2015 is all About Perseverance

Every year I set goals for my year. I like the idea of a blank slate, an empty calendar, a whole world full of possibilities.

I don't think setting goals for myself is discouraging. In fact, while in high school and college I kept clear goal setting for my year and beyond. It was partly due to that, I was able to travel and work abroad after graduation. I knew what experience I needed to get the internship I wanted and that in turn led to my teaching job abroad.

Somehow after having children I set aside real goal making and stopped looking beyond a day, sometimes an hour or two at a time.  Life just got too busy to plan, and so often I felt like my plans were always being changed without my consent.

I was listening to a friend's radio program in the car and he got around to talking positively about goal setting. He mentioned how specific, achievable goals can help us to grow and do the things we want to. It made me reexamine my own goals for 2015.

Okay, who doesn't want to loose weight this year? Get in shape? Eat healthy?

I know, me too... but this year I am not going to go with those old stand-by resolutions. Instead I want to try something else. I want to have a theme for 2015. I am accepting the one word goal challenge. This year is going to be a productive and positive year, so I am adopting one word to sum it all up - Perseverance!

I actually put a lot of thought into my word. It comes from a frustration of not sticking with things as long as I should. Yes, I love to knit, but I have yet to stick with a pair of socks long enough to finish them. My son's poor baby blanket is still sitting next to me half-finished. I was hit with an obstacle of time and I just gave up!

That may as well be the story behind most of the half-finished projects around here. I am a creative person at heart but sometimes I get ahead of myself and my skills.

I have picked up a crochet hook half a dozen times, but still can't crochet beyond a simple chain.

I am still fearful to get behind the wheel and get my driver's licence. This will be the year to overcome that.

I also want to overcome my fear of video, and really master both natural presence in front of the camera and get more proficient editing my own work. I have some new software that I am stoked to get started with!

And of course I couldn't leave out something about my health, right? Yeah, I want to push myself to persevere and stick with exercise. One foot in front of the other, every step counts and that hard work will pay off. I just need to overcome the real, as well as perceived obstacles to create the body that I really want, instead of just putting it off.,,,

Yes, 2015 is going to be a great year. Just watch me as I work on Perseverance.

What about you? Do you have a word for 2015 yet? Share what word you hope will embody your year.

Our Christmas Highlight on The Polar Express

Another fabulous Christmas is in the books and I have the photos to prove it!

After all the blogging this past month, I took a few days off to enjoy with my family and we crammed a lot of memories into one short week.

Have you read or watched The Polar Express?

I think the movie, with an animated Tom Hanks playing several characters, came out before my children. 10 years ago, to be exact, since we were able to enjoy the 10th anniversary of the movie with The Polar Express train ride. It was quite an event and we are already planning to make it a yearly occasion.

Last year my son's class read the book and then right before break, they watched the movie. I forget why, but my son only saw part of the movie in class, so we watched it as a family at home.

It was a sweet tale about believing and holding onto a belief a Christmas. Much more elaborate than the beautifully illustrated storybook version by Chris Van Allsburg, it contained many characters most of which were voiced by Tom Hanks. Great detail was put into the animation and it even won a Grammy for the song "Believe". 

So both my older children were excited when they found out we were headed to the North Pole for our own little by train.

This is my favorite part about Christmas. Being able to infuse a little more magic into such a special time of year for my 5 and 7 year old was so worth it. We were encouraged to come dressed in comfortable pajamas and most of the kids were.  Seated at tables for 4, cast members read the original story to the train car then served up the appropriate Hot Chocolate and cookies as seen in the movie.

Then we were able to "pick up" Santa at the North Pole and the excitement in the car was palpable.

Santa stopped at each and every table to talk with the children and hand out special Santa bells. Of course, we could all hear the bell ring showing that we all believed.

Other cast members from the movie joined us like the conductor...

As well as the friendly hobo, who still couldn't hear any of the Santa bells ring. 

I know my children were fans of the movie before riding our own local Polar Express, but now I have a feeling they will be asking to watch it every year. As a parent, it was one of my favorite memories from this holiday. Seeing so many smiles and so much joy was  wonderful.

Tickets sell early, so mark your calendars for next year. Most states have their own Polar Express ride around the holidays in conjunction with Time Warner pictures. It was quite an experience and one I recommend (un-sponsored) trying with your young children next Christmas.

Have you taken The Polar Express with your family?

Little Boys and Homemade Soap

With all the baking and crafting going on in the house this week, I guess it was bound to happen.

