Happy Independence Day!

On July 5, 2018July 5, 2018 By EricaGIn celebrations, faith, family, gratitude, simplicity, summer2 Comments

Summer is undeniably here! We have been in the midst of a heatwave that has left us feeling a bit wilted. Despite the high temperatures (for our climate), yesterday was a picture-perfect fourth of July. The sky was as blue as could be. The water on the river glistened in the sun. The corn on the cob was sweet and crisp. Can I brag about my peach pies?

Just a good, good day.

I must confess that the news and all the junk coming across my Facebook feed (more about that later) have put a damper on my patriotism. It’s hard to feel the warm ‘n fuzzies when things are kind of a mess in our nation. However, those feelings do not erase the gratitude I have as I live in a place where I am free to speak, free to worship, free to pursue any dream I can imagine. Now, I just pray that we can make those freedoms available to every American. Let’s make that happen, okay?

In the mean time, I’m going to rest in my gratitude and the joy I feel in living here with a family I love, a job I enjoy, and a faith that sustains me. Even while I experience fear and concern and sometimes disbelief, I can cling to God’s sovereignty and know my hope is secure. I can look to the men and women who have worked and died to build and protect our nation, and their sacrifice is not lost on me.

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Days like yesterday affirm that the world is beautiful, that my family is a gift. I haven’t been posting here at all. I want you to know that nothing bad has happened. My days are often filled with too much GOOD, allowing little time for editing photos and typing blog posts. But as I flipped through my photos this morning, I felt the familiar urge to share here. I got excited! I remembered how much joy Warm as Pie has given me over the years. I thought about the factors that pull me away from this space and evaluated how I can make my way back. So many times, I’ve returned with a good dose of enthusiasm and dropped a basket of promises in your laps–promises I failed to keep.

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So today, I’m just going to say “Thank You” and “Happy Independence Day!” I hope to see you very soon.

~*Erica*~

Summer 2017: Recap #1

On September 20, 2017September 20, 2017 By EricaGIn creativity, family, summer, Uncategorized3 Comments

{Don’t forget Warm as Pie‘s official re-launch on September 22nd. I’m welcoming autumn and celebrating 8 years of blogging all in one fun swoop.}

The summer flew at top speed. It came in wet and cool, and it seems to be going out with a brief return to summer’s heat. Or at least the kind of heat we are used to in the northeast.

We had a nice summer. We didn’t go on a grand vacation to an exotic place. We didn’t take a road trip or climb a mountain. Instead, we worked. I had a few doula jobs, and we made some changes to the house. We enjoyed sunshine and family time. We grew a garden with moderate (but joyful!) success.

In July, we spent a fun day at a Lego extravaganza! It was a colorful and energetic event with so many things to touch and explore.

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Summer School

On June 16, 2015June 16, 2015 By EricaGIn family, summer6 Comments

Summer school is in session! We wrapped up our regular school year on June 5, and we took last week off completely. We had long, lazy mornings. We made pancakes. We went swimming. Basically, we had a little stay-cation, and yesterday, we got back to work–summer style.

(I saw the idea of the summer school bucket on a homeschooling blog, and now I can’t find the post! So…if this looks familiar to you, please share the name of the blog in the comments. I certainly want to give credit for this cute idea.)

In our summer school bucket, I included a new pencil for each student, a bunch of fun erasers from the Dollar Tree, a new notebook for each student, some math flash cards, and a new set of double-tipped markers. I had the bucket and the summer school sign on the dining room table when everyone woke up. It helped set the tone for our day and hopefully our whole summer.

For my little preschooler, I made this “Summer Fun Book.” I’ve been collecting links on Pinterest for a few weeks, and I printed coloring pages and activities for Charlotte to enjoy while her brothers do their summer school lessons.

All of this makes me think of The Sound of Music. Maybe you’ll remember the scene, too. The housekeeper tells Maria, “The Von Traap children don’t play. They march.” Well, don’t worry! We aren’t missing the joys of summer. Our summer school is going to take 1 to 1.5 hours per morning, Monday through Thursday, and we have some projects (and books!) in progress for the afternoons. We have a lot of fun things planned for the season. I think I’ll do another post about our Summer Bucket List. There is much fun to be had!

