We Pumpkin Patched

Fall in the Pacific Northwest is seriously beautiful.  Stunning really.  And with so many awesome activities, it makes for great family fun.

One of our favorite things to do is visit the pumpkin patch.  There's lots of them around here but we have a favorite, Bob's Corn and Pumpkin Farm.  Its our favorite because it's smaller than the other pumpkin patches, has lots of great things to do including corn mazes, apple picking, farm animals to pet, corn and apple cannons and even a playground.  There's fresh corn on the cob straight from the field and homemade apple and pumpkin donuts.  Seriously- THE BEST!

Fresh roasted corn straight from the field!

But what I love the most about it is that it's run by a local family.  Bob and Sarah and their adorable five daughters.  But wait!  It gets even better....Bob's farm has been in his family for over 100 years.  So when we walk around their country store that was once a calf barn or ride the tractor to the pumpkin patch or purchase some of their local honey- we are supporting this great local family.  Sure, I pay WAY more here for a pumpkin then I ever would in a grocery store.  But it's not just about the pumpkins people.  It's about this family and supporting their way of life and my community.  Now that's an awesome thing to teach your kids.

We've been coming to Bob's for several years now.  The kiddo's very first trip to a pumpkin patch was when he was just 18 months old.  The husband and I set his little feet down in the dirt and away he went.  And today, almost 8 years later, he's still running around the patch like a pro.

With Grammie & Grampie

When we make our 10 minute trek to the pumpkin patch, we always try to include the important people in our life.  Most years- extended family will join us at the patch.  It varies year to year, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents etc but we do our best to make it a true family outing.  This is just one of the many traditions that the husband and I have started for the kiddo and I'm so very glad we did.

Building holiday traditions is easier then you think.  What starts out as a fun activity soon turns into a yearly "must do" and for us, our trip to the pumpkin patch signifies the start to our holiday season.  Fall is officially here, let the celebrations begin!

Comments from the Peanut Gallery

I get asked all the time, seriously All The Time, how to handle the people in your life who are not supportive.  Whether its your decision to homeschool, your parenting, your marriage, how you run your home, if you work-don't work etc.  The unfortunate reality is that there will be people who don't support you.  The crappy thing about this is that many of these people will voice their unwanted opinions and this can be hurtful.  Very hurtful.

Today, in an effort to answer your question- I posted this over on the Homeschooled Housewife Facebook page.  I hope that it might help some of you.

Comments from the peanut gallery-

You're a bad Mom.

I'm concerned that he's not learning everything he should be learning. Here let me quiz him on something WAY above his grade level because I'm an expert.

He's old enough to go by himself, cut the cord already.

Why aren't you eating organic chocolate?

You should let your child stay with us during the week so you can go get a real job.

We don't like the way you disciplined him. You need to be tougher on him.

You're too hard on him.

Don't you think it's time you put him in a real school?

He didn't show what I deem to be the proper appreciation therefore he's ungrateful.

You need to have another kid so he doesn't grow up to be a spoiled brat.

You must not trust your husband if you read his text messages.

A real woman works outside the home.

When I have a child, I will never do what you do. My child will behave exactly how I want him to at all times because that's what kids do.

You didn't even graduate college, how are you ever going to teach your child?

You're marriage isn't healthy because it doesn't look exactly like mine does. Nevermind the fact that I never see my spouse & we have nothing to talk about.

You let your kid watch PG13 movies but ban the Disney channel?

You're too honest with him. You need to shelter him from the real world.

He's too old to do this, it's for little kids. You're damaging him by not letting him grow up.

You're not a real homeschooler.

Your marriage will never last. Here, let me give you unwanted advice & input because I have been married 4 times after all...

You need to go to church. All homeschoolers go to church.

You're too overprotective. You can't control everything in your kid's life.

You're lazy.

You spend way too much time with your husband. He should be able to go out whenever he wants & live the single life like I do.

You're stupid for believing that GMO's are harmful. There's nothing wrong with the food we eat.

You should be doing more.

You do too much, not everything has to be perfect.

So here's how I view these comments-

We as homeschoolers will naturally have to fend off comments such as this because let's face it- we are doing something different & that scares people. And yes, the above are all comments from people in my life or those I've randomly come across. So I know exactly what it's like to be met with these words.

