tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12591924568162457432024-03-13T03:09:16.124-07:00Happel HappeningsMatt and Briannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438901048115436558noreply@blogger.comBlogger347125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-62465052735173979922013-08-26T15:11:00.001-07:002013-08-26T15:11:29.638-07:00Mon 8/26Today we wrapped up the creation week by doing day 6 & day 7 together. We put together his completed "creation book" - w/ cover and all - and he's SUPER proud of it. ("What???? You can make a BOOK???") Tomorrow, Lord willing, we'll head outside and search for things that God made, and things that Man made. Taking photos and collecting small items. Then we'll make a poster of God made vs. Man made including magazine clippings etc. He'll have to retell the creation story using his own book. I posted a photo today and will hopefully tomorrow as well via Instagram, #happelhomeschool.<br />
Cheers!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-82908698401120156182013-08-23T14:51:00.002-07:002013-08-23T14:51:25.669-07:00wed-fri 8/23Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday were the same plan as Mon & Tue - and I put a few photos on Instagram under #happelhomeschool. Both kids are still enthusiastic! The before-school walk might be our favorite part- so much to see and discover! Relishing these rain-free mornings....<br />
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Yesterday we busted out the cuisere rods which was a big hit for Rowen. He can only handle so much coloring... and since he knows his letters, there's pretty much only coloring for activities during the "intro."<br />
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Next week, we may sprint through a couple days at a time so we can get started on the "Sun" unit. We picked up a bajillion books on the sun from the library (what? that's not a number?) and he's really excited about it... we'll see!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-20509917363593377282013-08-20T17:23:00.000-07:002013-08-20T17:23:01.694-07:00Tuesday 8/20 - 2nd day of schoolWe went for our walk this morning and went on a number hunt! We searched (and found!) the numbers 1, and 2. (Shrieks of excitement could be heard a half-mile away, I'm sure.)<br />
When we got back home, we counted to 21 on the calendar, discussed yesterday, today, and tomorrow, recited our bible verse (Ps 24:1) and sang the "days of the week" song.<br />
We then did our bible study, and learned that on the 2nd day, God made the sky, and divided the water above from the water below. Rowen and Charlotte got to color the #2 and cut it out (or cut it up, depending on the child. See photos on instagram #happelhomeschool) and then they colored the sea, and the clouds on another sheet of paper for their creation books.<br />
We sang our song (several times) "This is my Father's World" and then looked it up on Youtube, which the kids *really* enjoyed. Their favorite is Alli Roger's version:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1V9cpxMQkAA" width="420"></iframe><br />
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and we watched it repeatedly while they crafted! (and I got a headstart on dinner! woot!)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-61008682212564096742013-08-19T16:19:00.003-07:002013-08-19T16:19:41.632-07:00First day of Homeschool!Today we started homeschool. Rowen in Kindergarten, and Charlotte w/ preschool. We are using My Father's World, which is a curriculum that applies a Charlotte Mason technique.<br />
The first ten days are EASY. I think they're designed to be an intro to homeschool- to teach your five year old to sit still for 10 minutes at a time :)<br />
<br />
This morning, we went for a short walk around the block (with backpacks on, of course!) and then sat down at the table to begin learning about Creation.<br />
<br />
Both the kids loved it (a few photos on Instagram under #happelhomeschool.) We spent about a half hour, colored name tags, talked about the calendar, cut & colored a number 1, and cut & glued the "light/dark" page for our creation books. (Yes, Charlotte did everything w/ Rowen. Why not?) and then finished it off w/ a preschool activity (Kids Puzzle- gross motor, sorting.)<br />
