Our Girls

Last fall, I decided we needed to buy a few more hens. Rose, Chick, Penguain, Turtley and Dot were not keeping up with our egg needs. We stopped into the feed store, but there was a limited number and breed of chicks. I really like having a variety. The differing personalities and colors are fun for the kiddos to explore. Plus multi-colored eggs are great. We left empty-handed. I decided to try again one evening in November on the way home from Eamon's Code Club. The kiddos had no idea we would be coming home with more chicks, and neither did I.

The selection was still a bit limited, but we were able to get five new chicks. Aine picked an Ameraucana and a Rhode Island Red (Brownie and Arizona). Benton wanted a Leghorn(Destiny). Eamon selected another Ameraucana and Leghorn (Brazil and Beauty). Once we arrived home, the kiddos and I set them up in their new home. They spent their first few weeks in a warmer in the garage. A cozy heat lamp kept them warm as they grew quickly. When they outgrew their temporary home, we worked on integrating them into the main flock. First Dave fenced off a portion of the run for the chicks. They could forage and stretch their legs in close proximity to the mature hens, but they were still protected. Eventually I moved the heat lamp into the henhouse and added the young pullets at night. The older hens were not too happy in the morning. We worked on keeping them close but separate for a few days. Now they are sharing the coop and run somewhat amicably. There are a few incidents of bullying, but the young pullets seem to be fairing well. The laying hens are adjusting too. Since the arrival of the pullets, the established hens have taken to laying in the yard rather than the nesting boxes. 

With the shorter daylight hours of late fall and winter, our hens had decreased their egg production. We are averaging three eggs a day right now. Now I no longer only look in the nesting boxes for eggs. I found an egg amid the broccoli and Chinese cabbage as well as a full nest under the basil. The most shocking was discovering an egg behind the washer and dryer, which sit on our back porch! The layers are definitely keeping us on our toes. Dave and I will be building a new coop for the ten hens this weekend. They need a bit more roosting space. We will also be spending some time securing their enclosure. Right now they are exploring the yard a bit too often. My garden is suffering!

Tiny Stitches

The mornings have been gorgeous and cool. After my walk in the brisk morning air, I have been picking up my needles to either knit or embroider for a bit. Recently I pulled out the Winterwoods sampler I bought last year from Alicia. I hesitated when she first released the pattern. I live in the southwest, and our winter is so very different from most of the United States. After our time in Virginia I changed my mind, I still love the feel of fall and the memories of my childhood spent in colder climates. With cooler weather here, it seemed the perfect time to begin the cross-stitch sampler.

Clad in jeans, a long sleeved shirt and flip flops, I took up residence on the front porch this weekend. The kiddos rode bikes and played in the driveway. Intermittently they would come over to check out my progress. Aine commented on how much she liked my shirt, a rare comment from the eight year old fashionista, who thinks her mom is rather pedestrian in her dress. Then she counted the figures on the sampler to help me figure out how much to finish each day. Eamon recounted to make sure she was correct, and because we forgot how many she had. We made a plan. So far I have two rows complete and the beginnings of a third. This meditative stitching is really perfect for me right now. My current knitting pattern requires too much concentration. The kiddos continue to race around our park and climb trees, while I marvel at the beauty of our world. With weather like this, I am sure the sampler should be done this week. It is too hard not to spend this time on the porch. 

Broken

This summer has been tough on me. I am not sure if it is due to our travels, missing most of last summer and this spring, but I am spent. Like many other Arizonans, I am done with summer. The problem is that summer in Arizona is not over. Summer time temperatures are the norm here until the end of October. Lately, though, I have started to notice a subtle shift. We had some rain last week and opened the windows. This week the overnight lows are forecasted in the 70s. It appears that the temperatures may have broken. I am celebrating highs around 105 and dancing when we dip into the nineties! Overnight we fling open the windows to enjoy the cool fresh air. We have resumed walking after dinner with the kids. Dave and I sit in chairs outside while the kiddos eagerly play tag in the park well into dark. For us, fall is here.

With the break in temperatures, our rhythm is changing. We have resumed our weekly park days. The kiddos are unaware that the weather is still very hot (107 last week). They play in the splash pads and run around with friends. Our schedule is filling with classes, park days, field trips and new adventures. Dinnertime is becoming a bit more robust. The grill is being used a bit less and more soups and crockpot meals are gracing the table. All five of us are working together outside in the yard, dreaming of just what the empty backyard will hold. This time of year brings a gentle shift for us here in the desert. If you are busy, you may miss that change of light in the morning and the bit of crisp to the otherwise warm air. Fortunately for me, my children make sure I slow down to notice.

