Things are slowly getting back to normal here after Winter Storm Frona threw our plans off a little bit. We took off from San Antonio, Texas for home early morning New Year’s Eve, but an hour out and we hit traffic. No one was moving, then our car died. Oye! Ben and I tried pushing it to the side (it’s 25 degrees F outside), and someone saw and offered to find jumper cables from another car. They came back with jumper cables, and did all the attach here and attach there stuff, and our car started. Phew!

Traffic was still stalled and there didn’t seem to be any police activity going on, so Ben braved the weather and walked up half a mile to figure out what was going on. Turns out, a large truck was crossing the bridge, but since it iced over, started to skid and just stopped. Thus, everyone else behind them just stopped. Once Ben relayed the message to some of the cars ahead of us, things started moving until another truck stopped, so we were stuck again. We were talking to the Fedex guy next to us, and word was that all the roads, not just the bridges, were iced up ahead. After contemplating a few things (and praying together), in the end, we thought it best to turn back around to San Antonio.

Seven and half hours later, we were back at his mom’s house. We were exhausted since we had woken up at 3:30am, so we ate lunch and took a nap. Once we woke up, Ben studied the weather and traffic reports online, and we were glad we made that decision to go back to SA. We left everything in the car because we didn’t want to unpack all the junk we put in, so we lived out of a little bag and one change of clothes. Though we pretty much stayed in our pajamas the whole time.

The following days the weather got worse, so we were happily stuck in San Antonio for a few more days. Ben took care of work stuff, I got through most of my emails, and the girls got more Spanish lessons in with their grandma. Our usual NYE plans were changed, but we were with family safe and sound, so we had lots to be thankful for. Anyway, all that to say, we never made it home until about 1am Sunday morning (We left Texas at 6am Saturday morning), and here we are.

We had a wonderful time in Texas. I was able to get some girl time in with his sister, Ben and I went on a couple dates, I even got alone thrift shopping time, and of course lots of family time with jokes and home movies. I’m still trying to get the house back in working order, as we purge through the toys to make room for the new ones they got, and of course unpack and put away all the clothes.

The pictures above were from Saturday when Frona moved onward, and we were finally able to make it westward. She left Texas looking quite beautiful with the dust of snow and ice, though it was very sad to see the many overturned and stranded vehicles on the side. I think Frona is hitting the east now, so I’m hoping you all there are staying warm and safe!

This week’s learned, links, and thankfulness…

Glow is a funny kid! She’s cracking jokes these days.

I want these fun stairs!

Curious about what I sound like? I’m on a podcast with Jennifer from Craftsanity and we’re chatting about blogging, projects, and my book, Let’s Sew Together. Get the podcast here.

Thankful it’s fall even though it’s been over 100 degrees over here. This weekend is supposed to be cooler, so I hope the cooler weather is here to stay.

Mer Mag’s new book, Playful, looks so perfect for kids! My girls would love those projects.

I think we’ll make an indoor hopscotch with washi tape this weekend.

Brave started reading Nancy Drew books and has begun dressing like her, or what she thinks Nancy dresses like based on details in the books. She still wears her glasses to channel Peter Parker, but she wears a skirt and shirt (not in blue and red), wears a watch, and carries a “handbag” like Nancy Drew.

Every time my sister writes a new blog post about her adventures on World Race, my heart is encouraged and rebuked, and I am brought to tears.

There are few changes going on in our lives. We are excited for them, but nervous at the same time. We are trying to be prayerful about it and the decisions we have to make.

Happy weekend friends!

We are thankful for the opportunity to spend a few days immersed in the history of Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia. The girls and I spent some time leading up to our adventure reading books and preparing to see a glimpse of what life might have been like during colonial times. We read If You Lived in Williamsburg in Colonial Days, Hogheads to Blockheads, and they also read The Colonial Caper Mystery at Williamsburg (a fun easy to read chapter book). True and Brave also started reading about Felicity of The American Girl series (thanks to your recommendations!), so that really helped paint a picture of what Williamsburg was like for little girls during this time period. We brought the books mentioned with us on our trip, as well as Colonial Williamsburg: A Pocket Guide. We had all of these on hand before our trip (bought from Amazon), but I did see them all for sale at the Colonial Williamsburg gift shops.

