We're not always quite this cozy during school, but I love that we can be.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
remembering eighteen years ago today...
The day started rainy, but the sky began to clear as the hours clicked by. Eric called and arranged a date. I insisted that we not eat out, to save him money. I fixed a box of macaroni and cheese for our supper, followed by a walk to Ash Park. Since then, that park has been renamed Anderson. We live right down the street from it today, but it's no longer close enough to walk. Our kids think it is the best place in town to play.
I don't remember the walk, or if I was suspicious of the large bag Eric was carrying. I do remembering sitting on the ground on a couple of Wal-Mart bags. Eric opened his bag and drew out a large white bear holding a heart. Behind the heart was a box, and in the box was a ring.
He didn't get on his knees, and he says it was because of the wet grass. It didn't matter to me. When he asked the question, I said yes.
I love the memory of that day, because it so captures our relationship. We don't need a lot of fanfare to have fun together. We still love to take walks, even with three kids tagging along.
The reason I'm remembering is because it's the same day as his parents' anniversary. Now there are two generations united by the memory of one special date.
I don't remember the walk, or if I was suspicious of the large bag Eric was carrying. I do remembering sitting on the ground on a couple of Wal-Mart bags. Eric opened his bag and drew out a large white bear holding a heart. Behind the heart was a box, and in the box was a ring.
He didn't get on his knees, and he says it was because of the wet grass. It didn't matter to me. When he asked the question, I said yes.
I love the memory of that day, because it so captures our relationship. We don't need a lot of fanfare to have fun together. We still love to take walks, even with three kids tagging along.
The reason I'm remembering is because it's the same day as his parents' anniversary. Now there are two generations united by the memory of one special date.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
playing food detective
It was Micah who finally put it all together.
He was sick again this week, waking up on Thurs. morning with the too-familiar nausea. We talked through what he had to eat at youth group on Wed. night, and traced his reaction to marshmallows. He had forgotten that they are usually made with gelatin, which contains a naturally-occuring form of MSG. He's had trouble with them before, but didn't think about them being in scotch-a-roos. I checked with another friend who cannot eat MSG, and she confirmed that marshmallows provoke a nasty reaction if she eats them.
And we used to call him Marshmallow Micah, he loved them so much when he was little. Sniff.
After several rounds of baking soda in vegetable capsules (he can't do gel caps because they are made from...gelatin), Micah was back on his feet within 12 hours and eating. This is so much better than the 4-5 day recovery he used to have.
But he thought about it all a bit, and came up with an explanation for his school absences over the years.
When the kids went to private school, the lunches were not subsidized. Already spending plenty on tuition, we limited them to hot lunch once a week. He would be sick maybe 10 days a year.
When he switched to public school two years ago, we let him eat hot lunch whenever he wanted. His absences increased to over 20 days that year.
In Junior High, everyone eats hot lunch. The kids can eat a la carte, and the food is pretty tasty. Micah missed 44 days, most of them during the part of the year when we let him eat hot lunch every day. He was mysteriously much better when we decided to stop doing hot lunch and he started carrying one from home.
Now we understand why he seemed so healthy during the summer (we don't consume much food with MSG, even before we changed our diet) only to be so sick during the school year.
The foods our kids love to consume: chicken nuggets, some lunch meats, and many things that are heavily seasoned, contain high amounts of MSG. These are the kinds of foods they serve in the school lunch program.
It is also found in a lot of restaurant food, which explains why Micah has had trouble with certain restaurants since he was about 5 years old.
Case closed! Good work, son.
**Added later: We are now remembering how much Micah enjoyed marshmallows in hot chocolate every winter. It may be that we can't completely blame everything on the school lunch!
He was sick again this week, waking up on Thurs. morning with the too-familiar nausea. We talked through what he had to eat at youth group on Wed. night, and traced his reaction to marshmallows. He had forgotten that they are usually made with gelatin, which contains a naturally-occuring form of MSG. He's had trouble with them before, but didn't think about them being in scotch-a-roos. I checked with another friend who cannot eat MSG, and she confirmed that marshmallows provoke a nasty reaction if she eats them.
And we used to call him Marshmallow Micah, he loved them so much when he was little. Sniff.
