Saturday, January 12, 2013

Healthful Living

My resolution for this year is to be a healthy family.  Not just in body but in everything. With activities, nutritious food, hobbies for our hands and new ideas for our minds.
Here are a few ways we are setting out to accomplish this as a family:

1.  Activities:  Jiu Jitsu, Fighter Fight & Yoga for us grown ups.  Spring Soccer, Basketball, Jiu Jitsu, Swimming, Open Gym (for the little one), Baseball for the children - these activities will see us through the end of the school year.

2.  Nutritious Food:  We are including more vegetarian meals into our menu.  A variety of vegetables and fruit are always part of our kitchen fare but especially as produce becomes more abundant.  I have been drinking more tea and less coffee for the antioxidants & to make sure I stay hydrated.  We really don't buy much "junk food" our children none -the -less manage to enjoy quite a bit from everywhere else!  I can't wait to start growing some of our food again when planting season comes around, that always helps with nutritious choices!

3.  Hobbies:  The kids are into models - cars, an engine etc., they are also into building things with tools  and wood in the shop, baking is another favorite hobby.  Lego kits occupy some time as well as gaming for the boys of course! (not my favorite)  A new hobby we are just trying out is wood burning designs onto various wooden objects.  These hobbies are specifically for the Winter, in the Spring we add in things like gardening, riding dirt bikes, mountain biking, hiking...

4.  Ideas:  Reading is the most common inspirational source in our home.  A few favorites right now:  Momma - How to Write a Sentence & How to Read One, 6th grade:  One White Dolphin current, next The Hobbit & Captain Bluebear 4th Grade:  Sign of the Beaver, The Long Winter 2nd Grade:  Shel Silverstein, Preschool:  Jamberry
Of course there are always new ideas online too, via blogs (new favorite Wonder Farm Patricia Zaballos) & pinterest and recipes.  A new blog may be in the works, perhaps...

What are your healthful ideas for the new year?  Isn't health at the front of all our minds as we start fresh!?
Warmly,
Olivia





Friday, January 11, 2013

A Walk on a Wintry Day


The morning was bright and crisp, but I stayed inside with a feverish child.  My early workout beckoned ~ I could not come.  And I was off to such a great new years start too!  Redemption for the lost plans came mercifully, through a friends invitation for a walk in the country.  It was very cold but also dreamy.  We walked briskly, enjoying the most picturesque views of fields, hills, mountains and sunset in all directions, chatting all the way!  It was pure grace for my winter weary soul!

How do you embrace winter in all it holds?

Monday, January 7, 2013

The Duldrums

Well January is here!

He came in with all the clarity & beauty a clear morning can muster (appropriate to begin a new year) and switched over quickly to the drizzly drippy grey.  (January is a he in my mind, in case anyone was wondering;)

He is not beautiful, but matter of fact, no nonsense & every bit down to earth.  I do need this...  along with all the pretty stuff of those lighter seasons.  I need the balance to all that's sweetness and bright.

But, my oh my, does it make my bed look like a comforting retreat to smooth out the rough edges.

The poor chickens in the pasture - nobody wants to go down to them.

And the hungry wood stove?  We are all hard-pressed to keep it filled.

It's just soooo cold...

Oh summer where art thou?



About Me

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wife & mother of 4 beautiful children, 2 girls & 2 boys. small business co-owner; catering and a restaurant/alehouse, writer, gardener, lover of freedom and humility found in christ, small town enthusiast, book reader, admirer of noble truths, beauty and love

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