Summer Girl

On September 6, 2014September 6, 2014 By EricaGIn summer2 Comments

Everything about this girl says summer. Her pale blonde hair, her sky blue eyes, and her frequently bare feet remind me of a little sunshine elf. Oh, but she’s a feisty one. Quick to smile and quick to anger, too, I’m afraid. I’m always seeking ways to understand her while still simply enjoying the very light of her presence. She sure does shine.

Somehow Summer

On July 13, 2014July 14, 2014 By EricaGIn family, summer2 Comments

Somehow, it’s summer already. Somehow, spring slipped by, baseball season came to it’s dramatic end (champions!), and our family vacation came & went. Now, somehow, we are in the midst of July. Happy summer weeks are behind us, and about six more stand ahead–bursting with the promise of lightning bugs, cook-outs, popsicles, and trips to the pool. Somehow, time continues to speed faster with each year, daring to beat it’s own impossible pace. All we can do is snatch moments into our memories for safe keeping, hoarding them like precious stones.

Two, Five, Eight

On September 5, 2013 By EricaGIn celebrations, family, summer, traditions, Uncategorized6 Comments

Summer in our family means birthdays! We start with me in mid-June, Charlotte at the end of the month, and J in July, and we end the stretch with F in late August. Whew!

Charlotte turned two this year! Amazing, funny, wonderful two. Forget the so-called “terrible twos.” I absolutely adore this incredible period of language development and emergence of her sweet, hilarious personality. We began Charlotte’s day with Grandma Renee’s pancakes, and we wrapped it all up with blueberry banana cake from Soulemama. (Click it! It’s a great recipe!) Aunt Kristy and Uncle Jake were able to celebrate with us.

J turned five this year! Five feels like a very important milestone. He becomes more articulate and ever-practical with each passing day. We spent his actual birth enjoying a nearby park and getting totally soaked in the stream. Then late in July, we had a combined party (Knights and Ladies theme) for our new two year old and five year old. It was a lot of fun!

And finally, our big boy turned eight. Eight? Too big, simply too big. We celebrated with a “planet party” of his own invention. On his real birthday, we made a much anticipated trip to Red Lobster for his favorite food: shrimp! My eight year old is growing in so many ways. He seems taller and smarter and more inquisitive every day. I can’t wait to see what this third grade year has in store for him.

Here are some images of our summer of birthdays.

A New Member of the Family

On September 1, 2012 By EricaGIn family, summer7 Comments

“Cookie” is as sweet as her name. She just had to join our family, and since we are getting involved with 4-H for the first time, she is adorable and educational.

(Look at those grubby little boy knees!)

Looking Back: Berry Picking

On August 12, 2012 By EricaGIn summer, Uncategorized2 Comments

Oh yes, oh yes! Blueberry picking was a major event this summer. It was certainly one of the highlights for me. Charlotte stayed home with Papa Tim while Grandma Mary and I took the boys to the berry patch. The crop was beautiful and the quiet of the farm was perfect. We went on July 4th, and somehow, berry picking seemed like the perfect way to be in the All-American frame of mind.

Each row of berries is labeled with the specific variety. We loaded up on lots of “Patriot” berries. Seems perfect for Independence Day, doesn’t it?

This Special Summer

On August 5, 2012 By EricaGIn family, summer, Uncategorized2 Comments

For the last eight weeks, we have been with our families and friends in our home state. These weeks have been full of so many happy moments. We took some special trips, did special activities, but the best part of the summer was just sharing in the simple, everyday habits and routines that make up life. It was nice to dry dishes with my mom, have cereal with my dad, go for a walk with my mom-in-law, and watch the kids be silly with Cory’s dad. Beautiful days. Memories made. Ordinary magic.

Summer Has Come

On June 13, 2012 By EricaGIn summer2 Comments

So much to love in the summertime! I have a must-do list that keeps on growing. The season begins with the most important of musts: eat watermelon!

My goodness, I love this little sunshine girl. I simply cannot believe that her first birthday is only weeks away. Watermelon is just one of many sweet discoveries in her future.