After several rounds of baking soda in vegetable capsules (he can't do gel caps because they are made from...gelatin), Micah was back on his feet within 12 hours and eating. This is so much better than the 4-5 day recovery he used to have.
But he thought about it all a bit, and came up with an explanation for his school absences over the years.
When the kids went to private school, the lunches were not subsidized. Already spending plenty on tuition, we limited them to hot lunch once a week. He would be sick maybe 10 days a year.
When he switched to public school two years ago, we let him eat hot lunch whenever he wanted. His absences increased to over 20 days that year.
In Junior High, everyone eats hot lunch. The kids can eat a la carte, and the food is pretty tasty. Micah missed 44 days, most of them during the part of the year when we let him eat hot lunch every day. He was mysteriously much better when we decided to stop doing hot lunch and he started carrying one from home.
Now we understand why he seemed so healthy during the summer (we don't consume much food with MSG, even before we changed our diet) only to be so sick during the school year.
The foods our kids love to consume: chicken nuggets, some lunch meats, and many things that are heavily seasoned, contain high amounts of MSG. These are the kinds of foods they serve in the school lunch program.
It is also found in a lot of restaurant food, which explains why Micah has had trouble with certain restaurants since he was about 5 years old.
Case closed! Good work, son.
**Added later: We are now remembering how much Micah enjoyed marshmallows in hot chocolate every winter. It may be that we can't completely blame everything on the school lunch!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
E100 Reading Challenge
This fall, our women's ministry team has encouraged us to take the E100 Reading Challenge: to read through 100 essential passages that give an overview of the message of the Bible. I'd like to encourage you to come along with us! If you're a reader of this blog, but not a member of our church, you are still welcome to join the challenge. You can download a brochure here. To be a part of EWO conversation, be sure to come and check out our blog: http://www.ewowomenoftheword.com/. We will be finished by November 30.
Friday, August 19, 2011
open for business...
Petz, Etc. and Timeless Treasures Books and Coffee. When I saw this business math series by Simply Charlotte Mason on a friend's blog, it seemed like a fun way to jazz up our Friday math. The kids come up with their own name, design a logo, and then set up and run a business for 12 months. Today they figured how much to mark up their inventory by either 100 or 150%, and then calculated their start-up costs. Next week, they will fill orders for January, compute tax, order more inventory, pay bills, order more inventory, and see if they have profit or loss. (Ok, all that may take 2 weeks.) It's hard work, but enthusiasm is high. It reminds me of the game of Life!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Simple Woman's Daybook
FOR TODAY
Outside my window...Rachel and Josiah have the hose and are not dry. Any guesses as to who is wetter? Micah is at Great America today, and I am guessing he is the wettest of the three right about now.
I am thinking...how nice it would be to have a nap and a personal chef.
I am thankful...for the friend who is painting our house. The flat paint we used when we moved in is being covered with a more kid-friendly semi-gloss. This was an overwhelming task to consider, and in two days she's tackled a good chunk and wants to come back to do more.
From the learning rooms...Rachel is planning a luau and learning to dance the hula without giggling. Micah is educating all of us regarding WWII battles fought in the Pacific. After reading a book on the battle of Iwo Jima, I've learned that he does indeed take accurate notes in his head. Josiah says his favorite thing about school is "learning" and Explode the Code, but I'm happiest that he is finally learning how to color.
In the kitchen...I need to do some baking. (See "I am thinking" above.) I have a free afternoon and should be using it to do that. See "I am thinking" about nap above.
I am going...to check on the kids outside. Just for the record, they are both mighty wet.
I am wondering...how Rachel will like the clarinet. She was doing fine with violin but not. enjoying it. at all. I was going to make her stick it out for a year until I added up the costs and realized how much we were spending on something she doesn't like. Now the kids can both be in band together.
I am reading...and studying...the book of Ezekiel. This much-neglected book is a treasure of word pictures that has made this time of Israel's history come alive. I have been shocked at seeing the idolatry in the temple, grieved at God's glory departing, and learned how lewd the people of Jerusalem really were. Here is the ugliness and hopelessness of sin completely uncovered. Our question should not be why a good God would allow bad things to happen to His people, but how a holy God can do anything but condemn sin.* The mercy of God shown to us in Christ is a bright and shining contrast. How precious is our Savior!
