Moments of Peace

Appreciating simple moments from the weekend that feel safe and peaceful.

Close at Heart

When you're 8 years old, finishing up third grade and you have to spend the last few months in your house, learning from home, attend zoom meetings with your teacher and class, watching your parents work from home, watching your older brothers finish up their high school years, wondering what is going on in the world, it can be hard. My littlest has had ups and downs over the past few months. He doesn't love being in school, so part of this quarantine has been enjoyable for him. Besides doing math, he doesn't love doing school work. My older boys were always good students and enjoyed school. They both wish they were back at school now. My little one is a different story. VERY different kid! And I love him for that. But it's also a challenge to switch to online school and keep him engaged and get him through his reading and writing lessons. I love to read and I have to remind myself that not everyone is a book nerd like me. Then again, I loathe doing math and it's a huge challenge for me. So I try to be very patient with him and help him with his work. I wish I could make him love stories, but so far, no luck.

On Wednesday of this week, the school had a "Virtual Field Day". This also meant a break from school work ALL DAY! Yippee! His teacher reached out to the families and told us she would be visiting each and every student's home that day with a goodie bag and a wave from the porch. I have had three boys in this elementary school. My sisters and I also went to this school. We have had so many wonderful teachers throughout our years. I have had the pleasure to be class mom for many years and got to know teachers better. This year Chase got a teacher I didn't know. My older boys didn't have her. She was young and adorable. Seriously, look up third grade teacher in a dictionary and it would be her. I have been in her class for class parties and I was impressed with everything she did. The way she kept the kids engaged every moment. She encourages them, has fun, has complete control of the class, understands each student. She allows them freedom to move about the room to learn. (Great for my wiggle worm of a kid). Overall, one of the best of the best!

In her goodie bag for the kids, she gave them sunglasses, Hawaiian lei, bracelet, marigold seeds, a sweet note and a book that she wrote and illustrated! It was so sweet of her. Chase had an extra bounce in his step all week because of her visit. I don't think he realized how much he missed her and his classmates. It was nice to see him happy.

This time has been interesting. We have done well. I have enjoyed being home very much. I feel more connected to my kids. I wonder though, what will they look back on and remember about this time? Will Chase remember it all? I know my teenagers will never forget this time. But as an 8 year old, what will he remember? I hope he appreciates his time in school next year. The daily routine and interaction with kids and teachers can't be replaced by us! I applaud all home school families. I know public school is not for everyone. I know every child and parent are different. I do know that to be a home-school mom the also works from home is challenging. I wish I could have dedicated more time to help him but I have juggled as best I could these past three months. It's almost summer time and I think my little guy is ready to just play.

Here is a photo of the book written by his teacher, Jill Turner. It is available on Amazon. The link is here. It is so sweet! Here's the description from Amazon:

Did you know that sea otters hold hands while they sleep? Learn why in this fable that takes you through the journey of two adorable sea otters that drift away from each other one night. Follow the otter's mini adventure as he tries to find his way back home to be with his otter friend. There is also an appearance by a very kind pelican, but you will have to read the story to see just how special she is. These precious otters remind us of the importance of friendship and of remaining close to those we love. The sweet story and illustrations are enjoyed by babies and toddlers being read to, as well as older children doing the reading. Whether this story is presented as a read-aloud or as a bedtime story, it will captivate both the young and the young at heart.

I recommend it to everyone! I started a little girl shawl to sell in the coop. It's the Trellis Shawl.

Knitting for the Coop

I have been knitting as often as I can. Usually when I have my coffee and a few rows at lunchtime. The majority of my knitting occurs after dinner until bed. We sit down outside by the fire or in front of the tv an I knit until I go to bed. I have been knitting baby items to sell in our farm store. 

The bonus of knitting baby things are how quick and cute they are! 

Here are a few sweaters I just finished up.

I use the Flax sweater pattern when I want a top-down raglan sweater that I can make my own. I didn't do the garter stitch panel in the sleeves for the stripe version and teddy bear sweater. The Flax sweater is a great raglan and it comes in sizes for the whole family.

I knitted this little sweater in brown alpaca yarn and added the little face with a tapestry needle and dark brown yarn from the farm.

This is the Gidday Baby sweater. It still needs to be blocked and it gets two buttons.

I used alpaca/merino yarn for this one. It's tiny and adorable!

Time to cast on something new!

It's Baby Season

Baby number 2 joined the farm. Cutie pie, Don Wayne was born healthy and happy. His mom is Spacie. He fits right in and is cute as can be! He and Georgie are already ripping around the field having baby races. It's the best time of year on the farm! Love having these cute babies to watch.

Good Shoes Take You Good Places

My feet got a new gift today. My favorite pair of sandals have been worn and loved for the past few years. I still love them but the back strap had stretched out quite a bit. When my mom asked what I wanted for my birthday, I knew just the thing. New shoes arrived today and I realized how well loved and worn my old ones are! Good shoes take you good places. Looking forward to some good places.

Link to my favorite sandals.

Let Them Eat Pie

I wanted to make my grandmother's apple pie for Memorial Day. I thought it would be a nice way to honor my grandfather that served in World War II and was stationed on the Arizona. If you haven't heard about my apple pie recipe, it was the chef on the Arizona's recipe. It was a favorite of my grandfather's and he had the recipe sent home to my grandmother. Thankfully he was not on the ship the day it was bombed but in California in a training class. I thought I had more apples at home but I didn't! Only 2 little apples. Wouldn't be enough for pie! So I did a quick search on Pinterest and found this berry pie. I had a big bag of frozen berries in my freezer so a berry pie it would be! I used my grandmother's crust recipe and got fancy! I have never made a lattice pie crust before. It was much easier than I expected.

The pie was delicious. I served it with strawberry ice cream. You are supposed to let it cool for a few hours but we only waited an hour. It was warm and gooey and delicious.

Do you have a favorite pie recipe?

Georgie Washington

New baby alert!!!!! Meet cutie pie Georgie Washington. Isn't she adorable?

Winny had her cria (baby alpaca) last week. My oldest son has always wanted my mom to name a baby George Washington. In honor of his high school graduation, my mom decided that this one would be George. But it was a girl! So she's Georgie Washington. And cute as a button.

Her mom is Winny (Wenge) and her dad is Mr. Bates.

She's full of personality and doing great. Now we wait for the next two girls to have their babies.

Hopefully it's not during shearing day like last year!

Welcome to the farm Georgie :)