Oh How I Love The Weekends!

Hello Sun!

I love the weekends for so many reasons but one main reason is that I love the ever so slight change of pace and scenery that it provides all of us.  I get up at the same time as I do during the week, I go on the same walk very early in the morning.  It's what happens, or I should say what doesn't happen when I get back from my standard early am walk that shifts just enough to make the day feel more relaxed and carefree.

I don't have to get busy making breakfasts and lunch for Ian.  I don't have to turn all of the lights on in the classroom and get it ready for the children.  I don't have to rush to shower and get dressed with enough time to allow Ian to do the same as I do during the work week.  I can hang around in my pjs (if I don't walk) or my workout clothes if I do and enjoy another cup of coffee, hang with Ari and whomever else happens to be awake and just let the morning unfold as it will.  Our children are not "organized sport" kids.  (selfishly we're COMPLETELY fine with this!!)  I listen to lots of other parents who are on the various fields for soccer, football, lacrosse, etc as early as 8 am on the weekends and as late as 9 on the weekdays for all of their children's various sport practices and games and I feel so grateful that I'm not a part of it!  Believe me, if my children wanted to play a sport I'd be more than happy to encourage them to do so.  I don't think that 8 am is acceptable on the weekend days - as that, to us, is sacred family time nor do I feel that anything past 7 pm on a weeknight is acceptable this is all strictly my opinion however and I am well aware that I am in the minority on this!  (climbing down off of my soapbox now! ;)

We move through the day completing errands, spending time outside and doing things that need to be done around the house.  Today Kendall happened to have sewing in the morning as she and I have our mother/daughter book club on Monday night when she usually has sewing.  This evening she has a costume birthday party for some homeschool friends of hers.  And Sunday we're heading to a local state park to take part in a mansion tour and then over to my in-laws house to celebrate my MIL's birthday!!  We're looking very forward to all of it!  Today I walked with Ari and Katie very early and then Kendall, Ari and I walked again in the early afternoon while Ian and Ty did yard work and went to the dump.  (fun boy stuff! lol!)  I honestly don't think I know where the dump is in my town and I've lived her for 17 years!  ha!!  To me, that's boy work!

shelling!

measuring!

I taught Tyler how to make and use a double boiler.  We had an experience last week as we were microwaving chocolate for our marshmallow aliens and despite our efforts to heat it in 30 second increments the chocolate still seized up.  I explained to Ty that even though the double boiler takes a little longer to work it melts the chocolate much more gently and evenly.  

perfect!

shelled, roasted and chopped!

the perks of being a chef!

ready for the toppings!!

ummmmmmm YUM!!!!

This morning, Tyler and I made one recipe of chocolate bark as part of our gift to Grandma Sue.  The recipe he chose consists of a white chocolate base and the toppings are roasted pistachio nuts, chopped, dried apricots and dried cranberries.  Later in the afternoon Kendall helped me make the second recipe which is a base of semi-sweet chocolate with toppings of dried cherries and orange zest.  These flavor profiles are right up Grandma's alley!!  She's going to love them and we can't wait to give them to her!  I promise to share a picture of the AMAZING creation that Kendall made for Grandma once we've given it to her.  I know that our family reads here and I don't want to spoil the surprise!

our protector!

walking, walking, walking!

our boys!!

the cooled, cut and finished product!  

Kendall learned how to use a microplane today!!!

cooled and cut!!  YUMMY!!!

I can't wait to give these treats to Grandma Sue!!  The kids had a great time cooking for her!

Until next time!