I am hoping...to join other women in posting our thoughts as we participate in the e-100 Bible reading program. This starts at our church on Aug. 22. Watch for updates.
I am looking forward to...our trip to Turkey Run, Indiana, in a few weeks. We've never been.
Around the house...we are putting up new blinds and curtains in the newly painted living room. It looks like a different room and we didn't even change the paint color. Now the family room is all torn up.
One of my favorite things...about August is tomatoes and sweet corn.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Our first full day of school was yesterday, with two more to come. Hiking with the Rhodes at Matthieson State Park on Sat. We need rain, but hope it holds off until we're done. My husband is itching to get sweet corn to freeze. It's a big job. Insert something here about personal chef.
Here is a picture I am sharing from our morning Bible lesson...it seems one student is fairly inattentive and awfully furry.
*From the NIV Application Commentary. Thanks to my brother for this recommendation. It's a great resource!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
eating tip: a word about vitamins
Should children take multivitamins? That question itself seems up for debate, depending on who you talk to. One side says that children in America get adequate nutrition from the foods they eat, others say our over-processed diet is not providing the proper nutrients. Depending on what kind of diet the individual child eats, I can see both sides of the argument.
I have one child who eats a very balanced diet, one who does OK, and one who is a fairly picky eater. The picky eater has had an iron deficiency in the past. I often feel like we do lack some variety in our diet, leaving out some foods we should probably be eating. That's something we're working on! So, our family has opted for vitamins for now.
Finding a good children's multivitamin is pretty tricky. Most of what you see on the shelves these days have artificial flavors and boast a rainbow of artificial colors. A few gummies are more natural, but often lack the full range of vitamins and minerals a growing child needs.
We have tried two vitamins that are all-natural. There is a chewable version made by Freeda Vitamins. My kids tried these with varying opinions about flavor. Carob is pretty gross, but my youngest (who eats carob regularly) loved it. My daughter got used to the fruit flavors although she didn't like them much at first. My oldest would not touch them with a 10 foot pole.
The other kind we have tried and still use are capsules. They are not cheap (I'm starting to wonder if vitamins really should be), but recently I found them for sale from this website for a reduced price and free shipping. Kirkman's is a great company to work with and we've found that although Josiah has many sensitivities to added vitamins even in food, he does well with this brand. Even at 4, he can swallow these whole. When he first started taking them, we mixed them into juice or yogurt. For the older kids, swallowing pills was no problem and they preferred them to the chewables. Kirkman also has chewable vitamins for children. They make great vitamins for adults as well, with no fillers or other additives.
One great thing about both Freeda and Kirkman is that if you call the company directly, they will send you samples either for free or a small fee.
If you decide to give your children vitamins, take a look at the label of what you're currently using. Then make the decision about what you would truly like for them to be ingesting. Those with added colors and flavors may be doing more harm than good.
I have one child who eats a very balanced diet, one who does OK, and one who is a fairly picky eater. The picky eater has had an iron deficiency in the past. I often feel like we do lack some variety in our diet, leaving out some foods we should probably be eating. That's something we're working on! So, our family has opted for vitamins for now.
Finding a good children's multivitamin is pretty tricky. Most of what you see on the shelves these days have artificial flavors and boast a rainbow of artificial colors. A few gummies are more natural, but often lack the full range of vitamins and minerals a growing child needs.
We have tried two vitamins that are all-natural. There is a chewable version made by Freeda Vitamins. My kids tried these with varying opinions about flavor. Carob is pretty gross, but my youngest (who eats carob regularly) loved it. My daughter got used to the fruit flavors although she didn't like them much at first. My oldest would not touch them with a 10 foot pole.
The other kind we have tried and still use are capsules. They are not cheap (I'm starting to wonder if vitamins really should be), but recently I found them for sale from this website for a reduced price and free shipping. Kirkman's is a great company to work with and we've found that although Josiah has many sensitivities to added vitamins even in food, he does well with this brand. Even at 4, he can swallow these whole. When he first started taking them, we mixed them into juice or yogurt. For the older kids, swallowing pills was no problem and they preferred them to the chewables. Kirkman also has chewable vitamins for children. They make great vitamins for adults as well, with no fillers or other additives.
