Carved art

 Audra carved, sanded and oiled this wood scrap she got from our neighbors (he's a woodworker). 

It's perfect for scraping granola from the pan.  Adrian and Audra both enjoy making granola on their own. We have plenty for ourselves and the rest of the town.

Winter Coastal Storm

 It seems like EVERYONE got snow today!  Folks North of us, South of us and West of us got pounded. 

We got rain.  Blah. Wind. Double blah.  The ocean was the angriest I have ever seen it, even at low tide. At high tide, it really wreaked havoc along the coast.  No plows for snow here, but they needed the plows to push back the rocks, sand and seaweed.  We went out gallivanting at low tide and there were puddles, lakes and rivers where there shouldn't be.  It seems that no roads were washed out completely around here, but the ocean enveloped some roads for a spell.  I even watched a video of where we regularly go in our town that a wave hit the actual telephone line, causing an explosion and I'm assuming many power outages.  I think the full moon is bothering the ocean.

This photo is from Goochs in Kennebunk at just about low tide. Pictures do not do this justice. There's another high tide coming up within the hour of writing this. Hoping the ocean decides to calm down. (Isn't there a meme that no one in history has calmed down when told to calm down?  Maybe the ocean can be the exception!)

Subway!

 Anna-Kate LOVES going through the mail. For months she has claimed the SUBWAY fliers as her own. Really any junk mail, she claims as hers. She loves to fill out forms, cut out coupons, circle what she likes, X out what she doesn't. Subway has been her favorite for some time. Only she has never been to Subway. 

 We actually have a Subway only 2 1/2 miles from our home, and I'm counting at least five within 10-15 minutes of us, but we aren't out to eat type people.  Instead, I decided to buy sub supplies and have our own "Subway" at home. Anna-Kate finally had a chance to use her coupons!  This was an elaborate process. We had signage, a menu, workers, cash register, money, receipts...

They were over the moon that I bought stuff I hardly ever buy store bought...store bought bread, store bought pickles, chips, paper plates.  Funny how they celebrate over having the chance for store bought food and paper plates. Also, I do not ask about or cater to individual preferences for meals. I make the same meal for the family and you get what you get. If they want something specific, they can definitely help make that as a meal for our family at a different time, but I am not a short order cook each meal. For a special treat, though, sure! They LOVED selecting off the menu! 

I meant to get a picture of them consuming their 'take out', but they ate everything too fast...

They loved this so much, we may just have to do another restaurant! 

Stop your fighting!

I cannot pretend I'm an expert at anything. I am someone who reads up, prays fervently, tries my darn hardest each and everyday.  Some days we have wonderful days.  Some days my efforts are all in vain and it seems as if my children are determined to eat each other (or me!) alive.  

Know what I have discovered?  That I have the power to either contribute to the chaos by losing my mind too...or offering an alternative in hopes to change the tide.  Know what consistently changes the tide around here?  Serving others.  I kid you not, my kids can be at each other one minute and then if I successfully introduce a new service project, can be united and embracing the same common purpose to do something kind for someone else next. 

 I recall two specific dates in December that were not good days, but did an about face with service projects.

I will spare you the details of the day, but spur of the moment we decided to make lunch for our neighbors, (And then go join them to eat it!). Kids helped with each step. Ended on a good note!

(As a bonus, I think our neighbors enjoyed the surprise too!)

And then on another day, the storm died down when they worked together to make car mats for their pal's birthday. 

(As a bonus, Ian was thrilled!)

I am giving all you mamas a virtual hug, because I am sure there are days when you would give anything for a moment of peace in your household too.  Parenthood isn't easy. Perhaps you can join me in this little challenge? Can things be turned around by introducing a service project?  I'm going to try to remember the times this worked and keep on keeping on....and I am encouraging you to do the same! 

Thrifted

 

Some socks, a world map and a vintage flag puzzle. $10. 

Couple of games, linen table cloth, white fabric, calculator (aka cell phone according to AK) and I finally found a low temp glue gun! (been looking for one!)  $8

And it wouldn't be a thrifted trip without books. This is what I found over a couple of sites. Most were $.25 each, a couple were $2. 

Outdoor cooking

Our typical afternoon winter routine when we are home is taking an afternoon walk in the backyard with the dogs. 

Typically when we return, the kids just follow me inside.  I aim to have them be outside for at least 3 hours a day year round, but lately that hasn't been as easy. 

We are thankful our dads give us money for the family for Christmas.  We often use that money for classes for the kids, pool membership, fun family adventures.  This year, we decided to purchase a family activity...supplies to amp up our outdoor cooking potential. I restored a couple of pieces of cast iron we had (link here), freshly seasoned my existing cast iron and purchased this 6qt:

.

And this campfire swing:

Today I had no problems getting them to stay outside after getting some exercise.  Four hours outside on January 13th in Maine is pretty darn good.  (And we only came in because I had an appointment).  The kids made the fire on their own. 

We boiled water in the tea kettle Audra gave me that I restored (I think she paid $3 for it!). 

Hot cocoa.

Then I popped blueberry rhubarb crisp on the hook. I was going to have them make it, but we ran out of time and I just made it.  It is rhubarb they picked and froze last spring, however.

Since we had to wrap it up before it was done, I did finish the crisp in our gas oven inside (because a 6 qt. dutch oven will not fit in our wood cookstove), it was mighty tasty!  

The first of many more outdoor cooking adventures with our new supplies.  Thanks to the grandpas! 

Out back

 They found a perfect place to play. The way the hills roll, the wind doesn't seem to hit here too badly and the sun is sunniest here. I love this time of year.  No ticks and we are literally out back everyday. All it takes is the right gear, three willing kids and two eager dogs. Let's be honest, sometimes the effort to gather everyone seems massive, but it's always worth it.   "Outside everyday Mainers" we are.