Homeschool field trip a.k.a. Good excuse for eating free chocolate

On Wednesday we took a trip into Seattle (no I do not like driving in this city and yes I had a slight panic attack as I got off the freeway) to learn about a special company that makes one of my favorite food groups....Chocolate! Not just any chocolate though. They are the first and possibly the only Organic, Fair Trade chocolatier in the U.S. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I am a chocolate snob but I definitely prefer the more pure form of the cocoa bean that hasn't been defiled with artificial and refined flavors.

The first part of the tour consisted of sampling chocolate bars based on their cocoa content while listening to how they turn a funny looking fruit seed into rich dark deliciousness. Are you salivating yet?   
My favorite was the spicy chile bar. When you first pop it in your mouth you taste a zest of Orange and as you let in go down you get a zing in the end from the cayenne.  The kids like the salted almond bar as well as their milk chocolate bar.

The next part of the tour we were able to go into the factory and see all the machines that processed the seeds. Did you know that the farmers ferment the cocoa fruit before drying the seeds?  I have a fascination with fermented foods so when I learned this I new my love for chocolate wasn't just superficial.

Bunnies!!!

 And how cleaver of them to end our tour arriving in the gift shop after smelling the sweet confection throughout our tour.
We bought some of our favorites and shared them with daddy when he got home. Yes, the chocolate made it home!





You know, I live a monastic lifestyle. No, I do. I do live in extremes, basically. I go back and forth. Once every six months, I'll have a day where I eat more chocolate than has ever been consumed by a human being. Jim Carrey

For those of you who have never put cocoa in your oatmeal here is a favorite:

http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/09/21/five-minute-chocolate-oatmeal/
5-Minute Chocolate Oatmeal
(Serves 1)

• 1 serving rolled oats (40g)
• 3/4 cup milk of choice
• 1 banana
• 1 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
• extra sweetener if desired

Combine all ingredients and cook, uncovered, over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes. When it starts to bubble, stir occasionally. When I make this for others, I stir in 1 tbsp sugar (or 1 packet nunaturals stevia).

All moved in

Color inspiration for the exterior of the house.

Well, here we are. After 6 months of paper work and a short sale we were blessed to call this place home, blue paint, cobwebs and all. With lots of elbow grease, LOTS of paint and some skill this place will be a gem.  Recently I stepped out our front door after a long few days of being inside and opening boxes. It was whisper quite, except for the wind in the trees and the birds singing in the branches. I have found my spot. Getting in my car to drive anywhere is difficult. 
As I line my book shelves with Country wisdom know-how I can't help but dream about the not too distant future when we will buy our first cows, pigs, and yes turkey's.  There are moments when I catch myself in a blank stare  thinking about all the work that I will be responsible for and then I pray.  I pray that this will be the place that my children will learn what it means to work hard and seek pleasure from it. I pray that this will be a place that they will come for peace. I pray that our children will see a marriage that loves passionately and steadfastly, and that they see us enjoying each others company while we work.
I am really looking forward to the pleasure that I will have working along side Andy.  Some of the best memories I have have of us being together are not when we went to a fancy restaurant or expensive show, it was hunting together, and digging in the dirt together.  So here's to a new chapter to our short story while here in this little patch of green.

Looking up our driveway to the.

This was the first place I tackled.

Looking out the top floor windows. I love waking up in the morning and watch  the fog roll by.