I just realized I never posted the menu that we're in the middle of. Oops! Obviously it's not essential to your survival or well-being, but many of you have told me my menus help you plan your own, so I try to keep them current. Anyway, here's what's cooking at our casa these days.
BREAKFAST
oatmeal
Tam's granola (crockpot)
almond coconut granola
stuffed French toast (prepped the previous night)
lemon sour cream muffins (double, freeze half)
poppyseed banana muffins
shredded wheat
cherry oatmeal muffins (double, freeze half)
leftover oatmeal pancakes
SNACKS
fruit & nut energy bars (double batch)
crackers & dilly cucumber dip
DINNER
leftovers x2
tacos x2
dinner at a wedding reception
cabbage soup (freezer)/whole wheat biscuits
death by garlic/salad
Amy's barbecue chicken salad/garlic bread
spaghetti salad
orange lentil soup/garlic bread
chicken broccoli divan/rice/salad
Mexican salad
artichoke & shrimp linguine/salad
enchiladas/corn (Silas is cooking)
bbq pie/frozen veggies
creamy tomato & rice soup (crockpot)
DESSERT
cake (from a box, baked, with a little help, and decorated by Naomi)
banana spice cookies
big soft ginger cookies
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
OUR BOYS ARE AWESOME!!
We've seen our boys periodically huddle in their room discussing top-secret things for a few months now. Then, a week-ish ago we went out as a family to tackle some Christmas shopping and they asked us to make an extra stop. They went in and took care of business. The next night they presented Tim and I with a gift.
.
Tim with the first package.
.
Two happy boys.
The second layer of wrapping.
.
The third layer of wrapping.
.
Devon thinks the multiple layers are funny.
.
Silas also thinks it's funny.
.
The fourth layer of wrapping.
.
The gift. A gift card to Pizza Hut for us to use on a date!
.
The boys budget 20% of their money for giving and have been conspiring for a while to give us this gift. It wasn't for birthdays or Christmas, but simply because they wanted to do something kind for us. Isn't that awesome?! They'd count their money every month to see how much they had, got online to scope out prices to see if they had enough, went into Pizza Hut to buy the gift card, and included a coupon for us in a second package.
Sometimes parenting is discouraging and exhausting, but stuff like this makes it all worthwhile!
Monday, December 6, 2010
MEMORIES OF ORNAMENTS
We put up our tree on Saturday and I love it!
Last year I told you about the Altoids box that hangs on our tree, but I thought I'd share the memories attached to a few other ornaments this year.
John and Amy, friends in Medford, host a Christmas party each year with an ornament exchange. Some couples bring one ornament, but this particular exchange allows stealing gifts. Since the third owner gets to keep the ornament, Tim and I always brought our own ornaments to strengthen our stealing power. We make a pretty good team when it comes to party thievery ... I mean, ornament acquisition strategies. We went to a few of their parties, but have only made it to one since we moved away. This little Santa, received during an exchange, reminds me of all the food, friends, and laughter at their parties.
Isn't this snowman cute? Several years ago our friends and neighbors, Peggy & Toni, hosted a Christmas ornament-making party. I love snowmen and Peggy gave me this one at the end of the night. It reminds me of life on the corner of California and Iowa, being the token family in a complex of college students and singles, and talking across our decks to our neighbors.
These were made by Myron, the partner of a woman I worked with in a medical office. That woman, Maureen, worked as an assistant to the homeopaths in our office, but was also a midwife. Several months after I quit working, she became my midwife during my pregnancy with Silas. She was also my initial midwife with Devon, though the cancer she battled between my boys came back during my pregnancy with Devon and I finished things out with another midwife. Maureen died shortly after Devon was born. These ornaments remind of a woman truly gifted at midwifery.
My mom died in January of my sophomore year in high school. A few weeks before she died I got a package from Kater. I was a huge Mickey Mouse fan back then, so she'd found all sorts of Mickey Mouse goodies to wrap up for me. Almost twenty years later, I still have this ornament she gave me, though she and I no longer keep in touch. It reminds me of a friend who was generous and thoughtful, who not only gave me Christmas gifts during a rough year, but also sent me flowers on my mom's birthday and gave me cards on the anniversary of her death throughout high school.