My youngest has taken to grabbing parts of my crafting projects and running. I started to notice when my soap mold went missing. He re-purposed it for cereal sorting...

A photo posted by Andrea (@andrealkruse) on Dec 12, 2014 at 10:56am PST

While working on cookies and simultaneously making a batch of Grapefruit Goat's Milk Soap, my son climbed up on the table and ran away with a bar of freshly made soap.

I found it, but noticed several little bite marks. So, despite what my 1-year old would say, I don't recommend eating the soap but it did turn out wonderfully and hope you will all stop by The Brand Connection today and check out my guest craft post for this Homemade Grapefruit Goat's Milk Soap.

Made with simple and fresh ingredients, it has a nice and refreshing grapefruit scent.

Now don't worry, I have more great soap posts in mind, including more tutorials and scents. It was so much fun to make, I am sure it will make an appearance here very soon.

Happy crafting!

Farm Update - Finally a Wet Fall

Seems like forever since we have had a wet Oregon Fall. It used to be something people joked about... but would grin and bear. My freshman year of college it rained for so many days straight students from out of state dropped out or transferred at an alarming rate.

Our kitten Lou-Lou has had a hard time adjusting to the wet weather. She darts in and out of the door, shaking her paws at the standing puddles getting in her way.

Oregon's wet weather may be an acquired taste.

But the past few years have been dry. No big Spring rains, no long Fall rainy weather stretches. Just dry. So while I hate the muddy tracks now appearing in my entryway, the never ending vacuuming and sweeping my floors require, it is nice to be "normal" again.

Finally those rain coats and boots are being put to good use. Yes, I buy them every year like clockwork, but the past few years they have barely been worn.

So the farm is one dirty, muddy place right now. Everyone keeps asking if things have slowed down much. Despite U-pick being done, visible farm work seemingly slow, there is still much that needs to be done!

My husband claims that the last corn of the season is some of the sweetest, and I have to agree. It has developed slowly and built up a sweet surprise for anyone still in the mood for fresh corn.

Orchards still need tending, carrots are being harvested, ground as well as machinery must be prepared for Spring. There are still many types of squash going strong in the field, and the weeds never stop their constant attempt to choke out the blueberries, strawberries and other annual crops.

Getting out for our daily walks has held less appeal to me, but I think it is time to break out the rain gear and suck it up. My youngest doesn't mind being bundled up in the stroller, and we both need the fresh air between downpours.

The older kids are already starting to get a little stir-crazy, AND it isn't even Winter yet!

So the farm keeps on going, and as always I am dreaming of the first strawberries of the year. No amount of wishing will bring them on any faster, but at least I can find comfort in knowing that they are getting a much needed rain. And finally, it feels like Oregon again.

Has Fall hit your area? What does Fall look like around your home?

I've Got My Eye on You, Fall!

Summer was a dry and fickle lady this year. She brought hot days, drought but also endless memories and moments I want to hold onto tightly through the cold months ahead. It was the last Summer before my daughter started school and I will miss our long days together of dress-up and tea parties.

Now Fall is here and things are starting to settle down on the farm. Not slow down, mind you... there are still months of harvesting and crops yet to come, but the last of the hay is cut and those crazy hours are behind us.

It also means I have to say goodbye to my favorite fruits and prepare for the more hearty squash and pumpkins. Casseroles, baking and the Crock-Pot are calling to me.

Yes, I am looking forward to the world of apples and pumpkin everything. Thank goodness, because I am not sure I could escape that juggernaut even if I tried. Have you switched to a pumpkin latte yet?

Now that I have school aged children Fall has taken on a whole new meaning. It means influenza, school schedules, snack rosters and shorter daylight hours. That is enough to leave any Mom quaking in her boots.

How do you survive the changing of the seasons?

What are you looking forward to as the weather changes? Our family is looking forward the the holidays and birthday season and I am working on myself.

Slowly but surely, one foot in front of the other.

So I welcome the new season. I am ready to greet Fall with open arms and optimism. But I have to say for the record, Fall, I've got my eye on you!

Summer With Our Wheels

There is something magical about Summer bike rides. That feeling of the wind in your hair, gliding across the pavement. Well, until you hit a pothole. Ker-thunk!

As I mentioned, this past week has been more family focussed. Simple meals and simply more time spent with the kids and husband. Tonight, having recently picked up a new and larger bike for my son, we went out to get everyone on their own set of wheels. This was my daughter's first time having a bike. She had a great boost of confidence with those training wheels but I don't think she will need them for long.

