a different kind of fall

October 12, 2018 Megan Rodriguez

You know that place of decision that we each find ourselves in at different points in our lives? The one where we have two choices (or more) and there are such great positives and some negatives about both and the pro/con lists just don’t help make the decision?

That’s the place I found myself in this past spring. We had just lost a baby to miscarriage and my plans to be home with a toddler and a new baby this fall were gone. We firmly believed another baby would come soon, but what would life look like in the meantime? I loved my job (teaching ESL at the University of Minnesota), but life was also feeling a bit out of control with my part-time work schedule, Dan’s periodic touring paired with his gigs and studio time when not on the road, and childcare situations that just weren’t ideal or consistent. We had been planning that I would stop working, so maybe that was the answer even though November was no longer bringing a new baby into our lives. But then there was the job I loved…the students, my colleagues, using my brain in ways that home life and motherhood often don’t…what about all of those things??? Would I regret prematurely ending (or putting on hold) a job that I loved so much? But then there were those times in the classroom where I found myself thinking about the next picture books I should get at the library for Oak and wishing we were playing and exploring in the woods together instead of being apart while I worked…those strong pulls were there too.

It was in this decision making process that I began to remember all of the dreams that have always been there — that my one desire, if I did nothing else in my life, was to raise children who have a love for life, a love for people, and a love for Jesus. Being a mom was what I had always wanted and here was an opportunity for me to fully and wholeheartedly embrace that identity, that role, and that season, and let it fully fill my days. The decision was no longer so hard. Would there be regrets about what I was giving up? Maybe. Would there be regrets about the time I got to spend with my sweet Oak? Probably not. Would there be times that I would need a break from full-time stay-at-home mommyhood? Absolutely. Would it allow us to simplify our lives and create a more peaceful home? Yes, more than ever before.

And so I said my goodbyes-for-now to my sweet colleagues and moved into a typical summer followed by a different kind of fall. This is my first fall since kindergarten where I haven’t been either in school or working/teaching in a school. I love fall and I love the new beginnings and crispness that comes with the new school year. So, instead of digging into school books and schedules, we’ve been digging into this fall with picture books, artwork, nature walks, and lots of time at home for playing. I thought I’d miss the school life/working life more, but that has yet to happen. I am loving this life. I love our daily rhythms that include relaxed mornings with (relative/attempted) quiet reading time in the living room, morning time at the table with breakfast, Bible stories, and nursery rhymes, after lunch story time, and before dinner play or art time. And our weekly rhythms of errands, nature adventures, days at home, walks, and playdates with friends/neighbors. As of now, every week is looking different, but the overall flow of the weeks are the same and it’s creating so much consistency and predictability. I’m already seeing the benefits of that with how much more easily Oak can enter into pretend play or transition from one thing to the next without a battle. And the extra time at home has opened doors for me to follow a few other passions of my own.

We are also expecting a new baby in March and so I’m treasuring these few months of special time with Oak before we grow in love and people in this little house of ours.

I love how our hearts can answer so many of the questions and decisions we face in our lives, but it’s so easy to let the “shoulds” of societal life guide us instead of listening to what our hearts are quietly trying to tell us. I’m so glad I listened. And so glad I went against what seemed like a more financially stable option and went with what was a better choice for the overall wellbeing of our family and home. There is beauty in less. There is beauty in the simple. I’m so excited to continue to embrace that beauty.

an appendectomy, the rock boat, and the flu

February 19, 2018 Megan Rodriguez

You know those times of your life when you look back and can't believe all that has happened in a short amount of time? Well that has been the past few weeks for us! We were in the process of getting prepped for our time on The Rock Boat (Dan had been voted on to the boat this past fall and we were so excited for the adventure!), when I woke up one morning with intense pain in my abdomen. By the end of that day I was in the E.R. diagnosed with appendicitis and on my way into surgery to have my appendix removed. It was a whirlwind of a day and the following few days also flew by as we packed for our trip and decided if I could, in fact, go on a cruise just 5 days after having abdominal surgery.

By the end of the weekend I knew I could make the trip and I'm so glad I did. It was such an amazing trip! After Dan's first set, his name was a buzz word on the ship. They LOVED him and his music! We also made some great new musician friends, sold a lot of merch, watched amazing music, networked with fans and artists, enjoyed a bit of Mexico, and relished our time together. Being away from Oak for 8 days was a long time, but the time away was so good for marriage and for our family. We're excited to see what these next few months hold for Dan's music career as he continues to build with the new fans he made on the cruise. Thank you to all who voted for Dan to make our time on the Rock Boat a reality!

