How Does Your Garden Grow? Part 3

Holy Moley!  I think I'm going to need advice on canning.

Dreaming

'Nuff said

Wherefore art thou, Mr Darcy?

Friends, this past weekend I stepped into a Jane Austin novel.  Right out of Northern Virginia and into England.

We went to visit Morven Park Mansion and Grounds in Leesburg, VA (http://www.morvenpark.org/gardens.php). It is the former home of the Govenor of Virginia (two of them, actually): Thomas Swann in the 19th century (the previous house was called Swann's Castle - artistic rendering on the site) and Westmoreland Davis in the early 1900s.  It was so beautiful.  We weren't able to go until later in the day, so we missed the tours, but it was lovely just walking around the property.  We had the grounds completely to ourselves.  There is the residence to tour, along with a carriage museum and civil war encampment.

My favorite place was the boxwood gardens.  Oh, my.  The paths were lined by these beautiful boxwood bushes.  I totally expected to see Mr Darcy come moseying out from behind one of them (yes, I did look around the corners a couple times to see if he was hiding from me. I could totally take Lizzie out...but I like her, so I hope he's with Caroline Bingley.  She's going down!  Sorry, I also love Pride and Prejudice.)

Oh, and the magnolia trees!  I . WANT . ONE!  I knew their flowers were huge (and beautiful), but I never knew how intoxicating their scent was.  I . WANT . ONE . ! Seriously, like fully matured and blooming in my yard RIGHT NOW.  I am in love and not patient.

My homeschool momma friends, I'm planning a field trip here for next year.  :) 

Thanks, Dad. You Rock!

Since our school year is over (and Father's Day is approaching), I thought I would take a moment to thank a very important member of our homeschooling family, Dad, aka the Principal of Camden Academy.

He has been our biggest supporter in this journey we are on (especially on the days I call him from the parking lot of the nearest public school threatening to register her on the spot.) 

He is always there reassuring me that I'm doing a good job (I need lots of reassurance most days, I'm afraid.)

He is always willing to take off work when I need to, say, jump in a car on short notice and head a couple states away for a homeschool conference or the beach. 

He never complains when I buy more teaching resources. (Of course, being that I taught school before having Julianna, I think he's resigned to the fact that I will always buy teaching stuff.  Educational items + cookbooks + Me = True Love.)

He is my tag team partner when he comes home and takes over as Julianna's entertainer.  They have such a special bond.  They have been buddies from the beginning.

He's a wonderful father, husband, provider and he's my bestest friend.  We love you, Michael, and we thank you for all you do.  

Happy Father's Day and Happy Birthday!  XOXO

The Pajama Chef, Episode 1

Today's theme:  Breakfast (Eggs)
Starring:  Chef Julianna, aka The Pajama Chef

**In an effort to get my "sweeternarian" (Her dad and I were discussing vegetarian meals one night and she proclaimed that she doesn't eat fruits & veggies, only sweets, so she was a sweeternarian.) to try new things, I've decided to let her participate more in the kitchen.  She came up with the recipe on her own (I think she just wanted to use the basil we are growing on our deck.)  And for the record, the eggs with basil was absolutely delicious.**

How Does Your Garden Grow? Part 2

Our garden is doing so far, so good!  (Everything is still alive, so high fives all around!)

Two little maters on the vine.  Ain't they beauties? 

Year one is in the books!

Last week we finished our first year of homeschooling.  (Let the choir sing, "Glory!" and the saints shout, "Amen!")  I'm not sure Julianna "learned" all that I had hoped (meaning, her reading/writing isn't where I would like it to be), but all in all, I think it was a successful first year.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

Here's a quick overview of the highlights of our year:

September

 

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

May - Promotion Day

We finished everything up with a little promotion ceremony and gift.  (I love gift bags full of little things.  That may be the reason why I love Christmas stockings so much or treat bags of any kind.  I have issues.)

This was my promotion gift.

Florida

I spent 3 1/2 days in Treasure Island, Florida.  It was my first trip to the state and it will definitely not be my last.

North Carolina

Atlantic Ocean, I love you.  You are beautiful.  I love your powerful waves.  I love your wonderful roaring sounds. I love your salty smells. However, I think I have lost my heart to another.  It's your cousin, Gulf of Mexico.  Now, I know what you are going to say, but let me stop you.  Gulf had me with it's gentle, warm waves and blue/green water. Don't worry, I will still come to visit you.  We can still be the best of friends.   It's not you, it's me.

Sunset - Treasure Island

They missed me at home.  :)

Have a great summer, friends!