making applesauce

We were very excited to tryout canning for the first time this week. For some reason I have been very afraid if it, the unknown I suppose, but it turned out well and my fear is no longer there. It was simple, just rather a production since we are learning. William did most of the work as you can see from the pictures. We had hoped for many jars, but ended up with only two. We may try again as we still have lots of apples, although we have been making a baked apple treat every day.

What I loved most is that both boys wanted to help and we all had fun in the kitchen together.

at the window

Harkin has been watching his brothers play baseball, football or just crazy run around all week. Hoping one day that he'll get to do the same, but for now it is great entertainment while Mama is trying to cook dinner and such. And he is getting so good at kneeling.

an autumn afternoon

 

A walk in the woods at this time of year is simply amazing. I am enjoying watching the colors change and leaves fall every day.

I still am in awe that we live here. It has been one year since we moved. Time flies so quickly.  September seemed to slip by. Last October I was so busy unpacking and organizing that we didn't get out too much. Not this year. I want to savor October and explore more.

the big dig

 

Not too far away from us there is an archaeological dig going on. They offer tours to the public or groups. So we went on a field trip. They have found tools, arrowheads and a long house possibly from 1000 years ago. It really did not look like much to the inexperienced eye. I am amazed how they were able to discover it. The signs are so faint. Our guide was great. He was really passionate about what he did and it showed and made the information easy for the kids to understand. The boys thought it was neat and  took lots of pictures of their own.

mapping our world

I love self directed projects.

We went for our morning walk in the woods. The boys came inside brimming with ideas. They wanted to make a map of our woods. Of all the places they have discovered and named over the past year since we have been here.

It was so awesome watching them collaborate on this. What the names should be and who got to draw what spots.  They spent two full mornings working on this. They were writing, creating, orienteering, trying to draw to scale, and learning to compromise.

They were filled with excitement over learning. This is why I love homeschooling....

mixed-media trees

The boys and I created some pretty neat looking trees, using colored masking tape, real leaf prints with ink and then used some Styrofoam pieces from a package to add some grass and sky features.

We were inspired by an idea from the Artful Parent.

A very simple but engaging activity.

a new decade

This weekend I quietly celebrated with my family. It was just what I needed and wanted. A walk in the woods, some good food and beer, with a drive to get homemade ice cream to end the evening. 
We were all tuckered out by the end of the day.

 

 

My wish for this year is to become more mindful of where I am in life, with mothering and who I am as a person. To be in the moment and content with each thing I do. To be fully present.