Life would be too easy if we had been able to come home after the high of the trip and hit the ground running back in real life...but often times life isn't that easy and within a day of getting home I had influenza with a high fever and nasty respiratory symptoms. Oak came down with it a few days later and we proceeded to fight that nasty thing off for over a week. Oh dear.

Through it all, though, I learned a few things. First, we have amazing neighbors and family. Our family helped with Oak and made us food and our neighbors brought food, flowers, whiskey, and playdough, and they took Oak at the drop of a hat. They were all together wonderful. Second, having a toddler, but not being able to lift him post-surgery is a challenge - so when in doubt, go on a cruise and recover there without said toddler. Ha. Third, building relationships with people who share similar lifestyles to you is so, so wonderful. We have so many musician friends in Minneapolis, but on the Rock Boat we met and reconnected with people who are in similar stages of this game or some who are far beyond where we are. It was so good to see that we are not alone in this weird life we live. Others are doing it and making it. That was so encouraging to see. Lastly, if you have the opportunity to take a trip with your spouse without your kid(s), do it. It's so, so refreshing and good.

happenings 'round the homestead

October 13, 2017 Megan Rodriguez

Fall is here and it is lovely! Our days have been full of great things, both in and outside, both with friends and family, and a good balance of play and work. We've really been enjoying this fall so far!

Things around our little urban homestead are going well too, for the most part. We are down to 8 chickens, from 11 earlier this year. We lost 2 of our pullets this summer - one to sickness, one to a hawk, and one of our older hens to sickness or egg-binding, as well. And while all of that is not great, we are happy that the 3 remaining pullets are starting to lay and our egg production is slowly increasing - just in time to drop off for winter! Ha! Out of the breeds we got this spring, I'm loving our Golden Sexlink! She is an egg-laying machine! She's been laying for several weeks now and I don't think she's missed a single day. We will definitely be adding more sexlinks to the flock next spring. As for Oak, that boy loves his chickens. Yesterday he played outside for about an hour and a good portion of that he spent sitting on a stump by the chicken coop, just talking to his chickens. They have good talks, he and his ladies.

The garden is slowing down, just as it should be at this time of year. We had our first frost this week, but my sheltered garden seems to have been spared. I think I'll pull the tomatoes and peppers this weekend, though, and try to get a cover crop to sprout before the hard freeze happens. The temps are cool enough now that the remaining green tomatoes are unlikely to ripen. All that will remain, then, will be the green beans, a few carrots, and the cover crops I planted in early September. Not bad, for the middle of October!

We added a few new structures to our little backyard this summer and we've so been enjoying them! Dan built us a shed, a firewood rack, and a fantastic sandbox for Oak! The benches of the sandbox fold in as a lid, in order to keep all of the neighborhood kitties out - as well as any free-ranging chickens. It's so fun to see the backyard become more and more of what we need/want for this season of life. Our backyard may be small, but we're making the most of the space and I love it.

the perfect skirt

July 28, 2017 Megan Rodriguez

You know those items of clothing in your wardrobe that you find yourself reaching for all of the time or the ones that you make yourself NOT wear because you've probably been wearing them a bit too often?? This skirt is just that for me. I made it in the beginning of June and I'm so in love. It's the Gathered Skirt for All Ages by Purl Soho (it's a free pattern!!). It was a breeze to make and it's probably the most practical piece of clothing I've ever owned.

I don't know the name of the fabric, but it's a cotton/linen something or other and it's heavy enough to drape well and stay put in the wind and on a bicycle, but light enough for the hot and humid days of summer. Then there are the pockets, which are AMAZING!! I'm very much a pocket girl, especially in skirts or dresses, but these pockets are downright perfect. Large and quirky, they add style and lightheartedness to the design, while providing fabulous storage for all of your treasures. I've found these pockets to be great for collecting eggs, holding a ball of yarn while knitting (I can knit while standing at the park with Oak...AMAZING!!), holding my kindle, holding Oak's toys, etc. If it fits in your hands, it likely fits in these pockets, and for a busy mama, these pockets make this skirt perfect. My only issue with this perfect skirt is that elastic waists don't pair the best with toddlers who like grabbing onto mama's clothes...but this, in time, shall pass.

