Tonight I have decided to answer 20 Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection as written by Tsh Oxenreider

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

I gave birth to the Little Chief in May

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

The most challenging was adapting to having two children, each with their own set of
needs and wants.

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?

I found joy in my home, I really came into my own as far as homemaking and accomplishing
goals for our nest.

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

There are always unexpected obstacles, this year I found that caring for two children and
letting go of my expectations for things was probably the biggest. Also, my husband was laid
off right before Christmas (with no timeline on returning to work).

5. Pick three words to describe 2011.

accomplishment, growth, change

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2011 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).

change, learning, crafty

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2011 (again, without asking).

unlucky, parenting, work

8. What were the best books you read this year?
With two little ones it's hard to read. I managed to work through a lot of Feeding the Whole
Family and The Rhythm of Family


9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

I consider all of my relationships valuable.

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?

My biggest personal change was moving into adulthood for good and realizing that what I want and need for my family is the most important thing.

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
I'll have to think about this one.

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?

I came to terms with my adult version of spirituality and let go of expectations that friends
and family have. It's okay that I don't believe what everyone else believes.

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?
Unfortunately I grew in weight.

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

I have learned to communicate with other people on their emotional level and to let them
know that I may not understand their current emotion but that I will stand right beside them while they work through it (as opposed to trying to "fix").

15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

Honestly, the most enjoyable part of my work is that when times are slow I get to surf the net and check my fave blogs (don't tell).

16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

The most challenging work was at home (where I take my work seriously). Trying to be the best mama and wife possible and sometimes forgetting what is most important.

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

Computer time (by far)

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?

Crafting, canning and spending time with family

19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?

Our little family is perfect for us and we have everything we need.

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you.

The Year of Family Adjustments

Moods

Ahhh, moods...often uncontrollable and usually undesireable (at least if anyone is taking the time to notice). I started in a funk on New Years Eve and have been somewhere between grumpy and angry ever since. I've taken more vitamins and I've been drinking more water which seems to help but not quite enough. I have snapped at my children, flipped off other drivers and just generally been unkind. What does one do when it feels as if the moods have taken over her will. I want to be peaceful and happy. I want to be an uber-understanding super mama who doesn't care that it takes 3 hours to get ready to leave the house (with a 3 year old and a 7 mo old). My patience is thin and time seems so short. I don't want to miss one moment with my children and now I find myself rushing them, telling them to move along and hurrying them through every moment that should have been enjoyed.

I need to take back these moments and find something inside to help.

I'm planning to participate in the 10 day family re-charge. If you're reading this I hope you consider it too!

First Year of Canning

So as I wrap up my first year of canning I want to remember a few things.
*can more salsa (and when you think you're done, can more)
*can more tomato sauce (and more)
*make more strawberry freezer jam at the peak of the season
*you cannot make too much salsa
*Farmers Market!
*plan to can
*need another big stock pot
*need jar lifter
*dehydrate some
*plan for gifting too!

The food tastes so much better, it's so worth the effort.

This year I made 7 pints of salsa, 4 peach salsa, 1 pint & 2 1/2 pints peach freezer jam, 8 1/2 pints strawberry freezer jam, zucchini pickles, cucumber pickles, 6 pints apple pie filling, 4 1/2 pints raspberry freezer jam, 4 pints tomato basil sauce.

Still need to freeze basil and cilantro.

Fall, Please Come Soon

Yum! I can taste and see the sights of fall already. My husband and I were just talking with Little Miss about autumn. Autumn is our favorite season. We love the warm drinks, baked goods, hearty meals, family times and warm fires. I will be in pure bliss right up until the world becomes red and green with Christmas (my most dreaded time). Give me your browns, your oranges and your goldenrods…my eyes will drink them up. I love nature walks in the fall. Little Miss loves gathering pinecones, seed pods and all things natural in the fall. Please come quickly fall!

The Fuzzy Caterpillar

Once upon a time, mommy (who is a new gardener) went to the garden and found a big fat caterpillar. Now, Mommy was never afraid of bugs and Little Miss loves bugs so, Mommy introduced Little Miss to said caterpillar. He was named and he was allowed to live. Then he ate and ate and ate, not unlike the good old Eric Carle book. Mr. Caterpillar was a hungry little buggar. Maw Maw and Paw Paw came for a visit and we shared a look at Mr. Caterpillar.

Oh, wait...did I say caterpillar? I should have said "Jerk Face Horn Worm".

Get off of my plant JFHW. When I thought you were a fuzzy caterpillar I liked you but now I fear that I will have nightmares about you. P.S. I hope you choke on all of my tomato leaves that you ate.

We're Jammin'

Little Miss and I spent the evening making Strawberry Freezer Jam. She was so proud of the work she did. At three years old she is a whiz in the kitchen.

Here is our simple recipe:

1 2/3 c strawberries (smushed with a potato smasher)
2/3 c sugar
2 TBSP instant pectin

-stir together gently (she got really good at that)
-ladel into jars (all by herself)
-let sit for 30 minutes so the pectin can set (this was very hard)
-freeze or fridge

Lasts a year in the freezer and about a month once it's opened in the fridge
Delish!

Mom...

Mom, come with me!

Mom, watch me jump in the trampoline!

Mom, watch me run through the sprinkler!

Mom, come on...run through the sprinkler with me!

Mom, there is a sea monster by the mailbox.

Mom, walk me to the mailbox to get the sea monster. It is red with a black tongue.

Mom, play with me!!!






Yes, Yes and Yes! I got to spend a fabulous evening with my little girl doing everything summer. Bubbles, sprinkler, sandbox and more! I loved every minute of it.