Weekend Anticipation

1. Navigating the Challenges of Gum Surgery and Recovery

For quite some time, I’ve contended with gum recession on my lower front teeth. Regrettably, over the past year, this issue decided to escalate significantly. I suspect my overly zealous brushing habits, coupled with past orthodontic work (which can sometimes exacerbate gum recession due to tooth movement), contributed to its worsening state. This progressive bone loss and recession not only created sensitivity but also posed a long-term risk to my dental health. As our state gradually reopened, allowing for elective procedures, I was finally able to secure an appointment with a periodontist. Due to noticeable bone deterioration beneath the areas of recession, I found myself facing gum graft surgery rather swiftly – just two days ago, to be precise. The speed with which this unfolded was a bit of a whirlwind, leaving little time for apprehension to fully set in.

And let me tell you, friends, it has been an incredibly painful experience. The procedure itself was intricate, involving creating an incision about two inches long in the roof of my mouth to extract tissue, which was then meticulously grafted onto my lower front teeth. This vital tissue is meant to replace the receded gum line and protect the exposed tooth roots. I currently have six stitches strategically placed in the roof of my mouth, and additional, delicate stitches are carefully holding the graft in place. Furthermore, a top tooth, which had an unexpected overgrowth of bone and gum, also required some attention and a couple of extra stitches to ensure proper alignment and health. While I could share photographs for those with a strong stomach, I assure you, the visuals are quite gruesome. My face is noticeably swollen and bruised, presenting a rather alarming appearance, and the inside of my mouth feels raw, tender, and looks frankly frightening. The recovery journey, I’ve learned, is as much about mental fortitude as it is physical healing.

{My sweet daughter, Cam, has been a wonderful companion, parking her little self on the guest bed beside me, patiently reading story after story from her treasured book of tales. Her innocent comfort has been a true balm during this uncomfortable period.}

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of this entire recovery process has been the profound impact on eating. Or more accurately, the severe restriction on it. It’s genuinely more depressing than I ever imagined. I’m confined to a liquid and soft food diet for at least two weeks, and likely longer, given that I shouldn’t chew on the surgical sites for a full month – and these “sites” are scattered throughout various parts of my mouth. The monotony of pureed soups and broths, day after day, simply doesn’t inspire much enthusiasm, especially when coupled with the underlying nausea brought on by my anti-inflammatory and steroid medications. My stomach hasn’t been feeling its best, making meal times particularly unappealing and often a source of mental exhaustion. The simple pleasure of solid food is something I now profoundly miss and look forward to rediscovering.

However, rest assured, my culinary creativity hasn’t completely stalled! I have a substantial backlog of delicious recipes already prepared, photographed, and scheduled for posting in the coming weeks. So, if you see new, mouth-watering recipes appearing on the blog this month, please take a moment before you dive in, and send a silent thought my way, as I’ll likely be savoring yet another bowl of bland bone broth, dreaming of the flavors I’m sharing with you. This experience has truly highlighted the critical importance of periodontal health and the unexpected resilience required for a challenging recovery. It’s a vivid reminder to cherish every bite and prioritize dental care!

2. Embracing the Faux Farm Life: Our Adventures with Miniature Donkeys and Kunekune Pigs

In much happier and decidedly more adorable news, we’ve recently welcomed two of the most endearing miniature donkeys you could ever imagine into our family! My brother, with his infectious enthusiasm and persuasive charm, convinced me that investing in a couple of these charming farm pets was not just an option, but a genuine necessity for our expanding property. Once I delved into the initial research, I was utterly captivated by the idea. Miniature donkeys, known for their affectionate nature and hardy disposition, seemed like the perfect addition. Pete and Harley, who have been inseparable best friends since birth, have now been with us for nearly a month. Honestly, it’s difficult to articulate just how much we’ve come to adore them. They possess such gentle dispositions, surprising intelligence, and a wonderfully comical nature, often making us laugh with their playful antics. Even more impressively, they arrived already trained to harness and pull a cart, among other delightful tricks – making them not just pets, but potential partners in our budding farm life!