One great thing about both Freeda and Kirkman is that if you call the company directly, they will send you samples either for free or a small fee.
If you decide to give your children vitamins, take a look at the label of what you're currently using. Then make the decision about what you would truly like for them to be ingesting. Those with added colors and flavors may be doing more harm than good.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
saying goodbye
I grew up on a farm, at least a 1/2 mile away from the nearest neighbor. One of the sweet and unexpected blessings of living in town has been neighbors who have become dear to us. This past week, some favorite friends moved away. We are going to miss seeing these faces appear at our door, asking to play. We're going to miss a family with common values. We're definitely going to miss sharing Tobin's pizza at our table.
Three years apart never seemed to bother these two.
Two years apart never bothered them, either. I've never seen two minds meld quite the way theirs did. It was, frankly, a bit scary.
I want to cry looking at these pictures so I think I will be done now.
I want to cry looking at these pictures so I think I will be done now.
Friday, August 12, 2011
My Plate
I think I like this. It replaces the old food pyramid, and is a lot more user-friendly. Now if I can just get myself my kids to eat that many vegetables...
Thursday, August 11, 2011
quick lunch ideas just in time for school
Just in time...I was looking for new ideas to serve healthy lunches that could be put together in a snap. I found some great ideas at weather.com of all places. So far we've tried fruit roll ups (a flour tortilla spread with cream cheese and topped with fruit) and french toast sticks. Both were gobbled up!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
homeschool highlight: the first few days
On Monday, August 8, 2011, Dayspring Christian Academy began half day classes in preschool, 5th, and 7th grade. The year began with a reading of our school's verse from Luke 1:78-79, "Because of the tender mercy of our God...the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." In the King James Version, "rising sun" is translated "Dayspring," an obvious reference to Jesus. Thus, our school name, offered up by the teacher and approved by the students.
After a prayer shared by each student, school officially began. We've had a great time each day, adding more subjects and learning how things work. Here's what I've learned after our first few days of homeschooling:
-The table set up in the school room has hardly been touched. The kids do their work at the computer, on the couch. on the floor; Micah takes his math to the desk in his room and Rachel takes her reading to her bedroom. Our living room is currently torn apart due to a painting project, so we may get to the school room yet.
-Getting lots of extra activities for Josiah was a most excellent and wise choice. Wedgits are very helpful (thanks so much to Aunt Amy for telling us about these!)
-My students are eager. There were no complaints about starting school earlier than other kids. Instead, I get questions about what we will add tomorrow. (Hope this attitude lasts beyond the first week!)
-I have never had time speed by so fast. Or spent so much time trying to sweep the kitchen, interrupted by "Mom, I need help!"
-Rachel loves to research things like coconuts and luaus; Micah prefers World War II battles. I can look at their list of potential projects and predict which ones they will choose.
-It is difficult to play the trumpet during an allergy attack, but it is possible to study.
-I had only a vague comprehension of a place in our world called "Oceania." Just what kind of education did I have?
-Fifth and seventh graders do not appreciate Geography Songs, but the preschooler loves them...along with maps. He still wants to go to Hawaii, which is very helpful for bringing relevance to learning about the Pacific Islands.
-There are moments here and there of sheer terror, but it is bolstered by a confidence in God's equipping and absolute dependence on His help. I've learned from experience this is the best place to be.
I'm looking forward to seeing what tomorrow will bring!
After a prayer shared by each student, school officially began. We've had a great time each day, adding more subjects and learning how things work. Here's what I've learned after our first few days of homeschooling:
-The table set up in the school room has hardly been touched. The kids do their work at the computer, on the couch. on the floor; Micah takes his math to the desk in his room and Rachel takes her reading to her bedroom. Our living room is currently torn apart due to a painting project, so we may get to the school room yet.
-Getting lots of extra activities for Josiah was a most excellent and wise choice. Wedgits are very helpful (thanks so much to Aunt Amy for telling us about these!)
-My students are eager. There were no complaints about starting school earlier than other kids. Instead, I get questions about what we will add tomorrow. (Hope this attitude lasts beyond the first week!)
