a place to play and learn

We are slowly getting things exactly how we want them around here. This is they kids' playroom. There is still alot I want to do in here, but I like the way it feels so far. It is a good space to play and for us to do projects and whatnot in. The best part? For 3 days E has kept it clean! With very little prompting from me. Amazing.

Today there was a deer taking a rest right outside the door. We got to watch her and talk about her for awhile and she didn't seem to mind us spying on her one bit.

I guess we are

Homeschooling that is. I was at the library picking up a HUGE stack of books, among them some homeschool books and a bunch of books for E. The library dude asked me if I was a teacher. I said no, then he says, "Oh, you are homeschooling! That's really great!" I was all, "um, yeah... we are." Kind of shy and bashful. You see, I am a planner, big time. I want to make sure I have everything all layed out and I have done all my research and whatnot. I want to make sure I am going to win, to really succeed, before I "admit" what I am doing and planning. I don't want anyone thinking I am full of it or don't know what the heck I am doing.

So, I keep saying we are GOING to homeschool, or we WILL be homeschooling. I never say we ARE. But really, we are. I just DON'T KNOW WHAT I AM DOING!! I admit it fully. I have no real plan, no clear path. I am just doing what feels right, which changes every week. And I am really not sure of myself or if what I am planning out is the right thing. But, I do know this. Our little guy is learning all kinds of stuff and becoming such a big boy! He is so smart and funny and HE is not afraid to totally go for it without a plan. So, I guess it's official! We are a homeschooling family!

And those books I picked up? They were all about frogs, E's new love. Here is the newest addition to our (homeschooling) family: CRITTER!

Chubbas is totally into him, makes sure we feed him everyday and loves to watch him swim around in the water. And he named him all by himself, makes a mama proud!

lions and tigers and...

OH MY!!!!!

The bears have come out of hibernation and are hungry!! We had a visit from these 3 little cubs who tore up the trash and hung out in the yard and walked up and down the road for about an hour. It was like being at the zoo, they were so close!! E was very very excited and my heart was racing! I have never seen bears in the wild before. I can't believe they were right out our window. I am sure their mama was close by, but we didn't get to see her. Totally cool and they were kind of cute...

But now me thinks it's not such a good idea to let Chubbas play around in the yard by himself anymore...

52 weeks :: 10

cows make milk

I have been doing alot of reading lately about food, one of my favorite subjects. I recently finished this book by Sally Fallon. It really resonated true for me. Lots of insight about eating food unmessed with, the way it is found in nature. Don and I have been talking about this and trying to eat more food that is organic and not tampered with in any way.

One thing that has been brought to my attention is the need to drink raw milk, not pasteurized or homogenized. So I did a little looking around and found a great place where we can get raw milk straight from the farm.

We decided to go for a visit and "meet the cows." I also thought this would be a great little trip for E.

He konked out in the car on the way down, so ended up being a little grouchy.

But he keeps talking about how "our" cows eat grass!

By the way, the milk is super yummy. For more info about raw milk, here is a great link.

big people food

Her first little bites of baby rice cereal.

She wasn't too sure about it. Can't say I blame her, that stuff is seriously gross! I think we will be moving on to something a little more tasty...

Oh how I wish...

I had a pack of housecleaning elves that loved to keep everything in my house tidy! Anyone know where I can find me a few little guys that would be willing to come live with us? I promise we will feed them well and be really nice to them!

Seriously, I am trying my darnedest to get all the last little bits unpacked. We are ALMOST there, but not quite. Soon, I hope, everything will have it's place and it will feel cozy and clean in here. Until then, here are some cute pics from the past week...







These last two were taken by Don. He likes to call he and I the greaser and the bobby sockser. He has a serious 50's obsession and has this picture in his mind how we would have been back in the day. Well, he decided to dress our little Chubbas n Boop up like the mini greaser and mini bobby sockser. Our own little mini-me's!