Updated: Apr 26, 2018
We went on a little adventure last week!
Things I learned...
1. Go with a friend!
2. Take snacks/ lunch. Zoo food is expensive.
3. Don't expect to get through the whole Zoo in one trip.
4. Just enjoy the experience and teach your children to interact with God's creation.
5. Don't be embarrassed to make all the silly animal sounds.
6. Have fun with your kids.
This was a great first outing to the Zoo with all 3 boys. I look forward to many , many more!!
Updated: Jan 2, 2019
Every year since Kyle and I got married I have attempted a garden. I've never been very good about reading a lot about it, I just jump right in. I have tried and failed many times, but last year we seemed to have success with a few things and it was very encouraging!
Here is what we grew...
This year we plan to grow zucchini again as well as a few types of tomatoes, potatoes, green onions (from kitchen cuttings), jalapenos, and maybe a few other odds and ends we see at the store. I love being able to grow my own produce, even if it's just a few things!
Here are some things I've learned over the years.
-Plant early! We live in Northwest Florida and most people say to plant around Good Friday, well that is WAAAAAY to late for me. The years I have had the most success I planted around mid to late February.
-If you are starting from seeds, start even earlier (indoors).
-Compost!!!
-Worm castings!!! (I got some from a friend that has worm beds and I was shocked at how well my plants grew. I will definitely be getting more this year.)
-If your soil isn't all that great, use raised beds or containers. (This is what I do.)
-Don't overload yourself the first year, or second, or third. Just pick a few things and grow them well before adding more to your plate.
-Don't get discouraged if a crop doesn't produce like you want. Learn from your mistakes and keep trying.
-Do your research first so you know what to be looking for as your garden grows.
-Have fun with it! If you aren't having fun, then you probably shouldn't do it, because there are times when gardens require a bit of attention and the right attitude goes a long way. I can't to get this year's started and show Raylen how it's done. I'll keep you posted and Happy gardening!
What are you growing in your garden this year?
Apparently, I am crunchy. Maybe I don't see it because it was a slow fade. I don't know.
Regardless, many of my friends refer to me (in all love of course) as a crunchy. What does this mean and why have I earned this wonderful title you ask?
I think 'crunchy' is a term used to describe either people who make their own granola (which I haven't tried yet, but it is on the list.) or people whose hair is crunchy because they don't shower (I do this, I promise.). So, what does it mean to be a crunchy mama? Well, I use glass bottles, cloth diaper (about half the time), make my own baby food. According to this definition, all moms before 1980 would have been crunchy!
In all honesty, I think I have just embraced this and run with it. It's true, I enjoy making things homemade. Partly, because it's cheaper, but also because I have a better idea of what is going into my food. I cloth diaper because I have three babies in diapers. I'm sure there is no further explanation needed there. I use glass bottles because they last longer and even those BPA free bottle are not good for your little ones.
OK. OK. You caught me. I am a little weird when it comes to things like plastic. I'm not about to go chain myself to a tree, but I do care about the environment. I care about what chemicals my children are exposed to and I do my best to limit their exposure to harmful substances when I can control the environment (i.e. my home). I use essential oils and clean without harmful chemicals. I garden (or at least try) and buy organic when I can.
I guess I am a little crunchy. But, for the granola reason, I love my showers too much to give those up.