Hot Chocolate and Magic

Taylor was about 7 when she inscribed this recipe per her Granna's instructions. At the time, I remember looking it over and thinking..."this kid needs some spelling lessons". But now that she is 17, it is precious and sweet and actually pretty good for a 7-year-old! Feel free to use the recipe yourself, it is scrumptious.

Once, while Granna was serving hot chocolate to Taylor and Kyle, she was adding marshmallows on top. Of course she was having to count to make sure each had the same amount. Kyle mentioned that his marshmallows were "little" and after a few minutes of stirring their hot brew with their spoons, Taylor looked up from her cup and said "my marshmallows are so tiny, I can't even see them!"

We've had a few little cool spells over the past month, so Taylor's recipe found it's way out of the recipe box and onto the range-hood where it has been pinned with a magnet. She made her first batch of Granna's hot-chocolate a couple of Sunday's ago while I was napping and I awoke to the sweet smell of chocolate. While I was making me some lunch this afternoon I just happened to glance at the recipe and pause briefly to think of my Taylor. I was remembering her when she was so little that we couldn't even find clothes to fit her, and when she was that dainty, prissy toddler with a wisp of golden hair...always so optimistic and forevermore darling.

She also happens to be a lot like her Dad (bless her heart) and tends to do things quite methodically. Once she figures out what she likes, she doesn't need to change it, thank you very much. When Taylor makes hot chocolate, she drinks it out of her "hot-chocolate-cup"

It doesn't matter if it's Christmas or not either. This is the cup that Taylor drinks hot chocolate out of. Amen. She acquired this little trinket with (who else) Granna! They were shopping around at the craft booths at Hoo-Rah days when she was just a little bitty thing when Taylor spotted this cup and had to have it. The lady working at the booth knew mom and they visited for a while and Taylor walked away with what would forever be something special.

There is another cup that resides in my cabinet which holds great importance. It's appears to be just a little jelly jar but you don't know the secret. See when Taylor was about 3-years-old, she got sick like all kids do, nothing major just a little runny nose and a cough. We paid Aunt Susie a visit, like we used to do quite frequently when we lived near her, and Susie gave her this cup. She told her it was magical and would make her well.

See the stars on the top? They are magic stars! When you drink from this cup it will always make you feel better.

Perhaps it was just a coincidence that Taylor started feeling better that day, or maybe it was the power of suggestion...I'm not sure, but we are holding on to the cup just in case. And, whenever Taylor feels bad or has to down some nasty medicine, this cup is always handy to add the element of magic to her remedy.

A Prophetic Fruit

The topic of weather is one that is frequent among country folk. Farmers, gardeners, and the like are constantly concerned with what the weather is doing and, even more so, predicting what the weather is going to do.

Today, the topic came up while we were dumping chickens. Tim, the bus driver that brings us our chickens, mentioned that he had heard rumors of a "bad" winter. We, of course, have been hearing tell of the winter to come, not only from the people in the community but have also heard a few reports on the Weather Channel as well. Tim mentioned pensively that he had even heard that a man in Cove (a town just north of here) had found a spoon in a persimmon seed!

This was not the first time I had heard the folklore of predicting the coming winter by cutting open a persimmon seed. We began a long discussion on what the spoon was supposed to represent. Apparently there are 3 formations that the inside of a persimmon seed can take on; a spoon, a knife, or a fork. The spoon was surely representative of a cold hard winter but nobody knew for sure what the others predicted, and we were even a little cloudy on the spoon.

So, being the perpetual student I am, I began my research as soon as I had a chance. My first assignment was to find me some persimmons! I knew there were some persimmon trees on the farm but I wasn't sure where. I was already dirty and couldn't think of anything that sounded more fun than traipsing through the woods in the cold misty rain looking for persimmons. (that was not sarcasm by the way) The usual trees were easy for me to find, the sweet-gums, the hickory, the oaks and the maple, but I was having a hard time identifying any persimmons. Finally, I saw a single fruit on the ground and looked up to find more hanging on the tree. It's things like this that bring a farm girl so much joy! I had found what I was looking for.

Before I even thought about the consequences I gave the tree a good shake. Did I mention that it was misting rain? The persimmon tree bestowed upon me a lovely shower of the freshest Arkansas rain drops ever, and kindly dropped a few of her persimmons as well.

I gathered up the prettiest ones and brought them to the house. This is when I sat down and did a little research. First of all, I know you're all dying to know so I'll tell you what the traditional folklore states.

A fork found in a persimmon seed is indicative of a mild winter.

A knife means a cold icy winter (as in the wind will cut through you like a knife).