I worked for three years in the office of some homeopaths and osteopaths. Every year they'd have a family-style office Christmas party and one year I got a trio of ornaments decoupaged by Shari. These ornaments remind me of my co-workers - the one who loved I Love Lucy and wrote silly poems back and forth with me, another who teased me about the names patients called me (Stephanie, Brittany, etc) and was chronically late, one we gave a plastic crab to for use as non-verbal warning they were in a bad mood and who taught Tim to golf, the perfectly punctual one who brought Cesaria Evora music to the office, and on and on and on.
Check out this picture! I'm a red, white, and blue-wearing ACE kindergartner with straight hair. My parents had a stocking ornament for each of us kids and my dad gave me mine a few years ago. It reminds me of all the Christmases growing up - driving around to look at lights, putting out the NOEL candle holders and fake holly, decorating the tree with ornaments and tinsel, the year we made sheep ornaments, and the felt stockings with our names stenciled in my dad's capital letters.
As much as I love to see beautifully decorated, color-coordinated trees in other people's homes, I'll always have a hodge-podge tree filled with memories.
Last year I told you about the Altoids box that hangs on our tree, but I thought I'd share the memories attached to a few other ornaments this year.
John and Amy, friends in Medford, host a Christmas party each year with an ornament exchange. Some couples bring one ornament, but this particular exchange allows stealing gifts. Since the third owner gets to keep the ornament, Tim and I always brought our own ornaments to strengthen our stealing power. We make a pretty good team when it comes to party thievery ... I mean, ornament acquisition strategies. We went to a few of their parties, but have only made it to one since we moved away. This little Santa, received during an exchange, reminds me of all the food, friends, and laughter at their parties.
Isn't this snowman cute? Several years ago our friends and neighbors, Peggy & Toni, hosted a Christmas ornament-making party. I love snowmen and Peggy gave me this one at the end of the night. It reminds me of life on the corner of California and Iowa, being the token family in a complex of college students and singles, and talking across our decks to our neighbors.
These were made by Myron, the partner of a woman I worked with in a medical office. That woman, Maureen, worked as an assistant to the homeopaths in our office, but was also a midwife. Several months after I quit working, she became my midwife during my pregnancy with Silas. She was also my initial midwife with Devon, though the cancer she battled between my boys came back during my pregnancy with Devon and I finished things out with another midwife. Maureen died shortly after Devon was born. These ornaments remind of a woman truly gifted at midwifery.
My mom died in January of my sophomore year in high school. A few weeks before she died I got a package from Kater. I was a huge Mickey Mouse fan back then, so she'd found all sorts of Mickey Mouse goodies to wrap up for me. Almost twenty years later, I still have this ornament she gave me, though she and I no longer keep in touch. It reminds me of a friend who was generous and thoughtful, who not only gave me Christmas gifts during a rough year, but also sent me flowers on my mom's birthday and gave me cards on the anniversary of her death throughout high school.
I worked for three years in the office of some homeopaths and osteopaths. Every year they'd have a family-style office Christmas party and one year I got a trio of ornaments decoupaged by Shari. These ornaments remind me of my co-workers - the one who loved I Love Lucy and wrote silly poems back and forth with me, another who teased me about the names patients called me (Stephanie, Brittany, etc) and was chronically late, one we gave a plastic crab to for use as non-verbal warning they were in a bad mood and who taught Tim to golf, the perfectly punctual one who brought Cesaria Evora music to the office, and on and on and on.
Check out this picture! I'm a red, white, and blue-wearing ACE kindergartner with straight hair. My parents had a stocking ornament for each of us kids and my dad gave me mine a few years ago. It reminds me of all the Christmases growing up - driving around to look at lights, putting out the NOEL candle holders and fake holly, decorating the tree with ornaments and tinsel, the year we made sheep ornaments, and the felt stockings with our names stenciled in my dad's capital letters.
As much as I love to see beautifully decorated, color-coordinated trees in other people's homes, I'll always have a hodge-podge tree filled with memories.
