big dreams, small problems

About a week ago, Josiah got it into his head that he was taking an airplane trip--to Hawaii.

We recently took a short trip on the Amtrak train, carefully marking the day on our magnetic calendar and counting down with great anticipation.  Now he's found a magnet that he thinks has a suitcase on it (it's really a lunchbox for Labor Day), and placed it carefully on this Sat., counting down with great anticipation. 

He's telling everyone he meets that he's flying on a airplane to Hawaii, and almost everyone he tells thinks it is a real trip until they see me standing behind him, shaking my head.  It's easy to convince others when you are absolutely convinced yourself.

A map has been handy for planning the trip.  He knows that he needs to catch a flight in Chicago, then fly across the U.S. and much of the Pacific Ocean.  He knows the flight will be long.  He even knows it will cost a lot of money.  But he's checked his piggy bank, and he has a lot, so that's just a problem that needs a solution, and he knows he has it all figured out.

This morning I had gently break the news to Josiah that he is not getting on an airplane tomorrow to fly to Hawaii.  He had some questions, but finally seemed to accept the news.

Just now, he called out to a passing airplane in the sky, "Can you come down and get us and take us to Hawaii?"

ready for the hummingbirds?

I recently read that the ruby-throated hummingbirds usually arrive in Central IL around May 1.  Today I used my birthday money to buy a feeder (they are inexpensive).  Josiah and I prepared some nectar--simply boil 1 c. of water and 1/4 c. of sugar.  The solution does need to be changed and the feeder cleaned every 3 days or so.  We filled the feeder, hung it outside, and now we'll watch and hope!

For those who live here, there's an informational talk on hummingbirds at Wildbirds Unlimited this Sat. at 9:00.  Please call if you'd like to attend so they know how many chairs to put out.

I'll update if we have any sightings!!

breakfast for supper

It's been a long time since we've had this recipe from Taste of Home's Healthy Cooking Magazine.  I found it again today, adjusted the ingredients a bit to make it my own, and fixed it for supper.  It's a huge hit, and can be gluten free with the right oatmeal!

Baked Blueberry and Peach Oatmeal

3 c. old-fashioned oatmeal

1/2 c. brown sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

2 eggs

1 1/4 c. milk or milk substitute

1/4 c. canola oil

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 can sliced peaches in juice, drained and chopped

1 c. fresh or frozen blueberries

1/3 c. chopped walnuts

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.  Whisk the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; add to dry ingredients and stir until blended.  Let stand for 5 min.  Stir in peaches and blueberries.

Transfer to an 11x7 or 8x8 baking dish coated with cooking spray.  Sprinkle with walnuts.  Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 35-40 min. or until top is lightly browned.  Serve with additional milk if desired.

the cross

Here we have a picture of what man thinks of God.  Even better, we have a picture of what God thinks of man.

this Good Friday

Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.  But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:4-5).

The other gods were strong; but Thou wast weak.

They rode, but Thou didst stumble to thy throne.

But to our wounds only God's wounds can speak,

And not a god has wounds but Thou alone.

thinking about my daughter

When I was a not-so-little girl, my grandest dreams were of the day I would become a mom.  I spent hours imagining stories of the things-that-would-be.  I knew for sure that my first two babies would be girls, and I picked out their names, imagined their arrival, the parties we would have, and the times we'd spend together. 

After waiting long enough to grow up, find the man of my dreams, work off my college loans and put in my teaching time for scholarships, the time drew near for us to start a family. 

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

My first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage.  I grieved the entire year it took for the second to finally happen.  Then I was ecstatic.  That baby was a boy, and he is more dear to my heart every day.

I knew after that I would have all boys.  After all, I'd once dreamed of a sister but had 2 brothers (and love them both!)  When our second child was born and we discovered we had a girl, life felt complete.

Her closet was soon filled with pink, lace, and dresses.  Her first doll was carefully chosen.  She ignored the frills and doll, and played with her brother's dinosaurs.  I smarted a bit inside.  As she grew, I learned to take note of how God had molded her and tried not to push her into shapes that didn't fit.

Recently Rachel and I had a mom and daughter night.  She's still growing like a weed, so we had to find new clothes.  She picked out pink, telling me it was her favorite color.  She chose earrings that were shaped like doughnuts, french fries, ice cream cones, and horses.  I enjoyed her giggles and nonstop chatter. 

Rachel is a tapestry of profound thoughts and childish ways.  She hoards stuffed animals, starts books she'll never finish, writes illegibly, and is tender with her little brother.  She melts on the floor in frustration and smiles her way into my heart.

I could never have imagined a little girl better than this.

progress and updates

We recently had Josiah's iron retested, and it was still low.  I was finally able to find some hypoallergenic iron tabs he could take, and even located some children's multivitamins with no additives that he could handle.  It's a good thing this little boy can swallow pills!

I'm not sure if it's the vitamins, but once again I see progress.  There is less anxiety (that could be the iron), he's more open to new foods, and he's maturing before my very eyes (that could be normal!) 

Micah has missed 39 days of school this year, confirming our decision to homeschool for the coming year.  We think we've finally found his trigger: dairy.  During this 4-day weekend we're trying gluten again and so far, he's doing well.