-I have never had time speed by so fast. Or spent so much time trying to sweep the kitchen, interrupted by "Mom, I need help!"
-Rachel loves to research things like coconuts and luaus; Micah prefers World War II battles. I can look at their list of potential projects and predict which ones they will choose.
-It is difficult to play the trumpet during an allergy attack, but it is possible to study.
-I had only a vague comprehension of a place in our world called "Oceania." Just what kind of education did I have?
-Fifth and seventh graders do not appreciate Geography Songs, but the preschooler loves them...along with maps. He still wants to go to Hawaii, which is very helpful for bringing relevance to learning about the Pacific Islands.
-There are moments here and there of sheer terror, but it is bolstered by a confidence in God's equipping and absolute dependence on His help. I've learned from experience this is the best place to be.
I'm looking forward to seeing what tomorrow will bring!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
tweaking tip: a better breakfast
It has now been over a year since we've changed how we are eating for the sake of our youngest son. Once a week (or so), I'll try to share a tip based on what we've learned. Plus feel free to research on your own and make the best eating decisions you can for your family based on what you find. Consider these posts a springboard! We have a lot more tweaking to do here, and the more we learn, the more we realize there is much left to be learned.
It seems like if you have been raised in America, eating a bowl of cereal for breakfast is almost as American as apple pie. After a childhood of watching cereal adds, I do remember that the manufacturers often said to eat their product as "part of this complete breakfast" which usually added toast, juice, and milk. Still, cereal topped with milk and a glass of juice alone has been my breakfast of choice for many, many years.
As I read about the connections between ADHD and food, I was shocked to learn the "cereal for breakfast" mentality was exactly opposite of what kids really need for a good breakfast. Not only is most cereal so processed that it is stripped of essential nutrients (which are then added back as "fortified vitamins and minerals"), it does not provide the fuel needed for a well-functioning brain. To add insult to injury, most breakfast cereals have added flavors, colors, and preservatives. Granted, something for breakfast is certainly better than nothing, but research has shown that starting the day with protein (coupled with carbohydrates) gives the body and brain the best start for the day, especially for kids with ADHD or attention challenges.
For some reason, many ADHD children seem to survive on a diet rich in carbs while avoiding protein. This can cause dips in blood sugar which by itself mimics ADHD symptoms. In our early days of Feingold, Josiah seemed to require an almost constant intake of protein to keep his behavior regulated. Since he ate very little meat, he was probably not getting enough in his daily intake. Meat is still not his favorite food, but he will eat some along with dairy products, nuts, and nut butters. He seems to get hungry less than he used to, and his behavior is more stable.*
My kids have never liked cereal very much, although it does still find its way to our table in the mornings. The best choices include homemade oatmeal, homemade granola, and multi-grain cereals. Now we have added protein-rich foods like eggs, waffles with peanut butter, leftover meat, potatoes, cheese, and yogurt to breakfast table. These have become the main course, and cereal is more like a side dish.
An added bonus of a protein-rich breakfast: kids stay full longer. That's very helpful on a school day when lunch can be hours away. Most American children get plenty of protein in their diets. To keep things balanced, don't forget to serve some at breakfast.
*I don't completely understand the connection yet, but it seems that food sensitivities can also affect blood sugar in some people. Josiah has numerous food sensitivities, and now that we have uncovered them, his constant need for protein has leveled out considerably.
It seems like if you have been raised in America, eating a bowl of cereal for breakfast is almost as American as apple pie. After a childhood of watching cereal adds, I do remember that the manufacturers often said to eat their product as "part of this complete breakfast" which usually added toast, juice, and milk. Still, cereal topped with milk and a glass of juice alone has been my breakfast of choice for many, many years.
As I read about the connections between ADHD and food, I was shocked to learn the "cereal for breakfast" mentality was exactly opposite of what kids really need for a good breakfast. Not only is most cereal so processed that it is stripped of essential nutrients (which are then added back as "fortified vitamins and minerals"), it does not provide the fuel needed for a well-functioning brain. To add insult to injury, most breakfast cereals have added flavors, colors, and preservatives. Granted, something for breakfast is certainly better than nothing, but research has shown that starting the day with protein (coupled with carbohydrates) gives the body and brain the best start for the day, especially for kids with ADHD or attention challenges.
