jennifer, Author at Hopeful Homemaker

A Year of Habits, no. 22

June 5, 2011 jennifer Helpfulness of Habit

My heart is bursting with feeling today; a summary of this week’s progress is difficult to assemble.

On Friday my oldest turned fourteen.
On Friday my children finished school for the summer.

Today my Grandpa died.
I’m so glad we spent last weekend with him!
And today, only minutes after that passing, my 14 year old son was ordained to the office of Teacher in the Aaronic Priestood.
I’ve cried a lot, pondered, felt my heart burst with pride. I’ve felt relief, sadness, joy. And sunburned. I spent a lot of hours in the yard this week without sunscreen on my arms. Brilliant.

What is there to say? We finished another school year, and we tried to finish strong. There are still a few things I wish I’d done, but we certainly had some victories. Overall, I’d say our finish was better this year than last, which means we’re growing.

My summer plan isn’t fully developed yet but I’ve spent time prioritizing and praying. I feel the weight of knowing I have my children to myself for only a few months of the year, and it needs to be time well spent. Finding that balance between work and fun is tricky with the many different ages we have but I’ll give it my best effort. There are a number of habits I’m anxious to work on with the children in coming weeks.

Tonight, I really just have two thoughts. I’m so proud of my son.

And I miss my Grandpa. So much.

Jennifer

Fourteen?!?

June 3, 2011 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

Fourteen years ago today I became a mother and my life changed forever. It’s hard to believe he’s that old, but here we are. I’m so grateful there’s still some good in him after all my mistakes (and many more to come, I’m sure).

We had a beautiful evening and he spent the time hanging out with his friends.

Today was also the last day of school. He’s done with 8th grade and on to 9th. Wow. A freshman? That always seemed so far away and suddenly it’s reality. It’s been a tough year but I’m proud of him. I’m proud of the areas in which he’s begun to chip away at his weaknesses, proud of him for doing things that are difficult for him, proud of him for believing in himself when many others didn’t. He’s a great young man.

A great young man who prefers pinching his candles instead of blowing them out. He makes me laugh.

Happy Birthday, son!

Mom

Apple Shaped Mini Pies

June 2, 2011 jennifer Desserts

School is almost out and my little ones and I celebrated today by making some miniature apple-shaped pies for the big kids’ after school snack. We had just finished reading A Was Once an Apple Pie, and it seemed like a good idea.

I went for ease rather than taste. I grabbed some store bought pie crusts from the refrigerated section and a can of apple pie filling. I have an amazing apple pie recipe, but I knew that I’d be baking with three helpers age 5 and under so I opted to keep things simple. I’m glad I did. We had a lot of fun together.

When they cooled we slipped them in little bags to give to the big kids.

While the taste could be improved simply by using a real recipe, the pies turned out great. They looked good, and my family gobbled them up. They were really easy to make.

My little ones and I had so much fun that we’ll definitely do this again soon. It was a great activity.

mold found here Hopeful Homemaker