Adding this skirt to my wardrobe also allowed me to part with several older skirts that I'd been holding on to, but just didn't love. As I journey towards a simpler and smaller wardrobe, I'm finding that staple pieces such as this are what I need to add. Things that can go from season to season and that can be mixed, matched, and layered are the best and this skirt can do all of those things! I'm excited to pair it with a cardigan, tights, and boots for fall! Hooray for perfect wardrobe additions!

garden notes :: june 2017

July 7, 2017 Megan Rodriguez

Wow! July is here and in full swing! I snapped a few pictures of my garden last week before heading out of town with Dan and Oak to Milwaukee for Summerfest. We're once again spending the whole 11 days of the festival making music and selling merch, all with a toddler at hand. It's going well, but I miss home, I miss my garden, I miss my chickens, and I especially miss my kitty. They are all in good hands, though, thankfully. All of that missing has made me want to share a few of those garden pictures with you as the June garden is now a thing of the past.

This was an interesting June! We had a week or two of really hot weather at the top of the month, which made the radishes bolt and slowed a lot of growth on my beets, turnips, and lettuce, but then that heat was followed by a lovely mixture of rain, sunshine, and temps in the 70's. It was perfect June weather. A few days before leaving town, I was able to harvest the garlic scapes, a handful of red currants, a couple radishes, oregano, and quite a few handfuls of peas.

I think I'll return home to find my Asiatic Lilies blooming, zucchini blossoms, and a few ripened or almost ripened cherry tomatoes! That will be lovely!

{summer} solstice mittens

June 23, 2017 Megan Rodriguez

Summer Solstice Mittens, you say!??! Say what!?!? Yes. There are two reasons for these summer mittens for my babe. One: I'm learning that I have to plan ahead to in order to optimize the amount of time that my handknits fit this wee one. Fall/winter knitting does not provide enough time to wear those items before they are outgrown (such as this wonderful cardigan). So, I'm using summer to prepare for winter, just like I do in so many other areas of our lives, and I love it.

Two: We're heading to Summerfest in Milwaukee next week and while we'll be there over the 4th of July, there have been plenty of times in the past years where hats and mittens are not only wanted, but desperately needed to keep the lake wind chill away from our bones. So, a pair of mittens was in order for the Oakster as the only other pair he had was from when he was first born and they barely covered his hands anymore.

This pattern is a simple one that I've made quite a few times now for many different little ones in our lives. It's the Family Mittens pattern by Carrie Bostick Hoge that appeared in Taproot Magazine, Issue 3. I knit them up in some left over Malabrigo that I used for Oak's Helmet Hat that he got for Christmas and some green vintage wool given to me by a dear friend. (My Ravelry link can be found here.) These mittens should get him through this next winter and possibly beyond as I added a bit of length to the cuffs and the garter stitch pattern provides a bit of stretch all around.

He seems to like them, even though he's a bit confused as to what to do with them. :)

my alder shirtdress

June 6, 2017 Megan Rodriguez

I've been sewing for quite a few years now and while I've sewn quite a range of things (from a wedding dress to a baby quilt), but I've never really taken the time to sew clothes for myself. I've also shied away from sewing my own clothes because fabric and patterns are often more expensive than most of the clothes I've purchased in recent years. My perspective on all this started changing this past fall when I started learning more about Slow Fashion. Over the winter I then started learning about the Capsule Wardrobe movement and have also thought more about how to apply my zero-waste goals to my wardrobe. What I've learned from all of it is that when you need and wear less clothes, it can free you up to spend a bit more on the clothes you do wear.

Enter the Alder Shirtdress. This little beauty was designed by Grainline Studio and was a great little challenge for me. I'd never made a collared shirt before or used my machine to add buttonholes or buttons. There were definitely some frustrations and panicky moments along the way, but I'm extremely happy with the end product. I don't remember the name of the fabric, but it is a lovely lightweight cotton with a light sheen to it. It's a great weight for summer. I'm hoping to be able to wear it for most of the year, layered in the cooler months with a cardigan and tights. I have a feeling that this dress with be with me for quite a few years to come.

P.S...if you've known me for awhile, you may have noticed that my hair is wavy now. It's always been straight, but now it's wavy. We can thank postpartum hormones for that. Pregnancy does weird things to a girl, but this is a change I'm quite enjoying! Ha!

P.P.S...in case you're wondering, my shoes in these photos were another intentional wardrobe purchase. I saved up and spent what was a lot of money for me on this pair of Dansko's and once I got them, I was able to donate 8-10 pairs of cheap summer shoes that I'd been hanging on to just in case I needed them for that one specific outfit, but I didn't really like any of them. This one pair of shoes meets all of my casual/dressy needs and I love them!

garden notes :: may 2017

May 29, 2017 Megan Rodriguez

I can't believe there is so much going on in my garden at the end of May! The garlic is huge, the herbs are going strong, the seeds and seedlings are planted, and the peonies are blooming! I even picked my first radishes!

