Glimpses of Our Snow Fun

A Reminder

On my challenging days, it is often hard to remember to simply smile. Some days I would like to put this sticky note on my kids' foreheads. I know the expression on my face communicates a lot to them. Is it warm, inviting, and loving or is it cold, disconnected or mean?

Now, I do believe that I should be honest with our kids if I am sad or angry. They need to know that those feelings are okay, too. I definitely don't want them to think the world or I am perfect, free of hurt or suffering. As I think about the need to smile more, I am referring to the moments that I am able and choose not to.

I remember some time ago, my grandma telling me that the best gift I could ever give to my children was to allow my face to light up with a smile when they walk into the room. Today, this is my challenge. May my children know that I delight in them, even on my fussy days. Want to join me?

Mars Needs Moms

Here is the cute little boy in the story, Milo, with his dog.

Milo here holding his Mom.

Kalen, our five year old, loves to pick out library books with aliens in them. Yes, when he was four he would always manage to find the Goosebumps series and bring me a handful of them for check out. I managed to somehow discourage the take home on those. When he brought me Mars Needs Moms last week, I gave it a once over and put it in our bag. This book must be good. Any book that implies that Moms are needed must be good.

My instinct was right. Ever since checking this book out, we have read it daily. It is a wonderful picture book by Berkeley Breathed. I highly recommend it. You'll laugh and maybe even shed a tear or two. I know it will touch you somehow if you can get your hands on it and read it. Oh, and I think they are making a movie out of this one.

Here is a review I found online at The Imperfect Parent website about the book. I couldn't agree more. Read it, it is really good.

Review by Amy Brozio-Andrews

It's a rare occurrence that I'll ever come right out and tell you in so many words that you need to go out and read this book, but, well, here it is: You really should go read Mars Needs Moms. I've read dozens upon dozens of children's books, and Berkeley Breathed's picture book really is something special.

On Mars, there are no mothers. No mothers to cook, clean, or carpool; no mothers to bake, bandage, or baby you; no mother to kiss you, miss you, or even discipline you. And so the Martians have been watching, waiting, and planning. And there's one little boy who cannot for the love of Mike figure out what's good about his mother. She a "bellowing broccoli bully" and a "slave-driving, trash-mashing, rubbish odor ogre." Milo cannot possibly imagine what's so special about her. And after one especially trying afternoon (from both of their perspectives), he tells her so.

Much to Milo's surprise, that night the Martians arrive and decide to take his mother back for their own. He takes off after them, finding himself aboard their ship, where he dons a helmet and waits to arrive on Mars. Upon landing, he tumbles down the gangway, and he makes it just fine, but the helmet doesn't. And so it comes to pass that one little boy, in one quick instant, realizes exactly what makes mothers so special.


Be forewarned, before the book is over, Mom's in serious jeopardy. I distinctly recall having a moment of blind panic while reading this to my child and seeing Milo's mother slumped against her son, safe in his helmet, and thinking, Berkeley Breathed had better make this end well because I am not up to having a discussion about death with my kid just before bedtime. And I breathed a sigh of relief, because he does, and does it well. While the idea of a parent being willing making the ultimate sacrifice for her child sounds really heavy for a children's picture book, in Breathed's hands, it's handled with grace and sensitivity; the specter of Milo losing his mother is brief but quite real, and Milo's realization that his mother is more than just a killjoy is a sweet revelation.

Famous for his Pulitzer Prize-winning Bloom County and Opus, Breathed's illustrations will look vaguely familiar to his newspaper fans. Colorful and stylized artwork speaks volumes; poor Milo's mom doesn't get more than an arm's worth of illustration-time until her slack body is being carried away by the Martians. But when she removes her own helmet to replace Milo's broken one in the harsh Martian atmosphere, we see her through Milo's eyes, and she's simply beatific.

With a nod to classic science fiction (the opening line is a derivation of H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds first line) and a real appreciation for little boy's perspective, Mars Needs Moms is truly a memorable story. Breathed keeps the tone and illustrations irreverent enough to save the book from becoming morbid or depressing. While younger readers may not fully understand the implications of Milo's mother giving up her helmet to save her child, they'll still celebrate Milo's overcoming the Martian invasion and abduction of his mother. This is a book that parents and children can share together, speaking volumes about the selfless love of parents for their children, no matter how many times we, like Milo's mother, might have to tell them how inappropriate sister-tinting is.

Attempting to Help the Hurting

I have typed up two posts that were about Haiti. I couldn't click publish on those because I felt like my words just weren't adequate enough. Here is a one minute message from someone who is and has been highly involved with Haiti and has been there within the past week.

Also, here is a link to Hope For Haiti Now. This is a site that you can donate from. Also, there is a telethon on all the major networks tonight. Here is a You Tube clip about that.