Friday, December 3, 2010
TWO MOVIES - FAIL, THEN PASS
The Fail - I haven't seen Cars before, so we got it from the library and plugged it in tonight. We watched for 25 or 30 minutes, then I took it out. Too many things in that amount of time that I don't want to have to explain to my boys or want them to mimic. Animation doesn't always equal kid-friendly. Or at least not little W-friendly.
Now, just in case Cars is one of the best-loved movies in your house, know that I'm not judging anyone who watches it. I watch and read stuff that some of you would find inappropriate or offensive, so it all balances out in the long run. I just didn't feel comfortable having the offspring, at this point in time, spend two hours watching it. Different strokes for different folks and it's not a hill I'd die on.
The Pass - We still wanted to watch a movie and had another one from the library. It's called Ruby Bridges and it's the true story the first black girl to attend a white elementary school in the South. Silas and I watched all of it, but Devon and Naomi bailed about halfway through.
Some may think we discuss race stuff a lot in our family, due to the color scheme we've got going on, but we don't. It's just a non-issue for our family, which I realize is a blessing. However, that meant that tonight was the first time our boys had heard that some people judge based on skin color. We've talked about slavery several times, but that's been discussed in the context of wealth (poor people can't afford slaves), power (conquerors are never slaves), and a general disregard for the worth of another human being.
You know, they weren't really rocked by the idea of judging based on color. They thought it was mean and they realized the racist characters in the movie were hateful, but I think it's just a hard concept for a kid to fully grasp when you live in a happy, multi-colored family and have never experienced racism personally. I think it's awesome that our mixed kids from a mixed dad are still pretty clueless about racism! Our family is definitely blessed to live in the time and area that we do.
Anyway, Ruby Bridges was a good movie.
Now, just in case Cars is one of the best-loved movies in your house, know that I'm not judging anyone who watches it. I watch and read stuff that some of you would find inappropriate or offensive, so it all balances out in the long run. I just didn't feel comfortable having the offspring, at this point in time, spend two hours watching it. Different strokes for different folks and it's not a hill I'd die on.
The Pass - We still wanted to watch a movie and had another one from the library. It's called Ruby Bridges and it's the true story the first black girl to attend a white elementary school in the South. Silas and I watched all of it, but Devon and Naomi bailed about halfway through.
Some may think we discuss race stuff a lot in our family, due to the color scheme we've got going on, but we don't. It's just a non-issue for our family, which I realize is a blessing. However, that meant that tonight was the first time our boys had heard that some people judge based on skin color. We've talked about slavery several times, but that's been discussed in the context of wealth (poor people can't afford slaves), power (conquerors are never slaves), and a general disregard for the worth of another human being.
You know, they weren't really rocked by the idea of judging based on color. They thought it was mean and they realized the racist characters in the movie were hateful, but I think it's just a hard concept for a kid to fully grasp when you live in a happy, multi-colored family and have never experienced racism personally. I think it's awesome that our mixed kids from a mixed dad are still pretty clueless about racism! Our family is definitely blessed to live in the time and area that we do.
Anyway, Ruby Bridges was a good movie.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
THE LIFE OF A SHINER
Last Wednesday night, eight days ago, I picked Naomi up from her class at church and found out she'd just gotten hurt. Turns out the kids were playing Duck, Duck, Goose and Naomi was "it". One of the other kids either got tagged and went the wrong way or got up when it wasn't his turn, I can't remember, and collided with Naomi. Just an accident, but his forehead definitely fared better than her eye.
However, there's no need to feel sorry for her. Before the pain even subsided she was working the situation for attention from people at church. Stinker. She asked to ice it when we got home and it was tender for a couple days, but otherwise she's been fine and we've just had fun watching her eye go from swollen and a little purple, to not swollen and black, to not swollen and green. I think it will hit yellow in the next day or two and then start looking normal.
That means we'll go back to people commenting on her hair every time we leave the house, but the shiner has been a nice change in conversation.
You know, I think she's the cutest shiner model ever. Wouldn't you agree?