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Next week is the 2nd week of the intro & Creation. After that, our first unit (of 26) will be "Sun." We'll be covering the letter "S" at the same time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-81028600184639702922011-10-26T08:45:00.001-07:002011-10-26T09:17:18.160-07:00October in the Happel House<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyx6J_lZ-0u1hQNN8jMCWhbAnRJzNeSHc5zWKJNZ0Ps68ji_HHXVDd-L-_R8pt_SSrUckKAlXRqWmHIo5AmTgzMpmZNvvbUEUhuSKSqgH-lb5qcAdq6DECwucH9kx1ld-F3TTfrl-docI/s320/DSC01520.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667814827009694994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikr7sWTrO3SWaVuF-fpjo6_TBbeqAMQ7OeaQ3dpe59wGcPwhMplceOMFsn3Pb7OvUmrymlFq12O8NeKXbot4LAfn_DzyXUN-tVRtTNtTwMLWv7fVsbakVzhOgO4wxnSOxFDMFHkiZc1sI/s1600/DSC01461.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikr7sWTrO3SWaVuF-fpjo6_TBbeqAMQ7OeaQ3dpe59wGcPwhMplceOMFsn3Pb7OvUmrymlFq12O8NeKXbot4LAfn_DzyXUN-tVRtTNtTwMLWv7fVsbakVzhOgO4wxnSOxFDMFHkiZc1sI/s320/DSC01461.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667810083119820802" /></a><br />We started off October w/ Rowen's third birthday- he wanted a fire-truck party so a fire-truck party he got! Matt and I built him a cardboard fire truck out of two boxes from a washer & dryer (kindly donated by standard TV & appliance- I may just go there and pick up boxes from time to time for the kids to play in! seriously!) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDw6fujl9YPE4Ovh5QI0dMW3MstEphvzgFW9HD4e7wITZQIP1hltN5_OyPftpXNmQ92DH1W9A4-OG8qc3jQ2js_hDpvNVVjFPnKkMaRphmDx6R4eiXCGOTP0ZynKT6iizfmjYZEV7Cbk/s320/DSC01481.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667811721213435218" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0Nqn8EYZ6sAeCkINo74gUZdNCq9Yq9IW9T60ZwIfCeOMJcBzNkGrVyrodhdOUBDDdDfW4N9wkBpbs56KldYDG3WjAuW9yATziHGCQ0oLfGQkbyyh1pQyqaF0EpzUdkTTFBcHwzQOtGw/s320/DSC01469.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667811691004148370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><br />We checked out a billion fire-truck books from the library (which he's enjoying in the above photo.) I made my first ever shaped cake: a fire truck of course. Thank heavens for the internet, you can learn to do anything! It was chocolate w/ a vanilla buttercream, and more red food coloring than I care to admit. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5d0YTsbFKyDCvigwjkUg7j7ibMcAfUDt_9VJkVLWtR9mWaAP_0HTEwR1Dq9G8LUPPykjEx1p7LFT2A8yc0LT6WROqXMMqGf68cd6kT3EdeZs7p8kDBUVTb4wSO2wn3ugDKLh2djBzu1g/s320/DSC01474.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667811706080948530" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwK66Q3o8AyDVfqHkJ3sGWSQzFJzBTRxosC2RpoJHYCR0m4JMGkWRAu5AT5C2F10DNt5Nw4ozJ0SV_2now6lr_1uEcQnGGdA1mHRJPOOmRfN6UGsSqyyRup9jSFiP6rFIZUI30qXQH88/s320/DSC01475.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667811703702526114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcWV-IAnYCDTSTPBb07zUOvtoe-QHqPkaeLiCo2MyORLZwA7hQrL2Xo-YLyta81n-SHzpoL1on2Cj6wmhdbcVoi8HagtOpUcktew-uqVnvwVz9aN7tCsZP6ZCF5AaWYVCYxrI25U7ke8/s320/DSC01473.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667811690476249874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><br />Knowing our house is small, we only let him invite five friends, and it was still a packed house w/ all the siblings. So much fun, though. We put red/orange/yellow streamers up for fire, and some black for smoke, </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-KDLLHKCy07HoYYv7HeE0CJ07zGKlQLuThpf_H_0qdp8C-0lWCbyige1J_3y-KCbdCU7cJ91G77Cd6JGaFXULOjc2Iy5dkMSP8eheLS5QyPZCixDjmkr9OZetyRROU4NbtE106-ypWlY/s320/DSC01516.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667814827597831650" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>his Pappy came in his turnouts so there was even a real firefighter at his party- can a kid get any luckier?<div>The very next day, we got to meet the newest Happel: Seattle edition. Mr. Justus James is as charming as can be, and we felt SO blessed to be there to welcome him & his new parents home. What a little bundle of lovin'!</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lkSrygpzTDMHwkD0fg25Ym_K0SFSkg7BsJgwItlRfZ0bsAOauwbbGoM4EVV5LQSv91n0vPB1xc4BnJf0iqMLB1sdD2brByf_oaw_gTYT3udNiBmDDOvpEaF48wlWvJY5A_FGpSfXVi0/s320/DSC01538.