tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23151343154502717782024-03-12T19:15:23.123-07:00Mindfulness LoveAngela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-73136409261830752982011-04-03T13:18:00.000-07:002011-04-03T17:31:32.468-07:00The Beginning of SpringMy attempt at a group photo of the kids.... <br /><br />Pretty good. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xrXS1uGdjew/TZkDZhEA70I/AAAAAAAAAUo/HuqPHi1mD3s/s1600/026.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591504149264002882" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xrXS1uGdjew/TZkDZhEA70I/AAAAAAAAAUo/HuqPHi1mD3s/s320/026.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Hmmmm...... <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fGHkQQiRfHg/TZkDZX-d6tI/AAAAAAAAAUg/GLI-hsfp4E8/s1600/023.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591504146824817362" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fGHkQQiRfHg/TZkDZX-d6tI/AAAAAAAAAUg/GLI-hsfp4E8/s320/023.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Oh, good grief. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EsjbIk6-V_M/TZkDy0bY-rI/AAAAAAAAAUw/OK8CdBqIT4g/s1600/029.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 227px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591504583959050930" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EsjbIk6-V_M/TZkDy0bY-rI/AAAAAAAAAUw/OK8CdBqIT4g/s320/029.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Adeline loving her baby brother. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ4qjUbm1Mo/TZkDZD_D5CI/AAAAAAAAAUY/eLAJb0X3vAc/s1600/039.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 229px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591504141458596898" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ4qjUbm1Mo/TZkDZD_D5CI/AAAAAAAAAUY/eLAJb0X3vAc/s320/039.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Miss Lioness <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eQS0C2mB-xU/TZkDY1RfOvI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/HT-Azn1wPZw/s1600/038.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591504137509354226" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eQS0C2mB-xU/TZkDY1RfOvI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/HT-Azn1wPZw/s320/038.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Brothers <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UKh2QTojhwM/TZkDYrLKNQI/AAAAAAAAAUI/0Tz9hjmKcLI/s1600/030.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 229px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591504134798456066" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UKh2QTojhwM/TZkDYrLKNQI/AAAAAAAAAUI/0Tz9hjmKcLI/s320/030.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Sweetcheeks <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LtSlJ77HHvI/TZkCjgFy8nI/AAAAAAAAAUA/89B7i693bHk/s1600/028.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 226px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591503221290103410" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LtSlJ77HHvI/TZkCjgFy8nI/AAAAAAAAAUA/89B7i693bHk/s320/028.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Master William 12-weeks-old <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLfDWp9rx6w/TZkCjtIkE1I/AAAAAAAAAT4/XNM4SOCfJQA/s1600/020.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 228px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591503224791372626" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLfDWp9rx6w/TZkCjtIkE1I/AAAAAAAAAT4/XNM4SOCfJQA/s320/020.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Mr. Long Body Jack 7-years-old <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GtlDJE_h9B0/TZkCjXct8jI/AAAAAAAAATw/mpOkRBfgoRs/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591503218970325554" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GtlDJE_h9B0/TZkCjXct8jI/AAAAAAAAATw/mpOkRBfgoRs/s320/004.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Miss Sunshine Adeline who is almost 5-years-old <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-psJ9BVGPb0M/TZkCi6C8LCI/AAAAAAAAATo/xUkyEnGVBdU/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 231px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591503211077577762" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-psJ9BVGPb0M/TZkCi6C8LCI/AAAAAAAAATo/xUkyEnGVBdU/s320/003.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><br />Darling Ella at 2-years-old <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4ysZP5DdDY/TZkCinwoBxI/AAAAAAAAATg/XU1HsWd80sI/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591503206168921874" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z4ysZP5DdDY/TZkCinwoBxI/AAAAAAAAATg/XU1HsWd80sI/s320/002.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><br />This is why painting time is outside time. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSBX48ZCbmk/TZj4Tq7TNUI/AAAAAAAAATY/DOPq5ufHGZE/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591491954204685634" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSBX48ZCbmk/TZj4Tq7TNUI/AAAAAAAAATY/DOPq5ufHGZE/s320/014.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa7ZmtL3U-E/TZjYcaG7jxI/AAAAAAAAASs/59D9oUe2rYY/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591456919936798482" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Aa7ZmtL3U-E/TZjYcaG7jxI/AAAAAAAAASs/59D9oUe2rYY/s320/012.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yxmL_7kwvsE/TZjYb76tgDI/AAAAAAAAASk/BR9w8GZDswc/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591456911832481842" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yxmL_7kwvsE/TZjYb76tgDI/AAAAAAAAASk/BR9w8GZDswc/s320/010.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><br />We spent some of Jack's instructional fund money for homeschooling on these Elenco Snap Circuit kits. Wow, Jack loves them. He has a math/engineering/science brain, so he really enjoys these things. This is a <a href="http://www.elenco.com/scrov-10.htm">remote controlled Rover</a> that he built with different electrical circuits, wires, batteries, and ummm...other things that I don't understand. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ul7aUiQtvPQ/TZjYbNfDZLI/AAAAAAAAASc/KPmZwIGXdk8/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591456899368445106" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ul7aUiQtvPQ/TZjYbNfDZLI/AAAAAAAAASc/KPmZwIGXdk8/s320/008.JPG" /></a> <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hV3B3f9rmyQ/TZjYajdf7SI/AAAAAAAAASU/4jFj19KdIX4/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591456888087637282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hV3B3f9rmyQ/TZjYajdf7SI/AAAAAAAAASU/4jFj19KdIX4/s320/005.JPG" /></a><br /><br />And a special shout out to the ice cream man at the park today. The kids were watching as all of the other kids at the park lined up to buy ice cream. We didn't have any cash with us, so J, A, and E knew they couldn't have any. Well, Mr. Ice Cream Man calls them over when the other kids were done and he proceeds to hand each of our little ones an ice cream. They thanked him and were smiling from ear to ear. What an act of kindness we were blessed with. People are so gracious, and I see proof of it all the time. Thank you, Ice Cream Man. May that kindness circle back to you.Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-5569859585925924632011-02-01T11:53:00.000-08:002011-02-02T15:10:15.221-08:00The Birth of Our Baby BoyWelcome, William Pierce!<br /><br />■ January 15 @ 11:18 p.m. (his due date)<br /><br />■ 9 lb. 10 oz.<br /><br />■ 21"<br /><br />■ Born at home in the water (my third home water birth)<br /><br />I was dilated 6 cm. for at least a week before my due date. (My body seems to always dilate beforehand without me really knowing, and then I have quick labors once they start.) My previous labors have been 5 hours, 3 hours, and 2 1/2 hours. I get a little anxious when my due date approaches because it can be unnerving when you don't have much warning of when baby is going to be making its appearance!<br /><br />Well, due date arrives, and I have no signs of labor. I get my older two children to sleep and then lie down with my 2-year-old. She's been acting weird all night....not sleeping, rolling around, taking her clothes off (lol)....just being strange. So, I'm lying there with her and.....I get a contraction. I know it's a "labor has begun so get ready" <em>real</em> contraction. I look at the clock. It's 9:45 p.m. My daughter Ella still isn't asleep. Crud. I make a quiet plea to the baby, "Please wait until I get Ella to sleep." Baby basically says, "Um. Nah. I'm gonna go ahead and come now." (lol) And a few minutes later I get another contraction. So, I tell my sleeping husband, "Labor is here. I'm having contractions." He rolls over and mumbles, "OK, just let me know," and rolls back over to sleep. Hmmm. OK. I say much more definitively, "I AM IN LABOR. THIS IS IT. GET THE POOL READY, DEAR." Well, that gets him up. He throws on his special T-shirt (he wore this same shirt when we met, got engaged, got married, and at the birth of each of our children), and he starts getting things ready.