Fully Eclipsed Blood Moon

It was around 9:40 last night. He rushed through the door, ran up the stairs and reminded me of the amazing event happening outside. I had been so busy getting kids to bed and working on a crocheting project, that I had forgotten about it.

"Ooh!, let's go sit outside, watch it, and share a romantic moment!" I replied, as I jumped out of our bed and made my way downstairs.

After taking care of a few other things, he pulled out some chairs and we sat, gazing up at the heavens. At one point, as a cloud passed across our view, it appeared as though it were a black fog or smoke seeping out of the moon. Another moment, the un-eclipsed portion looked as if it were glowing almost golden.

As the evening went on, the clouds dispersed, revealing more and more of the infinite space beyond. I basked in the glory and wonder of it all.

And then, as romantic as we are, our talking turned to hockey and the hair that comes with it. From awe and wonder, to laughter. It may not sound like a romantic moment, and yet, we shared. We shared two common interests. We laughed together and smiled together. We talked. It wasn't anything as deep as what I felt looking up into the awesomeness above us, but it was still us connecting and I loved it. So caught up in these two fabulous events, I failed to capture them with a camera, but I certainly captured them with my heart.

The Kitchen is Open

 Fall is my baking season, as I'm sure it is for many people. Though, I know it isn't technically fall yet, it is certainly in the air. It is in the way the sun sets and rises. In the fog that creeps across our farm, the turkeys returning to the barn for security from the cooler nights and the beginnings of harvesting our animals and garden.

Over the course of the last week or so, I have been in a "homey" mood, I suppose you could say. Meal planning and a daily routine have certainly helped with that. I've been sewing, crocheting, baking, etc...

Though I don't have pictures of my crafting projects, here are some of my delicious treats.

First up, though it looks rather awful, is my attempt at homemade granola bars. I used this recipe: http://www.browneyedbaker.com/no-bake-oatmeal-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-bars/
Granted, I didn't exactly follow the recipe. I used coconut oil instead of butter and maple syrup instead of sugar. My measurements weren't exact either.
In spite of that, this, chocolaty blob, was pretty yummy.

Next up, was pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. We had two little pumpkins that fell off the vine last week. They were ripe enough, so I decided to make some cookies. I followed this recipe: http://www.yammiesnoshery.com/2014/09/chewy-pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies.html#more
I did use honey instead of sugar in this recipe, and a little more than 6 heaping table spoons of fresh pumpkin puree. These were also delicious. They barely lasted 24 hours.






                    Of course, working with fresh pumpkins means  you get a bonus... pumpkin seeds! Now, I've never been able to toast the seeds just right before. Then, I found this recipe: http://flouronmyface.com/how-to-clean-and-roast-pumpkin-seeds/ and followed it exactly! (Yes, I actually do know how to follow directions... sometimes. :D ) They turned out perfectly! They made a wonderful substitute for chips this week. I can't wait til we have more.

The last thing I got the itch to make was bread. We were out, and I've been meaning to make some for a while, since I prefer homemade over store bought. I used our copy of "The Bread Bible" and made two loaves of Jewish rye bread. Whether buttered, or drizzled with honey, best if both, this bread was delicious. The two loaves didn't even last a week.      








My second set of loaves were, partially, in honor of National Honey Month, as well as Rosh Hashanah. I used this recipe, and the video link he has, for braiding, http://theadventurebite.com/challah-recipe/
It didn't turn out quite how I expected, and I, obviously, need some work on my braiding skills,  but it was a hit at our homeschool bee day. Again, great with butter and/or honey.

So Far, So Good

         We started back to school this week and so far things are going well. I get up with the girls and walk them out to wait for the bus. Most days, I've done a devotion and prayed with them. Then, while the boys are still sleeping, I get other stuff accomplished. (This has truly made my days much more pleasant.) 

        Blessing #1 is mostly loving school, from the sounds of it. She doesn't understand why the girls and boys don't play together, though. It frustrates her when she wants to do something and her friends don't want to, but also make her feel like she can't go play with the ones who are playing what she wants to, because they are boys. Ick! hahaha I told her to play what she wants, with whoever is willing to play it.



        Blessing #2, however, isn't so sure how she feels. School is going well and she likes it ok, but she is considering that, maybe, she'll just do this semester. My plan is, to have her make a pros and cons list about school, over the course of the semester. Near Christmas break we can go over it and see what she is liking and what she isn't, as well as why. That way, whether she chooses to come home or stay there, she'll be doing it for the right reasons. It may be that her cons are all pretty small, even if there are more of them.


       As for the boys, lessons are going great! They have been amazing about sitting down and doing our core stuff together. We don't always get to everything, every day, but we always get the main stuff done and they are doing a good job with all of it, as well. In fact some stuff we are already ahead in! We've been able to go to a lake and the zoo this week, as well as starting sports, so it has been very busy. Had plans for today, but the rain came, so we're trying to catch up on activities.

      Actually, in all honesty, right now they are trying to see who is the better fighter. I could step in, as I usually do, however, I'm not. I am, on the other hand, seriously considering doing as my grandmother would do and throwing them outside and locking the door until they get it all out of their system.

      And now they are done... One, with tears streaming down his cheeks, curled in my lap. The other, storming out of the room angry and prideful. So much to learn that doesn't fall under core concepts. For now, I shall love on the one, who appears to have lost the battle.

    As I said, so far so good, but that doesn't mean perfect!