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667835576610925058" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHNv3S_Wad-P6WkN_oZaOv1DnerFF8P6j971GljpNDyzThxw8DLFPcA9PMOKr-gH5TfcnGDqa3H0vd-cnI9D5hhGq9azHXsAXZ0vEEU-LQguSrzYF0wPhN_EBkVFWyR4AtNg25a-pi_10/s320/DSC01543.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667814870474077602" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Rowen's actual birthday was the following weekend, and one of his presents was this shiny red guitar. It was love at first sight.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ivWhWuZ39mndmzASLODMEQcuW3DsSoITty8bwOtJCy4dGcIzp_-AxWxHIJBfBz-bUvpqrl_vh_fdivSdD4wQCR9aBwA96VozjiC5ucNf7GANTGfqOCW_DyCw8HCv8JHXcugTrzfoxmU/s320/DSC01540.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667814850385622802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Charlotte, on the other hand, is in love with saurkraut. (and I'm in love with her!) seriously. She got her first ear infection (double!) and it was really bad, so we chose to put her on antibiotics. :( I can't get the girl to eat yogurt for anything, but she chowed down on cultured red cabbage- so we got those probiotics in her! Thank goodness. (pay no attention to the party-aftermath that is the counter... )</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "> </span></span></div><div>The next week, while my friend Amber and I planned on going apple picking, the orchard we were going to go to was closed for the morning! It was such a pretty day, that we decided to visit a different apple farm anyway, even though there was no U-pick. There was, however, horses, which Charlotte couldn't keep herself from kissing. (oh my, my hair is a disaster. Just look at the cute baby kissing a huge animal, okay?)<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 529px; font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:1px;"><img class="spotlight" alt="" describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" busy="false" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/314461_10150423896687534_669547533_10614168_1923989778_n.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: inline-block; height: auto; image-rendering: optimizequality; max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto; " /></span></div><div>Matt and I got to go to the David Crowder Band concert that night, which was amazing. Gunger was there, and they are phenominal. It was such a treat to go out on a date, and such a late one as well! Charlotte did very well being put to bed without us, which is pretty impressive. Anyway, it was at the Crystal Ballroom, and when we got there, we realized there is basically no seating! Here's where the evidence comes out that I am so old. I'm looking around at all the crazy young kids thinking "three or four hours standing in this crowd? I'm not going to make it!" My back had been really hurting that day (unusual lately) and I get a *little* uncomfortable in crowds like that. I'm under 5' tall, can't see, it gets real stuffy down there... you get my point :) Thankfully, after my split second of panic, we realized there was a 21 and over side, which included a balcony w/ a few seats. We were able to snag two of them. Relief. :)</div><div>Later that week we got to cook dinner for friends who just had their 2nd baby.<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 529px; font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:1px;"><img class="spotlight" alt="" describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" busy="false" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/316662_10150354432762980_501322979_8157379_1664632566_n.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: inline-block; height: auto; image-rendering: optimizequality; max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto; " /></span> Their 1st baby, Miss Emersyn, is Rowen's age. You see, we met in our birth class when we were pregnant over three years ago! So fun. Our paths don't cross much, so it was a treat to spend a little time together and enjoy Baby Everett as well :)</div><div>That weekend <a href="http://www.atheycreek.com/default.aspx">our church</a> had a rare ladies event, and it was all day long. Which means I had to leave Charlotte for longer than she's gone without nursing before. Of course, Daddy was a trooper and Charlotte