And finally, the spoon suggests a very snowy winter (plenty of snow to shovel).

I also found out through my research that in traditional Chinese medicine, the persimmon fruit regulates chi (or your life energy flow)!! I also discovered that it is used to treat constipation and I'll just take their word for that.

So, on I went with my little experiment. I removed the seed from the fruit and, yes, it is as slippery as it looks. I rinsed and rinsed that pretty little seed but it stayed just a slimy as when it emerged from it's little pod. I finally decided to try and dry it with some paper towels and eventually just held it in the toweling while I attempted to slice it open. My little paring knife has sliced many a thing, but this was a first and it handled the job beautifully.

EUREKA! And I would dare say that is the shape of a spoon if ever I saw one.

I am so anxious to see what the coming months will bring now that I feel that they have been so accurately predicted. It was intriguing to do the little research I did and besides, who is going to pass on all this whimsical folklore to the next generation? I felt an urgent responsibility and now I can't wait for Taylor and Kyle to get home to share all of this with them. Taylor may roll her eyes at my excitement but I'm sure to get an enthusiastic response from Kyle.

And won't we be even more astonished when the first snowflake of the season falls.

Doggy Daycare

When Taylor and Kyle were little, before they started school, I was a stay-at-home-mom. In order to supplement our income, I also kept other people's kids in my home. There were days when I had as many as 7 children under the age of 5 in my house. It's a wonder I still have my sanity...and even that is questionable.

Today, things at Jenni's house are a little different. However, this morning as I was going about my daily morning activities, I realized they are, in a way, pretty much the same. The only difference is, instead of dealing with small people, I'm dealing with my four-legged children.

I am still required to keep the peace when arguments break out.

Ask people to use their inside voices

explain that it's rude to stick out your tongue

remind people to share their toys

make sure everybody gets ample playtime

clean em up when they get dirty

give kisses when somebody gets a boo boo.

and, what every mother looks forward to, nap time.

It makes me a little sad that Taylor and Kyle are at the age now that they are needing me less and less when in comes to this kind of stuff. Sure, I am still needed for laundry, dinner, and cash, but even more importantly, they need me to be there for them. See things have gone from the overwhelming task of meeting their physical needs, to being the person in their life with whom they need the big stuff; mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. In a way, these can be even more demanding than the physical...but I find if very rewarding to be walking hand-in-hand through our life's journey. See, (and don't tell them this) they teach me too!

And while I dread the next step, which is when they leave my little nest, I am excited to see what God has planned for them. And... I will still have my dogs. (and Rodney)

Drifting

Like the butterfly pictured above, I am drifting on the currents of life and occasionally landing on random flowers. I am hoping and praying that this is just a phase, even though it is something that I've battled my whole life...I'm optimistic enough to believe that the "phase" will pass and I will become a normal person.

There is absolutely no direction in my life. Aren't you glad you visited my blog today? No direction I'm telling you. It is easy for me to blame my state-of-confusion on A.D.D. and I've often used this excuse. Truth is, I don't allow, nor have I ever allowed, Kyle to use this as an excuse. "You're just going to have to work harder than everybody else, but in turn you will appreciate your accomplishments more because it didn't come easy for you." Yep, I have spoken these words to my son while I myself am battling to merely keep my head above water.

I feel as if I stumbled into a marriage, tripped into motherhood and fell head first into farming. Looking around me now, I wonder how in the world I got here. I know I love me life, I know I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world but boy would I love a little structure.

Those people like Martha Stewart, who so many of us love to hate, have always enticed me with their organized (or seemingly organized) lives. How do they do that? How do they have all of these things to do and do it so gracefully and efficiently? Why can't I be like that?

I know what my creative capabilities are, but I have no idea how to put them to use. I think I need some therapy, or one of those professional organizers to give me a plan, or maybe a drill sergeant to whip me into shape. Although a drill sergeant would just make me cry and want my mommy. Am I the only person that feels this way? Please say it ain't so.

What I am hoping for is that this "low point" in my little life will spur me on to grow and be better. I want to grow into one of those women that is up early, making breakfast in a CLEAN kitchen, who sends her family off for their day with bellies full and with kisses on their cheeks and a song in their heart. To go about my day with fully structured chores, feeding animals, making soap, taking photos, paying bills, fixing fence, mowing the lawn, cleaning the house, preparing meals, visiting sick people, working in the garden, buying groceries, filling prescriptions, helping my parents, building cabinets and on and on. Now, mind you, I DO all of these things...but I do it more like the tasmanian devil leaving a path of destruction in my wake. Clumsy, crazy, completely unstructured little me, trying to be ethereal and light and methodical.