I wanted to give the girls as much background information as possible before our trip, so when we went, they would be able to make connections with what they read to what they saw in real life. They had a lot of “aha! moments” when they recognized a place, activity, or shop mentioned in one of the books we read. In addition to that, I used the pocket guide throughout our visit as a reference to learn more about a particular place. We’re technically on a break from homeschooling, but learning was still happening even while on vacation.

Our first stop was Powell House. The girls and I were super excited to start off with something we were sort of familiar with from the books we read. The girls helped bring in fire wood, make a little tart, and played with some of the toys in the house. The girls are super shy, so they really need encouragement to get involved in the action, but they were doing it (Brave more than the others) and I could see they were in amazed with seeing this in person. The whole place is really overwhelming at first, so I’m glad we had some previous knowledge that really helped us get started and more familiar with the place. I highly recommend reading books before going because it also helps you map out your day on what may be of more interests for you and the children.

This face of True’s is a bit funny because in the picture prior to this, you can see Ben getting sworn into the Continental Army by Captain James Ennis. True (and the other girls) were not happy about that at all. True believed it was entirely real, and that scowl on her face stayed on for hours after we told her it wasn’t. She said that “if that was a joke, it wasn’t funny.” I guess those army guys were quite convincing.

There were so many reenactments going on all over the place. We hopped from one place to another and were just in awe at how well everyone played their parts; the whole family was totally into it! The girls would ask (with our encouragement) the various characters if they were a patriot or a tory. The tailor gave a very good answer to explain at how complex that question was since England was their home country, the difficulty of their choices, and what they believed to be what’s best for them. Just like it is now, it’s not completely easy to side with one or the other, but there are pros and cons to both sides.

To aid in the Colonial Williamsburg experience, there was a Colonial Williamsburg scavenger hunt that got the children really involved into learning more bits about life during the American Revolution. I think this was a great way to further learning and get everyone exploring more of the history of this revolutionary city.  We went into all the trade shops trying to match the picture with the description in the hunt, and the girls were pretty excited to get seven matches and collect their prize. Ben, Brave, Soul, and Glow even got to march with the militia, with fife (a small flute) and drum fanfares for a victory march. They also had canon salutes which were super exciting and super loud! You had to brace yourself right before they fired each one.

This place is very educational, but it’s also a lot of fun! I’ve mentioned before that I get geeky about historical things, so I was relishing it all. There is so much for everyone; kids can go to the dancing school and learn various social dances of that time, adults (and kids) can participate in a re-enactment of an 18th-century trial or engage other political figures from that time period in a discussion of the political tensions going on, or you can just tour museums and historic buildings and soak things in that way. There is seriously something going on all throughout the day that you can’t even cover everything in just the few days we were there. You will no doubt leave some stones unturned and will be wanting to go back to explore more; I know we feel that way. If you’re living on that side of the coast, I’m pretty jealous at how much easier it might be for you to take a weekend trip to Colonial Williamsburg Revolutionary City than it is for us.

One of my favorite things, and no doubt the girls’ favorite, was being able to tour the R. Charlton Coffeehouse and getting to try some of their chocolate. We read all about that in one of the books, and how chocolate then isn’t quite the same as hot chocolate today. When the big girls saw the sign for the coffeehouse, they were so excited and exclaiming, “Mommy! Rememeber when we read about that?! Maybe we can try chocolate.” Sure enough, after the tour, they served the guests your choice of tea, coffee, or chocolate, and of course my girls all picked chocolate. The lady was surprised at how much my girls loved it (it’s pretty much straight cocoa and spices) and guzzled down their cups. I think you can see in the picture above which girl loved it most!

Brought to you by Colonial Williamsburg. With so much to do, stay and make some history. Book your trip at colonialwilliamsburg.com. I’m very thankful for this amazing opportunity, and thankful to you all for the support you give me and the companies I choose to partner with. 

