Most of us have a sweet tooth around here. Chocolate chip cookies are probably my favorite way to satisfy mine. I’ve played around and tweaked many recipes over the years until I found the recipe that was perfect for us. I don’t want to lose it, so up on the blog it goes. It doesn’t have to be just chocolate chip either. Today we mixed semi-sweet, milk chocolate, and butterscotch chips. INGREDIENTS 1 cup softened butter 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar 1 T vanilla 2 large eggs 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 T cornstarch 3/4 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda 2-3 cups chocolat ..read more

Yesterday the boys found some helicopter seeds. Elijah asked what tree they were from and I didn’t know so I Google it real quick. We found out it was the maple tree, and the seeds were called samaras. Him and Winter opened some up to examine the seeds. He then asked me if they were edible. Once again, I looked it up and read it to him. They are edible and considered a survivalist food. So they popped some into their mouths and said they weren’t bad. Elijah then asked if we could try roasting some like the website said. He popped them out of the shell and helped oil them and we roasted them ..read more

A few weeks ago one the kids was having a hard time with our playdates canceled, and their favorite places closed. I sat with them and listened and then when they were ready we talked about things we could still be excited about. The thing that really stood out for him was our kitties first birthdays. I’ve never celebrated a pets birthday before, but we planned a big celebration. He picked out a present for them. A few days ago we searched for a cake recipe. Our two kittens got lots of love today. The boys wrapped their presents. Elijah helped me bake the cakes. Winter found candles ..read more

Today was the first time one of the kids expressed sadness and frustration at this virus situation. We spent a lot of times indoors over the winter, so I feel like the kids were kind of adjusted to lots of home time. However, as the sun began to come out more, I know we were all itching for some change. Elijah (7 years old), was having a bit of a tough morning. We all have those days when it feels like everything keeps going wrong. I held him as he released his big feelings. He then asked when this will be over. He told me he wanted to go to his favorite fun places. Dealing with the unkno ..read more

As someone who lives with anxiety and depression (which comes and goes but is always looking it seems), I’m trying to set some personal boundaries for myself around how much time I spend on the internet, especially social media right now. From the dismissive posts, to the super panicked ones, to the conspiracy theories. It’s all so much. I’m trying to just check in with some friends, find the latest update in my state, and see governmental response. My husband is supposed to return to work tomorrow, so I’ll be here with the kids as usual. I don’t want to let myself get sucked in and spiral ..read more

Our state has canceled schools, the museums and libraries are closing, most events have been canceled or postponed. It feels like a time of uncertainty, yet most of my kids are unaware about what’s going on. My oldest knows a bit. We’ve had a talk about rationing toilet paper and getting more creative in the kitchen with what we could find. However, our lives haven’t changed much, since we are at home often anyway. I’m trying to find the balance of trying to remain aware of the covid-19 updates, yet not become consumed with anxiety and what ifs? It isn’t easy, as I am naturally anxious. It ..read more

Yesterday was a tough day. Not necessarily as a mother, more a general “life is hard” type of day. I’m thankful that today was much better. After breakfast, we discovered it was National Pokémon day. We talked a bit about that. Elijah and Neon went to her room to watch videos and chat. Winter, Dexter, and I watched some of Frozen 2. After I laid Dexter for a nap, I made lunch for everyone. The kids were all sitting around the dinning room and we talked about various topics. Neon drew some Pokémon. Winter played with some slime, and I did too. It is way more satisfying than I used to ..read more