survived. (I swear she's so much happier when I'm not around! What a drama queen she is for me! God bless her.) It was really nice to spend a day in the Word and in fellowship and to worship my amazing Creator. What a big God we serve! I was really challenged in the area of having more purposeful quiet times and allowing Him to run my household. (Something I try to do anyway, but my efforts are so puny, right?) Very next day we got to enjoy our brand-new Home-Group! I got to hang out with all the kiddos upstairs and they were so precious right through dinner time. I love my church family. I love the way we support one another, lift each other up, challenge each other, I can't believe that just a few years ago we were struggling to get connected at Athey. Thank you, friends!</div><div>Early the next week, the kids and I met the Carters again at S<a href="http://sherwoodorchards.com/">herwood Orchards</a> for some apple & pear pickin' in the sunshine. (they were open this morning!) <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 529px; font-family:'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:1px;"><img class="spotlight" alt="" describedby="fbPhotosSnowboxCaption" busy="false" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/310125_10150423899052534_669547533_10614202_559916895_n.jpg" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: inline-block; height: auto; image-rendering: optimizequality; max-height: 100%; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto; " /></span> We got a 35# box of pear "seconds" @ 35 cents a pound (yeah!) and about the same quantity of apples.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oSjLHaJDnHtxe9a0Lbciy5Wwn6SA6TFvmcmwfu1dXGXcqilfQrRjJCnIgCYcji6agdNAHNxod1Ou7wOIHPqdE-x2-z8M0H3OR9J2bL7Mp-_4BrM8vcsGoh7LpdrA31jvDawqzJr88CM/s320/DSC01578.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667816768531343074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div>Charley loves diving into the pairs. She sneaks one almost every time I put her up on the counter! And do you notice her pretty pearls? One day this week (of the photo) I was wearing a neclace (hard to believe, right?) and she kept trying to rip it off me. So i put one on her. She was so proud. She's worn it almost every day since!</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7rx7Cubd05y8GKM9gO4Ty7vbk-Ke-Bqf5QhqSnOTHeBSC02Ii-JA1odzKU1lokNY014Ly5NuHQs6w0eR7hP9U1V-Vzbqf926_oRqmPQ_sTo-pKHB19qC5hiSLLBcWNX4tHBUsnuwSuo/s320/DSC01563.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667816750429391250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>The following week was super busy for Matt, so one night before putting the kids to bed by myself again, I asked Rowen if he'd like to do something special. His idea was to paint our toenails purple. What a guy :) I haven't painted my toenails in so long I can't imagine where he got the idea, but whatever! It was stinky, and fun :) Both kids loved staring at their pretty toenails for the week. :)</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIb9e7E9bqYCXBss3d5hfcQhvOGxXEhwpePYWSQ0JU7Jpppe3n7OB4pMXZbJQbX02iStfXCru_50ira5w8Qrmum5z4SjM4lYefeHZOzhWLZfB99idqPRHk6nOlazJOpEJKGSYG_h6bQXU/s320/DSC01567.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667816756866728866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div>We waited one week for the pairs to finish ripening, and ended up with 22 pints of delicious chunky cinnamon pear applesauce just yesterday. It was a four hour canning adventure, with four little kiddos, and everyone survived.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOsK-kX-eWHBAwTcFZBcJ1DFHghdTyn_Akl69FFbKAwi8hDTFY_Uuf20nR1mtSaR1HjjjsYyHcItI3JJqm_qYwzJAPFMXIkrF7TRVA4YVdEOJS-eGu_zeUVrb03nGB6YGFBCQ_zYA7Qg/s1600/photo+2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOsK-kX-eWHBAwTcFZBcJ1DFHghdTyn_Akl69FFbKAwi8hDTFY_Uuf20nR1mtSaR1HjjjsYyHcItI3JJqm_qYwzJAPFMXIkrF7TRVA4YVdEOJS-eGu_zeUVrb03nGB6YGFBCQ_zYA7Qg/s320/photo+2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667816777036568114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 188px; " /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkI9lUQx8s2siJRPflUhXPFRNBOD-PvKVVCbwsqUrvFrBvd_6dObLcoTRqEl-Y8QNwQt2OkxbYZv6QZGu3qLbvByei-AquPRTceb1fPFX8qsMl6yqdpLAFnWP-5LJiMIYtL5FFFP66YMI/s1600/photo+1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkI9lUQx8s2siJRPflUhXPFRNBOD-PvKVVCbwsqUrvFrBvd_6dObLcoTRqEl-Y8QNwQt2OkxbYZv6QZGu3qLbvByei-AquPRTceb1fPFX8qsMl6yqdpLAFnWP-5LJiMIYtL5FFFP66YMI/s320/photo+1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667816773921280194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px; " /></a>And now we have a pretty little jar to open every month until next apple season! Score!