Thursday, January 24, 2008

Pine Cones to the Rescue

Yesterday was a bit challenging in more ways than one. Rhett and I were both in a terrible mood most of the day which resulted in much yelling, crying, complaining and grumpiness and not much patience, tolerance, kindness or even good old fashion family love. By early evening I was counting down the hours to bedtime when I could get some solace. As I was anticipating this time with a cup of hot tea, a good book and a roaring fire (it was pretty chilly out) I realized we were out of pine cones for the fireplace.

I bundled up the kids and we headed out to the streets on a pine cone hunt. Rhett and Emmie each had their own bag and I had my camera.

Is it just me or does my daughter look like a bag lady. In spite of a light sprinkle and fast approaching darkness we ended up finding more than enough pine cones for the hearth.

Although my plan on taking the kids out was more to accomplish having some quiet, cozy alone time later I learned changing scenery, getting fresh air and working on something creative together does miracles for sour attitudes. However no outing would be complete without at least one melt down. Apparently Emmie did not like the idea that she had to actually put pine cones in her bag, she preferred to keep hers empty with the exception of the one sock she tossed in it on the way out the door.

Maybe next time I won't need the motivation to get out and about and we'll do it just because...although my fire was very nice, as was my book and cup of tea too.

3 comments:

Becky said...

That is precious, Tara.
Your kids are adorable!
I'm having one of those days with Garrett, I think 7:15 is bedtime.

berrytribe said...

Tell me about the pine cones for the fire. Do they do something neat-o to your fire? Educate me!

TK said...

Shannon-
Pine cones are nothing more than simple fire wood for our house. We are not really the out door chop us down some fire wood kind of folks so we usually rely on the good ol duraflame from Costco but that doesn't make a pretty or warm enough fire for my liking. Since I'm usually the one actually making the fire and there is a plethora of pine trees in our area we just collect pine cones and toss them in. It's free and something for the kids to do and it's easy. I can place them in with the fire grab, tong thingy and they make a great, warm fire that lasts a long time.