February Fun

February has been a busy month so far.  Usually we get several snow days so the busy times are balanced with days at home, but we've only been out one day. Despite the lack of time at home it's been a great month.

I have three more weekends out at ski school.  I'm at the point in the season where I both want the season to be over so I have my Saturdays back, and where I am very sad to  that soon the snow will be gone and the skis will be on the rack until next season.  Saturdays usually mean that something is cooking in the crock pot.  It's such a wonderful feeling to walk in the door and know that dinner is done especially when you're cold and starving and it's after 7.  Last weekend I only wound up working until the mid-morning because the day was slow (it was super cold), and I enjoyed knowing that dinner was taken care of while I was busy with school and house work.  I really need to use my crock pot more on days when I'm home.

Gram's Ham Barley Soup is super easy, tasty and makes a ton.

We got a light snow on a Saturday so friends (and the dog) came sledding on the hill.  The first, and maybe the last, hill sledding this year.  What a short, and non-snowy winter.  I hope we get one more good storm before spring is here.

It was hard to get a good picture of the kids, but even harder to get a good pic of the dog. 

 Emma turned 13 - a teenager!  She had a great party with friends.  I enjoyed overhearing snippets of their conversation.  There was some teen girl talk, but mostly they just continue to be silly together.  I hope some of that innocence lasts.  The theme of this year's party was red.  So there was red velvet cupcakes, a fancy red table setting, strawberry soda in fancy glasses, and this great craft.  We bought several different lip stick colors, and small magnetic frames.  The girls then kissed the paper to make designs and added their names.  It was a perfect craft for their age.

Happy 13th birthday Emma girl.  Love you!

STEM project

Grunt work - there was a lot of it to be done in the garden before it could be put to bed for the winter.  I wanted the kids to do the work, but I dreaded the complaining (on their part) and the nagging (on my part).  I also figured that the job wouldn't be done well, and would necessitate more whining and grouching.  

So, I took a play from my teacher book and created a garden clean up rubric.  If they got 100% I'd take them to the fancy movie theater (Alamo) with a friend, and let them get endless popcorn and soda.  They could redo the job as many times as needed.  

The kids were instantly drawn in by the reward, and got right to work.  One of the requirements was that they share the workload and that they not fight while working.  They did an excellent job of being a team, and over the next several weeks finished the huge task.

We all won.  They got their reward.  I got a clean garden.  We got to spend the day together - couldn't be better.

Craters of the Moon

This time of year I want to pack up and head out.  The destination isn't really all that important - I just get the drive to drive.  I find myself feeling very jealous when I see RVs heading down the highway.  They're off to new and interesting adventures, and I'm on the meal making, lesson teaching, kid activity running cycle.

When I walked past the camper this evening, and gave a small sigh,  I realized that although we're not going anywhere this summer, I still haven't shared all of last summer's adventures.  Maybe this summer I'll travel back through my memory.

When we left Golden Spike we headed to Craters of the Moon National Monument.  We thought this would be an interesting stop over on our way to the West coast.  But, it turned out to be one of those places we wished we had more time to explore.

Craters of the Moon had a wonderful visitor's center where the kids really got a first hand look at how volcanic activity happens.  Then, we headed out on a driving tour with short hikes where we learned about the formation of different kinds of lava (ah-ah, pahoehoe, lava bombs) and different kinds of volcanoes (cinder cones, shield volcanoes, etc.).  We also learned that there were lava tubes we could explore.  We made plans to return in the morning when we were better prepared with headlamps and flashlights.  We also made plans to join a ranger hike where we could learn even more about this unique place.

We fully enjoyed our visit to Craters of the Moon.  The campground was tidy, and had great natural places in the lava formations for the kids to hide and play.  The staff was outstanding and friendly; we learned so much in our short visit.  We were very sorry to leave, and stayed much longer than anticipated.  We'll be headed back there the next time we venture west.

Trying to look like they're about to get blown off the cinder cone.

Lava tube entrance

Hiking up the cinder cone

Pahoehoe (rope like) lava

Ah-Ah lava (sharp and brittle)

In the lava tube

See the lava drips?  Lava tubes are formed when some of the lava cools and the rest runs through it like a river. 

In Which We Venture North....

Last week, after several very busy weeks of preparing for, and doing our school production of Alice In Wonderland, the kids and I took off and headed North for a week of time with family and friends.

