This weekend was a long weekend, which meant an extra day as a family and while I did go into the office for 4 hrs with the children (we have a pretty wonderful set up/routine, they do 2 hrs of reading and arithmetic, followed by a 30 minute game and then a much anticipated dvd to watch (they only get about 1.5 hrs of screen time a month, yes you read that right!) the day was spent gardening and hiking and gardening some more. We planted cucumbers, kale, spinach, watercress, pumpkins, yellow courgettes and a few flowers. My only complaint is I’d like at least 10 plots (the plots here are very very tiny, about 1/5th the size of a small allotment plot in the UK). But I’m very grateful we have it! I spent a great deal of time as we planted, marveling at how quickly the children have changed, from shrieks of horror at the very thought of planting, getting dirty or spending time with flowers, to pure delight that we spend so much time in nature – discussions about what grows how, when and where, and lots of pictures drawn about our adventures. In fact, they were so enthused today, I couldn’t really tell you what is planted where. It’s a mystery garden of sorts 
!
And as we sat, all showered (therefore cooler – boy was it hot today) and enjoyed dinner together tonight, when it came turn to share what we are thankful for, both were filled with enthusiasm about planting, flowers, seeds, hiking, finding sticks, playing tag in the forest and having frugal, simple, fun adventures, not that different from children 40 years ago. It was a reminder to me, how gentle encouragement and persistence pays off. When they arrived, both were used to 2-3 hrs of tv a night, video games, weekends at theme parks, meals at Mc*Donalds, sugary breakfasts, well, sugary everything (nary a vegetable in sight!). Today there are no video games, nor anything electronic for that matter, they have no clue what is on tv, nor what the must have toy/game/gadget of the moment is, they love art, gardening, learning about plants, bird watching, swimming, walking and playing games with sticks. They love trying new foods and laugh at some of the misadventures we’ve had (hot Sri Lankan food is still fresh in their memories). And with each day, with each exposure to a different life, their confidence to be themselves and not follow a crowd grows, they realize how many things they excel at and see that learning isn’t about studying for a spelling test. And with each passing day like today, I feel like we are all, well and truly, home.
Wow, the posts are coming thick and fast–such a delight! How far you have all come in a short period of time, and what a blessing you are to each other! I was assigned a community garden plot today, so I am psyched to be growing more than I can do in a few pots. It really is a refreshment to have hands in the dirt, isn’t it? I’ll pray for you for your arthritis. I am beginning to get it in my hands as well. Blessings.
Enjoy the garden! Yes, it is very very refreshing and healing to have your hands in dirt. I am never happier than when gardening and growing. I’m finding it harder and harder to be away from it and long for a career as a horticulturalist and of course our own garden! Sorry to hear you are getting arthritis.
What a wonderful life to introduce and cultivate for your children. I pray relief from arthritis. I know how painful it is. I’ve wondered about how large UK garden plots are. The ones I’m waiting for here are quite tiny. Can you imagine I may have to wait 6 years for my little plot. I did get a thrill and was offered a plot this week but after I walked to it, I realized it is just too far for me to tend to on a weekly basis so sadly I had to let it go and wait for another one. Hugs. xx
Yes, they are much bigger there. I don’t remember what mine measures but I laughed when I saw the size (was thankful, but laughed! lol). Ours is a good 30 min drive away, sadly, but in our situation it was our only choice and is the area we’d like to move to. Plus we are there for an appt for my children once a week, so we combine the two which means no extra petrol costs. Thanks for your prayers re: arthritis, much needed and appreciated.
So happy to see so many new posts! I so admire the simple life you have designed for your children! I am trying to simplify our lives and really enjoy my children. We recently cut the cable, which is blessing financially and my daughter doexn’t seem to miss it. Instead of waking up and watching cartoons before school, she now makes endless drawings.
I am excited to see how your garden grows! Debating on whether or not to plant one this year. Every year I do, but then get lazy in tending to it. Maybe this year….
Well done you on cutting out the cable! That’s a huge accomplishment!
You’re incredible. The lot of you. So glad you’re back. <3
I am so very very glad to be back! I think blogging and sharing is very good for my emotional health.