Coffee Chocolate

That is what they call it. When we have leftover coffee, Scott and I make this drink. We put the leftover coffee (always decaf) in a pot, dump in some soymilk, put a tablespoon or two of cocoa in, and several squirts of agave nectar. We whisk the ingredients together and heat on stove. Scott and I have been doing it for years. It is a fun way to not waste that leftover coffee in the coffeepot. We have started sharing this yummy drink with the kids over the past few years. It tastes like hot cocoa to them. Just thought I would pass it along. Please call it by the cute name they gave it. :)

Chocolate Chip Scones

As requested, here is a fabulous recipe for vegan scones from The Joy of Vegan Baking by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. I doubled this recipe for my family and we ate on these yummy treats for days.

Chocolate Chip Scones

Ingredients

1 1/2 teaspoons Ener-G Egg Replacer (equivalent of 1 egg)

2 tablespoons water (I think warm works best)

2 1/2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour

1/3 c granulated sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 c of non-hydrogenated nondairy butter, cold ( I use Earth Balance)

1 cup of nondairy semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup nondairy milk ( I use soymilk)

Extra milk or water as needed

2 to 3 tablespoons nondairy milk for brushing tops

Cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling on top

Preheat the oven to 425 F. Lightly oil a cookie or baking sheet or line with parchment paper.

In a food processor or by hand, whip together the egg replacer powder and water until think and creamy. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter to the dry ingredients and cut it into small pieces with two knives or with a pastry blender. You're not creating a paste; you want a coarse crumbly batter that resembles bread crumbs. (To make flaky scones, leave some of the butter pieces as large as peas.) Stir in the chocolate chips.

Add the milk and egg replacer mixture, and keep the mixing to a minimum to avoid developing the gluten in the flour (which produces tough scones). Mix with a wooden spoon, fork, or your fingers just until the dry ingredients are moistened or nearly moistened. The dough will not be completely smooth like bread dough.

Gather the dough into a ball (you may need to add just one more teaspoon of nondairy milk or water, but you will be able to form it into a ball), and place on a lightly floured surface. Pat or roll the dough out to a 1/2-inch-thick (1.3 cm) round, and cut into 8 or 10 pieces - triangles are a traditional shape. Place them 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) apart on the baking sheet, brush with nondairy milk, and sprinkle with some cinnamon and sugar.

Bake until the tops are golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on a rack or serve warm.

Yield: 8-10 scones

Scrumdiddlyumptious

My kids and I are reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory together. Words like scrumdiddlyumptious (meaning really delicious or marvelous) come to mind easily when I think of yummy food. We have enjoyed trying out some new recipes lately. Two of my favorite successes have been this awesome bread recipe from a gal I met here in our city and some chocolate chip scones I tried out from my new vegan baking cookbook. Let me know if you want the recipes.

Psst . . . they are vegan. Shh . . .

Straight from Brady

My favorite quote of the day was from Brayden. As he was cuddled close to me after dinner tonight he said, "I like you forever, Mommy." So sweet!

Cute Stuff

Madelyn made this sweet little felt bag. It was her first attempt at making something from her new Cute Stuff book. Jan and Jerry gave Madelyn this book for Christmas, encouraging her to sew (one of her latest passions). I helped her out quite a bit . She used my machine to stitch around all the sides, she picked out the fabric colors and what kind of animal (she chose a frog) applique she wanted to create. She really has a special touch with the machine and with maneuvering sewing materials. Have I mentioned how fun it is doing this with her? To connect on this level of common interest is really cool. She is growing up so fast. I keep telling myself, savor this.

Mostly Better

I have two little cute boys playfully squealing in the shower. The other two are slowly eating their breakfast. Laundry is at least folded. Homeschooling is almost underway. It is a new day. We are a bit renewed. The sun is shining and I am hopeful.

Yesterday, Scott officially started his six week session of Comprehensive Exams. He was given three questions and he has to give up to fifty pages worth of information, all he knows, pertaining to those questions or topics. This is exciting and stressful for him. I am very proud of where he is and how far he has come in his program at UNC.

It's Not Easy Being Green

In the course of 36 hours, all six of us have come down with a nasty stomach bug. We are in survival mode right now. As a tiny whirlpool continues to spin in my belly, I can't help but be grateful for all the days I am well and don't necessarily feel the need to pray for wellness.

Kalen and Brayden are eating, drinking and, for the most part, seem to be their playful selves. The rest of us are trying to convince ourselves that we are stable. :)

One Fine Day

It is so delightful to have a homeschooling day that flows like honey. Yesterday was one of those golden types of days. I am talking about good attitudes, good food, great homeschooling activities and accomplishments, cooperative baking, and even a special treat from someone special.

Brayden practiced his Bs

Kalen is a super hard worker. Here he is doing his Draw Write Now. He is our Kindergartner. His handwriting is really coming along. I sat across from him admiring.

