Happy Fourth of July

Wishing you a safe and happy Fourth of July. We will celebrate by barbecuing and watching fireworks in State College. Bellefonte will have their annual parade on Saturday July7th and fireworks Friday July 6th. So I guess that it will be a long weekend full of festivities. 

Boys Who Photobomb

We were out on a walk along one of our favorite trails, enjoying our time together. My son went off to explore and climb a rock wall. As we waited for him I decide to take a picture of some wildflowers along the path.

Such pretty wildflowers with boy sliding down wall of rocks in background. I say that it is more interesting that way. Life is always interesting around here.

A Weekend Full of Late Late Nights

The days full of outside activity and the evenings full of movies and Big Bang Theory. That kind of sums up our weekend.

I picked the last of the bok choi that was hiding near the swiss chard and a lot of kale from the garden. I really need a dehydrator to make kale chips. Most of the tomatoes are staked and have plenty of support.

Sadly I did not work on my scarf. But I did start and finish two books this past week. Night Road.and Sarah's Key, both page turners and quick reads. I'm not sure if I can say if one or another was a favorite. I enjoyed them both. Now on to this book. I have a goal of reading two books a month, pretty achievable as long as I stay on track.

Tonight I am making an ice box tart from my mom's recipe box. I love taking my time with these types of recipes, memories flooding back of my mom, sister, and I in the kitchen learning from her and and just being close to those I love. I hope to share this recipe with you tomorrow.

On Being a Father

Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope.
Bill Cosby

I'm not the father in the family, but Tony is. We've been parenting together, a team in sync with one another so long now that without him I'm a bit lost.

Sure, I've done a lot of nurturing and I'm in charge of the whole homeschooling bit. But he has done so much and has added so much to Nathan's life that it's hard to put into words. He has been a selfless father. Giving up sleep so that he can take his son fishing in the wee hours. He's been a baseball coach, rushing home from work to be a leader, mentor, and playmate.

But mostly he has been here for all of the moments. With his gentle guidance helping our son become the man that he will one day grow up to be.

In Tony I see my own father who did the same. Thank you Dad for being an anchor in my life and thank you Tony for being a great father. I love you both.

On Homeschooling

We are a homeschooling family. We have been homeschooling our son since he has been on this earth. We have had our ups and our down. I've struggled with my own self doubt. Early on I chose not to listen to my own voice, but listened to others. I should have been listening to my mothering inner voice. I might have had more courage in the beginning.

We are about to finish our first year of high school. I'm proud of our accomplishments. It's been a busier year, a tougher schedule, more to do, longer days filled with tasks to check off. But I wouldn't have it any other way.

When we started this journey, there were fewer homeschooling families. But now in 2012 our numbers continue to grow. Most of us know a homeschooling family. We come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes.
 

I think that if you ask my son, he would agree. It has been a great year. As we say hello to summer, we look forward to different learning experiences outside of the traditional curriculum. One never stops learning just because they are not in a classroom.

Today I Am Grateful

There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.

Author Unknown

Things don't always go my way. I have bad days from time to time. But all in all I live a blessed life. This boy is just one of the many reasons why I am grateful. 

A Good Evening

The other evening we were going to head to the gym and instead we decided to go for a walk. 

Sometimes it's just much nicer outside.

 We watched trout jump.

Spied the warm sun peeking through the trees.

Best of all we saw a bald eagle's nest. Luck was on our side because we just happened to have a pair or binoculars to watch the nest with. We watched in amazement as daddy came flying with dinner, and everyone made room for him in the nest. 

It was a good evening spent together.

A Hike At Kensington Metropark

Last week we went to Michigan for a couple of days to visit friends. It was a great time. Of course it was too short and time flew. Then it was time to head back home.

While we were there we went to Kensington Metropark and walked one of the many trails. We really had a  great time out in the fresh air. It was the perfect way to spend the afternoon.

 We have many happy family memories here at this park. We've had picnics, tobogganed, swam, hiked, built snowmen, and even slid off the road after a snow storm. As we drive through the park we all point out places that we've made those memories. It really is a happy spot for us.

Memorial Day

Today our country remembers those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend all that we as Americans hold dear. This past week I watched as volunteers walked the cemetery placing flags on soldier's graves.

So this week I stop and say a prayer for all of the men and women who have fought so that I can live my happy, free life.

This holiday also kicks off the start of the summer season. We will barbecue and enjoy some extra warm weather.

We also took a short trip to Michigan and I will share pictures later this week. We had the best time laughing, eating, and enjoying the company of good friends.

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day.