Homestead Heritage in Waco Texas: A Homeschool Field Trip

Homestead Heritage in Waco, Texas

One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is the opportunity to learn by doing. Instead of simply reading about traditional crafts and pioneer life, we spent the day experiencing them firsthand at Homestead Heritage near Waco, Texas.

Nestled in the Texas countryside, Homestead Heritage is a working community known for preserving traditional skills such as blacksmithing, woodworking, pottery, weaving, farming, and other time-honored crafts. It's a wonderful place to slow down, ask questions, and watch artisans practice skills that were once part of everyday life.

Traditional Skills We Watched

• Blacksmithing
• Pottery
• Woodworking
• Wool spinning
• Natural dyeing
• Candle dipping
• Leather work
• Soap making
• Spoon carving

Our homeschool group took a field trip today to Homestead Heritage. The last time I was out there was on Thanksgiving weekend and it was PACKED.

This time, we enjoyed the farm practically to ourselves. We watched demonstrations on wood crafting, black smith, pottery, and wool yarn weaving. We even learned how they dyed their wool - deriving their colors from native flowers and beetles.

After watching a video about the farm, taking a horse drawn hayride, seeing the petting zoo, the kids wrapped things up with hands-on soap making, leather, candle dipping, and spoon making.

While having lunch, I got to visit with the people who live at Homestead heritage and ask them about their faith, home schooling, and some history on how Homestead Heritage came about. Some of the things I found interesting was the fossils and arrow heads that were found on the farm, not to mention wagon trail tracks. Also, we were shown the ancient pecan trees that were at least 150-200 years old. They said the pecans taste AMAZING.

Interesting stuff and nice people!

The sun hid most of the day and the skies threatened rain. We dodged mud puddles over the whole farm, but all in all, it was a rewarding day. My only regret is that we didn't get to dwell much on the gardens, nor did I have a chance to visit the general store. Maybe next time!

blacksmith at Homestead Heritage

Hayride at Homestead Heritage 

Tea Time: How I Make My Favorite Herbal Tea Blend: Chamomile & Yerba Mate

How I Make My Favorite Herbal Tea Blend: Chamomile & Yerba Mate

One of my favorite places to browse is the tea aisle at Whole Foods. I can easily spend half an hour smelling different blends, asking questions, and discovering teas I've never tried before. Every cup seems to have its own personality.

On this visit, I came home with two organic loose-leaf teas that couldn't have been more different.

Organic Chamomile Medley

Chamomile has been enjoyed for centuries as a comforting herbal tea. Its gentle floral flavor, combined with hints of mint, makes it one of my favorite evening drinks when I simply want to slow down and relax after a busy day.

Organic Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate (pronounced yer-ba mah-tay) is a traditional South American beverage that has been enjoyed for generations, particularly in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. Unlike chamomile, Yerba Mate contains natural caffeine and is often chosen by people looking for a smooth, sustained energy boost without coffee.

Many people enjoy Yerba Mate because they appreciate its rich, earthy flavor and natural caffeine content. It has also been the subject of research for its plant compounds and antioxidants, although more studies are needed to better understand its potential health effects.

My Favorite Combination

One afternoon I decided to experiment and combined the two teas together.

To my surprise, they balanced each other beautifully.

The floral sweetness of the chamomile softened the earthy flavor of the Yerba Mate, creating a tea that was both refreshing and comforting.

Sometimes the best recipes happen completely by accident.

My Favorite Natural Sweeteners

I enjoy tea with very little sweetener, but when I do add something, these are my favorites:

• Local Texas wildflower honey for its rich flavor and support of nearby beekeepers.
• Agave nectar, which dissolves easily and has a mild sweetness.
• Stevia, a naturally sweet plant that requires only a tiny amount.

Every sweetener has its own unique flavor, so it's fun to experiment and discover which one you enjoy most with different teas.

Tea Is More Than a Drink

One thing I love about making tea is that it naturally encourages me to slow down. A warm cup, a comfortable chair, and a few quiet minutes can turn an ordinary afternoon into one of the most relaxing parts of the day.

And yes—I still love my IKEA teacups. Sometimes it's the little things that make tea time feel special.

Note: Herbal teas have a long history of traditional use, but individual responses vary. If you have health concerns, are pregnant, or take medications, consult your healthcare provider before using herbal products regularly.

While at Whole Foods last week, I visited the TEA BOOTH to sample and ask questions. I ended up with two bags of wonderful tea leaves:

Organic Chamomile Medley
A calming chamomile blend with sweet honey-like character with a hint of mint, blended to relax and refresh.

