a morning at Cardo's Farm Project

It's pretty rare that papa ever has to work on a Saturday, but sometimes it happens. so last Saturday, me and the littles spent a leisurely morning out on Cardo's Farm. I just happened to have my favorite blanket in the trunk and I spread it out for us, as our spot to picnic - there was a lovely brunch spread of homemade nut butters, a delicious rosemary thyme butter (OMG! it was so good), fresh bread, pesto pasta,, salad, and cookies galore (sparrow's favorite of, course). we snacked and snacked, put together our own bouquets, played with chickens and the friendliest farm dog, and enjoyed fresh air and the gift of an open field. I dream of living on a farm one day, or at least having a couple of acres, being out on the farm was pure happiness for my soul. one of my favorite worship songs has a line that says, 'your love is so great, you set us in open fields, you whisper your love...' (free coffee on me to anyone who knows?) but, that's kind of how I feel when I am in openness, I feel like 

I can breathe, and hear. and think a little better.

we pretty much lounged here all morning, and sparrow graciously filled our plates for us each time we were low (on cookies!).

the bouquet making station was such a hit with sparrow, she loved that she got to clip her own flowers and was determined to find all the red ones, Cardo's also has fields of sunflowers. just beautiful!

if you've never been out to cardos farm project - Go! Amanda is such a beautiful and kind soul, you can schedule a tour, sign up for a farm share or even volunteer. I love their vision of incorporating the community of Denton, as well as educating on sustainable agricultural practices. but, please don't go without me (giving my extrovertedness away) ~ I live literally down the street from their farm, and would love to go with you!

wild + free

a few weeks ago, I met up with a homeschooling group - wild + free. and it's not exactly what you are probably assuming, even though if you know me - me and my little ones are pretty, wild + free. but, it's a group of women that love Jesus and all have chosen to homeschool their children in some way. some lean towards classical conversations, charlotte mason, or even unschooling. and although none of us were completely alike, or our children completely alike - even curriculum choices and day to day schedules varied - it was so encouraging to meet everyone, and I felt like I walked away with a few new friends and kindred spirits.

                          (a sweet stranger snapped this photo for us. here with brandi + jillian)

I am just beginning my journey to home educate my little ones, and we definitely aren't starting any rigorous curriculum, as sparrow is only three. but, I've been praying and seeking to connect with other mama's who want to incorporate nature as much as possible in their children's education. and one thing I do know, we all need community. as mothers, homeschoolers, even if you choose not to homeschool - you need a tribe of women who can lift you up and encourage you to keep on going. and I am excited to see mine slowly develop, as new seasons of motherhood are approaching.

(we enjoyed a hike along the creek + a picnic lunch at the nature preserve in plano)

something that is also really neat is they have release monthly bundles that include activities, a devotional, personal stories from other mama's who are on the homeschool journey, and even nature journals! the prairie bundle is a free one, if you are curious and just want to check things out!