However, there's no need to feel sorry for her. Before the pain even subsided she was working the situation for attention from people at church. Stinker. She asked to ice it when we got home and it was tender for a couple days, but otherwise she's been fine and we've just had fun watching her eye go from swollen and a little purple, to not swollen and black, to not swollen and green. I think it will hit yellow in the next day or two and then start looking normal.
That means we'll go back to people commenting on her hair every time we leave the house, but the shiner has been a nice change in conversation.
You know, I think she's the cutest shiner model ever. Wouldn't you agree?
12/2/10 THANKFUL THURSDAY
I'm thankful that Steve Humann encouraged Tim to officiate basketball several years ago. He loves it, does well at it, and the money alway comes in handy for something.
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
What's one thing that you're thankful for?
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
BOOKS I FINISHED - NOVEMBER 2010
I did better in November than in October! Five non-school books for me, compared to two last month.
Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God, by Francis ChanThis was recommended by someone on the Sonlight forums, but I can't remember who and I can't look it up because the forums are down for maintenance today. Oops! I only had time to quickly read this book, but I loved it and am going to check it out again, taking notes. Basically it's about how amazing it is that the God who created the world loves us immensely and how our realization and acceptance of that "crazy love" will cause us to love him passionately.
Squanto: Friend of the Pilgrims, by Clyde Robert Bulla
School pre-read for Silas. He liked it when he read it. Quick and easy read about an Indian who spent time in Europe and became friends with the Plymouth Pilgrims.
Mr. Popper's Penguins, by Richard & Florence Atwater
School book on CD for Devon. He heard it two years ago when I read it to Silas and enjoyed listening to it again this year. The story of a man who receives a penguin as a gift and eventually ends up with several of them. As he can barely feed his family, much less afford multiple pet penguins, he ends up training the penguins to perform as a source of income.
The Mood Cure, by Julia Ross
This was recommended by Kathy when I was in a funk last month. In hindsight, I think much of that experience was rooted in insomnia-induced sleep deprivation. I read part of this book thoroughly, then skimmed the rest. Interesting. I definitely believe that what we put into our body plays a big role in how we feel and I may try some of the ideas recommended for people with the "mood" I scored highest on.
To Fly Again: Surviving the Tailspins of Life, by Gracia Burnham
Super easy read and filled with lots of "duh" things that we often forget. A good book if you're in an emotional funk, working through some difficult circumstances, or just want to maintain a healthy perspective on life.
If you haven't read her book "In the Presence of my Enemies", then I'd recommend that one too. It's about her and Martin's (her husband) kidnapping and year of captivity in the Philippines.
Cool quotes - p.32 (On being defined by what we do and have) Who are any of us down deep inside, minus the accessories of modern life? If some force vacuumed away our many possessions, what would be left?
p.33 Less than one-fourth of the world's population sleeps in a bed at night.
p.44-45 (On forgiveness, bitterness, and working toward resolution) In fact, sometimes it is a bigger struggle to forgive little things than big ones. If one of my kids forgets his assignment to take the trash out to the curb on Monday morning, I have a choice to make: Am I going to fume about this for hours, or am I going to forgive my child for being imperfect?
Obviously, I have to haul out the trash either way. But on the inside, I say, I think I'll just forgive Zachary in my heart. It is an act of my will.
That doesn't mean I won't mention the incident when he gets home from school. But the tone of the words will be more constructive than accusatory.
Whenever you are hurt or wronged, your first inclination may be to lash back. Even if you thwart that urge, you may still cling to bitterness and resentment. In such a time, it's not hard to find someone who will sympathize and reinforce the anger.
You say to your friend, "You know, so-and-so really did me dirty."
And your friend replies, "Yes, they sure did, and you didn't deserve that at all. I don't blame you for being upset. I'd be mad too."