Time Together

 

 

 

 

The weekend was full of more organizing and straightening but also plenty of fun.
*Eamon and Aine had their first swimming meet. They each received ribbons and enjoyed the whole process. It was a bit warm for the observers, but we stayed cool with watermelon and of course,  legos packed in swimming trunks (who doesn't pack this way?)
*The whole family headed out for a concert at the library on Saturday. We turned out to listen to the rocking sounds of Harry and the Potters. It was a lot of fun to join our friends for the event and meet beforehand for more watermelon and roasted corn. The kiddos took photos dressed in Potter garb, picked buttons from a sorting hat, and listened to Potter inspired tunes. It was a bit loud for the adults as one speaker was acting up, but the band put on a great show full of zany showmanship! Later the adults enjoyed reading up on the performers and their pursuit of a dream.
*I met a few of my long time mama friends for dinner. It was so good to see them. We talk online, but in person is always a bit better. These women helped me through those early years of mamahood. Good food and even better conversation made for a great night.
*Another Craigslist find was tracked down to complete the seating arrangement in the main living space. We like it thus far and are plotting a family art piece for the wall. I will keep everyone posted on how that turns out.
*Legos, legos and more legos were sorted to transform the main bin into a colorful array. Eamon and I decided we needed a new storage solution and think we may have found it. With the help of Trofast frames and bins from IKEA, we now have the legos available for play and a bit more organized. This process led to so many LEGO creations around the house. New spaceships, Hero Factory folks, and playscapes were made. Each of the kiddos spent hours building, which makes me glad I spent hours sorting!
*Lots of drawing comprised the days too. Aine loves to create art and has been working on a few new pieces. She is working to perfect her portraits. Many books clutter the table as all three sketch, color and create.
*From the comfort of our new home, we viewed the supermoon and fireworks at the nearby ball field. Each of us marveled at the size of the moon and the wispy clouds that covered it. We talked about how close the moon was and that it is called a perigee full moon.
*The lawn was mowed, edged and the water timer was adjusted. It turns out that part of our plants are dying, because the landscaping company that maintained the yard previously didn't program the timer correctly. That has been fixed, so hopefully the plants thrive now.
*Dave and I moved things around in the garage and talked about our plans for that space and the adjacent lab space. Much more needs to be done, but it was a start.
*The last of the boxes were emptied and piles were made for Goodwill, Craigslist and friends. We are hoping this week finds the house finally all in order. Phew - what a process.

Evening Promenade

For the last week, our family has resumed out nightly walks. After dinner, we put on our shoes and head out. It has been bliss. Some nights we are all in tune ready to explore. Others are full of complaints about scorpions, rattlesnakes and a desire to go home. Fortunately those worries are waning, and our walks are mostly full of wonder.

Last night we walked under a sliver of moon. Dave and Aine thought it looked like the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland. I thought it looked like a leftover rind of watermelon, which we have been enjoying a lot lately. We walked and talked about bats, cicadas, our new home, and the warming temperatures of summer. These evening promenades of ours are a fantastic time to refocus and connect with each other. I noticed the five of us holding hands the other night as we walked. My heart sung.

Retired

This little bike has served my family well. Eamon was the first to ride it. With confidence he would pedal along the street. We finally convinced him to take off the training wheels, and with trepidation he rode while Dave and I ran along behind him. He would check his shoulder to make sure we were there; when we weren't, he kept riding.

Aine didn't need the training wheels for long. She was so young when she set off on the path near our home, flying down hills and racing along the straight aways. Not wanting to be left behind by a brother on two wheels, she quickly adopted her own.

Benton just finished his tenure on the little blue bike. He hung onto those training wheels. He asked for them to be removed once and quickly changed his mind when the idea of balancing a bike seemed too much. When we returned from Virginia last fall, I convinced him to try again. With reluctance he agreed. While I was putting the wrenches away, he climbed onto the bike and rode away. I don't think he ever looked back.

This week we pulled out Eamon's recently outgrown bike. Benton has had his eye on it for quite some time. After putting some air in the tires and adjusting the seat, he climbed right on and all three kiddos were off. The need for the little bike is gone in our family. All five of us can ride together. I even took the child seat off of my bike. Big changes are afoot, and so much excitement. If you need us, you can probably find us on the bike path.

