Field Tripping We Will Go

I don't think many kids are going on field trips yet, but you lucky ladies (and men) will get to in just a moment.  "Big school", as my kids call it, started a couple days ago in our area.  When I saw the school bus go down our road in the afternoon that first day I felt happy.  I always liked school and I like teaching my kids.  But, then the happiness in part gave way to anxiety.  I'm pretty much ready to start (we're starting Labor Day), but how it's all going to come together with two in school this year (officially for the first time) and a two year old...well, it will be interesting.

Before I send you on your trips (I told you you were going), I'll tell you a little bit about what we've been doing around here. 




My sister was here from Sunday evening until Wednesday afternoon.  In that time we managed to squeeze in making 28 pints of tomato sauce and 30 quarts of nectarines (for her), a shopping trip to some discount places she likes in our area, visiting outside while watching the kids play and blaming the rumble we felt on a nearby quarry, lots of good food, many reminders to use the potty (we're both training one) and a trip to a nearby lake.  It was a great way to bring our summer to a close.

Before school starts, my tasks include a couple more (smallish) tomato projects, concord grapes (jam and pie filling), dealing with our pears, reviewing curriculum, helping Sam get his new (old) desk set up in his room, and working on some minor changes on this here blog that will hopefully include a better/easier way to comment.

Now that I've bored you to tears with my every day ramblings, I have three (much more interesting) places for you to visit.

For the first stop, you'll need pencil and paper.  Either that or will power as strong as steel.  Did you know that you can make chocolate peanut butter cake for one (or two if you're generous) in two minutes from start to taste?  It's true.  After trying it, I told myself I would never make it again.  It's too easy.  I need my chocolate/sweet fixes to be difficult to come by.  Otherwise, well, it's just sad.  Did I forget I every made it/tried it?  Uh, no.  I made it again the next day.  Shame on me.  If you're curious about this one, visit Jennifer Jo over here.  And, if this recipe becomes problematic for you, please blame her.  Not me.  Her. (You know I jest, JJ.)

You need an open mind and a humble heart for your next stop (and I know every one of my readers possess these- you all are amazing).  Mary Grace tells it like it is in this post about adoption.  Even if you're not considering adoption, it's a powerful read. You're being graded on your participation today, so no playing hooky.

For your last destination, I want you to comb your hair, put on a clean shirt (or skirt) and relish your loveliness.  Amy wrote a very thoughtful and thought-provoking post on femininity in the form of a letter to her daughters.  I've already been thinking about this one and while I've never been very good at being a girly-girl, I was challenged by this post in a good way.

Your final assignment?  Right me a little field trip report in the comments.  No?  Okay, then tell me if you are experiencing any back-to-school anxiety.  I'm not alone here, right?  Oh please say, "right". Pin It