So, I am pondering what to do with all of this insanity that is in my lap. Do I wrap it up in a tight little ball and embrace it? Or do I pull myself up by my boot straps and "get with the program"? Maybe that drill sergeant isn't such a bad idea...does anybody know where I can find one of those? One thing is for sure, no matter how crooked and winding my path may be...I AM moving forward (or falling forward). There is no stopping the train I'm on and that baby keeps going faster and faster. Perhaps I'll find a little peace along the way maybe even a glimpse of order and structure and figure out what in the heck I'm doing.

Future Farmers of America

As I was folding laundry this morning, I came across Kyle's Wickes FFA T-shirt. I've seen him wear it a million times but for some reason just glanced upon the front and read the words " Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve". Somehow this motto has slipped my attention but I found the words to be compelling.

I clearly remember sitting several times at FFA functions and hearing the creed being read with a big lump in my throat. The exact words eluded me but I remember the feeling of having a pride in the organization and feeling a very strong affirmation for my own occupation.

So, I've attached it for you to read. I think whether you are involved in agriculture or not, these are captivating words.

I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds - achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.

I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.

I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.

I believe in less dependence on begging and more power in bargaining; in the life abundant and enough honest wealth to help make it so--for others as well as myself; in less need for charity and more of it when needed; in being happy myself and playing square with those whose happiness depends upon me.

I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.

Keeping Eddie Busy

One notable characteristic about boxers is that they are active and require adequate exercise to prevent boredom. Since Eddie is still a puppy, he does a lot of napping but I'm beginning to see more and more of this boredom coming out in him. Thank goodness we live in a place where I can let him out of the house and he can run around like a maniac. However, he likes me to be with him when he's doing this and well, sometimes I'm on house duty. So, I've been finding little ways to keep him occupied while we are working indoors.

Today, I tossed him my empty bottle of sparkling water (I mix it with cranberry juice...so yummy).

At first he looked at me like I was an idiot. He has such whimsical facial expressions.

Then he dug on into it and really started to enjoy the lovely crunching sound.

Then it got a little more serious...

After about 5 minutes, the label was shredded and being the good mommy I am, I took that away.

I like this whole water bottle thing...he was busy for at least a good half hour

and on it went

then this is when that whole boxer personality really started coming out, I love this part...the jumping, the pouncing, the tossing, the sheer merriment of it all.

oh look...Eddie has actual magical powers!!

Then it's back down to working the bottle over with those jaws.

and now, he is tired of Momma taking his picture

brace yourself Momma

then it's over and now I have to go find something else to occupy his time. I'm sure that I would have been wise to have kept my own self busy while he was occupied instead of taking pictures of the whole thing. Now he's napping and I'm blogging. Laundry and soap-making are awaiting.

Precious Moments

We celebrated Taylor's 17th birthday on Friday evening. As I got out her birthday banner, I was reminiscent of the birthdays that have come before. I think I made this banner for Taylor when she was 8 or 9, so it's been around a while.

There is something even more precious about Taylor's birthday's that has started to become quite a display in my house. Every year, Granna gets Taylor a Precious Moments figurine. Now she has a whopping 17 of them.

This was #1. Seems like such a long time ago, and yet somehow it seems like yesterday. Granna has a knack for capturing the memories of the year with the figure she so carefully chooses. There is a spiritual bond between those chicks, Taylor and her Granna. Who better to choose a gift to be reminiscent of the years gone by.

She even gets her an ornament every Christmas, which I can't bear to put in storage so they sit in with the others all year long in the curio cabinet. I figure they have much to chat about and I would hate to separate them.

As they began to accumulate, I loved the sweet, enchanting pastel light they began to cast. The more that gathered, the prettier the display became.

All of them as a whole is a precious thing, and each individually, special.

Like the one she got the year she played ball.

Or the one when she was Miss Cheerleader.

The one she got after we moved her to the chicken farm (bless her heart).

This one she got the first year her Daddy took her deer hunting. You can't tell me that doesn't make your heart get all mushy and sentimental, or is it just me?

This is the one she got this year. I noticed as I placed her in the cabinet with the rest that she had several with kitties...wonder why??

So, in she goes to be displayed oh so proudly...the current year gets the front row, I'm sure the others don't mind. They've all had their turn.

...and when it is time for Taylor to go out into the world on her own, they will travel with her. I'm sure the assembly will continue to grow as long as Taylor continues to have birthdays. And each year she can look back and not only remember each years uniqueness, but will have something precious and abiding from her Granna.