Langostino Sopes. I’m a seafood gal, so I really love this! Ben kinda made it up one day and it is so yummy! We’ll have to put together a recipe to share because this really is one of my faves. No joke. It’s in my top 10 fave dishes for sure.

Tilapia Poke. I used this recipe, but substituted the tuna with tilapia. It’s just as good in my opinion.

Week 7/15 – 7/19

Monday: Chicken Enchiladas
Tuesday: Easiest Posele (first made here)
Wednesday: Spaghetti
Thursday: Orzo with Feta, Basil and Shrimp
Friday: Fish Tacos

It’s been almost a month since I shared our meals and that’s because I haven’t been cooking that much. We had various things pop up over here that required my attention, so sometimes Trader Joe’s is just the key to survival. I have to weigh it all out and remember something said in “The Good Mom, “My kids care far less about how presentable their dinner is and far more about how healthy their mom is.”

Let’s me start off by saying, I love my children. I really do. And I know I’m not the first stay-home-mom of four in the whole entire world, but sometimes, this job is hard and I don’t want to do it anymore. I’m pretty sure that’s what most people feel about their job at times, even jobs they love! I know Ben loves his job, but he has some complaints from time to time, so I’m guessing it’s normal. But when you feel that way about your kids, it just feels extra wrong. Doesn’t it?

There was one day last week, it was a couple days before Aunt Flo (my period) was arriving and I was just itching because everything was a mess, especially their room. I left Ben and the girls downstairs to go upstairs and clean it, for the millionth time that week, and I was no joke dropping f-bombs as I was doing so. Oh the rage I was feeling in my sinful heart! I totally could feel me fighting it internally, but the anger was winning. I let it because it felt good. At the same time, I hated it. I knew something was seriously wrong with my heart.

This is a job I have chosen. Wanted to do for, like, ever, and here I was complaining about it, and throwing things about the room and swearing like crazy. If you had seen me, you would have run away as fast as you could. I was plain crazy.

I’m no perfect mama. On the contrary, I’m one terrible sinner saved by God’s grace and I so don’t deserve it. That moment clearly reminded me how much I couldn’t do things on my own. Since I couldn’t, there’s only one place I knew I was going to get the guidance I needed, so I turned to reminding myself truths from God’s word. Now, that didn’t mean I am now by some magical power a perfect mama and have this job down pat, but it’s important to equip myself to battle the crazy feelings when they come up. Also, it involves sharing my struggles with another sister from our church family and asking her to pray for me. I’m honestly embarrassed to admit my behavior, but I’m the weird person who likes to talk about the not so pretty things of life too. Blogs are deceptive and can make people feel inadequate based on all the pretty pictures being shared (I feel this way reading some blogs sometimes), but really, they might be dropping f-bombs while cleaning their kids rooms too.

I’m sure my feelings are understandable, but not excusable. I try reminding myself of the sermon we heard last Sunday… that God has given everything I need to fight this frustration and find joy in Him. Sometimes, I am just too lazy to do so. I don’t want to be a f-bomb dropping mama. I want to serve my children with gladness and clean their room with love. I get these great moments of “I love my job! I love this moment!” and sometimes, “Ugh. I wanna go back to teaching someone else’s kids.” I really need to spend more time praying, reading God’s word, and filling my heart with things to help me win when these battles come up. My pastor sent us this article to read, Joanna shared this one on facebook, and I listened to this sermon this week to really help rebuke my heart.

I needed the reminder that I’m here to serve my children for God. I think I’ve forgotten that and have just been really selfish about it. Being self-centered is not going to rear my children to how I want them to grow and it will just make me more frustrated. Actually, if I’m being selfish, I will raise more selfish adults and well, that just wouldn’t be good for anyone. I want to love my children and serve them well unto the Lord and that means fighting through my selfishness to be selfless. Selflessness and being a happy hearted servant are definitely things I need to work on. God has entrusted these kids to me and I need to take care of them, their messes, and especially their hearts. Oh and I need a chill pill. A few actually. I must have ran out of my supply. Anyone know where I can get a refill?

p.s. these pictures were not taken on f-bomb dropping day, but probably a day or so later, after they had made another mess after i cleaned it. oh and they taped little mermaid coloring pages all over their room because they said they wanted a little mermaid room. oye!