Brayden got creative with PlayDoh. Yes, this makes a mess, but it was worth it to keep him busy and happy.

Madelyn received this awesome keyboard from her Papa and Mimi for Christmas. Maddie and I are learning together at home. It is quite fun! She has a natural touch.

Kalen and Madelyn

Kalen is stirring the dry ingredients for our Chocolate Chip and Banana muffins. I found a new recipe for those in my new vegan baking cookbook.

Brady stirring in the chocolate chips before we put them in the pan.

What a treat! What kid can resist licking the batter? It was especially good batter and the muffins turned out great!

My mom sent us a package in the mail. She knitted all the kids hats and Maddie a scarf. They are gorgeous! The kids were so excited. They were doubly excited to find lollipops in their hats. Thanks, Mom!

We ended our day with a really yummy meal. I made Sloppy Joes, Fries, cabbage and baked beans. Yum!

Say Yes

Scott has the kids this morning and I am sitting here, restfully, taking in the last few days we have shared here at home. We have started this new year with many aspirations. Our licensing process for becoming a potential foster family is coming along. We have begun talking about expanding our garden and maybe even adding some animal life to our family. We have rooted around in our drawers and taken many unused clothing items to Goodwill. We have been playing outside despite the cold (as evidence from the picture above of Kalen and Brady outside when it was the mere 28 degrees yesterday). These are all good things and dreaming sure is fun.

A theme runs through my mind as I think about the activities that went on during our day yesterday. When my kids wanted to go outside in the freezing cold to jump on the trampoline in the middle of our homeschooling morning, I said yes. It worked. The fire inspector actually came right when they were all bundled up and I was allowed to just do what I needed to do with him (this is part of being a licensed foster home). When the kids came back in, they were so delightful and truly got some energy out. Saying yes is sometimes so difficult for me to do. I want to control things. When the kids asked me if they could go out in the woods to play (knowing that it was going to be muddy), I said yes. That was not easy. I knew as soon as they were to return, I would have to drop whatever I was doing to wipe and shake down each kid. This was doable though. I just had to be available and willing.

Last night, Scott returned from working and the kids all corralled around him, shouting out all the big highlights of their day. Patiently, Scott listened and then it came time for him to chat with me. This takes a bit of effort with four children. I suggested that the kids go upstairs to play until supper was ready. They happily skipped upstairs. Scott and I were able to talk uninterrupted as I heard lots of squeals of excitement and pitter-patter of little feet upstairs. Not long after that, Maddie came down and told me she wanted to show me something. They had made a wall of pillows upstairs in the hallway. It was quite cute. We had dinner and the kids wanted to go right back up to their pillow wall. They gathered all the loose blankets upstairs and draped them over the enormous pile of pillows. Soon, I was asked by Kalen and Brayden if they could sleep there. I hesitated and then told them yes. It didn't hurt a thing to say yes. They actually fell asleep. How fun is that?

It is so easy to say no. No to messes. No to childishness. No to inconvenience. This year, I am challenging myself to say YES more. Will you join me?

2010

Happy New Year folks! We are certainly enjoying the start of our 2010. Our Christmas was both busy and sweet. We are thankful to have visited with family. We've been getting back into our groove here at home. All the while, the kids have been enjoying their new toys and such. Tomorrow, we will start back with homeschooling and Scott will begin getting himself ready for his comprehensive exams in February. This entails lots of reading. Thankfully, he has completed all of the classwork that is required of him. We are only looking at about 2 and a half more years before Scott finishes up with his PhD work. Hooray! I am so proud of him.

Here's a little of what has been going on.

On New Year's Day, we took the kids out to a soccer field and played for an hour or so. It was freezing cold, but no one seemed to mind. Well, I can't lie. I was ready at the first mention of heading home. We had so much fun playing three on three and having races.

Madelyn has been sewing. Yes, she has really taken to it. It is amazing what kids can do when you cater to their interests, connect and put some trust in them.

She made a sachet and put some lavender in it.

I have been quite fascinated with my new cookbook. Jan and Jerry gave this to me for Christmas. I have already made a pumpkin pie and down below you'll see our DELICIOUS homemade cinnamon rolls.

Of course, Kalen was right in the middle of this baking project.

This was certainly an 'at home day' endeavor. There were many phases to these tasty treats.

Mmm . . . they just melt in your mouth. So good!!

Here is Brayden in one us his dress up creations. I thought it was picture worthy. The kids dress up daily. This one was just too cute.

I received a big waffle maker for Christmas. We made tons of waffles on New Year's Day. The boys are pictured here with Scott, such great helpers. The waffles turned out great. I can share our vegan waffle recipe if you want.

Brayden totally in character here, another costume change worth capturing. The kids are really into superhero play. Yesterday, Brayden came running through the kitchen to Madelyn and said, "Let's go save the world, Catwoman." That funny little quote was the first quote to make it to the 2010 laugh jar.