Structure or Unstructured

The thing about parenthood is you don't necessarily know if you are making the right decisions until the kids are grown. I give the kids lots of unstructured time in the summer. No lessons, no tutors, no day camps. I do art projects with them, and we practice some math facts, but other than that, they play. They are out of the house about 7am and play outside for hours. They come up with creative things to build, games to play, and interesting ways to incorporate water into everything!

I feel very alone in this style of parenting, "You aren't having them do anything?!" It's not like they just sit there all day, they are constantly going... up trees, into the tree fort, in the sand box, under the sprinkler. I think that they have an entire adult life in front of them with responsibilities, deadlines and pressures. What adult wouldn't take a few months of freedom?

Will they appreciate all their carefree days when they are adults? Will they feel they missed out because they aren't on any teams? Time will tell.

Spring Concert

Madras, Seersucker and Stylish Ties, oh my.

I was very proud of my very handsome sons. They happily dressed up for their school Spring Concert, even though boys don't dress like this in Wisconsin. Except when their mother thinks she may have been Southern in a former life!

Dreaming of Vacation

We are taking a two week driving vacation to Florida this summer. I know it isn't the best time of the year, but with school, it is the only opportunity to spend that much time to see the state. We are driving the entire loop of the state, going to Orlando (this is only for the kids), then headed to the St. Petersburg area (Hi, Aunt Judy!)
onto Sanibel and the Casa Ybel Resort seen above, down to the Everglades and Keys and back up the east side of the state. Of course, I will be sporting and searching for Lily the entire time. Any suggestions on what we HAVE to see? Places to eat? Historic homes to tour?

Madison Farmers Market

Tulips in front of Capitol in Madison. The Farmers Market is every Saturday, around the beautiful Capitol, and is something that can't be missed. There is a waiting list to be a seller, and the bounty is endless.
We have done extensive research, and have concluded that Farmer John has the best cheese curds. We proved the point by eating two bags in two days.

J is my market buddy. He is finding the Queen Bee, and then we enjoyed some honey.

This is my favorite flower seller. The roses smell amazing.

We also researched who makes the best beef sticks and jerky. D & G won hands down.

Until next week...

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was incredibly hard, having lost my own mother not three months ago. I spent the afternoon with my in-laws, and snuggling with my newest niece, E. E helped my heart a lot!

Derby Party 2011

The silver mint julep cups were fabulous! They frosted up perfectly.
Red roses, fried chicken, pimento cheese, ham and biscuits, and Kern's Derby Pie shipped in from Kentucky. Notice the tablecloth from Pomegranate, Inc. Love it!

Roasted fresh asparagus. It looked beautiful on the antique platter.

No one picked the winning horse, so all money was donated to the school.

Quote of the Day

S turned to me , as he was putting pineapple, cherries and cloves on the ham for the Derby party, and said, "Mama, if I can't be a jockey, I am going to be a scientist, and then I'm going to be a cook."