Sushirrito. This sushi burrito place is so good. We loved it so much we tried to recreate our own at home. Thank you to Meg for suggesting it! 

Chez Panisse. This place is wonderfully delicious! It’s in Berkeley and was suggested by my friend Melody. We went for lunch because they only serve one thing for dinner and that changes everyday, same with their lunch (for lunch they have 3 or so options), but the options for that particular evening didn’t make us curious. On the other hand, the lunch menu peaked our curiosity and it indeed was fantastic! If you want to go here, make sure to note it’s reservations only, so be sure to call ahead of time.

Tartine. Of course, I had to go here! So many of you suggested it and I am glad you did. I know Bi-rite was nearby, but sadly I didn’t get to go. The line was way too long and I didn’t want to wait. At least it gives me another reason to go back!

Dosa. Delicious! Funnily enough, we didn’t order the dosa! Ben said he could have used more kick in his food, but overall so yummy. I loved the coconut rice so much and I want to try and make that at home now. Thank you Elle for suggesting it! 

Cowgirl Creamery. Open faced grilled cheese totally hit the spot for breakfast right before our long bike ride to Sausalito. Thanks Jess for sharing!

Ice cream in Sausalito. Can you really go wrong with pumpkin pie ice cream in a waffle cone?! Yeah, I didn’t think so. After 8 miles of biking, I think I deserved this.

Italian doughnuts from the Ferry Building. We actually passed this in the morning and I wanted one, but didn’t get one. We came back to the Ferry Building in the afternoon and I made sure I got one. Glad I did!

The Slanted Door. This was my favorite meal during the entire weekend! It was my birthday dinner too, so maybe that made it a bit special. Rule #1 when going to The Slanted Door is make a reservation way ahead of time! I didn’t realize how popular this place is and it is reservations only. We couldn’t get any, but thankfully they serve the full menu at the bar. When we got there the bar was full, so we stood around waiting, we only waited five minutes until someone left, and then sat down. We didn’t wait that long and sitting at the bar didn’t bother me one bit (it’s cozy sitting side by side), but if you want a table, make reservations. The uni, the oysters, the noodles, the fish (and the sauce), the squid, and the sour cream ice cream with figs and strawberry turnover was super uh-mazing! No joke. I’m craving it as I write this. Slanted Door, I miss you!

Burma Superstar. This was the last on the list and we ate it right before we got back on the road. It was good, but again Ben said he could have used more spice (that guy and spice!), but other than that, it was definitely tasty. I loved their chocolate spring rolls with coconut ice cream, which I took to go to eat on the road. We went to the Alameda one right after the flea market, so I don’t think it’s as busy as the SF one. Again, call ahead of time to get your name on a wait list. And thank you to those who suggested this place! 

I was telling my baby sister everything I ate in San Francisco and she was like, “Oh my gosh. All you did was eat!” I really did. There are even a few little places we ate at that aren’t pictured. Ben and I (and the kids) really don’t go out to eat very often. Eating out is just not something we do regularly (maybe once a month, if that), partly because it can be a bit of a challenge to eat out with all 4 kids and partly because it’s more budget friendly for us to have home cooked meals. Though when we go out of town, we like to splurge a bit (and it’s a lot easier to eat out at restaurants sans kids). And pretty much with every meal, I got dessert (and I was the only one who ate it as Ben doesn’t eat dessert). I figured it was my birthday weekend, so why not!

Thank you to all of you for taking your time and sharing suggestions. It totally aided in our planning as did yelp. Ben and I thoroughly enjoyed indulging in such yummy food together. I can’t wait to plan another trip somewhere and go crazy eating! I am sure you San Franciscans have many more places you would recommend and are the total pros in your area, and just based on our short time there, we’re pretty enamored with your eatery options.