Closing Time

Last weekend we headed to the farm to take down the buckets and pull the spiles.  The kids drank their fill of warm sugar water, and we all enjoyed the day together.  The kids have gotten to be so responsible.  Sometimes I miss having babies, but on days like this one I relish having mature, dependable kids who enjoy working.  I grew up in a family where we certainly spent time playing together, but we also spent a lot of time bonding together while working.  Family time doesn't always have to be glitz and glam and expensive outings - sometimes it can involve a bit of mud and muscle.





What Makes March Interesting...

Two days ago, in PA

The kids spent the day with their Pap collecting sugar water, having mud fights and drinking lots of sweet halfway done syrup.  It was warm, sunny, lovely and very, very muddy.  

Auntie H came up to check out the progress in the Sugar House.

Today in VA

Ten inches in some places, grey skies, below freezing - not a sign of spring in sight.

 



 Except this - a wasp in the kitchen. 

Good thing Nature practices fecundity.  It's a rough world out there.

An excerpt from "March" by John Updike

 

Some days are fair

and some are raw

The timid earth decides to thaw

 

The mud smells happy

on our shoes

We still wear mittens

which we lose.

In Like a Dragon....

The boy and I have been having a great time making his cakes the past few years.  This year was no exception.  The cake wasn't perfect - but he loved it.  There's nothing better than seeing your kids overflow with excitement.  If you want some simple kid's cake ideas Family Fun has some wonderful ones.  All of the cakes we've made have involved simple steps and easy to locate decorating items.  Maybe best of all - they allow the kids to be very involved in creating their own cakes.  This one was perfect for a mother/son baking adventure.

Frenzied February

We've been a bit busy around here lately...

 

Our oldest participated in her first District Choir performance...

 

Had a birthday party with family (and a Monkey Cake made by Auntie H)...



Was in her first musical....

 Had a birthday party with friends (monkey cupcakes were a hit)...

 And went to her first overnight Synod retreat (loved it!)

While she was gone this weekend I slipped up to the farm with my boy and his buddy for some tree tappin' and sugar water sippin'.  If it ever thaws out up there we'll start boiling.

Spring's coming, but for now we'll enjoy holding on to the last of winter.