It feels good to hear, but it only serves to churn the spirit. It doesn't help the cause of restoration.
p. 61 (Just a statement I thought was pretty accurate, though it seems extreme) "Worry is Atheism" - E. Stanley Jones
p. 70 Impatience is a way of saying, I'm important. My needs and my schedule ought to take priority here. Whatever is happening in another person's life doesn't rank quite as high as mine.
p.99 I knew in my heart that I had to forgive this person. It was very hard. If I stiffened my back against forgiveness, not only would I be disobedient but the smoldering anger would sap my strength. I had to let go of righteous indignation and recognize that God's grace was big enough to forgive and heal. - The opposite of forgiveness is bitterness. When you let seeds of bitterness take root in your heart, your whole life becomes tainted. The bitterness you hold against one person soon spreads to others. You continue to collect offenses, seeing the worst in others, getting picky about little things, even plotting revenge. In such a case, you become the loser.
p. 155 Martin rather gave evidence of what I might term the Jesus Syndrome: to walk through the midst of a cruel situation with poise and control, saying only what would edify and build up.
The Bears on Hemlock Mountain, by Alice DalglieshSchool pre-read for Silas. He thought it was ok. It's about a boy who has to walk over a mountain alone and is assured by everyone that there are no bears on the mountain. Turns out everyone was wrong.
Gooney Bird Greene, by Lois Lowry
School book I read to Devon. We loved it just as much as when I read it to Silas two years ago. Funny book, an easy read, and some good reminders to not judge things by how they look or sound.
My Enemy's Cradle, by Sara YoungI don't remember where I heard about this book, but I ended up staying up way too late to finish it all in one night. It's historical fiction, the story of a Jewish girl finding a way to survive in Nazi Germany by living in a Lebensborn, a maternity home for girls carrying German babies. I didn't even know such places existed, but they did. Heads up that there are a few sexual scenes in the book, though two of them are critical to the story. I know that can be a deal-breaker for some of you, so I'm just letting you know ahead of time.
Safe Haven, by Nicholas SparksThis was different than any other books of his that I've read. A little mystery and suspense mixed in with romance, which is not his usual style. Loved it, though.
The Courage of Sarah Noble, by Alice Dalgliesh
School pre-read for Silas. He liked it. Set in the 1700s, it's the story of a young girl who goes with her dad to build a home in the wilderness. She learns that courage is not lack of fear, but the bravery to do what needs to be done in the face of that fear.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare
School pre-read for Silas. He's currently listening to it on CD and thinks it ok. I really enjoyed it! Set in Connecticut during the 1800s, it's the story of a girl's move from Barbados to America. It's got a little of everything - mystery, romance, politics, religion, friendship ... and a witch trial. I know it was a school assignment, but if you're an adult who hasn't read it, then give it a shot.
Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God, by Francis ChanThis was recommended by someone on the Sonlight forums, but I can't remember who and I can't look it up because the forums are down for maintenance today. Oops! I only had time to quickly read this book, but I loved it and am going to check it out again, taking notes. Basically it's about how amazing it is that the God who created the world loves us immensely and how our realization and acceptance of that "crazy love" will cause us to love him passionately.
Squanto: Friend of the Pilgrims, by Clyde Robert Bulla
School pre-read for Silas. He liked it when he read it. Quick and easy read about an Indian who spent time in Europe and became friends with the Plymouth Pilgrims.
Mr. Popper's Penguins, by Richard & Florence Atwater
School book on CD for Devon. He heard it two years ago when I read it to Silas and enjoyed listening to it again this year. The story of a man who receives a penguin as a gift and eventually ends up with several of them. As he can barely feed his family, much less afford multiple pet penguins, he ends up training the penguins to perform as a source of income.
The Mood Cure, by Julia Ross
This was recommended by Kathy when I was in a funk last month. In hindsight, I think much of that experience was rooted in insomnia-induced sleep deprivation. I read part of this book thoroughly, then skimmed the rest. Interesting. I definitely believe that what we put into our body plays a big role in how we feel and I may try some of the ideas recommended for people with the "mood" I scored highest on.
To Fly Again: Surviving the Tailspins of Life, by Gracia Burnham
Super easy read and filled with lots of "duh" things that we often forget. A good book if you're in an emotional funk, working through some difficult circumstances, or just want to maintain a healthy perspective on life.
If you haven't read her book "In the Presence of my Enemies", then I'd recommend that one too. It's about her and Martin's (her husband) kidnapping and year of captivity in the Philippines.