Organic Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate (pronounced "yerba mahtay") is a medicinal and cultural drink of ancient origins. Introduced to the world by the Guarani Indians of South America, Mate contains ingredients that help keep its drinkers healthy and energetic. Mate has also become a cultural phenomenon throughout South America. 

Add both tea blends together and serve.

Brewing Tips

• Water just below boiling for delicate herbal teas.
• Steep chamomile for 5–7 minutes.
• Yerba Mate can be steeped several times.
• Adjust the strength by blending different ratios.

My first choice for sweetener is the local Round Rock native wildflower honey. This can be purchased at nearby farmer's markets, (soon HEB), and at Whole Foods. It is always best to consume LOCAL honey, as this can help fight against seasonal allergies.

I've recently been introduced to Agave Nectar. This is another natural and healthy alternative to table sugar. Agave nectar comes from a cactus.

Of course, the natural sweetener Stevia, which comes from a plant known as SWEET LEAF is another healthy sweetener.

Check out my new tea cup from IKEA. This quaint mid-sized tea cup came in a set of 6 for only $9.99!!

Time to relax with some tea!

McKinney Falls State Park: Hiking, Swimming & Picnics in Austin, Texas

McKinney Falls State Park: Hiking, Swimming & Picnics in Austin, Texas

Sometimes the best adventures are only a few miles from home.

Instead of traveling across Texas for spring break, we decided to spend the day exploring one of Austin's natural treasures—McKinney Falls State Park. Just minutes from downtown, the park feels surprisingly peaceful, with limestone waterfalls, towering cypress trees, shaded hiking trails, and clear pools of water that invite visitors to slow down and enjoy nature.

Whether you're looking for a family picnic, a scenic hike, or simply a place to cool your feet in the water, McKinney Falls is one of my favorite nearby escapes.

A Little History

The park is named after Thomas F. McKinney, an early Texas settler, businessman, and one of Stephen F. Austin's original colonists. During the mid-1800s, McKinney built a successful gristmill along Onion Creek, and visitors can still see the remains of his historic homestead within the park.

It's fascinating to walk these trails knowing people have lived and worked here for nearly two centuries.

Sticking close to town for spring break, we went to McKinney Falls State Park for a picnic and hike.

What You'll See

During our visit we enjoyed:

• Limestone waterfalls
• Crystal-clear swimming holes
• Massive bald cypress trees
• Wild cactus growing among the trees
• Scenic hiking trails
• Picnic areas
• Beautiful creek views
• Plenty of wildlife

One of the things that always amazes me is how different the park looks throughout the year. After heavy rains, the waterfalls become especially impressive, while drier seasons reveal beautiful limestone formations carved by centuries of flowing water.

A Perfect Austin Day Trip

McKinney Falls is one of those parks that's easy to visit for just a few hours or an entire weekend. The park offers hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, birdwatching, and plenty of quiet places to simply sit and enjoy the scenery.

After spending the afternoon outdoors, we headed home with one thing on our minds...

Fresh homemade tacos!

Sometimes the simplest outings become the ones you remember the longest.

If you look closely, you can spot cactus growing on this tree.

McKinney Falls sits along Onion Creek, where thousands of years of flowing water have carved smooth limestone shelves and pools that are characteristic of Central Texas. These limestone formations create the park's beautiful waterfalls and natural swimming areas.

The water was cool and inviting.

Visitor Tips

• Wear sturdy walking shoes.
• Bring water, especially during summer.
• Swimming conditions depend on recent rainfall.
• Arrive early on weekends.
• Bring a picnic lunch.
• Don't forget binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching.

It was a fabulous way to spend our day. On our way home, we stopped by HEB to pick up fresh ingredients.

Can anyone say, homemade TACOS?

Almost Spring: Spring Gardening at The Natural Gardener in Austin, Texas

Spring Gardening at The Natural Gardener in Austin, Texas

There are certain places that always seem to announce the arrival of spring before the calendar does, and for me, one of those places is The Natural Gardener in Austin.

The moment the weather begins to warm, gardeners come out of winter hibernation. Parking lots fill, shopping carts overflow with seedlings, and everyone seems eager to start another growing season. On this visit, the nursery was absolutely buzzing with activity. It felt like every gardener in Central Texas had the exact same idea.

Preparing for Spring

This year's additions to my garden included:

• Rosemary
• Lemon Mint
• Heirloom Granny Zinnias
• Bay Laurel
• Hungarian Broom Corn

I especially enjoy growing heirloom varieties whenever possible. Besides producing beautiful plants, many heirloom flowers and vegetables allow you to save seeds from year to year, making each growing season a little more self-sufficient.