<br /><br />I go to the bathroom. Bloody show. Have another contraction. Call the midwife. She's on her way. Then I quickly get things organized. Make sure (my still awake) Ella has on a clean diaper. Contraction. Get out her "distraction" items for while I'm laboring (read: lollipops and DVDs). Contraction. Put on my top to wear in the birth pool. Contraction. Find my robe. Contraction. Fire in the fireplace. Contraction. Light the candles. Contraction. Make sure the cameras are out and ready. Contraction. Midwife assistant arrives. Takes my blood pressure and listens to fetal heart tones. Contraction. Really wanting to get in the pool. It's almost filled enough. My friend Anna arrives (who also happens to be a midwife assistant). Hug her. Contraction.<br /><br />Get in the pool. Now I'm deep into labor land and contractions are coming fast and hard. Midwife arrives. I start to make grunty noises with the contractions, so I know I'll be pushing soon. All of the kids are awake and by the pool now. Sean is kneeling down with his face by mine. I grab his hand and squeeeeeeeeze it. I hear my 2-year-old make adorable, curious sounds of wonder and aww as all the activity is unfolding. I'm moaning and starting to push now. Undeniable urge. The contractions are nearly on top of each other. Squeezing my husband's fingers, pushing, reach down and feel the baby's head. It's right there. I know if I push I'll have my babe in arms.<br /><br />PUUUUUUUUUUSH, head is out.<br /><br />PUUUUUUUUUUSH, body is coming, I turn over, reach in the water, and pull up my beautiful baby into my arms. <br /><br />Joy! Relief! Happiness! Elation! Bliss! Baby! Our wonderful baby is here.<br /><br />I hear someone say the time is 11:18 p.m. Good grief, it was a 1 1/2 hour labor. Exhale. I relax and lean back and let the kids look to announce if it's a boy or girl. My four-year-old daughter says, "Girl!" Um. No. (LOL) It's a BOY! We now have two boys and two girls. We wait until the cord stops pulsing and my husband, son, and oldest daughter all cut the cord. Such a sweet moment. Eventually, we get snuggled in bed and just love all over our newest family member. He looks so tiny to me. I swear he must only be 7 lbs. Anna weighs him and he's 9 lb. 10 oz. Oh my. OK, so I won't ever be the "guess your weight" person at the county fair.<br /><br />Anyway, he's just an adorable, smooshy, blob of perfect baby. He nurses and rests in my arms as we all soak up his sweetness. My two-year-old finally decides it's time to sleep; I guess she really didn't want to miss the birth of her baby brother. She nurses and falls asleep on one side of me while the baby snoozes on the other side of me. My other two children and husband are at the foot of the bed. There is no better place to be in the world.<br /><br />All is right.<br />All is peaceful.<br />All is good.<br /><br />Welcome to our family, sweet baby Will.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TUhymQRXWWI/AAAAAAAAARU/Hx7Nu8IhGd8/s1600/IMG_7836.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568826940772014434" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TUhymQRXWWI/AAAAAAAAARU/Hx7Nu8IhGd8/s320/IMG_7836.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><strong>A photo montage of the birth:<a href="https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B-HMaSsr3sb2ZGViNDQ5MDktNzQ1ZS00MzJjLWIwYmEtMTcyYzEzYWI2OTk0&sort=name&layout=list&num=50">William</a></strong>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-30715059914137712892010-12-12T11:13:00.000-08:002010-12-12T15:43:05.397-08:00Mini Maple Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins<span style="font-family:arial;">We made our Mini Maple Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins this morning. A simple, fun, warm delight that are portable and can be frozen for enjoyment later. Yum!<br /><br />My darling sous-chef.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TQUfs5MhoqI/AAAAAAAAARI/95lKpQk3b3U/s1600/098.JPG"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549876971932066466" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TQUfs5MhoqI/AAAAAAAAARI/95lKpQk3b3U/s320/098.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Her favorite thing to do is to crack the egg. She can do it now with no shell breakage. Milestone!<br /><br /></span><div></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TQUfsSjthPI/AAAAAAAAARA/UK06vZDVX78/s1600/100.JPG"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549876961560331506" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TQUfsSjthPI/AAAAAAAAARA/UK06vZDVX78/s320/100.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Ready for the oven....<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TQUfsN5uMvI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/v60k-7SBbqI/s1600/102.JPG"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549876960310473458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TQUfsN5uMvI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/v60k-7SBbqI/s320/102.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Baked and ready to eat!<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TQUfrti0wSI/AAAAAAAAAQw/H3xxuoktabY/s1600/105.JPG"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549876951624499490" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TQUfrti0wSI/AAAAAAAAAQw/H3xxuoktabY/s320/105.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br />Now this is how to enjoy breakfast.<br /><br /></span><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TQUfrKXcPxI/AAAAAAAAAQo/9JWrCwj75dU/s1600/108.JPG"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549876942181515026" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TQUfrKXcPxI/AAAAAAAAAQo/9JWrCwj75dU/s320/108.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Mini Maple Chocolate Chip Pancake Muffins<br /><br /></strong>1 cup flour<br />1 teaspoon baking powder<br />1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />2 tablespoons sugar<br />2/3 cup buttermilk<br />1 egg<br />2 tablespoons pure maple syrup<br />2 tablespoons melted butter<br />1/2 cup milk chocolate chips<br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously grease a 24 cup mini muffin pan with non-stick spray.<br />Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar in a medium bowl. Sift together with a wire whisk.<br />In another bowl, stir buttermilk, egg, maple syrup and melted butter until just combined.<br />Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir with a spoon until combined.<br />Stir in chocolate chips. Reserve a few chips to sprinkle on the tops.<br />Bake for 8-9 minutes.<br />Makes 24 mini pancake muffins </span>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-53824496166909198972010-10-07T12:26:00.000-07:002010-11-14T12:55:13.173-08:00On apologies, gratitude, and other social norms...I don't force (suggest, coerce, or tell) my kids to share, apologize, or say, "Thank you." I'm guessing that this might not be very popular, but it's something that feels right for them and me.<br /><br />When Adeline is using a toy and Jack wants to play with it, I tell him, "Maybe she'll give you a turn." And I suggest he ask her if he can play with it when she's done (or better yet, see if they can enjoy it together). I don't force her to share ("OK, Adeline, it's Jack's turn now."). How am I to know when she's had her fill of joy from something? Why would I force an arbitrary limit on that? And if/when she does end up sharing, I draw her attention to how happy the other person is now and how her actions contributed to their joy. Do I give her friendly reminders that someone else would like to enjoy something? Sure. But I don't make anyone give something up.<br /><br />When they hurt someone or mess up, I try my best to take a breath to connect with the situation. I point out how everyone is feeling. ("He seems very sad.") I comfort those who need comfort. (I welcome everyone to bring comfort to those seeking it.) And *I* can model an empathic apology. I don't tell anyone, "Say you're sorry!" What if (gasp) they're not sorry? Simply going through the motions and saying it doesn't create feelings of sorry. And what if their expressions show that they feel remorse, but they just don't say the words? Does that matter?<br /><br />The same goes for "Thank you." You won't find a forced giving of thanks (much to the chagrin of some family and friends!). Really, if there is a smile, a glimmer, a simple (or extravagant!) expression of joy or curiosity, then I embrace that as gratitude. And even if there is no reaction, then a robotic and patronizing, "What do you say?" certainly feels disingenuous and contrived for both of us. I can appreciate that sometimes children (and adults!) may be distracted, shy, overwhelmed, bashful, introverted, preoccupied, or whatever. Either way, I don't give to get thanks. I trust people and assume the best.<br /><br />All of this really boils down to the same thing for me. Empathy and prosocial acts must first occur spontaneously from a child. And for it to occur spontaneously (without force, coercion, bribes, or rewards), modeling is one of the most significant paths. Especially if we ever expect our children to have an intrinsic motivation to "do the right thing" (which, to me, means to connect, have empathy, and navigate their thought process). I apologize to my kids when I (often) flub up. I try to do so with my eyes, arms, and words. I spontaneously share things with them and invite them to share in my joy. I try to express my gratitude with passion and authenticity -- again with my words AND actions. I can show my children how their acts and words affect others around them. I hope they see the blessing and joy of empathy, understanding, and compassion for themselves and the people around them.