For some reason, many ADHD children seem to survive on a diet rich in carbs while avoiding protein. This can cause dips in blood sugar which by itself mimics ADHD symptoms. In our early days of Feingold, Josiah seemed to require an almost constant intake of protein to keep his behavior regulated. Since he ate very little meat, he was probably not getting enough in his daily intake. Meat is still not his favorite food, but he will eat some along with dairy products, nuts, and nut butters. He seems to get hungry less than he used to, and his behavior is more stable.*
My kids have never liked cereal very much, although it does still find its way to our table in the mornings. The best choices include homemade oatmeal, homemade granola, and multi-grain cereals. Now we have added protein-rich foods like eggs, waffles with peanut butter, leftover meat, potatoes, cheese, and yogurt to breakfast table. These have become the main course, and cereal is more like a side dish.
An added bonus of a protein-rich breakfast: kids stay full longer. That's very helpful on a school day when lunch can be hours away. Most American children get plenty of protein in their diets. To keep things balanced, don't forget to serve some at breakfast.
*I don't completely understand the connection yet, but it seems that food sensitivities can also affect blood sugar in some people. Josiah has numerous food sensitivities, and now that we have uncovered them, his constant need for protein has leveled out considerably.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
a quick supper for a family on the run
It's been a busy week running back and forth to the fair, helping neighbors move, and finishing up swimming lessons. The crockpot came in handy yesterday, but I was coming up short for a quick meal tonight. Thankfully, this recipe from $5 Dinners was in my inbox this week and I remembered it was a quick meal to throw together from leftovers. We had deli ham, a block of monterrey jack cheese, dried parsley and frozen red peppers from the garden, and plenty of eggs on hand as always. This never has to be the same twice. And Micah definitely gave it a thumbs up!
Frittatas
Start with these 5 ingredients:
•6 eggs
•½ cup milk
•2 Tbsp flour
•1/4 tsp salt
•¼ tsp pepper
Add: ¾ cup shredded cheese of your choice. It could be Swiss, cheddar, Parmesan, Asiago, pepper jack.
Add: 1 Tbsp chopped fresh herbs, like parsley, rosemary, basil, thyme or 1 tsp dried herbs, like parsley, rosemary, an Italian or fiesta mix. Choose one or mix a few together.
Add: 1 cup cooked meat, diced. This is a great way to use up leftovers, such as diced ham, chicken, or sausage. If you don’t have any meat on hand, you can replace this amount with additional vegetables.
Add: 1 to 1 1/2 cups of fresh vegetables, diced. Sweet peppers, asparagus, squash, tomatoes, green onions, peas, shredded zucchini are a few examples. Choose one or mix a few together.
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Coat a 10 inch pie pan with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, salt, pepper until smooth. Stir in the cheese, herbs, meat, and the vegetables until combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the eggs are set in the middle or golden on top. Remove from oven and let sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
Frittatas
Start with these 5 ingredients:
•6 eggs
•½ cup milk
•2 Tbsp flour
•1/4 tsp salt
•¼ tsp pepper
Add: ¾ cup shredded cheese of your choice. It could be Swiss, cheddar, Parmesan, Asiago, pepper jack.
Add: 1 Tbsp chopped fresh herbs, like parsley, rosemary, basil, thyme or 1 tsp dried herbs, like parsley, rosemary, an Italian or fiesta mix. Choose one or mix a few together.
Add: 1 cup cooked meat, diced. This is a great way to use up leftovers, such as diced ham, chicken, or sausage. If you don’t have any meat on hand, you can replace this amount with additional vegetables.
Add: 1 to 1 1/2 cups of fresh vegetables, diced. Sweet peppers, asparagus, squash, tomatoes, green onions, peas, shredded zucchini are a few examples. Choose one or mix a few together.
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Coat a 10 inch pie pan with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, salt, pepper until smooth. Stir in the cheese, herbs, meat, and the vegetables until combined.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the eggs are set in the middle or golden on top. Remove from oven and let sit for about 5 minutes before serving.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
pictures from the fair...