Everyone was mobile.

And yes, I do mean everyone!

Okay, we didn't go far. In fact we just went up and down the street, but it was fun just the same. My oldest on his big boy mountain bike, my daughter with her training wheels, and the baby was quite happy in his Cozy Coupe. He is a big fan of the steering wheel right now.

It is the simple things I want to embrace this Summer.

My fondest Summer memories from childhood do not involve elaborate trips or exotic locations. Usually they involved me and a green and yellow bicycle with a banana seat. I think that first bicycle meant the most to me. It was a hand-me-down, but something I was so intensely proud to use. I could ride that bike for hours up and down the neighborhood.

Luckily my kids are all for that. This Summer we have a plan to make the most out of every day. Sprinklers are meant to be run through, hot afternoons were made for frozen juice pops and Summer evenings are all about getting out on a bike.

What does your family like to do on a warm Summer evening?

A Bright Spot Following a Sad Weekend

This past weekend we lost someone dear to us. A special woman with a love of lady bugs who inspired a joy of fresh donuts in my husband as a child. Those were not her biggest accomplishments, nor were they all we will remember of her, but they were the things we talked about as a family after her passing.

Sharing stories and rememberances seemed to be the best way to honor her life.

I never dealt with grief or loss as a child and from a parent's perspective it was tough. Each child reacted to the news differently. My son was sad, accepted it and moved on quickly, very true to his personality. My daughter, on the other hand, is more emotional and has been talking about how, "I guess people don't live very long". This breaks my heart.

So I was thrilled with a little surprise that got everyone's mind off of our mortality and onto the celebration of life.

I went out to get, what I thought was, one chick... but surprise! My little blue cochin was hiding 3 fluffy chicks which have quickly been named by each child. Yes, the baby was even taken into consideration when we named the newest chic, Juice-Box. The bigger chicks are now known as Emmett and Wyldstyle. (Any other LEGO Movie fans out there?)

While these little peeping balls of fluff keep us all occupied we can marvel at the miracle of life. We can look forward to new memories we make everyday with those we love, and remember everyone who has loved us.

Have you ever talked with your children about loss? Any tips?

Have a great week.

Passing Down the Growing Gene

I like to say that gardening is in my blood. My grandpa was a gardener, my Mom and her siblings all had the urge to grow things, and now I have the pleasure of passing it down to my kids.

The truth is, they just like to play in the dirt... but at least it is a start.

Today we finally got (most of) our plants in the ground. The big starts we purchased are planted and we just have a few trays of seedlings to transplant tomorrow. Those can wait a little while longer. The lettuce blends can get a little bigger before venturing forth from the greenhouse and out into the ground.

The best part of gardening for me isn't the extra vegetables in our salad or on our dinner plates. No, it is the sense of pride we all have in growing our own food.

My husband is a farmer and doesn't quite understand my need for a garden. Yes, he grows more than enough vegetables for all of us. The big difference is we didn't plant those. My kids helped me plant all the seeds. We watered the trays of dirt every morning as we walked to the bus stop. My kids counted and reported to me every single new sprout that showed up in the past day. And my kids will be helping me pick and prepare those veggies.

Zucchini, cucumbers, eggplant, tomatoes, lettuce, chard, tomatillos and bok choy.

No, it isn't about the vegetables. It is all about the hard work you put into that one ripe tomato.

For that reason I am proud to be raising two little budding gardeners. I am working hard to pass down the growing gene for future generations.

Do you have a garden this year?

 

Siblings and Walkie Talkies

I am an only child.

When I dreamed of having my own family one day I only knew one thing, I wanted my children to have sibblings. Now of course, 3 children later, I understand just how much I didn't understand.

Siblings are not automatic friends. Siblings pull hair, take toys and eat the half a cupcake that you were carefully saving for later. Siblings are always there, in your face whether you want them to be or not. Siblings call you stupid and throw things at your head out of boredom. They are a witness to all your most embarrasing moments.

As a parent I struggle with a heavy heart to point out all the benefits of my children not being singletons. I am pretty sure they don't believe me.

After a week solid of melt downs, tantrums and me being at my whit's end, I gave them each a walkie talkie. "Here go play. One of you upstairs and one of your downstairs." My best tactic is usually to separate and disctract.

This seemed like a sure way to keep them from fighting and screaming at each other. ...if only for a few moments of sanity.