The Girl as "Lily", a sassy flower that makes fun of small Alice, sitting on the magic mushroom painted by Farmer Dan.

If you've spent any time reading about our lives, you'll know that the three of us are winter lovers to the core.  We spent two glorious days skiing at Killington.  I loved the long runs, and the kids loved the gondolas and the terrain parks.  We also really enjoyed spending time with family - both on and off the slopes.

The view from halfway up.

My sister, AKA ski buddy
First time ever I was ahead of her the whole time - another great reason to be a ski instructor next year.

Adventure Bob and The Girl at the top of the mountain

First run- headed down Great Northern

In the K-1 Gondola

Killington offers complimentary ski tours of the mountain.  They call it "The Beast" it's so huge.
We took an awesome 3 hour tour with Glenn on our first morning.  

 Then, on the way home we spent a few days in Manhatten.  We celebrated birthdays at The Jekyll and Hyde Club (wish I'd been faster with my camera so I could have gotten a shot of the sparklers in their birthday Sundaes), spent all day at the American Museum of Natural History, enjoyed great New York pizza and bagels, and soaked up time with our favorite New Yorkers.

Dr. Brain really wanted The Boy's hair to use for his mop.  Such a fantastic actor, so much to see and do.

Minerva, the maid, gives The Girl some French lessons (about eating dogs, but not cats).

Side Note:  If you take kids to NYC be sure to include The Jekyll and Hyde Club and the American Natural Museum of Natural History on your itinerary.  The former is a dinner theater restaurant with a decour filled with curious and interactive curiousities, and characters like Dr. Brain (who performs "surgery" to create a Frankenstein like monster).  Another bonus, for New York, the prices are very reasonable - about $15 for kid entree and drink, and $20 for adults.  The later is the biggest Natural History Museum we've even visited.  We've spent two full days there, and still haven't seen everything.  While there is a suggested admission price, you are free to pay what you will - another bonus for families on a budget.  

Underneath the Blue Whale in the Ocean Room - my favorite place in the museum.

Climbing rocks in Central Park (because that's what my kids do no matter where they visit).

On the Alice statue in Central Park

With the Balto statue in Central Park - We've been reading about the Iditarod.

 I returned refreshed, and ready to take on the busy spring.  In the world of Education - once you get to April, the school year moves at light speed toward the approaching state tests.  Soccer will start soon, and the garden is a disaster of weeds begging to be saved from last year's summer neglect.

Winter, despite today's spring snow and one final ski day planned on Sunday, is on it's way out.  But for now, I'll enjoy the year's last snow day, revel in the sound of the wood popping in the stove, and savor the last of the relaxation.

The Crocus will win this match.

Snow Days and Birthdays

I am unappologetic about loving winter.  I love the peace and serenity.  I love the time we get to spend together as a family.  I love the beauty.  I love the warm cozy clothes, heavy covers and the crackling fire.  I love the comforting soups, stews and casseroles that fill both body and soul.  I love it all, and I'm always a little sad when winter is over.

When winter started I was aprehensive about working a part-time job as a ski instructor, but have come to love spending my time there.  Yes, it's made life a little bit crazier at home.  But, mostly it's given me a chance to spend some time doing something I love while getting paid to do so.  With only one more weekend to go, I can say that I'll be back next season without a doubt.

We started the weekend by having a great group of girls spend the night to celebrate our oldest's birthday.  I love all of these girls like they're my own.  They spent a large portion of their evening paiting nails and singing Taylor Swift songs together.  It seems like just yesterday they were playing games of pretend.  There's still a lot of goofy in them though... I hope they hang on to that as they grow up.

Added bonus to them getting older - they make the birthday cake themselves!

We've been blessed with several late winter snow storms, and the last one hit right before the boy's early birthday party.  It wound up being a warm, sunny day perfect for playing outside for several hours.  Then the boys were happy to move inside for cake and games (Minecraft themed and mostly kid created).

A Mooshroom, Pigs, Chickens, Sheep (in several colors) and a Cow created from homemade fondant.  Easier than expected.

Pin the tail on the pig

I tried - it's impossible to get a good picture of ten year old boys.

The Woodsman is not quite as enamored about winter as I am - loading the woodbox and keeping the fire going leaves less time for play.  But me, I'm still hoping for one more good storm.  