My advice to you all is simple. In fact, I was just telling the kiddo this today-

People who are insecure & unhappy with their own lives have a tendency to comment negatively on other people's lives. Do the best you can. Do what you feel is right. And for heaven's sake- do not give any thought to all this BS coming your way.

Because at the end of the day, the only people that matter are the ones who love & support you. No matter what.

So surround yourself with these people.

Pasta Roni: You Ain't Seen Nothin Yet!

Who here eats Pasta Roni?  Don't be afraid- raise your hands.

We too used to eat Pasta Roni, Rice a Roni, Farmhouse pastas etc but I drew the line at Hamburger Helper.  Somehow I thought Pasta Roni was SO much better for you then Hamburger Helper...BWHAHAHA.

So here's the deal.  These boxed pasta mixes are NOT good for you, Mmkay....Seriously, they are SO bad for your health but why oh why do they have to taste so good?!?  And does it really get any easier then dumping a packet of chemicals into your boiling water?  Umm...probably not.  But not too worry, I'm here to save the day!

This Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is SO good.  Seriously, you'll go back for thirds and pop a button on your jeans, that's how Amazeballs this dish is!  And because I'm a busy Mama just like you, it's quick and easy to make.  Oh how I LOVE that!

Start to finish, 25 minutes.  Ok, maybe 30.  And it makes enough for 4 people for dinner and a little leftover for lunch the next day.  Sign me up!


Creamy Tomato & Spinach Pasta

1 package pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves diced garlic
1/2 diced onion
2 teaspoons basil
pinch chili pepper flakes
salt, pepper
1 small handful sun dried tomatoes, rough chop
2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes
1/4 cup heavy cream or half & half
3 large handfuls fresh spinach
Parmesan cheese


Step 1- Start your water to boil for your pasta.  We like this dish with fettuccine noodles but really, anything will work.  So just use what you have available!

At the same time, start your garlic and onions sauteing in the olive oil.

Step 2- Once your onions are translucent (about 5-10 minutes) add in the basil, chili pepper flakes, salt, pepper, sun dried tomatoes and diced tomatoes.  Saute another 10 minutes.

At this point, your pasta should be cooking away in the pot.

Step 3- Blend your tomato mixture with your trusty immersion blender.  Slowly add in the heavy cream or half and half.  Then toss in your fresh spinach.  Continue to cook on low for a few minutes.

Tomato mixture before blending

After blending- now add in your greens!

Drain your pasta.


Tip- You can totally omit the cream if you're watching your weight.  But it's SO much better with it!  You can also use frozen spinach or another type of greens instead.  It's good with kale too.

Step 4- Combine your drained pasta with your sauce.  Sprinkle with parm cheese and enjoy!

I consider this a complete dish because of the veggies added.  However, many times I serve it with even more veggies or maybe some fresh fruit.  And the leftovers (if there are any!) are even better!

The Daily Folder System

Ok, so you all know by now that we are eclectic homeschoolers that lean towards unschooling.  Eh- or maybe you don't.  What this looks like in action, can vary.  But on most days, we have goals that we would like to accomplish and then I simply leave the rest up to chance.  Our goals are fairly simple, Monday through Thursday the kiddo has classes to attend and then we aim for one hour of workbook or online learning and one hour of quiet reading.  From there, the kiddo is free to pursue his own ideas.

For years now, this has been working pretty well.  Some days, there's more home learning then others and many times he reads for way longer then just 60 minutes.  However, this year- it seems we've turned a corner.  Since September, I have spent the majority of the day yelling at the kiddo to get his workbook and reading done while he's spent his time NOT doing it.  It's a battle of wills in my house with no clear winner.

And so- I'm switching things up!  Ah- one of the many great benefits to homeschooling.  When one thing isn't working, you can change it.  Love that!  So I wanted to share with you the folder system that I came up with one afternoon.  Perhaps it just might help you too?


What You'll Need

• 5 folders with pockets
• sharpie
• post its or paper clips
• worksheets, curriculum, workbooks etc
• computer/printer

The process is easy.

Step 1:  Create a daily checklist in either Word or Excel for the next month or two.  You could also do this by hand and simply make copies if that's easier for you.  

Daily Checklist

Keep in mind your schedule constraints for each day.  For example, the kiddo has several hours of classes on M/W so for those days, the daily checklist is different then it is for T/Th.

