Pondering Ponteuf

Down on the farm

Last weekend was so much fun.We went to the opening of Fishkill farm in upstate New york.It was quite a trek and we probably wouldn't have done it for any other reason than I went to support a wonderful friend.In a day when too many kids are spending way too much time leading sedentary lifestyles and not getting their fill of nature and everything that it has to offer,Gina,(not being one to EVER sit down for more than five minutes,not that I have ever witnessed anyway.If I ever did,for that matter,I would need to sit down for MORE than five minutes until the shock wore off!!) came up with a wonderful idea.She started a great group called Kids unplugged.Not only does she run her home and wonderfully nurture her own three little children but she organizes hikes and trips for families to get together and get outside.Her new baby is called Saturdays on the farm and that is what we went to support her with.

Issi was mesmerized by the baby hens.

I had to keep Ollie away though as he had no  concept of the word gentle that day.I saved one poor chick as he lifted it by it's tiny little 

head and shouting "wookMummy,a yickle chickeeee,awwwww"

The kids had a blast painting

making finger print chickies 

and doing a little scavenger hunt.

This was then topped off with the making of a little flower press for the wild flowers that were collected on the scavenger hunt.

A visit with the chickens

and we were ready for a lunch of crepes,muffins,omelettes and fresh strawberries.Most of which was made with fresh organic ingredients from the farm.Yum scrum.

This was eaten to the sweet sounds of a little group playing wonderful,cheery tunes.Who could ask for anything more.

I would love to participate in all of the wonderful things that Gina has prepared for the saturdays on the farm but with only seven weeks until B-day and daily contractions,I don't think an hour and a half trip to aanother state on my own with three kids is a good idea.If you are somewhat close by though,I thoroughly recommend that you check it it,you won't be disappointed.

Hurry up and wait.

With the rush rush of todays society it is very easy to get carried along with the tide or to feel stressed about needing more time.Well we manage our own time and sometime put this unnecessary stress upon ourselves without realizing it.Yes it is much faster if I put Ollie's shoes and jacket on or do the chest buckle on his seat but the simple fact is that he likes to do these things himself.This is how they all learn independence and gain new skills.Griffin would probably have mastered wiping his own bum quicker if I just sucked it up and dealt with the crap (pun intended)for a few months instead of letting my anal side take over.I realized this morning as I was making Griffin's bed,that I am just making my job harder in the long run.Griff is nearly five,he could probably definately make his own bed.It wouldn't be all tucked and turned like I like to do it but it is a life skill that will help him become more responsible for himself.As much as I am responsible for these precious gifts that have been bestowed upon me ,it is also my duty to loosen my mama bear grip when the time is right and I realize now that I haven't been paying attention to my children's cues as well as I thought.So before number four joins us for this fun ride I figured that I should take some time out to figure out what they can do and what they still need me to do. As I was making lunch for the boys today Ollie came in and insisted that he make his own sandwich.The impatient side of me wanted lunch on the table to I could get to the clutter in the kitchen but I reminded myself that the clutter can stay for an extra five minutes and I handed him a knife (nice and blunt in case you are worrying!) and his bread. You can see how proud he is in this picture.I think I will put it on the fridge to remind myself that even though these things may take a while longer at the start,the pleasure and sense of accomplishment that they feel from doing these little things means more,much much more to me than an uncluttered kitchen counter.That can wait.In ten,fifteen years time when my nest will be on it's way to empty I will have all the turned and tucked beds and uncluttered kitchens that my little anal heart desires but I will also have these memories that have been created from teaching the little ones the skills to take with them when they do fly the nest. I must have been rewarded for my new vision with some sort of karma drop in as I have been wishing for one of these  but not liking the price and knowing that hubby certainly wouldn't like the price at the moment with our house repairs that are going on.So I have been checking the thrift stores on a regular (see,weekly) basis. finally today,yeehaw..for the princely sum of $2 I found my self a nice sized coffee press.Yay now I can take that unsightly 12 cup counter clutterer and hide it in the cupboard until it absolutely HAS to make an appearence.

cheerio :0)