As our property expands and our animal kingdom grows, moving us further into the realm of hobby farming, I decided to chronicle our somewhat whimsical “faux farm” adventures through a small, dedicated Instagram account. It’s a space where I share the day-to-day realities and joys of building this unique lifestyle. The engagement, comments, feedback, and shared ideas from fellow enthusiasts – from seasoned homesteaders to aspiring animal lovers – have already been absolutely incredible! It’s been a fantastic way to connect with others who appreciate this unique connection to nature and sustainable living, and it truly feels like building a supportive online community around our burgeoning farm.

Adding to the excitement, we’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of Kunekune pigs, who will be joining our family in just under two weeks. Eeek! The anticipation is palpable. These small, woolly, and incredibly friendly pigs are known for their gentle nature and are often kept as pets due to their docile temperament, making them a perfect fit for our budding hobby farm. Our journey into this lifestyle is rooted in a desire to foster a deeper connection with nature for our family, teach our children invaluable lessons in responsibility and animal care, and simply enjoy the unique charm these diverse animals bring to our lives. It’s an ongoing experiment in creating a more self-sufficient and joyful home environment.

For those curious about the origins of our “faux farm” endeavor and the path that led us here – the underlying philosophy and practical considerations – this Instagram post provides a bit of background, offering a glimpse into our motivations and aspirations for this fulfilling lifestyle change.

Whether you’re deeply engrossed in small farming, homesteading, or simply enjoy heartwarming and inspiring stories of resilience and connection to the land, I wholeheartedly recommend watching the documentary: The Biggest Little Farm. It’s an exceptionally entertaining and utterly fascinating portrayal of a couple’s journey to build a biodiverse, sustainable farm from scratch, facing numerous challenges along the way. Watching it truly puts things into perspective, inspiring us further while also making me realize we probably have our hands full already – in the best possible way, of course! It’s a testament to the power of observation, patience, and working in harmony with nature.

3. Discovering Literary Gems: My Latest Book Recommendations and Engaging Reads

One of my enduring joys, especially during these past few months of introspection and recovery, has been getting lost in the immersive pages of a good book. Reading offers such a profound opportunity for escapism, learning, and personal growth, and I’ve cherished every moment. I recently devoured The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. **Have you had the chance to read this compelling historical fiction?**

Wow. I genuinely, profoundly enjoyed every page, even through the segments that felt increasingly disheartening due to the harsh realities depicted. It proved to be thought-provoking on so many levels, shedding light on a unique and often overlooked piece of American history – the remarkable women of the Pack Horse Library Project in Depression-era Kentucky. These courageous “book women” bravely navigated treacherous terrain, facing poverty, prejudice, and natural dangers, all to deliver books and knowledge to isolated communities, bringing literacy and hope to those who had little else. In a similar vein, last year I immersed myself in Giver of the Stars, another captivating novel centered around these pioneering female librarians. I found that book to be equally fantastic, offering another rich perspective on their unwavering courage, fierce independence, and dedication to sharing the power of literature.

Currently, my literary escape is Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon. Her storytelling is truly compelling, and I particularly enjoyed her previous work, What the Wind Knows. Harmon has a remarkable ability to craft narratives that transport you to different times and places, exploring profound themes of love, loss, destiny, and the human spirit’s resilience. Reading offers such a profound opportunity for learning, empathy, and pure escapism, allowing us to live countless lives through the eyes of others.

**What captivating books have you been delving into lately? Do you have any fantastic recommendations to share – perhaps a hidden gem or a widely acclaimed novel that left a lasting impression?** I’m always eager to expand my reading list and discover new literary worlds! For an exceptional non-fiction read that truly reshaped my perspective and had a significant impact on my personal development, I cannot overstate how much I adored Mindset by Carol Dweck. My sincere gratitude goes out to those of you who recommended it in a previous “Friday Thoughts” post – it’s a genuine game-changer for understanding the power of a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset and has had a lasting positive impact on my approach to challenges, learning, and self-improvement.