Josiah at the corn table...still mulling over how I can get a tub of this to play in at home! We learned that our county is 89% farmland...some of the richest soil in the world.
She is not technically picking it up, right? Little chick asleep on her hand...
Josiah's all time favorite ride. He can't understand the concept of one day unlimited rides. And yes, that is face paint. He's one of the lucky ones; it causes no issues (for my FG friends.)
We are just as proud of this placing as Rachel's red ribbon in cooking, because they both did it themselves!
Waiting to see how she placed in dog care...everyone got blue ribbons. The girl who never wants to dress up noticed last year that it pays to look your best when you're talking to a 4-H judge.
Dog costume was a lot of fun. Here...the Coyote and the Road Runner. We have never seen such cute dogs and owners. (The dog just behind Rachel was in a "bubble bath.")
Micah comforting Brooklyn, who is not impressed with the fair. We don't think they will add a category for "cat costume" anytime soon, although one did come adorned with a bow, and we saw a pretty snazzy leash.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
he did it!!
Last summer, Josiah was terrified of the water. He liked the pool ok, as long as he could sit on the steps. Any further and he was inconsolable. This summer, I waited for the final session to sign him up for swimming lessons. That turned out to be a blessing, as he'd had plenty of experience in the water before he went, and a teacher all to himself.
Yesterday, he overcame all kinds of fear by going off the diving board!
Yesterday, he overcame all kinds of fear by going off the diving board!
Watching the other kids jump off while he sat with his teacher, Miss E. The hardest part of this process was convincing Josiah to wear the life jacket. He finally relented. Convincing him that the deep end of the pool was safe was not easy, either. But he was fascinated with the diving board.
Climbing up the ladder...
A little help, here?
Can you see the smile on his face? He wanted to go again...well, maybe not yet.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
life lessons via 4-H
Today was the first day of our county's 4-H fair. The kids have done very well so far, but my daughter's dissappointment over a red ribbon led me to ponder what the judges don't see. These are the real reasons we do 4-H, and we enjoy it more every year.
The judges don't see:
-My daughter, who can now make cookies by herself from first step to last. My oldest son, who made scones with dried cherries completely on his own. My youngest son, picking the dried cherries out of the scones when he eats them.
-The dedication of my son in putting together a poster completely by himself this year, and then the look on his face when he realized it was so much easier and better than when he started this project area 2 years ago. The look on his face when he won Reserved Best of Class.
-My daughter, re-drawing her bookmark three times because she wanted it to look just right. She is not particularly gifted in drawing, but she worked hard to make it look her best.
-Ideas, ideas, swirling around until one was landed on for dog costume: the Coyote and the Road Runner. I can't sew, but we are going to have a blast with this anyway. We hope the Coyote will cooperate, but if he doesn't, he will be more realistic, right?
-Precious time spent together as my husband and son wired his electricity project.
-The realization that next year, we can do more because they are so much more independent. The anticipation of all they are going to learn.
Great job to all you 4-Hers out there! We count it a blessing to be among you. And our sincere thanks to the judges who do their job well. We can't all get a blue ribbon in everything, but we can have fun, learn, and grow in the process.
The judges don't see:
-My daughter, who can now make cookies by herself from first step to last. My oldest son, who made scones with dried cherries completely on his own. My youngest son, picking the dried cherries out of the scones when he eats them.
-The dedication of my son in putting together a poster completely by himself this year, and then the look on his face when he realized it was so much easier and better than when he started this project area 2 years ago. The look on his face when he won Reserved Best of Class.
-My daughter, re-drawing her bookmark three times because she wanted it to look just right. She is not particularly gifted in drawing, but she worked hard to make it look her best.
-Ideas, ideas, swirling around until one was landed on for dog costume: the Coyote and the Road Runner. I can't sew, but we are going to have a blast with this anyway. We hope the Coyote will cooperate, but if he doesn't, he will be more realistic, right?
-Precious time spent together as my husband and son wired his electricity project.
-The realization that next year, we can do more because they are so much more independent. The anticipation of all they are going to learn.
Great job to all you 4-Hers out there! We count it a blessing to be among you. And our sincere thanks to the judges who do their job well. We can't all get a blue ribbon in everything, but we can have fun, learn, and grow in the process.
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