I was particularly excited to find Bay Laurel, since it isn't always easy to locate. Although it grows slowly, a healthy bay tree can provide fragrant leaves for cooking for many years.

Then there was the Hungarian Broom Corn. I'm still not entirely sure what possessed me to buy those seeds, but gardening has a funny way of encouraging curiosity. Sometimes the most unusual plants become the most memorable additions to the garden.

Why I Love The Natural Gardener

One of my favorite things about visiting local nurseries is talking with fellow gardeners. There's always someone eager to share growing tips, recommend a new variety, or simply celebrate the arrival of another gardening season.

The Natural Gardener has long been one of my favorite places to find heirloom seeds, native plants, herbs, and inspiration for future garden projects.

Ending the Day with Organic Burgers

After wandering the nursery for most of the morning, we had worked up quite an appetite and headed over to TerraBurger on Guadalupe Street.

Finding parking near The Drag can sometimes be an adventure in itself, but the food made it worthwhile. We enjoyed organic burgers, organic soft drinks, and fresh ingredients from top to bottom—a perfect ending to a day spent thinking about fresh food and healthy living.

There really is something special about spring in Texas. The gardens begin waking up, seed packets start disappearing from store shelves, and every trip to the nursery fills me with ideas for another growing season.

The sun broke out today and we (my sister, the kids, and I) headed for Natural Gardener. The place was a beehive. Everyone had spring fever. I picked up Rosemary seeds, more heirloom Granny Zinnias (I adore these flowers), and Lemon Mint.

I was very pleased to find the BAY LAUREL. I hadn't located any seeds this year and had also read these were hard to sprout. (Bay Laurel can be slow and somewhat unpredictable to grow from seed, which makes finding healthy plants or viable seeds especially exciting for gardeners who enjoy growing culinary herbs.) 

Don't ask what possessed me, but I picked up these Hungarian Broom Corn seeds at Whole Foods later today.

What to Plant in Central Texas During Early Spring

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Herbs
• Zinnias
• Marigolds
• Beans
• Squash
• Cucumbers
• Sunflowers

After the nursery, we worked up an appetite and checked out Terra Burgers off of Guadalupe (the Drag.)

Parking's a hassle, but it was well worth it. The burgers were very yummy and EVERYTHING was organic, down to the cola's and the condiments.

Yep, EVERYTHING...

THE END...


(no pun intended)

More to Plant: My Texas Spring Garden of Herbs, Flowers & Vegetables

Today, I received from Seed Savers Exchange my order of Herb Chives, English Lavender, and Salvia flower.

Planning My Texas Spring Garden: Herbs, Flowers & Vegetables

Spring gardening always fills me with optimism. Every seed packet holds the promise of fresh vegetables, colorful flowers, and a season full of surprises.

This week my order from Seed Savers Exchange arrived, and I couldn't wait to start planning where everything would go.

This year's additions include:

• Herb Chives
• English Lavender
• Salvia
• Sunflowers
• Organic Red Potatoes
• Radishes
• Green Beans

Why I Love Growing Herbs

Herbs are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow.

Chives return year after year with very little attention and are wonderful sprinkled over baked potatoes, eggs, soups, and salads.

English Lavender not only produces beautiful purple blooms but also attracts bees and butterflies while adding wonderful fragrance to the garden.

Salvia is another favorite because hummingbirds absolutely love its colorful flowers.

Sunflowers are ready to transplant, but I can't decide where to put them yet.

Watching the Garden Wake Up

My organic red potatoes had already begun sprouting, and the mystery green beans that unexpectedly appeared in one of my marigold pots continued to grow.

Gardening always has a few surprises.

The organic radishes had already started blooming and going to seed, reminding me how quickly cool-season vegetables react once Texas temperatures begin climbing. Rather than viewing that as a disappointment, I looked forward to saving the seeds for another growing season.

The organic radishes are blooming and going to seed. I'm wondering if the weather is getting too warm for them now.

The organic red potatoes I had picked up at Whole Foods are sprouting beautifully.

These are the mystery green beans that had sprouted in my pot of Marigolds.

Spring Weather in Texas

If there's one thing every Texas gardener learns, it's to never trust the calendar.

One week we're running the air conditioner with temperatures near 80°F.

The next week we're digging jackets back out as nighttime temperatures drop into the 40s.

Spring gardening in Texas is always a balancing act between taking advantage of warm weather and protecting tender plants from one last surprise cold front.