Step 2:  Write the day of the week on the outside of each folder with your sharpie marker.  On the inside, write "Assigned" on the left pocket and "Completed" on the right pocket.

Assigned & Completed Assignments

Step 3:  Tape the daily checklist on the outside of the folder with the corresponding day.  So Wednesday's checklist on Wednesday's folder.  Easy, right?

Step 4:  Pull assignments, worksheets, curriculum etc for each day.  Paper clip together and label it.

Because the checklist is 5 weeks long, I pull 5 weeks worth of curriculum at once.  If you prefer to only have to do this every couple months, or every 6 months- then by all means, extend your checklist to include the length of time you prefer.

And that's it.  Seriously, you're done.

How It Works:

Your kid pulls the folder for that day.  So if it's Monday, then pull Monday's folder.  Look inside the "Assigned" pocket to find that dates assignments.  

Once the assignments are done, they mark them off the daily checklist located on the outside of the folder and move them to the "Completed" pocket.

*Tip- I also include quiet reading, science experiments, crafts, chores etc on the checklist.  Same principal applies here.  So even though there might not be items in the "Assigned" pocket, they will still need to complete these and mark them off the daily checklist.  Like quiet reading for example...

You can then check their work in the "Completed" pocket and make note of anything left to be done on the outside daily checklist.

Pretty simple right?  We are on week one of this new system but already, I'm seeing big improvements!  

The Daily Folders

I Am NOT Brave

I posted this message over on the Facebook page and it's simply too good NOT to share here.  Special thanks to Momastery for the article at the very end.  I simply LOVE this blog, so if you get a chance, check it out!

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People call me brave. They say I'm doing something amazing. They tell me that they "could never do what I'm doing," this thing called homeschooling.

And then I think to myself- I'm not brave. I'm weak.

Because I could NEVER, ever in a million years do what you do. I could never send my child off to public school each day. Watch as my baby walks out the front door towards an uncertain world. How do you do it parents? For every wonderful thing they may experience is an equal amount of horrible and I just don't have the guts, the bravery, to send my baby out into this unknown scary universe.

Will it take away his smile? Will it change his behaviors? Will he become bored & act out? Will he be made fun of for his choices? Will he make true friends? Will teachers see his wonderful?

So instead, I choose to homeschool. Where I know he's safe. Where I know he's learning. Where I know he's loved. Where I can (for the moment) control the environment, his friends, his curriculum and shape him into the MAN he is destined to be.

Some say that's bravery. But sometimes, I think it just may be the fear of the alternative.

I am not brave.

The parents that open that door & watch their children, their BABIES, their hearts, walk away from them- now that's true bravery.


And because I love this article, I'm sharing with all of you. There should be a word to describe this bravery. All of us parents struggle with our choices- is homeschooling best? I wish I could afford private school. Is public school really the right way to go? We all struggle, no matter what we decide. And for those of you here who do watch your babies walk out that door- you are far stronger then I am. Please know that I support you as you make the choice that is right for your family.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glennon-melton/there-should-be-a-word-for-what-it-feels-like-to-send-your-child-to-middle-school_b_5805396.html

Change Your Health

We've been on this journey towards a healthier lifestyle for several years now.  Eh- probably around 6 or more, so awhile.  In that time frame, we've made some big changes.  We've totally changed our diet, we've adopted more meat free meals, we are on a strict vitamin/supplement regime, reduced the amount of chemicals and toxins we are exposed to and so on.  This has been a very LONG process and I have to be honest and say, that for the husband- it's been the hardest.

The kiddo was just a little guy when we started out, so he really doesn't know any better.  And me- well I'm the crazy mastermind behind all this, so of course I'm totally on the board.  The husband- not so much.

But I just have to stop and take a moment and say how proud I am of him.  He initially followed along because I didn't give him much choice.  Bwahahaha.....however, in the last year I've seen him taking more and more initiative and I'm super excited about it.

He's really wanting to make these changes.  He's also telling others about the steps he's taking and trying to encourage them to do the same- even if they do throw bitch fits at him and say, "you ate at Carl's Jr that one time..." it doesn't stop him.  And just the other day, he texted his friend the recipe for my Green Smoothie.  I shit you not- he's texting his buddies smoothie recipes.

Shut.  The.  Front.  Door.

He is really putting in the work and its exciting for me to witness.