4. Fostering Independence: Teens, Summer Jobs, and Practical Money Management

This is undeniably a topic expansive enough to warrant its own dedicated post, exploring the nuances of raising financially responsible and independent teenagers. However, with summer now officially underway and Idaho gradually reopening in phases, the conversation around summer jobs for my teenagers has become a central and often animated theme in our household. We firmly believe in instilling a strong work ethic, a sense of personal responsibility, and practical financial literacy from a young age.

We’ve made it a practice to encourage our teenagers to actively seek out summer employment once they reach the age of 13. Naturally, the number of hours they commit and the specific type of work they undertake vary considerably based on their age, maturity, and school commitments. Our core philosophy is to help them find opportunities where they can earn their own money, experiencing firsthand the value of honest labor, whether it’s working for someone else or embarking on their own entrepreneurial ventures. This experience, we believe, is invaluable for their development.

{Heading off, filled with anticipation and a touch of nerves, for his very first day at a new job! A significant step towards independence.}

This year, I’m thrilled to report that all three of our teenagers have successfully secured some form of summer employment. This is a huge relief for me, as a house full of bored teenagers, with ample free time and undirected energy, tends to be a recipe for various forms of chaos and mischief! Productive engagement helps keep everyone happy.

• Our 16-year-old has landed a position at a distribution company, working a solid 30-35 hours a week. While the evening shifts aren’t always his favorite, as they occasionally mean missing out on social events with friends, he understands the commitment. The pay is fair, and the work environment is positive, teaching him the value of consistent effort and making sacrifices for a greater goal. When he finds himself less than enthusiastic about a task, he wisely repeats a personal mantra: “I’d rather be doing this than corn topping.” (If you’ve ever had to “corn top,” a notoriously tedious summer farm job, you know exactly what he means, haha! It’s his benchmark for what could be worse.)
• Our 14-year-old secured a job at the same horse ranch where his older brother worked last year. His responsibilities include the less glamorous but essential tasks of shoveling manure and meticulously raking out paddocks. It’s hard work that builds character and physical stamina. He’s currently working about 10 hours a week, gaining valuable experience in animal husbandry. However, his work hours are set to significantly increase once our Kunekune pigs arrive. He demonstrated remarkable foresight and entrepreneurial spirit by using his savings to invest in these pigs, and as such, he will largely be in charge of their daily care and management, transforming his hobby into a genuine responsibility and a burgeoning business venture.
• Our soon-to-be 13-year-old is incredibly excited to revive his successful cookie dough selling business from last year. You can find a few more details about that venture here, detailing his initial foray into entrepreneurship. This year, he’s even contemplating hooking up our new miniature donkeys, Pete and Harley, to a small, custom-made cart to deliver his delicious wares, adding a unique, charming, and perhaps slightly eccentric touch to his expanding entrepreneurial spirit! It’s a wonderful example of combining new family assets with existing business ideas.

A Trial Money Management System for Growing Independence

Since our oldest is only 16, we’re very much in the learning phase when it comes to sophisticated money management strategies for teenagers. There’s no perfect playbook, so we’re adapting and experimenting. However, after gleaning invaluable tips and strategies from other families and financial educators, we’ve decided to implement a specific system designed to foster financial literacy and independence. When our children turn 16, we help them set up their own checking account complete with a debit card. (They all have savings accounts for larger, long-term goals, but these are primarily for accumulation and not for everyday spending or casual withdrawals.)