Good Things

Photo taken during dropoff for Ancestral Knowledge class in Virginia

In the middle of the night last night, I felt a hand rubbing my back. I popped my head up and looked first in Dave's direction. Since he was fast asleep, I glanced the other way. Eamon was standing by the bed. He wanted me to lay down with him; he had a bad dream. I walked with him to his bedroom, climbed into his twin bed and held him. Almost immediately he asked to name "Good Things." It was a routine I started when he was very young. When he would awaken in the middle of the night, I would try to refocus his mind. Instead of fretting about the dream, I would have him list five good things. We would go back and forth naming items until the good thoughts replaced the bad.

I really like our "Good Thoughts" tradition. Not only does it calm my kiddos' upset minds, but it gives me another glimpse into their thoughts. I am always struck by what each of them picks for their list. Eamon is my most frequent dreamer of unsettling things, so he has the most experience with our "Good Things" practice. His list last night included family, friends, books, rocks, and the outdoors. Occasionally it includes Minecraft, but I like that it always includes his parents and his siblings - often by name.

Full

Phew! It has been an amazingly full two weeks, since we arrived back home in Arizona. After three long days in the car, the kiddos were delighted to see their grandparents and friends. We jumped right back into activities when we arrived. Our weeks have been full of friends, the park, Minecraft day, our book group's monthly family potluck, crafting, running, hiking, pogoing, bike riding, reading, and a whole lot of fun.

Since our return, we also celebrated a big birthday, relishing in our little man who is now F-I-V-E. The kiddos colored eggs and went on a scavenger hunt created by Grandma. Our family walked along the wash near home looking for wildlife and a few of us have gone hiking. The kiddos played with cousins and talked to a favorite Auntie and Uncle. Much love and smiles were given to a certain little niece, who is a bit fickle in her attention, but dearly loves her Uncle Dave.

The weather here has been fantastic. Initially our systems were a bit surprised by the constant 80 degree weather, having just experienced the mid-40s, but we quickly adapted. Much of the last two weeks has been spent outside. The kiddos have even tested the swimming pool, but the older folk still balk at the cold water.



Amidst all this crazy fun, much time has been spent on serious stuff too. We have been trying to decide where we will live. When we moved temporarily to Virginia last year, we packed up our home. Since we rented, it was an easy decision. Our initial return was spent with my parents, while we waited to hear if we would return to Virginia or be assigned elsewhere in Arizona. After a repeat trip to the D.C. area this past February and early March, we are back here in my parents' home. With no more out of state trips in the near future, it is time to find a new place to live. Our dreams of moving out of state are not happening fast enough, so we have decided to settle here in Arizona for the time being. Although we still carry those dreams, we want to make certain our now is not missed pining for our tomorrows. We think we have found our new home and are just working on all the paperwork that accompanies a home purchase. It is an exciting time, but I still hope we can someday move to our farmette. As my wise husband tells me, nothing is permanent. We can always change our course as necessary, but for now we are here. And we are loving our very full days.

The Third

I often wonder what life is like for each of the children in our family. I have a fairly good idea of Eamon's life since I also am a first-born. The other two baffle me. I recall articles and books I have read discussing the idea of family and birth position. I wonder if so much of how we live and function defines these people I share my days with. I know it does, and admittedly it scares me. I look at Aine and think about her role as only female and middle child. Will it give her a greater ability to flex directionally as the world pulls and pushes her? Or will she aim to please more, attempting to appease those above and below her? As a woman and mother I worry and wonder. And then there is Benton. He is our baby and relishes the role, but his birthday is approaching next month. A baby he is not as he comes up on five years of age. Will he always look to get his own way by batting those big lashes and smiling? Will he learn to get his ideas and words across despite the constant interrupting he endures? Will this give him tenacity and strength? These are the thoughts that keep me up at night!
These next few weeks, while the older kiddos are in a class, find Benton and me together without the distraction of siblings and the role he has assumed in our family. A chance for us to be with one another and really spend time together. So far, we are loving it. I enjoy hearing all he has to say without being interrupted. This little boy has big ideas and even bigger dreams (to drive a front loader, yes indeed!). He loves being the center of my world for a few hours. He leads, and I follow. I say yes to scootering and even a stop at the local convenience store for a donut. Yesterday his biggest desire was to go to the park and just play. But first we had to explore the woods.

