Devin the Herbalist

Every since Devin was around three, he has been interested in herbs. He has learned so much over the years about the plants and herbs that naturally grow in our area. Every year he helps choose the herbs that we grow in our garden. When one of the kids get an injury they often go to Devin who recommends which herbs can help heal them or ease discomfort.

Recently, my friend Robin came over to visit and she pointed out that we have an abundance of plantain weed in our yard. Devin was so excited to learn about it and jumped online to research it extensively. He learned that it is great for bug bites and other minor scrapes and injuries.

He dried the leaves, ground them up and then added oil to make a salve.

Devin has so many passions and I love to witness his expansion and growth as he learns about all that interests him in life. He was so excited when I bought him a mortar and pestle! He loves using it to nurture his ever growing passion for herbs and herbology.

Metamorphosis

Recently, the kids and I watched our tadpoles slowly turn into frogs. It took about six weeks for the process to be complete. It was an amazing process! The first thing we do in the morning is check on our tadpoles and we would measure how much of their tails have disappeared. We learned so much from the process. Here is a photo of our tadpole, Milton, almost complete in his metamorphosis.

We learned a lot through this website about a frogs life cycle. I love that my children were able to witness the process and connect with the very living things that were transforming. It deepened their understanding of the process. We plan on releasing the frogs into a pond near our home this week. I know it will be a joyful and emotional experience for our whole family.

Our Home Full of History

Our home was built in 1926 by Joe's great-grandfather, William Harmon. Our children are the fourth generation to live in this house and the ninth generation to live in our town, Madison, New Hampshire. When our home was built it was done by hand, with so much love. You can feel it the moment you walk in. No power tools were used to build our home.

We have a historical society on our street. A large part of it is dedicated to the Harmon family (our family). We visited recently so I could show the kids the very tools used to build our home. They are so proud that our home is such a historic landmark in our town and that they are part of history.

Here are some photos of the very tools used to build our house. How amazing to see them and know that they were used as an extension of the love that William Harmon had for his family.

The UnNanny Chronicles

For over a year now I've been going into the homes of families looking to live a more peaceful, respectful parenting paradigm with their children. I have even been featured on the ABC show Nightline where I was filmed and interviewed about my role as the "UnNanny".

It has been an incredible year and I have been hired by families all over the country to help them learn more about Unschooling by having me by their sides for a total immersion experience. I can experience your life and everyday parenting issues and help you in the moment with options, alternatives and ideas that will change your idea of parenting and relationships with your children and one another as partners.

Here is a letter that I received from an amazing family who I will never forget. We will always have a special connection because of our time together. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to bring more peace in the homes of other families.

If you are interested in learning how I can help your family, just drop me an email! I am happy to share what having me, the UnNanny, come to your home entails. I promise, it will change your lives for the better and your family will forever be more peaceful, connected and joyful!