Scenes From Tomato Day

Last Saturday was Tomato Day! It was the first time that our Tomato Day was held in September but given the events of August there really was not  another time that made sense to do so. Dave swung by the farm down the street to pick up about 40 pounds of seconds and we set to work a week ago turning them into sauce. 
The girls have helped us each year (from the very first year we ever canned) but this year they were their most independent yet. We set them each up with a specific job and before we knew it the sauce was simmering away on the stove. These girls of ours have always been such incredible helpers. From their youngest days they were always there, pitching in and helping in any way their little hands would let them. It is such a blessing to have their help with all the chores and tasks and projects we do. They are there with us through it all, never complaining and always impressing us with how hard they work!

From the 40 pounds of tomatoes we ended up with thirteen quarts of sauce (with a little extra left over that we've already used). This recipe is definitely our favorite and it sure will be divine to have a bit of summer throughout the winter months! xo

{This Moment} Sous Chefs

{This Moment} - A Soule Mama Friday ritual. A single  photo - no words- capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you are inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments section for all to find and see. We wish you a lovely weekend! xo

September 11th

Last year it was decided that we'd make treats to bring to the first responders in our town on September 11th. It felt like a good way to give back to men and women who, though perhaps not there in NYC on September 11, 2001, put their lives on the line for us each and every day. Last night, as we tucked the girls in bed we asked them what we should do for a September 11th service project. "Let's bake treats for the Firemen and Police!" they replied. And so we did. Cookies were baked, decorated and delivered (along with notes of thanks) and the events of this day thirteen years ago were quietly reflected on by their Papa and I.

Today- and always- we wish the world peace. To those who are grieving today please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. xo

At The Farm With Friends

Yesterday we met up with our friends from Simple Whimsy. We hadn't been together in about a year but you'd never have known it by watching our girls! They picked up as if no time had passed at all since they last played together (and the same was true for us mamas)! It was a true joy to watch these four sweet girls play and laugh and giggle and talk and explore each nook and cranny of Drumlin Farm together. Before we knew it three hours had quickly passed and it was time to say our "see you soons". Here's to hoping that their move to New England happens sooner than soon and that it finds them moving to our neck of the woods of this lovely region of ours. Thank you, dear friends, for coming to visit us during your visit. We had a blast and are looking forward to next time already! xo

Emma's First Tooth Fairy Visit

Last night was an exciting night in our house- the tooth fairy made her first visit to Emma! The biggest question that Grace and Emma wanted to know was would Emma's tooth fairy be the sister to Grace's? The answer is a resounding yes (and Emma's tooth fairy is named Violet for those who were wondering)! David and I were awoken this morning by Emma at our bedside saying: "The tooth fairy came and she left me a note and a necklace just like Grace's!" It was a sweet way to start our day!

 And this tooth fairy, just like Grace's, likes to cover both girls (and their beds) in glitter. Glitter, by the way, is very hard to photograph. Although it does not look like it here it's safe to say that she is in fact covered in it. So much glitter!  

And just like that our days of awaiting the loss of a first tooth are over. They are growing too quickly these girls of ours. While we love seeing each new age and stage and adventure (and tooth fairy visit) it sure would be lovely if we could slow down the passage of time just a wee bit. This mama can't take how fast it's all going by! Congrats on your first lost tooth, sweet youngest daughter of ours! We love you and your sweet (new) smile to the moon and stars and back! xo

Morning, Noon And Night

Today we began our week with a lovely new tradition- a Waldorf inspired Rose Ceremony. I had read about this ceremony on various blogs that I frequent and couldn't shake the feeling that this was a tradition that we needed to add to our world too. With this notion on my mind and heart it worked its way into my soul even more when I saw this video of one school's Rose Ceremony. Maybe it was the song, or the sweet grade one students walking over to their grade eight buddy to receive their rose, whatever it was it just about did me in (and if I was that emotional over it I can only imagine what the mamas and papas of the kids were like).  So, roses were located, a sweet message to each girl was written and we welcomed a new year (and a new tradition) together today. 

After our sweet start to the day, the afternoon found us at Hopkinton State Park with other area homeschoolers for the Not Back to School gathering. It was a stellar afternoon spent with some kindred spirits and their sweet children. Kerry over at City Kids Homeschooling is one of my most favorite mama bloggers. To have the chance to finally meet in person was such a blessing! We have long known that we were kindred spirits and to spend and afternoon visiting only offered further confirmation of that fact. Through Kerry (and this gathering in general) today I am honored to have had the chance to meet Tracy from OFFKLTR. How she and I had not met in person before is beyond me but I am so very glad to have met her and her sweet girls today. Another kindred spirit indeed! Here's to the beginnings of a new circle of friends! Let our gatherings be frequent and plentiful! 

This evening brought the first day of the new dance year and with it Emma's first lost tooth! We had been waiting for this tooth to fall out for some time now, but especially for the last week where it was beyond loose. Leave it to Em to lose her first tooth at dance while practicing kicks! So tonight, the tooth fairy will be visiting her for the very first time. No doubt she will wake covered in glitter tomorrow morning and feeling just a smidgen older than she felt when she went to sleep tonight. What an amazing start to the week. I don't think this day could have been any more wonderful if it wanted to be! xo