On this day: An Eyes of Wonder Post

Many of you dear readers were followers of Eyes of Wonder back in the day (for those that don't know what I mean, my mama had a blog for a few years and documented the life of our family). 

All of us children still have access to the blog (it's private now) and occasionally I go back to re-read her writings. I thought it might be a nice treat for some of the long-time-ago readers to see one of her posts again.

March 27, 2007
From sunrise to sunset.....

other than naptime, things are usually a-buzz, here around the hive. It really is such a delight to get to spend each day with children of all different ages, in various seasons of their lives, and stages of development. There are just a gazillion things that, though I live to be one hundred, I would absolutely never tire of seeing.

Celeisa has gone head-over-heels for sitting and looking at her picture board books, by herself, just in the past couple of weeks.

She's been spurred on by all her big readin' compadres, who have been faithfully luggin' her up onto the couch and amusing her with their wide-eyed enthusiasm and animation.

Well, she then advanced to dragging *them* over to the couch to lug her up, to read her her books,

to now being able to crawl up into her rocking chair and simply do a little pointing and a little squawking, to get her book basket hauled on over beside her, so she can dig in, all by her lonesome.

Very sweet indeed, the entire process and worthy of an endless number of repeats, in the humble opinion, and over the course, of, this ole' gals life.

And, while the older children were growing up, I managed to coax, perhaps more than my fair share, of good natured help out of them, by convincing them that they were--of all things--The Helper Mice :o)

They'd all hide soon as they heard me announce it was time to clean up (part of the game, okay) and then I'd set to yodeling this simple little song I made up--to the tune of "The Farmer In The Dell"-- numerous verses to give them all a chance to come out of hiding and begin to shake a leg helpin' me out (and proving what wonderfully helpful, Helper Mice they were). Truly, it was lots of fun.

Well, I happen to be twice blessed and am now on my second batch of Helper Mice--in Nicholai, Sophia, Aimaija, and soon enough Celeisa (though presently, she's just a mess *maker*).

I do have to admit, that the helpfulness of the Helper Mice, can require some patience, and does call forth the visionary in me, during those times they hit the scene whirling and swirling around me, doing this, that, and the other thing, like little tornados--a little *too* helpful.

Just the other day was a prime example of just what I'm talking about, resulting in all the Littles (aka The Helper Mice) being banished to the living room, each deposited in their own spot and given a good book to read, while the older children and I zoomed around and did what needed being done.

Nicholai hollered out from the living room, "Mama!....why can't the Helper Mice come and help??" And I hollered back, "Be*cause* it was obvious to me that it was the Helper *RATS* that were doing all the work, so we'll just continue right along, and you Mice can stay put, right where you are, til we're done!".

But, those Helper Mice, in training, wheww!! They are incredibly helpful, when they're helpful! And, helpful or no, we've gotta admit, they're awfully cute....

And, of course, we know the real fun that begins when Big Papa gets home, only gets better as the days grow longer and warmer, and you get to head on outside, help him build a fire, then make your own dinner, right??

I am so enjoying the advent of Spring. I've beeen busy cleaning away with all my Mrs. Meyers Clean Day , good stuff.

Which if you're interested, you can see and order at her website:

mrsmeyers.com

You can click on this link in my side bar, also.

Mrs. Meyers is, herself, mama to 10, now grown, children. She initially developed these products to use in her own home. They're non-toxic and w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l. If you're looking for an alternative to chemically based cleaning products, this would be a delightful place to start. They are a bit pricey, and we typically (though not rigidly) only use them for the couple of especially big cleaning extravaganza days--usually Saturday, and again, mid-week.

On the other days you can economize by cleaning as our great-grandmothers wisely did in the far off long ago, with the simple, tried and true ingredients of white vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap. The uses for these three ingredients are endless, with great results, posing no hazards to your health.

But, back to the indulgence of Mrs. Meyers.....our particular favorite is her lavender scented line.

Ohh, It's been so nice having the fresh air filling the house through open windows. We have the windows open today, music playing, two big crockpots full of Rosie's delicious pasta sauce, meatballs, and sausage, cooking away on the kitchen counter, for tonight's supper when Big Papa gets home.

We're gearing up to re-double-dig some of the raised beds, add some more soil to them, and hopefully get some cold weather crops in, real soon; lettuces, spinach, chard, radishes, peas.... I am so looking forward to getting out in the garden, once again. I think Rosie is even more eager than I am, if that could be possible. It's a joy to have the whole family out in the yard workin' away again--together. Spring and Summer are such a delightful time for the children. It makes my heart sing to watch them savor the sweet pleasures of childhood, right on into adulthood. How I hope they'll carry them with them, to pass along to their own children.

We're also looking to do some more sewing (which may again, be more consulting and over-seeing on my part :o). Another Big Sew Day (or 2 or 3 or 4), to get the warm weather wardrobes squared away for the ladies in the family; some skirts, jumpers, dressses, over-dresses, new aprons and such, for Mama and the older gals, and some frocks and smocks for all the littler ones. I actually seem to kind of head up the hand-sewing/embroidery department, these days, quietly and comfortably perched in my old rocking chair. Though warmer weather permitting, I may soon make the big move to an outside swing, sewing basket in tow :o)

I hope you're enjoying your Spring, as well, and your dear husband, and precious children, and making your house a home.

Why not indulge yourself with some Mrs. Meyers dish soap, abrasive cleanser, window cleaner, a big bar of her soap (there's *lots* more to choose from at her website, and a listing of stores, by state) or your own favorite cleaning supplies, roll up your sleeves, open those windows to let some fresh Springtime air in, get those Helper Mice of yours involved and give the house a good sprucing up, together, before you pull on your mud boots and head out the garden and begin to dig in there :o)

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.

~William Morris~

You have a wonderful day.

Lovingly, Jewels