently released, showing just how creative one can get. I've really been enjoying all the songs and fragments Hiraeth's been putting out. I wish her all the best in her next chapter of life.

One of the things I've particularly appreciated about this book is that it doesn't call for me to spend time and energy creating artificial sensory experiences (any other parents out there dislike 'sensory bins'?). Real life is rich enough in experiences to give our children what they need developmentally, and don't let Pinterest convince you otherwise.

"In order to integrate the senses, it's important to expose children to a variety of sensory experiences on a regular basis. This involves lots of movement (for example, jumping, spinning, crawling, hopping, dancing), sensory-rich play experiences (for example, making castles at the beach, splashing in puddles, playing in mud), trying new things and foods (for example, making popcorn over the fire instead of just marshmallows), and even simply listening to the birds chirping. The more exposure your child has to sensory experiences throughout the day, the more integrated and organized the brain, senses, and body become." – Angela Hanscom, Balanced and Barefoot

Barn Kitties 😻

We found the coolest swings so nobody got stuck being the pusher. And we knew the perfect poem for the occasion.

Our zucchini have started ripening, so I made this year's first batch of pumpkin zucchini bread – yum! 😋 If you, like me, had to learn your way around a kitchen (and garden) as an adult, take heart. When we first moved to our homestead, I was so excited about the idea of baking fresh from my garden. Unfortunately for my poor family, I was so ignorant in the garden I brought in a cucumber rather than a zucchini for pumpkin zucchini bread. Some of my family tried to protect my feelings, but for the record, pumpkin cucumber bread is gross. 🤢 I've gotten better in the kitchen (and the garden!) but I am constantly improving. Mistakes are an opportunity to learn... and they've made my family that much more appreciative when I get things right.

And it feels so deliciously decadent to visit Arrakis during a downpour...

When it rains, I love to sit on the back porch and read... lost among pitter-patter and pages.

✨ Enjoy some whimsy ✨

I was having a stressful day and decided to step away onto the back porch. This sunset was such a breath-taking, unexpected gift. That's something I love about life in the country – so many simple pleasures.

"How I love to read. The whole world gets bigger." – Louise Fitzhugh, Harriet the Spy

Just want to let everyone know that James and I will both be hopping on Lord Wolfshield's movie review show tonight, about The Hunt for Red October, as chosen by Coach Finstock. We can't wait to chat Russkies and politicians (defined as people who, when not kissing babies, are stealing their lollipops).

We came home from a trip to gorgeous, brightly colored peaches! We put in fruit trees over three years ago; in previous seasons we picked off the blossoms to allow the trees to really root in before devoting energy to feeding us. These long anticipated peaches are so juicy, sweet, and worth the wait.

The most precious gift you can give them is your attention

Just when I thought you couldn't get better than a fairy tale, graceful ballet moves, and Tchaikovsky's music... We attended a ballet and our seats overlooked the orchestra pit. Seeing the musicians definitely added to the experience (besides showing me some deficiencies in my kids' education: "Mom, look at that violin! It's so big it has to sit on the floor!").