<br /><br />I also try not to forget my own humanity while journeying this path with my children. I'm not perfect, and neither are they. I hope I model grace for others and myself so they can expect and do the same.<br /><br />The other day, my dad gave each of my kids a collector's coin. Jack really wanted the one that Adeline had. He spent a good hour deeply coveting her coin with his eyes, expressions, and comments:<br /><br />"I don't have one like that." (sad, puppy eyes)<br />"I really like that one." (with longing and desire)<br />Then a final plea, "Adeline, do you want to trade?"<br /><br />She said, "No," and went on playing with her coin. Jack looked defeated and disappointed. I resisted any urge to negotiate on his behalf or guilt Adeline into trading coins or passively comment on how she "wasn't being nice." I just gave Jack a hug and said, "You really like that coin, don't you?" He gave me a gloomy nod.<br /><br />Ten minutes later, after Adeline was done playing, she walked over to Jack, put her coin in his hand, and simply said, "Here, Jack, we can trade now." Jack's face lit with excitement, he started jumping with joy, and he poured appreciation onto his sister, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Adeline giggled at his jubilee and said, "Look how happy he is, Mom!" I could see in her face how truly happy she was with his joy.<br /><br />It was another touching moment in my life as a mama. And, honestly, the journey with this family of mine is filled with expressions of genuineness and compassion like this. Do we <em>always</em> manage to pause for empathy? Nope, not always. Do we bicker and argue? Umm, yes, OF COURSE! But I continuously have confidence that our hearts will guide our way, and I truly trust our connection. My admiration for my children is immeasurable.Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-92049340766361272442010-09-21T09:47:00.000-07:002010-09-21T10:41:42.464-07:00A Visit to Pretend CityI forgot to post pictures of our trip to <a href="http://pretendcity.org/" target="_blank">Pretend City</a>. The kids had a nice time, but I don't think it's a place worth visiting again. I think things are more relevant out in the "real" city. And, frankly, we all have more fun out in the real world. ;-)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjtTq0275I/AAAAAAAAAQA/AHEtJM0N410/s1600/026.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519422265511833490" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjtTq0275I/AAAAAAAAAQA/AHEtJM0N410/s320/026.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjtUdljJKI/AAAAAAAAAQI/ahdfwVw1bS8/s1600/035.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519422279137830050" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjtUdljJKI/AAAAAAAAAQI/ahdfwVw1bS8/s320/035.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjlklv8ZQI/AAAAAAAAAP4/PNptHsxZL6c/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519413760113796354" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjlklv8ZQI/AAAAAAAAAP4/PNptHsxZL6c/s320/006.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjkr8We7_I/AAAAAAAAAPw/TPWoItGCsh0/s1600/037.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519412786928480242" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjkr8We7_I/AAAAAAAAAPw/TPWoItGCsh0/s320/037.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjkrGtKmnI/AAAAAAAAAPo/SKIwDPW2pKI/s1600/036.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519412772528102002" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjkrGtKmnI/AAAAAAAAAPo/SKIwDPW2pKI/s320/036.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjkqnJeaSI/AAAAAAAAAPg/6qAzb0K-IYM/s1600/034.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519412764056906018" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjkqnJeaSI/AAAAAAAAAPg/6qAzb0K-IYM/s320/034.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjkpyJxdjI/AAAAAAAAAPY/Ag47RMUROLc/s1600/032.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519412749831075378" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjkpyJxdjI/AAAAAAAAAPY/Ag47RMUROLc/s320/032.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjkpaBt1kI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/RVigzhViXg8/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519412743354832450" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjkpaBt1kI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/RVigzhViXg8/s320/025.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjjA8EVYwI/AAAAAAAAAPI/DGjvVahkAEU/s1600/024.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519410948606354178" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjjA8EVYwI/AAAAAAAAAPI/DGjvVahkAEU/s320/024.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjjAdvW5zI/AAAAAAAAAPA/k-40L3Qgxgg/s1600/023.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519410940465309490" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJjjAdvW5zI/AAAAAAAAAPA/k-40L3Qgxgg/s320/023.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJji_-4ChEI/AAAAAAAAAO4/LdbzbXJphjU/s1600/022.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519410932180223042" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJji_-4ChEI/AAAAAAAAAO4/LdbzbXJphjU/s320/022.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJji_AZxDWI/AAAAAAAAAOw/SIBvp8jA4dY/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519410915410251106" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJji_AZxDWI/AAAAAAAAAOw/SIBvp8jA4dY/s320/021.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJji-npGS6I/AAAAAAAAAOo/j4RCZsB5m5Q/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519410908763671458" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TJji-npGS6I/AAAAAAAAAOo/j4RCZsB5m5Q/s320/019.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-35056065615439466052010-09-04T10:42:00.000-07:002010-09-04T11:01:35.609-07:00Bolsa Chica Wetlands<span style="font-family:arial;">The kids were learning about <em>wetlands</em> this week. We read about wetland habitats, ecosystems, food chains, conservation, and wildlife. So, on Friday, we took a trip to our local wetlands for some real life learning.</span><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TIKGQr6PTNI/AAAAAAAAAOY/g_Y6MQcxxBM/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513116515077934290" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TIKGQr6PTNI/AAAAAAAAAOY/g_Y6MQcxxBM/s320/015.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">Yes, natural learning is messy!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TIKGQarsOvI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/m3haItFp6CA/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513116510453512946" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TIKGQarsOvI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/m3haItFp6CA/s320/014.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TIKIUBi4C6I/AAAAAAAAAOg/4SgPJZcJORA/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513118771448384418" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TIKIUBi4C6I/AAAAAAAAAOg/4SgPJZcJORA/s320/012.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TIKGP34aCNI/AAAAAAAAAOI/K7WWvgO4XTE/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513116501111605458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TIKGP34aCNI/AAAAAAAAAOI/K7WWvgO4XTE/s320/013.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TIKGPs7VRgI/AAAAAAAAAOA/1chYrQjTv44/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513116498171086338" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TIKGPs7VRgI/AAAAAAAAAOA/1chYrQjTv44/s320/011.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TIKGPE-Z0iI/AAAAAAAAAN4/OkH0-TZ8L4E/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513116487446549026" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TIKGPE-Z0iI/AAAAAAAAAN4/OkH0-TZ8L4E/s320/009.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-7947169804096392072010-08-30T13:44:00.000-07:002010-08-30T15:48:24.585-07:00Homeschooling DaysSome people have asked me how I manage the three different ages when they're homeschooled and doing different activities (Jack is almost 7, Adeline is 4, and Ella is almost 2). I honestly don't think three is all that unmanageable (it's not as though I have ten kids like some homeschool families -- my hats off to them!).<br /><br />In honor of everyone posting about the "first day of school," I thought I'd share a few shots of our afternoon.<br /><br />If I'm not able (or in the mood -- lol) to supervise a "messier" activity with a toddler around, then Adeline knows to wait until Ella's nap time before she can do things like paint or glitter. Here Adeline is enoying some peaceful time painting outside while her younger sister snoozes.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/THwZBDbPlkI/AAAAAAAAANo/CTBLK11fQ28/s1600/054.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511307549884782146" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/THwZBDbPlkI/AAAAAAAAANo/CTBLK11fQ28/s400/054.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Video of Adeline painting and impromptu singing:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HGG9edQcva0&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HGG9edQcva0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Because she's a normal toddler, Ella likes to be involved in whatever a sibling is doing, so I often just put crayons, markers, and paper down for her next to someone.