This new checking account essentially replaces the traditional monthly allowance (which, in our household, has always been minimal and not tied to daily chores, serving more as pocket money). Instead, once they turn 16, I’ll deposit a fixed, reasonable amount of money into their checking account each month. This designated fund is intended to cover expenses that, in the past, I would typically have funded for them. This includes essential personal care items like deodorant, socks, and underwear, as well as my agreed-upon contribution to their gas money for driving. The goal is to empower them to manage these recurring, necessary expenses themselves, learning to budget, prioritize, and make conscious spending choices for their personal needs.

The beauty (and potential challenge) of this system is that it introduces real-world consequences. If they opt to spend that money on other, perhaps less essential, items – for instance, those coveted fishing lures or video game upgrades – there’s a distinct possibility they might find themselves a bit stinky in the armpits or short on fuel until the next month’s deposit replenishes their funds. It’s a practical lesson in consequence and financial planning, encouraging them to think strategically about their spending choices and differentiate between wants and needs. It’s about learning to live within their means, even if those means are initially modest.

We’re genuinely curious to see how this system evolves and whether it proves effective in cultivating robust, responsible financial habits over time. As I’ve often said, we’re figuring things out as we go, embracing flexibility and learning from experience; my personal life motto tends to be: “fake it ’til you make it.” It’s an ongoing experiment in practical parenting and comprehensive financial education.

**We’d love to hear from you, our experienced readers: How do you manage summer jobs and effectively teach money management skills to your children? What systems, philosophies, or even specific apps and tools have worked best for your family in fostering financial literacy? Your insights are invaluable!**

As a quick aside, if you’re seeking inspiration for structuring your summer schedule for kids of various ages, I’ve discussed our approach a bit here, and the comment section of that post is a treasure trove of excellent ideas and practical tips from other parents. Our system adapts slightly each year to accommodate the evolving ages and needs of our children, but it consistently adheres to a core premise: a thoughtful balance of structure and routines, generously interspersed with ample free time for creative play, independent exploration, and pursuing unique interests.

Lately, my kids have been spending countless hours engrossed in learning intricate magic tricks, mastering various card tricks, and honing their skills in balloon tying – transforming simple materials into fantastic creations. This newfound obsession is all thanks to a generous bin of old supplies gifted to them by a dear friend, sparking endless hours of creative engagement. I’m optimistically hoping these captivating activities will keep them happily engaged, entertained, and busy throughout the entire summer, fostering skills and imagination!

5. Reflective Thoughts: Lessons Learned from Life’s Recent Unpredictability

I know this post has grown to an epic length (thank you sincerely for sticking with me until the very end!). Your patience and engagement are truly appreciated. But I wanted to conclude with a little “fill-in-the-blank” exercise, as it often sparks such thoughtful reflection. The last time we did this together, the responses from our community were so incredibly insightful, enlightening, and, at times, delightfully hilarious, offering a collective wisdom that I truly value.

So, considering all that has transpired globally and personally: “If I’ve learned one thing from the past few months, it is __________________”

My personal answer(s) would unequivocally be:

• I have been profoundly humbled witnessing the boundless service, selflessness, and unwavering kindness displayed by healthcare workers and the general good humanity emerging from communities worldwide. It’s a powerful and deeply moving reminder of our collective capacity for compassion, resilience, and coming together in times of crisis. Their dedication is truly inspiring.
• I definitely need to ensure a larger, more strategic stash of chocolate chips is readily available in the pantry at all times. They truly are an essential comfort item for navigating life’s unexpected turns, whether big or small!
• Life is inherently full of the unexpected, constantly presenting new challenges, joyful surprises, and moments of profound growth. I am committing to trying harder to truly love, deeply appreciate, and live each precious day to its absolute fullest, embracing every moment as a unique and invaluable gift, rather than waiting for some idealized future.

**Thank you so much for being a cherished part of this community and for taking the time to read my reflections. I genuinely hope you understand how much I appreciate each and every one of you.** Your presence, engagement, and shared experiences mean the world to me, making this space feel like a true connection point.