Like most gardeners across the state, I found myself hoping for rain—but not another freeze.

Every spring teaches a little patience, and every season brings another opportunity to learn.

What to Plant in Early Spring in Central Texas

• Chives
• Lavender
• Salvia
• Potatoes
• Radishes
• Lettuce
• Carrots
• Spinach
• Beets
• Sunflowers

We've been enjoying 80 degree weather all week, but now our temps are dropping. Our lows will be dropping to the mid 40's with a high of 50's and 60's. This is the type of weather that drives me crazy. We've been running our air conditioner all week, and now it's getting cold again.

We have a 70% chance of rain tomorrow and Thursday. 209 out of Texas' 254 counties are under a burn ban. HOPING for rain, but not hoping for a freeze!

NASA Educational Event in Austin: A Homeschool Field Trip

One of the greatest advantages of homeschooling is the opportunity to take learning beyond the pages of a textbook. When NASA announced a free educational event for homeschool families in Austin, we signed up months in advance and eagerly counted down the days.

The event was limited to those with reservations, making it feel like a special opportunity for families interested in science, engineering, and space exploration.

Hands-On Learning

Throughout the exhibits we explored interactive science demonstrations covering topics such as air pressure, space travel, and life aboard the Space Shuttle. The children received a wonderful collection of educational materials including pencils, calendars, bookmarks, stickers, and science brochures to continue learning at home.

One display that especially caught our attention was the astronaut food. It reminded us very much of military MREs and sparked lots of discussion about what daily life must be like aboard a spacecraft.

Seeds That Traveled Into Space

One of the most memorable souvenirs from the event was a packet of Cinnamon Basil seeds.

These weren't ordinary seeds.

They had flown aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour during mission STS-118 in August 2007 before returning safely to Earth.

Needless to say, planting "space-flown" seeds made gardening even more exciting.

Pamela even had extra packets she hoped to share with family members so everyone could grow a little piece of space history.

Touching a Piece of the Moon

Perhaps the highlight of the day was seeing—and actually touching—a genuine moon rock.

It's difficult to describe the feeling of placing your hand on something that had traveled hundreds of thousands of miles through space before eventually finding its way into a science exhibit in Austin. Moments like that have a way of making astronomy feel wonderfully real.

Space Exploration Never Gets Old

Later that evening we happened to catch the live launch of NASA's Kepler Space Telescope on television.

Watching rockets leave Earth still gives me goosebumps.

Every countdown reminds me of the courage, dedication, and teamwork that make space exploration possible.

At the same time, I couldn't help but remember the tragic loss of Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003. My family was visiting relatives in Tyler, Texas, when we heard the sonic booms that morning. It's one of those moments I'll never forget.

Days like this remind me why I love combining travel, history, science, and homeschooling. Some lessons simply can't be duplicated inside a classroom.

NASA was in Austin today, offering free exhibits for home educators. The event was free, but limited to those who made reservations months earlier. We attended this morning and received a nice bag full of pencils, a NASA calendar, stickers, bookmarks, and lots of educational brochures.

We found the astronaut food interesting. Similar to military MRE's. Freeze-dried foods similar to those used on space missions.

Included in our complimentary bag were several packets of Cinnamon Basil seeds. These seeds were flown to space on mission STS-118 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which launched Aug 8, 2007, and returned to earth on August 21, 2007.

Pamela has extra packets of unopened seeds and would be happy to mail some to her cousins if they're interested. She'll be planting hers, this Sunday.

On exhibit for touching, was 1 of the 8 rocks taken from the moon. One of the lunar rocks brought back during the Apollo program that visitors were allowed to touch.

We got a little side tracked on the scenery while touring the outdoor NASA booths.

What We Learned

• Air pressure demonstrations
• Space Shuttle missions
• Astronaut food
• Moon geology
• Space agriculture
• Rocket launches
• Space exploration
• Astronomy

Unfortunately, we didn't get to see the planetarium, due to the high winds. STILL, it was worth the visit. We learned a LOT about air pressure at the science booths.

Did you all catch the LIVE Kepler spacecraft launch tonight? We actually caught it by accident while flipping channels. To this day, I still hold my breath whenever I see live launches. Launched in 2009, the Kepler Space Telescope would go on to revolutionize astronomy by discovering thousands of planets orbiting distant stars. Its mission dramatically increased our understanding of how common planets are throughout the Milky Way.

I'll never forget the Space Shuttle Columbia blowing up over Texas 6 years ago. The kids and I were visiting my cousin in Tyler. We were just waking up when we felt the rumble.