Ok- so why am I telling you all this?  Well, I love to brag about the husband of course!  But there's another reason.

For years the husband has battled with sinus issues, eczema, high blood pressure, stress, anxiety (work induced) & was at risk for diabetes.  Yikes!  Unfortunately to combat all these issues, he's been prescribed a chemical cocktail.  Double Yikes!

Sound familiar?

I bet it does!

So, today he went to the doctor for a checkup.  The doctor had this to say- "Wow.  Whatever you've been doing, keep doing it."  Not only have his sinus issues totally cleared up (with the very occasional flare up) but his weight is down, his blood pressure is significantly improved and he's no longer at risk for developing diabetes.

Wait.  What?

You heard me right- he's made huge changes in his health, in just the last year.  So you just know that I have to tell you all what he's been doing because maybe, just maybe- it might help you too.

• Gave up most fast food places, including his fav- Taco Bell.
• Drastically reduced his soda intake even more then before, to just a couple per week.
• Even more vegetarian meals, lentils & quinoa OH MY!
• Lots of kale smoothies!
• Drinks Apple Cider Vinegar every morning.
• Takes cinnamon for high blood pressure.
• Oil pulling with organic coconut oil.
• Drinks Kombucha several times weekly.
• Eats more fruits & veggies.

You guys- I just.  I can't.  I don't....

It's awesome.

He went from several pills, to one.  Just one.  And for anyone who takes a handful of pills to deal with "lifestyle" issues (you know- stress, weight, high blood pressure etc) you know that his is big.  HUGE.

I'm so happy, I could cry.  The jury's still out- I just might.

But this is so exciting for all of you too!  For anyone who suffers from the same issues or something similar- the husband is proof that with hard work you can totally eliminate many of your health problems.  So please- browse my blog, read some of the recipes, google "oil pulling" and make your health a priority.

You're worth it, now do it.

He's Extra Special

Mommy Confession Time-  sometimes I struggle with our choices.

Are we making the right choice to homeschool?

Am I a good Mom?

Are we totally screwing up the kiddo?

Will he be too different from his "peers"?

Do we push him too hard?  Not enough?

Am I too obsessed with teaching him certain things and not focusing enough on the others?

Are our expectations realistic?

Will he resent us when he's older?

So yeah....I've got a lot of thoughts running around in my head.  Doubts, fears- whatever.  It's totally normal and I don't think I would be a normal Mom if I didn't have some doubts.  Everyone has them, whether you homeschool or send to a public school, or enroll in a private school.  We all have these questions when it comes to our kids.  But that only means we love them and are doing our very best.  Nothing wrong with that, right?

The funny thing is, that whenever I'm really experiencing these doubts, a moment comes along to re-affirm our choices.

Every.  Single.  Time.

And so it was today, that I was thinking how easy it would be to just send the kiddo off to public school so I could finally, FINALLY, have a moment of peace.  When I bumped into one of the kiddo's former writing instructors.

"How are you?  How's William" she asked.

I'm good, he's good.

"Give him my love.  He's extra special that kid- I miss him in class."

I think so too.


And as I agreed with her, that yes- the kiddo is extra special, the tears pooled in my eyes.  Because I needed to hear this today.  I needed to hear someone say, "I see him too.  All his potential, his passion, his joy.  I see him and I love him."  Because homeschooing is hard darn it.  Yes, it's wonderful and empowering but it's also really damn difficult.  Especially on day 10 of struggling through fractions, or 2 years of focusing on sight words all while trying to teach them to tie their shoes and have them clean their rooms.  You are both Teacher and Parent and that is hard.  No one ever really talks about the struggle to balance it, the battle of wills taking place on your couch, the crying (from both of you) as they struggle to learn.

So when a moment comes along like this, it's a silent fist pump, a jump for joy, a shout to the Heavens- what you're doing is worth it.  It's worth the struggles, the tears, the laughter, the fear.  All of it.

Worth.  It.


Now tell me- what Mom would doubt herself after a moment like that?  Fears gone.  Questions erased.  Validation BOOM.  For now, I totally got this.  My kid is happy, he's learning and I'm not the only one that thinks he's extra special.  Clearly, we are doing something right.  So until the next time, when I will inevitably start to doubt myself again and God will send me another moment like this....

We all have doubts, Moms probably more so.  But listen to the moments Moms- they are God's way of saying, "You Got This".