Cool quotes - p.32 (On being defined by what we do and have) Who are any of us down deep inside, minus the accessories of modern life? If some force vacuumed away our many possessions, what would be left?
p.33 Less than one-fourth of the world's population sleeps in a bed at night.
p.44-45 (On forgiveness, bitterness, and working toward resolution) In fact, sometimes it is a bigger struggle to forgive little things than big ones. If one of my kids forgets his assignment to take the trash out to the curb on Monday morning, I have a choice to make: Am I going to fume about this for hours, or am I going to forgive my child for being imperfect?
Obviously, I have to haul out the trash either way. But on the inside, I say, I think I'll just forgive Zachary in my heart. It is an act of my will.
That doesn't mean I won't mention the incident when he gets home from school. But the tone of the words will be more constructive than accusatory.
Whenever you are hurt or wronged, your first inclination may be to lash back. Even if you thwart that urge, you may still cling to bitterness and resentment. In such a time, it's not hard to find someone who will sympathize and reinforce the anger.
You say to your friend, "You know, so-and-so really did me dirty."
And your friend replies, "Yes, they sure did, and you didn't deserve that at all. I don't blame you for being upset. I'd be mad too."
It feels good to hear, but it only serves to churn the spirit. It doesn't help the cause of restoration.
p. 61 (Just a statement I thought was pretty accurate, though it seems extreme) "Worry is Atheism" - E. Stanley Jones
p. 70 Impatience is a way of saying, I'm important. My needs and my schedule ought to take priority here. Whatever is happening in another person's life doesn't rank quite as high as mine.
p.99 I knew in my heart that I had to forgive this person. It was very hard. If I stiffened my back against forgiveness, not only would I be disobedient but the smoldering anger would sap my strength. I had to let go of righteous indignation and recognize that God's grace was big enough to forgive and heal. - The opposite of forgiveness is bitterness. When you let seeds of bitterness take root in your heart, your whole life becomes tainted. The bitterness you hold against one person soon spreads to others. You continue to collect offenses, seeing the worst in others, getting picky about little things, even plotting revenge. In such a case, you become the loser.
p. 155 Martin rather gave evidence of what I might term the Jesus Syndrome: to walk through the midst of a cruel situation with poise and control, saying only what would edify and build up.
The Bears on Hemlock Mountain, by Alice DalglieshSchool pre-read for Silas. He thought it was ok. It's about a boy who has to walk over a mountain alone and is assured by everyone that there are no bears on the mountain. Turns out everyone was wrong.
Gooney Bird Greene, by Lois Lowry
School book I read to Devon. We loved it just as much as when I read it to Silas two years ago. Funny book, an easy read, and some good reminders to not judge things by how they look or sound.
My Enemy's Cradle, by Sara YoungI don't remember where I heard about this book, but I ended up staying up way too late to finish it all in one night. It's historical fiction, the story of a Jewish girl finding a way to survive in Nazi Germany by living in a Lebensborn, a maternity home for girls carrying German babies. I didn't even know such places existed, but they did. Heads up that there are a few sexual scenes in the book, though two of them are critical to the story. I know that can be a deal-breaker for some of you, so I'm just letting you know ahead of time.
Safe Haven, by Nicholas SparksThis was different than any other books of his that I've read. A little mystery and suspense mixed in with romance, which is not his usual style. Loved it, though.
The Courage of Sarah Noble, by Alice Dalgliesh
School pre-read for Silas. He liked it. Set in the 1700s, it's the story of a young girl who goes with her dad to build a home in the wilderness. She learns that courage is not lack of fear, but the bravery to do what needs to be done in the face of that fear.
The Witch of Blackbird Pond, by Elizabeth George Speare
School pre-read for Silas. He's currently listening to it on CD and thinks it ok. I really enjoyed it! Set in Connecticut during the 1800s, it's the story of a girl's move from Barbados to America. It's got a little of everything - mystery, romance, politics, religion, friendship ... and a witch trial. I know it was a school assignment, but if you're an adult who hasn't read it, then give it a shot.
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