Add a little dirt

I absolutely LOVE the cold weather. Fall is my favorite and winter is in a close second. My only complaint is if it's going to be as cold as it has been, those frigid temperatures better be accompanied by LOTS of pretty snow. 

While I don't mind the weather, it does make having an outdoor loving toddler a bit challenging. Little A has been sick over the past 2 weeks and he has been itching to get outside. Today, I finally decided to bundle him up and go play. He loved all 40 minutes of it. Charlie was in muddy heaven. 

I must confess that when we are outside, my inner germaphob is thinking "don't touch that" ,"ew bugs", and when he falls down, I immediately brush the dirt off. Today, I resisted. Know what? He survived, dirty knees with leaves stuck to his hands and all. Mind blowing right? I have to constantly remind myself to let him be a boy, get dirty, and be adventurous. 

It's pretty awesome to see him smiling after he climbs on the rock pile or finds a stick to give Charlie. His little adventurous spirit needs that freedom to roam and play. It would break my heart to think I stifle it. 

Best cure for going stir crazy? Take your child, put on layers, and add a little dirt.

Also this easy, healthy vegetable soup doesn't hurt either.

Recipe:

Ingredients:

1lb ground venison (browned and drained)

2 cans organic diced tomatoes 

1 can organic beans (I used tri-blend) drained and rinsed

1 can organic corn

1 can organic peas

1 can organic green beans

1 small chopped onion

2 cups water

2 cups organic broth (vegetable or beef)

1 tbsp garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

dump all ingredients in crock pot, cook on low for 5-6 hours.