<br /><br />Ella colors while Jack does some online activities (<a href="http://www.time4learning.com/" target="_blank">www.Time4Learning.com/</a>).<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/THwY_wPOcTI/AAAAAAAAANY/j13c8NnlFRc/s1600/051.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511307527554232626" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/THwY_wPOcTI/AAAAAAAAANY/j13c8NnlFRc/s400/051.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Cheese! (I didn't even have to ask for this smile. What a cute ham!)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/THwZAnI2FpI/AAAAAAAAANg/5lyxfqFwKkE/s1600/048.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511307542291420818" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/THwZAnI2FpI/AAAAAAAAANg/5lyxfqFwKkE/s400/048.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />After this, Jack did some workbook activities, and Ella went with Adeline into her room and they put together some train tracks. We all had reading time today and played outside.<br /><br />We were also watering the garden and Jack spotted a plump, hairy caterpillar. The kids were asking me all these questions about caterpillars that I didn't have the answers to, so we went inside and searched all about caterpillars on the computer and in our science books. Did you know caterpillars have 4,000 muscles (compared to our 650)? We also watched this fascinating video showing the life cycle of a monarch:<br /><br /><object style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/cAUSKxWMIh0/hqdefault.jpg)" width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cAUSKxWMIh0?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cAUSKxWMIh0?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-69110674505069626422010-08-18T07:46:00.000-07:002010-08-18T09:28:59.435-07:00Snapshots of our summer<em>"There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart."<br />Celia Thaxter</em><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGwAQqzqO6I/AAAAAAAAANA/msQCPW8SqB8/s1600/075.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506776730736147362" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGwAQqzqO6I/AAAAAAAAANA/msQCPW8SqB8/s320/075.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv9QWIpB8I/AAAAAAAAAM4/BK4UUHcAZqs/s1600/036.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506773426652121026" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv9QWIpB8I/AAAAAAAAAM4/BK4UUHcAZqs/s320/036.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv8oLusE1I/AAAAAAAAAMw/3Ep6Hz0-zhs/s1600/Adeline+Tent+Sleeping.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506772736664146770" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv8oLusE1I/AAAAAAAAAMw/3Ep6Hz0-zhs/s320/Adeline+Tent+Sleeping.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGwAQ3GlKbI/AAAAAAAAANI/gNGfA3dnKzE/s1600/17.5+weeks+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 146px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506776734036732338" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGwAQ3GlKbI/AAAAAAAAANI/gNGfA3dnKzE/s320/17.5+weeks+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv4h7_RRRI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/J8n5Ufe3J9A/s1600/121.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506768231312999698" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv4h7_RRRI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/J8n5Ufe3J9A/s320/121.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv4hRJAwxI/AAAAAAAAAMI/6rKDYnlT49s/s1600/053.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506768219811136274" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv4hRJAwxI/AAAAAAAAAMI/6rKDYnlT49s/s320/053.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv4hGWr_PI/AAAAAAAAAMA/OLilQOlpGrU/s1600/050.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506768216915705074" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv4hGWr_PI/AAAAAAAAAMA/OLilQOlpGrU/s320/050.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv4giayWWI/AAAAAAAAAL4/-xwZu8Gk4R4/s1600/043.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506768207269222754" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv4giayWWI/AAAAAAAAAL4/-xwZu8Gk4R4/s320/043.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv4gF6mZJI/AAAAAAAAALw/Df6gyzWE86k/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506768199618028690" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv4gF6mZJI/AAAAAAAAALw/Df6gyzWE86k/s320/005.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv1S0NfhpI/AAAAAAAAALo/L8EQJJV-GKU/s1600/048.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506764672992249490" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv1S0NfhpI/AAAAAAAAALo/L8EQJJV-GKU/s320/048.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv1SklcRoI/AAAAAAAAALg/WIPyUO_HbaM/s1600/051.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506764668797732482" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv1SklcRoI/AAAAAAAAALg/WIPyUO_HbaM/s320/051.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv1R5DHPPI/AAAAAAAAALY/BrE09ykjvPs/s1600/041.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506764657111022834" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv1R5DHPPI/AAAAAAAAALY/BrE09ykjvPs/s320/041.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv1RcrE9yI/AAAAAAAAALQ/torAXf0KnrY/s1600/035.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506764649494017826" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv1RcrE9yI/AAAAAAAAALQ/torAXf0KnrY/s320/035.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv1Q1MiCuI/AAAAAAAAALI/Ox7JumziKUo/s1600/034.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506764638896917218" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv1Q1MiCuI/AAAAAAAAALI/Ox7JumziKUo/s320/034.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv0Czuy0QI/AAAAAAAAALA/BGD7Ga09-8E/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506763298473955586" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGv0Czuy0QI/AAAAAAAAALA/BGD7Ga09-8E/s320/025.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGvzvbwGsvI/AAAAAAAAAK4/I5Y5iDedApU/s1600/020.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506762965619487474" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGvzvbwGsvI/AAAAAAAAAK4/I5Y5iDedApU/s320/020.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGvy1MRT7hI/AAAAAAAAAKo/6djQkeaXMnU/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506761965031386642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGvy1MRT7hI/AAAAAAAAAKo/6djQkeaXMnU/s320/011.JPG" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGvzdaGO3KI/AAAAAAAAAKw/AQdU5zZWyjg/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506762655937780898" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/TGvzdaGO3KI/AAAAAAAAAKw/AQdU5zZWyjg/s320/017.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzUVLBywQFpKf2mofDfrd6mSzPt11s5lcMtoDS2hpybDA9DuiVk3sqSOz1S84JTVtj-KbwIL4NrfgpS8DBQ1Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-30585329821910810892010-05-10T16:06:00.000-07:002010-05-10T18:03:34.089-07:00Rocket Launch<div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">A couple weekends ago, we took the kids to a bottle rocket launch. We made this 2-liter rocket and then had it shot in the air with pressurized air and water. Our parachute never deployed, but now we know better for next time to loosely put the nose cone on the top. We learned about aerodynamics and propulsion. The rocket blasted pretty high, though, and the kids had a fun afternoon.</span></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-iqOqt2x2I/AAAAAAAAAKg/FrVdOEq8cIU/s1600/029.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 236px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469808916402980706" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-iqOqt2x2I/AAAAAAAAAKg/FrVdOEq8cIU/s320/029.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-iqOQSZAJI/AAAAAAAAAKY/gjDDz1zoik4/s1600/026.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469808909308461202" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-iqOQSZAJI/AAAAAAAAAKY/gjDDz1zoik4/s320/026.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-iqN9giaSI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/uBXxzM1vrVs/s1600/024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469808904267524386" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-iqN9giaSI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/uBXxzM1vrVs/s320/024.JPG" /></a> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">A video of our launch!<br /></span></div><div align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx7B57i9KZzBLw5D3TOVCX5umSj7XgmIREN2oblUxjSCNZzg_dE2w37YSaIz6mTB-Xmnv45MS65KOY_zBvnZA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-44386447491348364922010-05-04T12:23:00.000-07:002010-05-04T14:13:29.551-07:00Reading Craft<div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#000000;">The kids are fans of the</span> </span><a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/magictreehouse" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Magic Tree House</strong></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> <span style="color:#000000;">(and Merlin Missions) books by Mary Pope Osborne. The books tell the adventures of siblings Jack and Annie and how their tree house transports them to different places in time. I saw something online a few weeks ago that gave me an idea for an activity.