{this moment}

{this moment} - Joining Amanda in a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

I'm Back

With much anticipation, I picked up my repaired laptop. The damage was covered by our insurance, which lessened the financial blow significantly. It now has a new battery, display, logic board, connector and plug. It works so well!

While I was without "my machine," I did not post much. We have a desktop computer, but it didn't feel right. I am now catching up with our life documenting. When I started this blog 6 years ago, I wanted it to serve as my memory. I noticed I was forgetting much of the little moments. It is hard to believe I have written about our life for so long. Initially I restricted access to family, but opened it up when members of our extended family could not read it (password issues). Once I opened the blog I included more of what we do. I am so glad I do. This little place helps me remain centered. It reminds me of what is truly important in our lives. As someone who doesn't scrapbook, I appreciate this space. It is a journal and record. It is our life.

(Holiday ornaments and gift tags that we finally painted. They were very brittle and did not withstand handling well, so they were not used at the holidays. They are now all broken except for the one given to Pap).

Happy Pi Day

Today we celebrated Pi Day with our friends. For those not in the know, today's date corresponds to the first 3 digits in pi (March 14 = 3.14). We feasted on pizza pie, lemon pie and apple pie. We also had snacks to share in circular dishes.

For a little circle fun, I had each of the kiddos search for a stick. Our family did this a little over a year ago with another group of friends. The results were similar. Discovering how to make the final circle didn't take as long, since a few of the children caught on quickly or were told by those who had done it in the past. 

I shared a few books on circles and pi with everyone. Our family really enjoys the Sir Cumference series (for today we focused on Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi ) for its wit and creativity. Each story deals with mathematical principles and involves a quest. The characters enjoy names such as Sir Cumference, Radius and Lady Di of Ameter. Eamon has read them all several times, yet he picked one up again today to read. They really are enjoyable.

Books shared space with necklace and bracelet making. Each colored bead represented a number, With string in hand, several kiddos diligently strung beads corresponding to the digits in pi. They marveled at the random sequence. We talked briefly about non-repeating decimals and the unique characteristics of this "magic" number. (The colorful pi wheel shown here was crafted by one of our homeschooling friends. She created a visual for everyone that showed the equation circumference/diameter = pi).

Soon everyone scattered wearing their bead jewelry to enjoy the park, chalk and the beautiful weather. 

The Goat Farm

Our homeschooling group arranged a tour of a local goat farm. The farm is situated on several acres in Gilbert. We were shown chickens, pigs and of course goats.

Many of the breeds on the farm are heritage. The colors and markings on the animals were truly beautiful. This particular rooster received quite a bit of attention. Granted the pigs were a crowd pleaser too, but it was more for their bodily functions! 

Turkey feathers were gathered and proudly displayed as we walked throughout the property. The turkeys were not present when we toured. They had been sold the week prior. The kiddos noticed the difference between those feathers closer to the body and those on the outside.

Kids were plentiful in the goat area of the farm. Many were seen nursing with their mama goats. Several were brought closer to pet and examine. The farm owner and her daughter answered questions about the goat's eyes, lack of horns, udders and everything else you could imagine. The owner shared her history with us, and it was so very interesting. She had lived in the same house as a child. It had been sold and she bought it back from that owner nine years ago. With a profound love of goats, she has included them in her life since she was 14. She truly lives her passion.

After hanging out with the goats for some time, we settled in for some goat milk cheese and ice cream. With crackers and goat cheese in hand, everyone watched as the ingredients were mixed. Each child took a turn on the hand crank. They were amazed at how tough it was to crank and how long the process was. The result was delicious ice cream. Many wanted seconds! However all that was left was a bowl of eggs and an empty milk container.

In the Field

Our family took a little hike on the Merkel Trail at Usery Mountain on Friday. It was a scheduled Girl Scout activity, so we were joined by two other families. The kiddos sketched rocks and flowers. 

They used field guides to identify scat along the trail. Benton and his friend Henry discussed who should be the leader. 

One girl had a bird song player that she used with Eamon to identify bird calls. We stopped along the path for snacks and more discovery. I told them about the parasite growing in the Palo Verde which was shading our spot. The bush is spread by bird droppings, and it infests the growing tree. someone spotted a brilliant yellow spider. 

The weather was so beautiful and our company was delightful making this a great hike into the field.

Celebrations

The last week has been busy. The first four months of the year find our family celebrating a whole host of birthdays. March is especially full with Dave and me at the beginning and Benton at the end.

Dave started the celebrations. We were joined by his parents who were able to escape chillier climes for our beautiful weather. We had a home cooked meal and a delicious cake (from A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table by Molly Wizenberg). My parents also joined us and came bearing an ice cream cake as well. Both were delicious. Presents were then given and appreciated.

My birthday fell later in the week, and it was a big one (the big 4-0). First thing I was presented with gifts. Aine was so excited to have me open her special gift. She insisted Dave take her shopping the previous weekend. While out she bought me a new comb. It was a very heartfelt gift of which she was so proud. The three of them also gave me a book I have been eyeing, An Everlasting Meal: Cooking with Economy and Grace (you can tell I am on a food kick with all the cookbooks). The kiddos had a field trip scheduled that I didn't want them to miss in the morning. The whole family plus Dave's dad (his mom was not feeling well) ventured out to a goat farm. After the field trip, we headed home. Dave had planned an evening out for us. We had a delightful dinner at Centurion restaurant followed by the theater. We shared wine and good conversation. It was so nice to spend the evening with him and discuss our upcoming adventures.

After the real festivities, we had more cake to celebrate. My father in law has a birthday in March as well, and he really liked the cake. I think he pretended it was for me, but I think we all knew the truth! I blew out candles and was serenaded. Forty is turning out to be pretty good.

{this moment}

{this moment} - Joining Amanda in a Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Moving RIght Along

With all the craziness over the past week, I have not been knitting as much as I would like. I have been reading and listening to books though. My audiobook selection the past few weeks has been Bossypants by Tina Fey. I started it when I realized my other audiobook was missing  part 5 of 11. Oops. I wasn't sure I wanted to skip an hours worth of the story. (Since my laptop is being repaired, I cannot get that file). So, I started Fey's book. I like that she is a strong woman garnering tremendous success in her field. I am not all that impressed with her quick chapters on nursing and parenting. Her tone really left a sour note.

I also finished my traditional print book as well. I have heard many things about A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table by Molly Wizenberg. Molly is the blogger behind Orangette. I read her blog intermittently as I enjoy her style, but at times her food does not work for my family. I do love her Peppermint Bark though. When Rachel also suggested reading this cookbook, I checked it out from the library. I couldn't put it down. It isn't a traditional cookbook, but rather a collection of essays centered on food. I really liked it. I even cried a bit when she spoke of her father. It is really good. Of course, the recipes are quite yummy also. I made the French Toast and the chocolate cake. My pedestrian children prefer my toast, but everyone gobbled up the cake. I would suggest you pick this book even if you don't like to cook. It is really a nice collection of essays.

My knitting is moving slowly along. Last week I finished the Holden scarf, but I have not photographed it. The color and pattern worked well together. The picot edging felt a bit daunting as far as time, but within two hours, I had it completely bound off. This has left more time for sweater knitting. I have almost completed the body. I think I only have another inch before I need to focus on the sleeves. Those "should" go quickly, since they are reverse stockinette. Of course, you may recall that I have really long arms and no matter what size you are sleeves take time. This week I will be casting on another pair of socks, since I am challenging myself to use 12 skeins of sock yarn this year. I think I may finally knit those mystery socks from January this month.

Fellow Yarn-Alongers, how has your week been? What are you knitting and reading along with Ginny?