See you in September

We've spent the past few weeks wrapping up all of the year's activities:  dance recital, gymnastics program, last soccer game, fifth grade graduation, the last of the big state testing (Hooray!) and on Tuesday a piano recital.

I teach the kids piano, which for the most part works very well.  However, they miss the performance experience that usually comes with a piano teacher with many students.  So, we decided we would do our own recital (with dessert to follow) for grandparents.

It was a huge hit.  I told the kids they had to choose two pieces they'd perfected this year, but that they should plan the recital.

I thought there might be some resistance.  After all, it's hard to practice when it's so pretty outside.  But, they were so motivated to practice that at times I had trouble getting them to do anything else.  They created their own program and introduced each piece.  There was even a piece where the boy played blind.  I'm not sure how many pieces they eventually played, but a delightful evening was had by all.  The best part, they told us all this would be an annual event.

One more end of the year activity today - it's the last day of school.  I'll see you in September.  I'll be too busy being outside and being with my kids to blog.  Don't worry - I'll have many adventures to share when the weather is cooler and the days are shorter.  Have a great summer folks!  Enjoy your family and down time.

Spring Happenings....

I love winter, but now that spring is finally here I'm really enjoying the warm temps, longer days, greener food, and more time outside.  I'm back to walking in the predawn hours now and I love starting my mornings with the bird's dawn chorus.  I think frequently about blog posts, but then somehow, by the time the evening rolls around the pictures stay in my camera, and the thoughts stay in my head.  So, here's a smattering of what's been going on in our world lately.

Egg Noodles - Why have I never made these before?  I'm never turning back.  They were delicious, simple (eggs, flour and salt) and a perfect use of the over abundance of eggs in the spring.  

Oatmeal Rolls and Chicken Noodle Soup with Watercress

 Kids - both the goat and the people kind.  We got to spend the afternoon with some friend's goats.  Both the girl and I were smitten.  The mower broke a week later.  My solution?  Get goats -  somehow The Woodsman was not as enthusiastic.  Huh - I'm pretty sure goats would be cheaper, and will that mower give me milk.  I think not.  One day my friends... one day...

It's just like Heidi.  Where are Grandfather and Clara?

The Zoo!  A wonderful, if a bit wet, day at the National Zoo with good friends.

See the black and white fuzz ball in the tree?  That's BaoBao - the baby panda.  

You know - it's really hard to get five kids to take a picture.  

Unless you're sneaky and you take one while they're watching the tiger cubs play.

Or while they're deciding if the lemur is male or female...

Or if they crawl on a statue and pose themselves....  If only all the eyes were open.

Concerts, Recitals and Programs:  Last week Spring Chorus concert, this week Spring Dance Recital, Next week Gymnastic Parent program... then done until September.  My how she's grown.

Outdoor Adventures:  Is this the world's longest dandelion?  Inquiring minds want to send it in to the Guinness Book of World Records.  I'll keep you posted.

 Spring Eating:  The big freezer is empty, and only a few freezer meals and a handful of base ingredients remain, so I mostly get to cook with fresh ingredients:  greens, asparagus, eggs and goat cheese are frequent guests at the table.

Clockwise from bottom left - Green Haven Chevre, Asparagus picked a few minutes before in between thundershowers, roasted red peppers from the freezer, pesto cubes from the freezer, last Spring's garlic.

Trip two  - in between storms.  Radish thinnings, green onions, more asparagus, and eggs.  One of the hens has gone broody.  I hate to tell her that we have no rooster.  It kind of makes me wish we did.  She's going to all of this effort, and she won't get anything for her hard work and sacrifice.  Poor bird.

Reading on the Roof

This was my favorite spot to read as a child.  I spent hours up here.  There's a great view of the fields, but mostly when you're on the roof  there is a great sense of solitude. 

We're a family of Readers.  When the kids were younger we needed to make sure to pack blankets, now the last minute, cannot be forgotten grab in the morning when leaving for a trip is their books. Last Sunday, before leaving the farm, the kids begged for some time outside.  We weren't in any hurry and the weather was gorgeous, so I settled in with another cup of coffee.  When I wandered out to see what they were doing I found them on top of the coal shed roof, happily ensconced with their books, water and a snack enjoying the spring sun.

Last week they discovered that if they wore their headlamps in the car they could even read while driving home in the dark from karate.  The Woodsman actually complained because there was such a lack of conversation on the way home.

Some parents have to argue with their kids to shut off their video games and go to sleep; we have to threaten to take their books, and the cry of
 "Can't I just finish this page?"  and "Please can I get to the end of the chapter?" are frequently heard.

Their MP3s contain songs to be sure, but they are primarily a vehicle for audio books, and it's rare that we take a long trip without a book on CD for a shared literature experience. 

Yep, they're addicts - and I couldn't be more proud.

Today's selection:  Animorphs and Swindle

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.