I can't believe Easter is just around the corner. This year I want to make my kids homemade goodies and get them simple, natural toys. Maybe some gardening supplies...like seed packets, little pots.

For some sweet, natural handmade toys perfect for an Easter basket, check out Garden Mama's great giveaway!

I love spring and Easter celebrations! I am so ready for warmer weather, greening trees, and family get-togethers with delicious food!

New Things

New things are happening in my kitchen. Here is what I have done in the last week:

-Made homemade chicken stock
-Made spouts with quinoa
-Made homemade cream of mushroom soup (for casseroles)
-Cooked most of our meals from scratch
-Cooked and baked with coconut oil
-Made homemade Thai coconut chicken soup

I've also stopped buying:
-boxed mac & cheese
-canned soups, chili, spaghettios

Next steps I want to take:
-stop buying all processed food...crackers, tortillas, bread...(need to make alternatives first)
-learn to make sourdough bread
-find a recipe for Ranch dressing that my kids will eat
-find a recipe for non-dairy creamer that my husband will use
-buy local eggs and chicken from a farm
-cut back on white sugar

There are more things I want to do, but I'll get overwhelmed if I try to change everything at once...I do still have to feed four children and my husband!

I am reading:
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
And these blogs: Kitchen Stewardship, GNOWFGLINS

So far I'm having a blast...hopefully I wont burn out before I make more positive changes!

Sunshine Break

We woke to the comforting sounds of rain on our roof. We don't get a lot of rain here, so it was nice and cozy. Throughout the morning the clouds dissipated and the sun shone bright and cheery. We quickly pulled on socks, shoes and jackets to head outside for the first time in way too long.

The snow from over a month ago had finally melted away. Our new walker was utterly delighted to explore on her own two feet.

A puddle perfect for jumping into, riding through, and splashing rocks was filled with the sky and the sun.

It was a beautiful break in the middle of winter.