Relaxation for young ones (+ Notes for the Road).

Back when we were suddenly homeschooling, when we’d sometimes plug ourselves into the Mo Willems afternoon draw-hour (remember that? Early Covid? Sort of feels like ten years ago.)… back in those days, when I had a house full of virtual schoolers, the college was shut down, everyone was somewhat scared of their fellow man, up was down and down was up, I would try to start our day–sometimes, as often as I could–intentionally. Sage, a beeswax candle, holding hands and setting intentions, a prayer, what have you. Yes, very woo-woo, but I do love woo-woo sometimes. Well, I got away from it. But the last week, there’s been a lot of whining, pulling teeth to get kids interested, and why did I ever move away from that habit? We’re listening to an Insight Timer guided meditation almost every night recently, and I’m trying to encourage the boys to recognize how their bodies feel when they’re truly at rest. How their own breath can help calm them down, and bring them back to a less frustrated state. I just got that sweet pine cone beeswax candle and we put on a 10 minute guided meditation for relaxation. We all laid around the room, and started our day this way. Was the day perfect? Far from it. In fact, around 2:30 I texted Steve from upstairs, “You’ve gotta take them to a playground after we’re done. I’ve had it.” But even so, teaching your kids this sort of thing, and giving them the power and the knowledge that while they can’t change certain circumstances, they can change how they react to them feels really good. I wrote more about all of this here, if you’re interested.

Now… some weekend reading, shall we?

After my friend Elease dropped off the most incredible tomato soup, and bread the other day, I had to ask what recipe she followed for the soup. Well, and the bread. She followed this one, but with some alterations. I made it the other day and it was delicious.

I’ve been drinking this coffee. Delicious, tastes exactly like coffee (it actually is coffee, though, so it should).

Guess what’s back in stock! These are two of the best add-ins to any regimen.

After talking through about thirty-seven different birthday cake possibilities, Anders landed on banana cake with chocolate frosting, and sprinkles and strawberries on top. I think we’re doing this one.

Best slippers of 2020. Who, pray tell, actually wears those flimsy ballerina flat ones? Tell me. Who.

Next book. And this one too.

This looks so cozy.

Nailed it.

Charlie on CBS Sunday Morning.

Ethical questions surrounding the Crown. This was interesting. As someone who loves the show, I’ve thought of them myself and am constantly wondering what the Royal Family thinks of the show as I watch.

Great sweater in so many colors.

Slushy and wet outside, so I might make a variation of this soup tonight.

Last kid’s gift guide I made, and much of it still rings true today! I’m posting one for the guys and one for kids this week though!

I love this.

That’s all for now. See you next week!