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We're just about finished up with our second month of homeschooling "preschool" for Rowen. He loves it. We're using "hands on homeschooling" and packing three days a week worth of five days of curriculum. Here he is doing a science experiment about tastes, textures, and color. Love this serious expression. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_A_jQq6Wpr_1mcYjfRve3Z5WOONd4e3XYG02ozfx9RJ_fA4M7qmBdJcJPvsHmeSOsg68M9_e8A9ToypmBKh5GaMjuatOyApFRQZNF0nZhMrvRiDOyX5AMsVNZWlFOrr3TNVJUGa8N4Wc/s1600/DSC01549.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_A_jQq6Wpr_1mcYjfRve3Z5WOONd4e3XYG02ozfx9RJ_fA4M7qmBdJcJPvsHmeSOsg68M9_e8A9ToypmBKh5GaMjuatOyApFRQZNF0nZhMrvRiDOyX5AMsVNZWlFOrr3TNVJUGa8N4Wc/s320/DSC01549.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667814889499588962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">He is memorizing scripture, learning shapes, colors, he memorized the Pledge of Allegance and says it each day, and basic skills like glue and paint and scissors and drawing certain shapes etc- it's sweet. So far, so good! Maybe I'll try to take more photos of his school work next month.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sQRgCYeuEZYhifXMbSAPgLj2axdOwbonsJlfNjCtFM3XXcb_N6UQZ_1mY2Q-GeKnPOp-t9n-o7blXVAd_McBuADNLaJytoAMMPomoV-gZFe2QnWnYuD7VlJMJz2Vi6QA5EFtntFqB_o/s1600/DSC01557.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sQRgCYeuEZYhifXMbSAPgLj2axdOwbonsJlfNjCtFM3XXcb_N6UQZ_1mY2Q-GeKnPOp-t9n-o7blXVAd_McBuADNLaJytoAMMPomoV-gZFe2QnWnYuD7VlJMJz2Vi6QA5EFtntFqB_o/s320/DSC01557.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667818860110860722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span></div><div>We are still loving <a href="http://www.organicstoyou.org/home/index.html">Organics to You</a>, though we took several deliveries off this summer to enjoy the farmer's markets, and other fresh local veggie options. Here's some greens as big as half my countertop... crazy. I made a lentil sweet potato curry soup with half of them, and will be making pesto with the other half tonight to pour over polenta. Mm!</div><div><br /></div><div>And.... that's October in a wrap!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-53290297278424371852011-09-27T08:04:00.000-07:002011-09-27T08:09:41.690-07:00some video entertainment for those of you who don't facebook...<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/65LP82jztXE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6qWozhVHANE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gms7Mt3V_AE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fCA1q0-qevk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1n_C44yKA8c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jOTr29VjveA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/j6mTtFt4Mfg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-43236473376748196002011-09-01T15:19:00.000-07:002011-09-01T15:28:01.956-07:00Jelly Jar Labels<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTKpZnoO_3_tkk2u4Pt-CVm-pJPLRCAvtcudkC-vD2FTh7QCicUdaskh0MKSSBnT7pmpREzlpt58oXob4CZdawc34y00rQP8eXOwo1wRMYkUGvpSPBEqcG__YA8MGErAfh_pYFGsw_Ng/s1600/DSC01299.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTKpZnoO_3_tkk2u4Pt-CVm-pJPLRCAvtcudkC-vD2FTh7QCicUdaskh0MKSSBnT7pmpREzlpt58oXob4CZdawc34y00rQP8eXOwo1wRMYkUGvpSPBEqcG__YA8MGErAfh_pYFGsw_Ng/s320/DSC01299.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647519974661909058" /></a>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVDYnIo8cXdv6hjTi95phY7FQnw3aCM6o54Vu7qMpIYu65inyvCnMovROqjnMYsQFKogYNOXT4BG-Y6yv1017Hb1Tk1hyHjNgUkoySxpduT6Op5tLJBa4aOcPQ_l_dFevMyhPaC7g6cs/s1600/DSC01304.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVDYnIo8cXdv6hjTi95phY7FQnw3aCM6o54Vu7qMpIYu65inyvCnMovROqjnMYsQFKogYNOXT4BG-Y6yv1017Hb1Tk1hyHjNgUkoySxpduT6Op5tLJBa4aOcPQ_l_dFevMyhPaC7g6cs/s320/DSC01304.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647519970913861426" /></a>
