Eckenrode Family

Exploring and Making

The last couple of days we’ve spent trying to slow down after the bustle of the holiday. We spent time at home exploring the woods and creating and making. Yesterday we took a walk in the woods while the sun shined and warmed all of the leftover snow into slush and mud. The creek was flowing and the boys got to walk through it and get as muddy as they desired.



Later in the day we received about 4 inches of snow that once again covered everything in a white blanket of crisp snow and ice.
Before the snow came Tim built one of the biggest bird feeders I’ve ever seen. As soon as he built it and walked away the birds came and fed from it as if they’d been watching him build it.
I got the chance to finish a hat for myself. This pattern is Jane by Jane Richmond and was so much fun to knit.

Once I knit it up it didn’t have as much slouch as I’d hoped for so I think I’m going to give her Autumn pattern a go and see how that turns out.

Spoiled in a Good Kind of Way

The day after Christmas and it looks like Santa got it just right. Miles was rockin out with Ben’s new guitar with an original song that had me laughing. He had lined up the chairs in the kitchen in rows and set himself on a chair in front and did a hard rock version of a song about writing a letter to someone if you missed them.


There is nothing better than going to a concert put on by your own child in your own home. There is nothing like the passion and energy that goes in to his shows.

Later we put their new robes by the wood burning stove while they were in the bath. Then when they got out I wrapped them in their robes and sat them by the fire. Then they changed into their pjs which had also been warming by the fire. There is such pleasure in spoiling your kids in these little ways.

By 6:09 a.m. all the presents had been opened . . .

Getting Out

It started out a great day with us having our first experience with our first babysitter. The girl across the street came over and watched the boys so I could go grocery shopping and to pick up one last gift. Shortly after she left, I began cleaning up before we headed out for a walk and that’s when things turned kind of ugly. Ben set up a “shop” on the stairs with the craft supplies. Although I knew this had the potential to turn bad we were having a good day so I let him. As I was running the vacuum I could hear things coming down the stairs, but I let it go thinking I could deal with it when I was done. When I finally did see what was going on he had thrown most of the supplies (markers, beads, paintbrushes and playdough) all down the steps.

After letting out some steam and cleaning up the mess I knew we needed to get outside and into the woods. It wasn’t easy getting everyone dressed – we had about 3 meltdowns before all of the gloves, hats, boots and coats were on. Then we had about 3 more meltdowns before we even got 10 yards down the path. I almost turned around and gave up at several points. But, I’m glad I didn’t.


Some fresh air and a change of environment was just what we needed to change our prospective and our attitudes.

A Day Indoors

On this cold winter day we spent it mostly indoors, preparing gifts for packaging and making the outdoor critters a little snack. We popped some popcorn and grabbed the leftover cranberries from the fridge and strung them on dental floss and hung them from the trees outside.



The boys went outside to find the perfect spot. While outside they were invited by one of our new neighbors to come inside. They were given early Christmas gifts, candy and stayed for a movie. I have a feeling they are going to be very spoiled in this neighborhood where they are the only children among many adults that seem to love kids.

Our Day in Pictures

Morning, Noon & Night

In My Arms

Falling asleep in my arms tonight, he became my baby again. Will it always be like this? Will I always be able to see this pure, beautiful baby in the faces of my children?

Curve Ball

We went to a science museum near us today and I discovered very obviously there that Miles is growing up. Once he saw the table full of K'NEX he was zoned in and I couldn’t get his attention for over an hour. There were a few older boys there and together they were in their own world of building cars and racing them.



Ben and I would walk around and keep coming back to check on him. Even as I came at him from every angle with a camera he managed to ignore me, barely throwing me a sidewise glance. He is getting bigger. He is becoming way more interested in his peers than he is with me. This is a good thing. I know this. But it is still a bit painful. Strange how something can warm your heart and pierce it all at that same time. This motherhood gig just keeps on throwing me curve balls.

All in a Day

Today was warmer than it’s been for awhile. We took advantage of the nicer weather and went for a walk in the woods after Miles’ school. We set out and found a loop that is a good distance for the boys.





While we were walking in the woods I found myself saying over and over to a wandering Miles, “Stay on the path.” Then I thought, ‘why?’ Why should he stay on the path? Kids know innately what we forget as adults – some of the best things in life are off the beaten path. Take chances and you may be surprised at what you will discover.
Then we played until well after dark outside and in the garage. Miles wanted to play hockey and insisted on being Rick Nash. He wouldn’t even let me refer to him as Miles. He’d say, “I’m not Miles. I’m Rick Nash.” I love how kids will get so fully immersed in their play that they live an alternative reality. It’s so much fun.

Before their bedtime we spent some time together in the craft room claiming our own corners. There are still boxes lining the walls, but we can see the possibilities.


We listened to some Woody Guthrie and Keb Mo and Ben danced while Miles and I organized our spaces.
What a truly great day.