My Girls

Monkey Bar Triumph

Jack had a major accomplishment the other day. And I mean MAJOR. Let me preface this by saying that Jack isn't a dare-devil child. He doesn't leap without looking, he holds my hand to cross the street, and he doesn't like heights. He prefers things slow, to the ground, and under control. That's just been his temperament since the day he was born -- cautious.

Last year (Jack was 5) when we were at the park, he watched some kids swing across the monkey bars. I asked him if he wanted to try. "NO WAY!" was his emphatic reply. OK. For the next few months, whenever we're at the park he ignores the monkey bars.

Fast forward to this week. Jack saunters over to the monkey bars, and, much to my shock, he actually climbs the ladder. He reaches one hand up and puts it on the first bar while gripping the support pole with his other hand. Then he quickly takes his hand off the bar and gets down. I casually go over and stand next to him. He climbs back up and puts his hand up on the bar again. I explain to him that his other hand can go on the bar, too, when he's ready. With a nervous and anxious tone he says, "OK. Keep your hands around my waist." No problem. He puts both hands up and starts giggling and closing his eyes. I show him where he can put his other hand on the next bar. He reaches out, starts laughing, then looks panicked and says, "I'm SLIPPING!" So, I tell him he can drop if he wants. He drops and says, "I got to one bar!" I can sense his confidence rising.

He goes back to the ladder and tries it again. I stand near and watch -- just offering a reassuring presence. He makes it to the second bar and drops. My insides are swelling with joy for him. He goes back and climbs the ladder and takes a deep breath. He reaches out and swings to the THIRD bar and drops. He says, "Mommy, I made it to the third bar! I only have (pause while he counts from three to eight...another unschooling math moment for the day) five more bars!" He continues, "We can't leave until I make it all the way across." I assure him, "OK, Jack, we won't leave until you make it across." He's giggling, and deep breathing, and nervous with each attempt.

He starts the from the beginning and this time he keeps his momentum going, pushing on and on. I can feel his determination in every hand he stretches out to the next bar. One, and then the next, and the next, getting closer, and closer, almost there, just a couple more, my excitement is welling, he reaches out and I can't contain myself, "Jack, you're almost there. You're doing it!" He laughs and keeps going, one last bar, and he kicks his feet to the platform and stands up. HE MADE IT ALL THE WAY ACROSS! He and I are overwhelmed with such an authentic enthusiasm and we jump up and down, laughing and yelling with elation! "You got across the monkey bars! You did it!" We're hugging and dancing and reveling in this awesome moment. I'm overcome with happiness and pride and tears of joy are welling in my eyes. I am so happy for my boy. I can see how fulfilled he is. He did it.

I know it seems trivial, but I am grateful that I got to be present during this twinkling of time. This moment will be etched in my memory forever.

Day of Crepes

Made crepes for breakfast for the kids (and me). Filled them with chocolate chips and strawberry preserves. Yummy!

I made a few extra and saved them for lunch. The kids and I stuffed them with cheese, mushrooms, olives, tomato sauce, and spices -- pizza crepes!

Played Edith Piaf and had a Vive la France sort of day! ;-)

White Bean Soup with Winter Vegetables

Dinner last night:

• White Bean Soup with Winter Vegetables (leeks, escarole, kale, onion, garlic, potato, carrot, bay leaf, celery, and white beans)
• Homemade French bread rolls
• Spinach Salad
• Homemade chocolate brownies (didn't take a picture of those but they were a batch of chocolately ooey goodness!)

The veggies...




Rising bread...




Cooking the dried beans until tender...




An hour and half later, the beans are done...




Really, is there anything better than fresh baked rolls...




Warm and hearty White Bean soup with Winter Vegetables...

One of my obsessions

Dweeb alert. I have a problem. I'm moderately addicted (is that even possible) to "escape the room" computer games. If you aren't familiar, here's a definition from Wikipedia: "The object of the game is to find a way to escape from a mysterious room. The room usually consists of a locked door, several objects to manipulate as well as hidden clues or secret compartments. The player must use the objects to interact with other items in the room to reveal a way to escape."

Here's a link to a popular one: http://www.fasco-csc.com/works/crimson/crimson_e.php. I started playing them a few years ago and they're one of my guilty pleasures. I seriously can't stop playing one if I start it. I. must. escape. the. room. Oh the joy when I find the hidden key under the couch cushion or the secret writing on the back of the notepad that leads me to unlock the door that SETS ME FREE! Muahahahaha -- I have defeated you room!

Seriously. What's wrong with me?

Gardening

I'm full of anticipation for my garden this year. I skipped planting last year, and I lamented the loss of my bountiful harvest. My body and soul are eager to dig into dirt, plant the seedlings of life, and watch the earth birth its fare. Come forth my fair spring!

"A garden is a delight to the eye and a solace for the soul." -- Sadi

Ready to go on our journey

Sean starts nursing school on the first of February. As a family, we're collecting our mind, spirit, and finances to take this journey and align ourselves with each other and our goals. I'm anxious to shed some of the superfluous attachments of life in order to prepare ourselves (at least economically) for this two-year adventure. Follow the yellow brick road...