As we hiked yesterday we both marveled at the barren trees and the water flowing by the path. He led the way pointing out branches and puddles for me to avoid. As leader he found deer prints in the mud. As I bent to explore them a bit and take a photo of his find he urged me forward. There was so much more to see for this busy fellow. We threw rocks into the stream hoping for huge splashes. Benton marveled at the moss and little bits of green poking through the landscape. He wanted to bring a chunk home, but we decided it was much better growing in its natural habitat. We walked a bit more climbing over the many fallen trees until abruptly he said it was time to turn around.

As we skipped, leaped and ran back along the path toward our car, Benton eagerly told me the rest of his plans for the day. Besides the park, a big ice cream was at the top. He wanted one "from that place with all the toppings!" So we agreed to head home just the two of us and make our way toward ice cream. No zoo no museums, just the two of us talking, laughing and holding hands enjoying our special time together.

Our First Week

Our first week in the Washington D.C. area has been one of easing into our life here. The illness that seems to be snagging everyone has finally found our family, hitting me with a cough, mild fever and scratchy throat. This significantly slowed us down, since I just haven't felt well. 

* We started the week with a trip to the library. Benton walked the whole way which was nice. It took a long time on the way home as we paused to watch some local construction and examine every piece of treasure he found on the ground.

* While at the library we visited our favorite playground. Our time was brief when someone's ears were too cold. This was the same someone I suggested should wear his hat. Next time, I am sure.

* A return to the nature center midweek rewarded the older two with new gems from their gemstone class. Eamon is a fan of all things rock and mineral, so receiving a piece of amethyst is perfection. He is plotting a way to start a business and sell the small gems he receives from class. I try to remind him that we pay $10 for the class, so his profit won't be too big. Benton and I spent the time exploring the center watching the live animals and then playing with a dugout canoe.

* At the end of the week, we joined some other homeschoolers for a Pokemon club day. Everyone was so pleased to meetup with friends again. They played, traded and enjoyed all things Pokemon. Those not as interested played board games.

* Lounging around, reading, playing Minecraft, cleaning windows and knitting rounded out the weekend. I decided to pick up my Leaves of Grass again. I tried to start a few other things even casting on a pair of socks, but the leaves prevailed. I just couldn't ignore it any longer. I am so glad I did resume the knitting. I finished that never-ending first skein of yarn, which really fueled my fingers. I am now 20% of the way through Chart D. I figure each round takes about 20 minutes, so I am hoping to finish by my birthday. We shall see.

How was your week?

{this moment}

{this moment} - Joining Amanda in a Friday ritual. A single photo capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

{this moment}

{this moment} - Joining Amanda in a Friday ritual. A single photo capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Relishing

 

This weekend brought with it an extra day of fun. With Daddy home three days instead of two it felt like vacation. Saturday was spent with cousins. Eamon and Dave were out, so it was just Benton and Aine home to enjoy them. We played inside and eventually moved outdoors to scooters and bikes when the discord reached crisis proportions (much discussion about what is fair and how fair does not mean equal). Scrapped knees and arms ensued while scootering, so my mom and I decided a trip to the park was in order. With the youngest happy and content in a stroller, we made our way to the park. Racing down the hills and feats of strength on the rings and bars took up the most time. Eventually we had to head home and think about food and wonder when the other members of the family would return. A quick dinner of take-out pizza followed once everyone was back, because sometimes child minding and baby soothing takes more time than you think.

Sunday dawned with happy kiddos. I spent some time at my sewing machine mending pj pants, dresses and making a thing or two (oh, how I have missed sewing). The weather was gorgeous, so little time was spent indoors. Skates, scooters and bikes were the focus of the day. A new neighbor entered the mix and LEGOS were brought out to trade, sort and build. Dave fixed the back latch on the truck meticulously taking it apart and applying copious amounts of oil. It locks again-woo hoo! Aine and I headed out to run errands which included a trip to the library. Ostensibly we just went to pick up holds, but that turned into finding several bags of must reads. Home again to share the book pile with the boys who eagerly grabbed stacks to read. Next was dinner followed by ice cream all around and then a bit of Mythbusters before bed.

On to today which is just beginning to unfold. It promises much as we have time with friends planned at the park. Daddy is home too which is a bonus. Amidst the fun, we will listen to this speech and remember freedom is for everyone. Enjoy your Monday.