Rachel has been healthy for months now, and her shoulder pain has been gone for several weeks.  This weekend she's trying some cheese with lactaid and so far, she's doing well.

Perhaps we're on the road to healing.

owl calls

Josiah and I found this website today.  It is especially entertaining when the dog gets involved. http://www.owlpages.com/sounds.php

if the shirt fits, wear it

"I do all my own stunts"

My youngest is spending the weekend with grandparents.  It makes me realize just how much sunshine he brings to our household. 

 

got food allergies?

The challenge at my house: find food and prepare healthy meals that do not contain garlic, onion, artificial ingredients, molasses, chocolate, tomatoes, several fruits, certain corn derivatives including corn syrup, not to mention the biggies: gluten or dairy.  And of course, make sure to stick to a budget while doing this.  Finally, the food has to taste good or no one will eat it.  If that happens, we're really in trouble because it's pretty difficult to find an allergy friendly restaurant to run to if my cooking efforts fail.

Thankfully, one recipe at a time, I've learned to cook for a family of food reactors.  And what we eat is usually good!  Still, we miss some of the good, less healthy versions of the American diet.  Like...doughnuts.  We have a Krispy Kreme in town and their doughnuts seem to show up as birthday treats at school as well as a morning snack at church quite often.  I'm proud of my kids for refraining because I know how much they like them.  Yet they seem to know how much they like feeling well.

Someone shared a website with me: www.allergygrocer.com.  It's pretty nifty: you simply place a check in a box of allergens to avoid, and they display products you may actually be able to eat.  We found biscuits, pretzels, pastry puffs (no idea why the 12-year-old insisted on these!), bread, bagels,...and doughnuts!!  The mixes aren't badly priced, and my rational was that having a mix was one step closer to the finished product.  If it's a hit, I'll try and find a recipe and do it all from scratch.

The doughnut mix sat in my cupboard several weeks while I gathered courage to use my deep fryer for the first time...ever!  But one hot April evening I didn't want to turn on the oven, so the fryer and mix came out.

I fried the doughnut holes until they floated and were brown, hoping for the best.  A small melon ball scoop was perfect for the job of forming doughnut holes.

The mix made a huge amount: almost 50!!

I considered making glaze, but rolling 50 doughnuts in powdered sugar easily won the "less fuss" idea. 

Verdict: these were absolutely delicious, especially while still hot.  I'm not sure I could make this recipe any better from scratch, but we'll see if I can work up the courage to try!

baby eagle webcam

This webcam in Decorah, IA is really neat.  Click here.

(Thanks, Pam!)

flying free

It's his new passion.

 

it's official!

After so many school absences for both of our older kids the past 2 years, and much prayer on the subject, our family has decided to homeschool next year.  I've been looking at this curriculum...well, for about 7 years* since I first used it with Micah for preschool.  I don't think we've ever been so eager for a school year to end and a new one to begin!!

*I recalculated and really, it's been 8 years.  How is that even possible??

I love four!!

Questions from Josiah this past week:

1. Do snakes have bones?

2. Why do we have to blink?

3. How do you get to heaven?  (Not a theological question, more of a logistical question.  Micah asked this at four, too.  Must be a boy thing?)

4. What's a pastor?

5. How do we grow?

How long will I be able to answer his questions?

my favorite hymn of all

Before The Throne

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace,
One with Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!

FDA panel vote

At first I was disheartened to hear this news, but there actually is some movement on the part of the FDA to admit that food dyes might cause problems in some children. 

Some good things to consider:
The vote was narrow, 6-8
The FDA is actually admitting that improvement is seen in some children who remove dyes from their diet.
All but one member voted to recommend further study on the issue.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110331/ap_on_re_us/us_food_dyes_hyperactivity_8

good food and good company

Today was sunny and almost warm with a slight breeze.  We went to visit a friend and found to the 4-year-old's delight, she had a morning of kite-flying planned for us.  Josiah ran off his energy all around the yard, dragging a kite behind him that usually stayed up in the air and out of the trees.

Then we headed inside, where the warmth still felt good after being out in the spring breeze.  Our friend turned on her waffle iron and shared these cookies with me.  Since Josiah couldn't have them, I asked for the recipe, brought it home, and revamped the ingredients so all three kids could enjoy.  (Josiah gets his with carob chips.)  Not needing gluten free?  Use regular flour and oatmeal, leave out the xanthan gum, and you can make it just like our friend did!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Waffle Cookies

1/2 c. butter or margarine

1/2 c. + 2 T. brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 t. vanilla

3/4 c. GF all purpose flour

3/4 t. xanthan gum

1/2 t. baking soda

1 1/2 c. GF rolled oats

1 c. chocolate chips

1. Heat waffle iron.

2. Whisk butter and brown sugar.  Whisk in eggs and vanilla.  Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt.  Stir in oats and chocolate chips.

3. Coat griddle with nonstick spray.  Use a tablespoon or small scoop to portion out a cookie on to each waffle square.  Brown 1 1/2-3 min.

*Variations: add coconut, walnuts, use 1/2 white chocolate chips and chocolate chips, or try blueberries!