"Enduring winter is only a start—embracing winter is what you should strive for."  Garrison Keillor

Read more: http://www.rd.com/culture/garrison-keillor-winter/#ixzz3SWxr2vHe

The Last Christmas Present

My parents were down for a visit this weekend.... and Pap Pap had one last Christmas present for the kids.

Do you see that they have on NO SHOES!!!  Who are these children?  Well, anyway, the smiles are warm.

Another Reason I'm Glad My Kids are Readers

It's a rainy Sunday afternoon.  We didn't do much for Christmas so most of the clutter is cleaned up, and the few new gifts from Grandma are stashed away.  My mom did my laundry when she was here.  We're headed to a friend's house for dinner and I only need to bring cookies which I pulled from the freezer.  Then ski resort didn't need me to teach.  Both kids are inside, and yet, it's quiet.  Why?

Because they're readers.  Both kids got stacks of books under the tree, and the girl loaded herself up with borrowed books from my classroom library.  So what are they doing instead of whining or fussing or fighting or being wild on this rainy day?  They're reading.

Bliss, Comfort and Joy!

When The Woodsman comes in, I'll ask him to stoke up the fire and then the world will be perfect.

Silent Night Indeed!

I had to duck under the roof of the pillow house blanket and he was quickly covering a magic trick instruction page.  

Full Disclosure:  Right after lunch I kicked them outside for an hour because I could... not... stand... their noise.  At least for this moment it's peaceful.

Always Over Extending Myself

Sometimes old friends really do know you the best.  They're so good at picking out the patterns of your life.

Recently, I was discussing a new part time job (working a few hours on Saturday and Sunday as a ski instructor for teeny weeny ones) with a friend who has known me almost as long as I've known myself.  I told him about the plan for the new job and then pondered, "I hope I'm not overextending myself."

His response....  "Sweetheart, you're always overextending yourself."

And isn't that the truth.  I think I've always been like this.  I don't remember ever, ever being a person without several projects or plans on my plate.  I don't do well with idleness or being unproductive.  It's not that I don't like to relax - I do.  I just think it's more like that old joke...

How do Germans relax?  They work.

The thing is, as long as I have a plan, and I have time to prepare, the stress of having a full calendar and a to do list usually keeps me moving forward and engaged.  I don't like being so busy that I don't sleep, and I don't like having so much happening that it impacts on time I get to spend with my kids, but usually, being busy really fits me.

So, am I overextending myself?  Check back next week after I don't have the weekend to regroup from this even more than normally busy week and I'll let you know.  In the meantime, here's some of what's been keeping me flying.

Had a great Thanksgiving visit with my family including:  cookie baking and house decorating with my Grandma, Black Friday Shopping with my sister, kids and mom, a wonderful Thanksgiving feast with everyone at the farm, a date night with the Woodsman (lunch - Italian and a movie - Hunger Games), and buying a car (Forrester - replacing the Outback that died the week before).

Before Thanksgiving we all ran in the local Turkey Trot.  The Girl ran the 10K with her Daddy and came in second.  The boy and I completed a 5K (I wasn't even last like last year).  I also cooked a couple of incredible dishes using fall ingredients.  It's been lovely having the CSA, but the kids are already sick of winter squash.

Smoky Black Bean and Butternut Ragout

Arugula Salad with pickled beets, clementines and Asian Dressing.

Butternut Squash Shepherd's Pie Recipe

Prepare 3 c. of mashed winter squash.  Season with salt, pepper, butter and fresh parmesan cheese.  Set aside.

Saute 2 lbs. of sausage or ground beef or vegi burger or a combination.

Add 2 cans/jars of tomatoes, garlic, oregano and 1 t. soy sauce.  Simmer until the mixture reduces by about half.

Stir in green beans or peas, then place in individual ramekins or a 9x13 pan.  Top with squash mixture.  Top squash mixture with good sharp cheddar cheese.  Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

Finally, our favorite activities, and the ones that keep us the busiest have been the ones involving the kids.  In the past few weeks we've had a dance recital, Lego Club, Code Club (including a presentation to the School Board members), Orchestra concert, musical practice, confirmation class, acolyting, usher, special music at church, Sunday School, Youth Group, and a boy's trip to the Redskins game.  Of course, there's also the regular, normal, everyday activities of running a household and working full time.   Busy?  Yes.  Blessed?  You bet.