<br /><br />I put down a piece of old fabric for each of them. Then they used markers to draw something from one of the stories. They each chose to draw whatever spoke to them from the stories. Jack drew the "sword of light." Adeline drew the "hairy eyeball" (yes, a hairy eyeball...I thought it would have been a cat or dolphin from the stories, but she chose the hairy eyeball -- gotta love her).<br /></span></span><br /></div><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467499925460352098" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-B2NtKJ_GI/AAAAAAAAAKA/5TXLUjmqvOo/s320/002.JPG" /></p><p align="center"><br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467500122221510290" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-B2ZKJq_pI/AAAAAAAAAKI/506PwAJvO2s/s320/008.JPG" /> <p><br /></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-B2NtKJ_GI/AAAAAAAAAKA/5TXLUjmqvOo/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467499925460352098" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-B2NtKJ_GI/AAAAAAAAAKA/5TXLUjmqvOo/s320/002.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-B2M0dEeWI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/m24HXQboPLc/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467499910238861666" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-B2M0dEeWI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/m24HXQboPLc/s320/012.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#000000;">Then I sewed them, and we stuffed them to make a pillows.<br />(Thank you to Adeline for taking the below photo.)<br /></span><br /></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-B2MSNkjuI/AAAAAAAAAJw/jibVEvLv7U4/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467499901047049954" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-B2MSNkjuI/AAAAAAAAAJw/jibVEvLv7U4/s320/013.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-B2L_Qz9lI/AAAAAAAAAJo/exUpPjWz4Uk/s1600/021.JPG"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 259px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467499895960368722" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-B2L_Qz9lI/AAAAAAAAAJo/exUpPjWz4Uk/s320/021.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> <span style="color:#000000;">The sword</span><span style="color:#000000;"> of light from <em>Summer of the Sea Serpent</em><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#000000;">and the hairy eyeball from </span><em><span style="color:#000000;">Haunted Castle on Hallow's Eve.</span><br /><br /></em></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-B2LQLLSaI/AAAAAAAAAJg/V2hD--90Jfk/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467499883320265122" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S-B2LQLLSaI/AAAAAAAAAJg/V2hD--90Jfk/s320/015.JPG" /></a></p>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-20011250175594239392010-04-24T15:23:00.000-07:002010-04-24T15:57:43.482-07:00Peters Canyon Park<div><span style="font-family:arial;">We hiked about 4 miles at Peters Canyon this morning. It was a beautiful day. The wildflowers are in full bloom.</span><br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463841837953349810" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N3M_QgeLI/AAAAAAAAAJY/W29AlY95tLs/s320/042.JPG" /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N1jHnTJFI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/alrso_f5HJU/s1600/024.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 251px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463840019130295378" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N1jHnTJFI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/alrso_f5HJU/s320/024.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N1iWF960I/AAAAAAAAAJI/vNb9sVyAt34/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463840005837155138" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N1iWF960I/AAAAAAAAAJI/vNb9sVyAt34/s320/025.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N1iPFXBVI/AAAAAAAAAJA/0GOA9lazpug/s1600/032.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463840003955557714" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N1iPFXBVI/AAAAAAAAAJA/0GOA9lazpug/s320/032.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N1hbCkwRI/AAAAAAAAAI4/2wlvxdl8w8E/s1600/030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463839989985231122" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N1hbCkwRI/AAAAAAAAAI4/2wlvxdl8w8E/s320/030.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N1gYmUi3I/AAAAAAAAAIw/EE1oSAsub_s/s1600/033.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463839972149988210" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N1gYmUi3I/AAAAAAAAAIw/EE1oSAsub_s/s320/033.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N01iiFeQI/AAAAAAAAAIg/tdLXWE_EQks/s1600/036.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463839236082202882" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N01iiFeQI/AAAAAAAAAIg/tdLXWE_EQks/s320/036.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N00ns8CFI/AAAAAAAAAIY/_ck49CCKXKI/s1600/038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463839220290029650" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N00ns8CFI/AAAAAAAAAIY/_ck49CCKXKI/s320/038.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 186px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463839200676787330" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N0zeoxtII/AAAAAAAAAII/FhJuZGwTQ48/s320/053.JPG" /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N00MtJcOI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/7fvxkllG57c/s1600/045.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463839213043151074" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S9N00MtJcOI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/7fvxkllG57c/s320/045.JPG" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-48616275747546901292010-04-16T14:19:00.000-07:002010-04-16T15:57:26.685-07:00Homemade Veggie Burgers<div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;">I have two veggie burger recipes. One is a black bean burger and the other is the following mushroom burger recipe. This veggie burger recipe is a little more labor intensive than the black bean one. However, if you're looking for a homemade veggie burger that doesn't have that specific black bean flavor, then I recommend you try these. They're hearty, flavorful, and very delicious!<br /></div></span><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">mushrooms<br /></span><br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460849530886654770" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S8jVtyxbizI/AAAAAAAAAGA/cW5KXj4vQJ4/s320/055.JPG" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">oats, bread crumbs, fresh parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper<br /><br /></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460849562205418482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S8jVvncZ8_I/AAAAAAAAAGY/OR8M63um-Kc/s320/061.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Adeline taking a moment to photograph her funny, new, stand-up pen.<br /></span></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460849539333794706" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S8jVuSPYq5I/AAAAAAAAAGI/4Aby3IBOO50/s320/058.JPG" /> <p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">back to business...<br /></span></p><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">mushrooms, onion, and garlic saute</span><br /></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 197px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460849555355765298" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S8jVvN7UijI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/KUYrBmwM8RM/s320/059.JPG" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />Guacamole being sampled by a three-year-old.<br /><em>(Four avocados, the juice of two limes, chopped bunch of cilantro, 1/4 chopped onion, and salt. Fresh, easy, and scrumptious!)</em><br /></span><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460849568801207266" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S8jVwAA9s-I/AAAAAAAAAGg/FZsd0eZUFU0/s320/068.JPG" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />garlic mashed potatoes<br /><em>(I throw 2 lbs. of quartered red potatoes in a pan with a few cloves of whole garlic. The garlic cloves flavor the water and then they become nice and soft and easy to mash with the potatoes, adding the perfect garlic flavor. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 20 - 25 minutes. Drain the water and mash the potatoes and garlic. Then I stir in butter, sour cream, salt, and pepper to flavor as needed. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mmmmm</span>, yummy!)</em></span><br /></div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460850271802021826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S8jWY65a18I/AAAAAAAAAGo/AGmyYnEqR80/s320/075.JPG" /></p><p></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">veggie burger, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">tempeh</span></span></span> "bacon", guacamole, spinach, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">havarti</span></span></span> cheese on a whole-wheat bun</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S8jbuDe9pNI/AAAAAAAAAHA/Hz7ZPdixv8c/s1600/073.