As I mentioned in my last garden post (which was my last post...life has been busy!), I'm taking a bit of a different approach to the garden this year -- I'm planting a wider variety of vegetables, which means I'm planting a smaller quantity of each. I'm hoping this leads to more food that can fill our table throughout the summer, more of a continuous harvest from the garden, rather than nothing in June/July and everything in August/September, and less waste from too much coming in at once. We'll see! The only thing I'm a bit concerned about not having enough of is green beans. I freeze a lot of green beans and we eat them all winter long. I'm not sure that planting fewer beans was the right decision, but hopefully the cucumbers and acorn squash that will grow in their place will make up for it, especially since I usually buy both at the farmers market on a regular basis. I'll keep you posted.

The creeping thyme that I've been slowly working to grow as a ground cover between the steps in the garden is stronger than ever in some spots this year and completely dead in others. Maybe someday I'll have a carpet of green down that path...maybe someday.

How about you?? What's happening in your garden these days?

garden notes :: april 2017

May 3, 2017 Megan Rodriguez

May has arrived and spring is here in full swing with tulips blooming, perennials returning, and trees leafing out. We've had lots of rain, which has been much needed, but a bit dreary. However, it looks like we're in for quite a few days of sun, which will wake up everything that hasn't already awakened from winter's sleep.

With all of that, I thought I'd take a few moments to share a few garden notes with you from the month of April...mostly because there are actually notes to share! We had very little snow in the Twin Cities this winter and a warmer than average March, which meant that the ground was actually workable 6 weeks before the average last frost! This meant that I was able to plant my first round of peas in the first week of April, and two weeks later, I planted another round of peas, lettuce, radishes, carrots, beets, broccoli, turnips, and arugula.

This is the first time I have had more than peas planted before May, partly because of weather, but mostly because of a lack of planning! There are actually quite a few things that can be planted before the last frost, but it means taking advantage of those few dry spring days to prep garden beds and get things in the ground. This year I actually had time to do that! (Toddlerhood is so much more conducive to gardening, if you ask me! And only working outside of the home part time...that helps too.)

I'm taking a little different approach to my garden this year, focusing on planting more variety in order to better fill our table throughout the summer, rather than trying to fill the cupboards. I'll leave the task of filling the cupboards up to my farmers' market hauls. A few new-to-me things I'm going to try this year are beets, turnips, acorn squash, Napa cabbage, and heads of lettuce. I'm also giving a few things another try after unsuccessful attempts such as cucumbers, zucchini, and broccoli.

I'm so excited for the garden this year, as I feel a new sense of motivation. Having a new baby last year and being in my first trimester of pregnancy the year before, meant that the garden didn't get as much attention as I'd hoped over the past two summers. But this year shall be different and I'm so excited! I'm excited for the new mouth at my table to feed our garden's bounty to and I'm excited for long days spent outside playing, planting, and cultivating. It's gonna be good. So good.

How about you? Have you planted anything yet?? What garden dreams do you have for the summer?

our new brood

April 14, 2017 Megan Rodriguez

Chicks! We have new chicks! And let me tell you, watching chicks grow through the eyes of a 13 month-old is absolutely wonderful. He LOVES his chicks! He walks his little push cart past them and stops to say hi and check on them periodically throughout each day. He talks to them and says good morning and goodnight. He feeds them spinach and gives them kisses. He knows to be gentle with them and does a pretty good job carrying that out. And he is very diligent in telling us that the heat lamp is hot. Our experience with our first batch of chicks 4 years ago was so much fun, but this is an entirely different kind of fun and I'm loving it.

We got 5 chicks this time around. One Rhode Island Red, named Rosie the Red. One Golden Sexlink, named Marilyn (Monroe...of course). One Barred Rock, named Fingers II...we lost Fingers I to a raccoon last fall and while they are different breeds, Dan wanted another Fingers. And lastly, two Black Australorps named Dumpling and Noodle Soup. That gives us a total of 11 birds, but we are planning to cull 3 of our older hens by the end of the summer in order to make room for the youngins and hopefully revitalize our egg supply for next year. Our egg supply is up, but definitely not where it was before when our birds were younger. It will be sad to say goodbye to our older hens, our first ladies. I'm not ready yet...but I know it's what is best for us and so I'll be ready when the time comes.

But for now...CHICKS!!!!!! Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate and happy spring to all!