Something amazing happened. They finally started playing well together... while playing apart. You can't play with a walkie talkie alone, you need someone to play with. For the first time I think they started to appreciate having a live-in playmate.

They also stopped yelling, and started listening to each other. Okay, it took the 4-year old a little longer to figure this one out. Nothing was accomplished by screaming at the other person. Cooperation was much more fun.

Then the game really starated.

They imagined they were secret agents on a mission. Spys with only one form of communication. I enjoyed the giggles and general calm that came over the house while they were engaged with their walkie talkies.

Okay, I don't expect my kids to build an amazing relationship overnight. Once the walkie talkies were put away for the afternoon the normal rounds of yelling and crying started back up again.  I do hope that I can help them appreciate the other one and maybe even create some good childhood memories. I hope they grow up and want to have more than one child.

Because after all,  I am an only child.

Enjoying a little Easter Fun

Whatever you do, don't get between a crowd of kids and an Easter Egg Hunt...

They may be small, but all those little feet running you over, would leave plenty of bruises.

It was time again for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. No, we don't go for the city wide festivities, instead we go to a friend's house every year. The crowd seems to grow every Easter, but the kids have a blast.

Owen could barely contain his excitement. Bouncing off the wall would be putting it mildly. Of course we had the Easter Egg courtesy talk before getting out of the car, but I knew he was having a hard time controlling himself and making good decisions.

So, you can imagine how my heart swelled when I spotted him gifting eggs to younger children. He wanted the other kids to have plenty of eggs as well.

This is the first Easter for my youngest and he was excited by the brightly colored eggs and all the fuss we made when he found them. Of course he had a little help.

As someone who loves to craft and even craft with my kids on a regular basis, I am embarrassed to admit that this was the first year we have decorated eggs.

It has been a few years and I was pretty rusty.

But, armed with a load of supplies and some plastic dyeable eggs, I was ready. The kids had a blast and I already have ideas for next year. The kits, in my opinion, were not necessary. I could have spent a similar amount and have ended up with a bigger craft base for creative exploration. The wheels are turning and my kids can't wait to try their hand at Easter Eggs again.

Wishing everyone a beautiful and memorable Easter Sunday. I hope you all enjoy a great day with your family as well.

All Smiles around Here

Just shy of 10-months old, Elliott is now sporting a mouthful of teeth!

Spring has been busy and it seems like everytime I turn around my youngest is crawling a little faster, pulling himself up a little easier... and now chewing with a bit more gusto.

Food has been a fun new world to explore and I am happy to say that he hasn't refused my cooking yet. From meat to vegetables and pasta, he is a budding foodie. I wouldn't expect anything less in this house.

Farm Update - Good Things to Come

I know there has been several recipes up on the blog recently. Seems like the wet and gloomy Oregon Spring sends me straight into my kitchen for a little cooking therapy. It has been fun but I am ready to get outside and enjoy some warmer weather. I see long morning walks in my future and lots of tasty and healthy meal ideas.

Today was a rare day. No rain, no wind  and plenty of cherry blossoms to enjoy in the orchard. I had the kids grab their boots and we went out.

Like caterpillars emerging from our cocoon house, the sun was bright and the air was crisp, but it was full of possibilies. Now I just need to convince my 10-month old that grass is not as horrible as he thinks.

Now, there haven't been any farm updates for quite a while, mainly because it was our down time. Things start up quickly around here though, and planting in both the ground and the greenhouse has begun. Now I just need to get my garden all planned out and organized. The ground still needs to be tilled up, but there is still plenty of  time. Mid May should bring the last threat of a hard frost (not that we have had any cold snaps around here lately) and that is when I aim to have all my plants in the ground.

At least my husband doesn't give me that look anymore we I start planning my garden. As long as I don't ask him to help me, we are good. (Farmers do not garden in their free time.)

My helpers are much bigger this year and I have high hopes for getting them started weeding the garden. They already love to dig, so if I can just harness that power for good...

Hopefully older kiddos also means I will have a bit more time to actually enjoy my garden, canning and baking. At least I can hope, right?

Seems like last year Owen was about that far away from being able to pick the fruit, too. He is really excited to learn about canning this year and make his own jam. He eats enough of it, I thought it was high time he started to pull his own weight. I think I know what he will be giving everyone for gifts.

Nothing is certain about Spring other than we are full of hopes and plans. All can change, but I am excited about the possibilities. Like the trees in the cherry orchard, heavy with blossoms,  there are good things coming on the farm... and soon.