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460856132442367186" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S8jbuDe9pNI/AAAAAAAAAHA/Hz7ZPdixv8c/s320/073.JPG" /></a></p><span style="font-family:arial;"><p><br />I make a large batch of these burgers and</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> freeze some for future use. This recipe makes about 10 patties.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>veggie burger recipe</strong><br /><br />• 3 1/2 tbsp olive oil<br />• 16 oz mushrooms, roughly chopped <em>(I use <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Portobello</span></span></span> and button mushrooms, but you can use any combination you like.)<br /></em>• 1/2 onion, finely chopped<br />• 6 cloves minced garlic<br />• 1 cup rolled oats<br />• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan<br />• 1 1/8 cup breadcrumbs<br />• 3 eggs, beaten<br />• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, or 2 tsp dried parsley flakes<br />• 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano<br />• 1/2 tsp salt<br />• 1/2 tsp black pepper<br /><br />Heat 1 1/2 tbsp</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> oil in large saucepan. Saute the mushrooms, onions and garlic over medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid boils off, and the mushrooms begin to saute.<br /><br />In large bowl, add mushroom mixture to oats, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix well. Allow to sit for at least 15 minutes to develop the flavors (I usually stick it in the fridge for an hour while I start the potatoes and guacamole or whatever else I'm cooking that night). Shape into patties. Heat 2 tbsp oil in large non-stick skillet, over medium heat. Fry patties, cooking about 5 - 7 minutes on each side or until golden brown. </span></p>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-18003845848189763962010-04-13T10:03:00.000-07:002010-04-16T10:47:32.760-07:00Visit from Dad<div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">My dad visited</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> this past weekend. The kids call him Grandpa <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mazur</span>-with-the-no-hair. They always enjoy seeing him.<br /></div></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />- grandpa and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">grandkids</span> -</span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S8id09aKrHI/AAAAAAAAAF4/ZZd5r2pu9e4/s1600/038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460788081349799026" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S8id09aKrHI/AAAAAAAAAF4/ZZd5r2pu9e4/s400/038.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">An impromptu race down the sidewalk.<br /><br /></span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460788057684904962" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S8idzlQBDAI/AAAAAAAAAFo/p-8kni2LQqg/s400/041.JPG" /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S8id0IoN5mI/AAAAAAAAAFw/tB8ogSbjCsA/s1600/047.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460788067181651554" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S8id0IoN5mI/AAAAAAAAAFw/tB8ogSbjCsA/s400/047.JPG" /></a>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-10817526310443461482010-04-07T18:13:00.000-07:002010-04-08T13:21:45.703-07:00Snapshots of Our Life<div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">Planting sunflower, basil, and zinnia. These are from </span><a href="http://www.greentoys.com/index.html"><span target="_blank" style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><u>Green Toys</u></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#000000;">. This is the type of stuff we get for free with our educational fund through the </span><a href="http://mountainpeakcharter.org/" target="_blank"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><u><span style="color:#000000;">homeschool</span></span><span style="color:#000000;"> charter</span></u></a><span style="color:#000000;"> we use. </span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#000000;">(We get around $1,000 to spend on educational materials each school year.)<br /></span><br /></div></span><div align="center"></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S70wYn4GsCI/AAAAAAAAAFI/Kh-B35H2ETM/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457571523022204962" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S70wYn4GsCI/AAAAAAAAAFI/Kh-B35H2ETM/s320/013.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">Putting together the </span><a href="http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/Toys-games/Smithsonian-Prehistoric-Sea-Monsters/e/042409520413" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:arial;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><u><span style="color:#000000;">Triop</span></span><span style="color:#000000;"> Tank</span></u></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">. (Another <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">homeschool</span> freebie.) These little guys are popular in this house. Jack remembers to feed them, and he checks them daily for growth. Pretty cute buggers.</span></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457571497017121202" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S70wXHAAmbI/AAAAAAAAAE4/jCTwQ76Iw90/s320/002.JPG" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><br />Building and planting our raised bed garden. Jack is in charge of the carrots, and Adeline is caring for the broccoli. (Yep, we even get the seeds free.)</span></p><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 205px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457570118967056050" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S70vG5XRVrI/AAAAAAAAAEw/76TbCRqZUG4/s320/156.JPG" /></p><p></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Excavating some relics from a </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kristal-Educational-3207-DIG-DISCOVER/dp/B001A47XOG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1270695408&sr=8-3" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;"><u>Treasure Dig</u></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">. The kids loved this. Jack couldn't wait to find the gold nugget and the civil war bullet. (Yet another item from our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">homeschool</span> fund.)</span></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457570108034395874" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S70vGQouLuI/AAAAAAAAAEo/76--aToU0gE/s320/026.JPG" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">The kids perusing their library books and enjoying some fruit.</span></span></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457570098782913682" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S70vFuK_xJI/AAAAAAAAAEg/f72w1xbeRao/s320/014.JPG" /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">A pile-o-kids on a random Tuesday morning.</span></span></p><p align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 173px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457571506021306530" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S70wXoixkKI/AAAAAAAAAFA/KbyPwv4RZFQ/s320/166.JPG" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000000;">Practicing our silly faces.</span></p><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S70vFLJj7sI/AAAAAAAAAEY/6vkVioUZmK4/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457570089381654210" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S70vFLJj7sI/AAAAAAAAAEY/6vkVioUZmK4/s320/021.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="color:#000000;">This one is just because I love her.</span><br /></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S70vEaSFtLI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/_KbCbeE1O1Q/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457570076264084658" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S70vEaSFtLI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/_KbCbeE1O1Q/s320/017.JPG" /></a> </div>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-29785261847423297442010-04-03T14:30:00.000-07:002010-04-04T00:23:11.202-07:00Staying Up All Night<span style="font-family:arial;">A few days ago Jack proclaimed to us that he was going to stay up all night. I thwarted any knee-jerk reaction of disapproval. I aim to parent through love and trust, instead of parenting through fear -- fear of what might be, fear of what might happen, fear of what people might perceive, fear, fear, fear. (Now, I said I <em>aim</em> to parent this way; admittedly,<em> </em>I don't always reach the mark.) </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S7g8jzBc1nI/AAAAAAAAAEI/UPq6mGKhvUw/s1600/reading.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 147px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456177534248736370" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S7g8jzBc1nI/AAAAAAAAAEI/UPq6mGKhvUw/s200/reading.jpg" /></a>So, I supported his idea and let him stretch his wings. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">At 8:45 p.m. he climbed into bed and set himself up with a pile of his library books, some </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Maze-Craze-Castle-Don-Oliver-Matthies/dp/1402706057/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1270334308&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><u><span style="font-family:arial;">mazes</span></u></a><u></u><span style="font-family:arial;">, and his headlamp. He pulled his sheet over his head and became a shadow underneath with the dim glowing light. Sean and I went into the living room to watch a movie (Adeline and Ella were already asleep). I checked on Jack every fifteen minutes or so. I didn't disturb him; I just peeped around the corner. Finally, around 9:45 p.m., he came into the living room to let us know that he wanted to go to sleep. So, we tucked him in and kissed him goodnight. He instantly fell asleep. The next morning he spoke of how cool it was that he tried to stay up all night. He said he's going to try again one day.<br /><br />I'm happy that we chose a lifestyle that affords us this flexibility. More importantly, I'm glad I trusted him and respected his ability to learn some of his own boundaries. Yes, sometimes this life is messy and we take chances, but it's filled with respect and questioning and joy and dialogue and love and encouragement. It's an exciting journey for us!</span>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-756071003161972912010-03-23T13:13:00.000-07:002010-03-23T14:00:15.769-07:00An afternoon with the sun, swings, ducks, and trees.<div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;">Ella preparing to walk across the precarious bridge.</span><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6kl2nTqGeI/AAAAAAAAADs/FahZxm_0rnk/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451930444103293410" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6kl2nTqGeI/AAAAAAAAADs/FahZxm_0rnk/s320/003.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Feeding the ducks.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6kln2SSOeI/AAAAAAAAADk/QMvO7qDnJew/s1600-h/022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451930190426028514" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6kln2SSOeI/AAAAAAAAADk/QMvO7qDnJew/s320/022.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6klnRRTHTI/AAAAAAAAADc/jYk1Pdxr184/s1600-h/016.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451930180489780530" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6klnRRTHTI/AAAAAAAAADc/jYk1Pdxr184/s320/016.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6klm8pQzhI/AAAAAAAAADU/ALQim3blpOI/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451930174953147922" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6klm8pQzhI/AAAAAAAAADU/ALQim3blpOI/s320/014.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Adeline helping Jack <em>up</em> the slide.</span><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6klmF2jrDI/AAAAAAAAADM/wZ_2rDD19oU/s1600-h/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451930160244960306" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6klmF2jrDI/AAAAAAAAADM/wZ_2rDD19oU/s320/004.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Ella spotting a duck.</span><br /><br /><p align="left"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6klliSWE0I/AAAAAAAAADE/uqtq2G49CBc/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451930150697833282" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6klliSWE0I/AAAAAAAAADE/uqtq2G49CBc/s320/011.JPG" /></a></p><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A walk in the park.<br /></span><p><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzJ9mgHu73p3bxzA9fxa0V2SFgG7tiGgaOQf-JdtclSkm0J0G8dn2akK13V0VIr77KvPYccGZIRz4fCwarQbg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">New do.<br /></span><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6krsgUkx2I/AAAAAAAAAD8/FhoWGfe0AE8/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451936867499165538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6krsgUkx2I/AAAAAAAAAD8/FhoWGfe0AE8/s320/008.JPG" /></a></div></div></div>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-66115053581184195662010-03-22T14:08:00.000-07:002010-03-22T14:25:45.954-07:00We saw a motorcycle cop this afternoon. He waved at the kids. Jack points to the cop's speed gun and says, "Look! He has a cool gun thingy." I told him that it was a radar gun that keeps track of everyone's speed. Then I showed Jack the speed limit signs. 25 mph. 40 mph. Jack read some of the numbers. I explained that when cars go faster than the speed limit on the signs, then the police officer stops them and gives them a ticket.<br /><br />Jack sees another speed limit sign, "OK, go faster than that speed."<br /><br />I ask him, "Why?" <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6ff7Yrjt4I/AAAAAAAAAC8/D1jPC6Smc24/s1600-h/msc-movie-tickets2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451572085285697410" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6ff7Yrjt4I/AAAAAAAAAC8/D1jPC6Smc24/s200/msc-movie-tickets2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />He says, "Because I want you to get a ticket so we can go to the movie theater."Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-61013941917343095792010-03-22T09:03:00.000-07:002010-03-22T10:26:16.779-07:00When I tucked in Jack and Adeline the other night, Jack said to me, "Adeline and I going to finish our story." I asked him what he meant. He explained to me that they each tell part of a made-up story until they fall asleep. I stood outside the bedroom door and listened to them whisper back and forth about submarines, pyramids, and mermaids. Cuteness!<br /><br />More adorableness...Lately, Adeline and Ella have been walking around everywhere holding hands. It is precious to see the two girls linked hand in hand like that. Ella will point in a direction and they'll go waddling off together.<br /><br />On a side note, I colored my hair last night. Let's just say it's much lighter now, and I'm completely spring-ified. Maybe I'll post pictures later.<br /><br />Here's our Ella playing Hide and Seek. She thinks we can't see her because she can't see us -- lol.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6efRjmzsfI/AAAAAAAAACM/wK7jp-C_Dao/s1600-h/042.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6efRjmzsfI/AAAAAAAAACM/wK7jp-C_Dao/s200/042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451500997919879666" /></a><br /><br />This past Saturday we went to Sean's "Family Lab Night" at his school. I got to meet some of his professors and classmates. Then we took a tour of his lab. The kids loved the dummies in the clinical beds. They especially got a kick out of each dummy's....umm....anatomical correctness. Upon lifting the covers, Adeline exclaims, "Bagina!" :-/<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6ejO6tuTVI/AAAAAAAAACs/ErtPMgUhQdE/s1600-h/039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6ejO6tuTVI/AAAAAAAAACs/ErtPMgUhQdE/s320/039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451505350629805394" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6ejOWi81RI/AAAAAAAAACk/dcafzQCTdW8/s1600-h/037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6ejOWi81RI/AAAAAAAAACk/dcafzQCTdW8/s320/037.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451505340920943890" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6ejNioOVxI/AAAAAAAAACc/7Y0YcnBWuyI/s1600-h/036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6ejNioOVxI/AAAAAAAAACc/7Y0YcnBWuyI/s320/036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451505326984419090" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6ejM3UqwxI/AAAAAAAAACU/lqFuOiAPxfU/s1600-h/033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S6ejM3UqwxI/AAAAAAAAACU/lqFuOiAPxfU/s320/033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451505315359671058" /></a><br /><br />Sean's enjoying the program immensely and learning a lot. We find out about scholarships in April. He's 1/8 of the way done with the program -- woohoo!Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-78163288923434356782010-03-03T23:23:00.000-08:002010-04-07T22:15:26.849-07:00Random Musings1. While running some errands the other day, I was affected by some of the disrespect I heard piled on children. One mother grunted, "Move" when she needed to get by her child. I wondered why that mom didn't speak a polite, "Excuse me" instead. And it wasn't just this one instance. I'm often witness to an irreverence and disregard for children. It strikes a chord of sorrow within me. I aim to have compassion for those parents who seem to display (what I hope are) *moments* of disrespect toward their little ones. (No judging here. I know we all have bad days. And I am well aware that I'm far from perfect, and I'm certain I, too, don't always speak with compassion and courtesy. I just see this disrespect toward children quite often, and it's drawn to my attention.)<br /><br />I was thankful for the reminder of the respect that nearly every human being deserves, be they young or old, and I humbly strive to be mindful of dignity and consideration.<br /><br />2. Yesterday, Jack was admiring a toy and exclaimed that the extent to which he loved it was, "Double one hundreds! Two one hundreds!" I thought it was neat that he related the idea of double equaling two or twice something. I then explained to him that two one hundreds was "two hundred." To which his eyes grew like saucers and he replied in astonishment, "Oh. My. Gosh. That is A LOT!" Hahahaha -- love that kid. Oh, and unschooling math lesson for the day....check.<br /><br />3. My <b>oxymoron</b> moment of the day:<br /><br />Jack and Adeline are playing, banging, screaming, and laughing (basically making a ton of exhuberant -- totally normal little kid -- noise in their room).<br />Ella is sleeping.<br />I <em>yell</em> to Jack and Adeline from the other room, "YOUR SISTER IS SLEEPING! PLEASE BE QUIET!"<br /><br />Really, Angela? Good grief. :-SAngela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-9459745123290790612010-02-28T16:19:00.003-08:002010-02-28T16:22:00.430-08:00My Girls<div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=a776c9501c75109f7dfd5d" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=a776c9501c75109f7dfd5d&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed></div>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-15561036712125133042010-02-08T15:27:00.001-08:002010-02-08T16:41:43.574-08:00Monkey Bar TriumphJack had a major accomplishment the other day. And I mean MAJOR. Let me preface this by saying that Jack isn't a dare-devil child. He doesn't leap without looking, he holds my hand to cross the street, and he doesn't like heights. He prefers things slow, to the ground, and under control. That's just been his temperament since the day he was born -- cautious. <br /><br />Last year (Jack was 5) when we were at the park, he watched some kids swing across the monkey bars. I asked him if he wanted to try. "NO WAY!" was his emphatic reply. OK. For the next few months, whenever we're at the park he ignores the monkey bars. <br /><br />Fast forward to this week. Jack saunters over to the monkey bars, and, much to my shock, he actually climbs the ladder. He reaches one hand up and puts it on the first bar while gripping the support pole with his other hand. Then he quickly takes his hand off the bar and gets down. I casually go over and stand next to him. He climbs back up and puts his hand up on the bar again. I explain to him that his other hand can go on the bar, too, when he's ready. With a nervous and anxious tone he says, "OK. Keep your hands around my waist." No problem. He puts both hands up and starts giggling and closing his eyes. I show him where he can put his other hand on the next bar. He reaches out, starts laughing, then looks panicked and says, "I'm SLIPPING!" So, I tell him he can drop if he wants. He drops and says, "I got to one bar!" I can sense his confidence rising. <br /><br />He goes back to the ladder and tries it again. I stand near and watch -- just offering a reassuring presence. He makes it to the second bar and drops. My insides are swelling with joy for him. He goes back and climbs the ladder and takes a deep breath. He reaches out and swings to the THIRD bar and drops. He says, "Mommy, I made it to the third bar! I only have (pause while he counts from three to eight...another unschooling math moment for the day) five more bars!" He continues, "We can't leave until I make it all the way across." I assure him, "OK, Jack, we won't leave until you make it across." He's giggling, and deep breathing, and nervous with each attempt. <br /><br />He starts the from the beginning and this time he keeps his momentum going, pushing on and on. I can feel his determination in every hand he stretches out to the next bar. One, and then the next, and the next, getting closer, and closer, almost there, just a couple more, my excitement is welling, he reaches out and I can't contain myself, "Jack, you're almost there. You're doing it!" He laughs and keeps going, one last bar, and he kicks his feet to the platform and stands up. HE MADE IT ALL THE WAY ACROSS! He and I are overwhelmed with such an authentic enthusiasm and we jump up and down, laughing and yelling with elation! "You got across the monkey bars! You did it!" We're hugging and dancing and reveling in this awesome moment. I'm overcome with happiness and pride and tears of joy are welling in my eyes. I am so happy for my boy. I can see how fulfilled he is. He did it.<br /><br />I know it seems trivial, but I am grateful that I got to be present during this twinkling of time. This moment will be etched in my memory forever.Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-7290762205845249442010-01-29T16:00:00.000-08:002010-01-29T16:28:20.821-08:00Day of Crepes<span style="font-family:arial;">Made crepes for breakfast for the kids (and me). Filled them with chocolate chips and strawberry preserves. Yummy! </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I made a few extra and saved them for lunch. The kids and I stuffed them with cheese, mushrooms, olives, tomato sauce, and spices -- pizza crepes!</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Played <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKgcKYTStMc" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color:#660000;">Edith Piaf</span></strong></span></a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKgcKYTStMc"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></a></span> and had a Vive la France sort of day! ;-)<br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-12967351482474793032010-01-28T09:54:00.000-08:002010-01-28T10:12:03.524-08:00White Bean Soup with Winter VegetablesDinner last night:<br /><ul><li>White Bean Soup with Winter Vegetables (leeks, escarole, kale, onion, garlic, potato, carrot, bay leaf, celery, and white beans)</li><li>Homemade French bread rolls</li><li>Spinach Salad</li><li>Homemade chocolate brownies (didn't take a picture of those but they were a batch of chocolately ooey goodness!)</li></ul>The veggies...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S2HQo56jELI/AAAAAAAAACE/4JxLzv_JbwI/s1600-h/White+Bean+Soup+5.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431852026745262258" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S2HQo56jELI/AAAAAAAAACE/4JxLzv_JbwI/s320/White+Bean+Soup+5.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Rising bread...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S2HQNqHcW8I/AAAAAAAAAB8/a4WmNwJfVX0/s1600-h/White+Bean+Soup+3.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431851558647913410" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S2HQNqHcW8I/AAAAAAAAAB8/a4WmNwJfVX0/s320/White+Bean+Soup+3.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Cooking the dried beans until tender...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S2HQNcApkpI/AAAAAAAAAB0/1g6r1s2oj2M/s1600-h/White+Bean+Soup+6.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431851554861322898" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S2HQNcApkpI/AAAAAAAAAB0/1g6r1s2oj2M/s320/White+Bean+Soup+6.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />An hour and half later, the beans are done...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S2HQNHmtAkI/AAAAAAAAABs/oFGMCiJAqww/s1600-h/White+Bean+Soup+4.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431851549383787074" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S2HQNHmtAkI/AAAAAAAAABs/oFGMCiJAqww/s320/White+Bean+Soup+4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Really, is there anything better than fresh baked rolls...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S2HQMregg1I/AAAAAAAAABk/1NCfphhtAPA/s1600-h/White+Bean+Soup+2.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431851541833220946" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S2HQMregg1I/AAAAAAAAABk/1NCfphhtAPA/s320/White+Bean+Soup+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Warm and hearty White Bean soup with Winter Vegetables...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S2HQMQ8lkxI/AAAAAAAAABc/9dUmlPzbY7I/s1600-h/White+Bean+Soup+1.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431851534711624466" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_qRDOH3rSss8/S2HQMQ8lkxI/AAAAAAAAABc/9dUmlPzbY7I/s320/White+Bean+Soup+1.jpg" /></a>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-65825289395486299482010-01-27T22:27:00.000-08:002010-01-27T22:51:36.653-08:00One of my obsessionsDweeb alert. I have a problem. I'm moderately addicted (is that even possible) to "escape the room" computer games. If you aren't familiar, here's a definition from Wikipedia: "The object of the game is to find a way to escape from a mysterious room. The room usually consists of a locked door, several objects to manipulate as well as hidden clues or secret compartments. The player must use the objects to interact with other items in the room to reveal a way to escape."<br /><br />Here's a link to a popular one: <a href="http://www.fasco-csc.com/works/crimson/crimson_e.php">http://www.fasco-csc.com/works/crimson/crimson_e.php</a>. I started playing them a few years ago and they're one of my guilty pleasures. I seriously can't stop playing one if I start it. I. must. escape. the. room. Oh the joy when I find the hidden key under the couch cushion or the secret writing on the back of the notepad that leads me to unlock the door that SETS ME FREE! Muahahahaha -- I have defeated you room!<br /><br />Seriously. What's wrong with me?Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2315134315450271778.post-34538989923053615272010-01-24T22:01:00.000-08:002010-01-24T23:17:49.962-08:00Gardening<span style="font-family:arial;">I'm full of anticipation for my garden this year. I skipped planting last year, and I lamented the loss of my bountiful harvest. My body and soul are eager to dig into dirt, plant the seedlings of life, and watch the earth birth its fare. Come forth my fair spring!<br /><br />"A garden is a delight to the eye and a solace for the soul." -- Sadi</span>Angela A.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00996065445006314956noreply@blogger.com0