<br />Aren't these fun? I'm organizing a Preserves Party this month and I seriously can't wait to swap spreads with all my friends. The point was to do a little work and end up with a lot of jam, but I can't help myself. I just keep making more! So far I've made a boysenberry freezer jam, a strawberry fig jam, some wild plum preserves (think pork chops or goat cheese/hazelnut ravioli) and some fig preserves (just dying to top a round of brie, to be baked in puff pastry. Right?) I'm REALLY hoping someone makes peach preserves and let's me know so that I don't run out and make some myself... though there are still several others rolling around in my mind!<div>Anyhow... got the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">harebrained</span> idea to make cute labels as well! Super easy- I cut 2" circles out of scrapbook paper and printed the label part on plain white paper. Cut 'em out with fun scissors and presto! Cuter than ever jars! (okay, they could seriously be a lot cuter... but this is simple and plain and kinda my style.) If you want the word file for your own preserving this season, leave me your email address and I'll email it to you! (I don't know how to put it on the blog... otherwise I would.) :)</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-83546507606263739542011-07-07T08:37:00.000-07:002011-07-07T09:39:23.453-07:00A Day in the Life of a One Year Old<div style="text-align: center;">Obviously, this post is a month old today. Happy 13 month birthday, Charley! Well yes, it appears blogging is not my top priority now that she is SO mobile! I'm a busy momma! Even so, I thought this deserved posting :) And it's taken me about two hours to get it up between serving breakfast and wiping tears and changing diapers and everything else- but, here it is, nonetheless!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-.-.-.-.-</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">A Day in the Life of a One Year Old</p> <p class="MsoNormal">June 7<sup><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span></sup> 2011</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">5:40am- you came into bed w/ me to nurse. When you were finished, you rolled onto your tummy, tucked your knees under and fell asleep.</p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SdH8dS5Vg2tRp6iaZbcaUtrdJqWYaR5sb5DCt-DOq4GhyphenhyphenuFaDAWN0wJqNv1BJtKUZb-9rTYIwf3nErtFFxBDe-x8JeOeIsx7hw1nelvfe8PLV6moO3MbQ5sBEPFgLOc4GlZ14cML6SE/s320/P1090867.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626637499541532722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">7:02am – awake chatting w/ your sweet little raspy voice, “<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">heh</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ey</span>”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">7:04am- changed your very yucky poo- still a little tummy bug.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">7:07am- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nursin</span>’</p> <p class="MsoNormal">7:14am- I carried you outside to let the chickens down and check on the garden</p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluvPStrKlCWS1QkHW-KM0C7o7PHgTnsNkCZdwtwP7WzVUDmSBTPMyFrrzBAc_6IHwQQZZxOBi9q-UrhhMb-f-yQ8gKMQIOtUbtIifoTZbfTa-jbSlZrZoXz1iLE09KedCeWdq3SHavT0/s320/P1090868.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626637510964995762" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">7:20am- play time. A current favorite, the bead maze,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsrnNJClNtSl397HYh5Yfyqy8o6BMO3EexxN10JZRj8d1HZfOE8csmT5Y72yLlI69L0dSzdqP8JLOSSKzvPhtQXgem7fjpv_pcjsR5RGPaYZGBc3VZHKvHpRbE-eSSZez2p_-erYbUBw/s320/P1090877.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626640794813613138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>then pulling apart <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">legos</span> and handing them to me to put back together, </p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLVMLxEObIc-WWR8qmbwz4a43O-pytLZT5yXnuhT2pDyNzIWqCnUuX6oFVXJWoQAr-dSH7zq3LtBpYsfKXTj1DykWGiAbOtyMw2FgBSlo5gVrMiWUTf5da4eRaKQc6myQtkMbDe5kOCo/s320/P1090882.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626640781677613442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">putting them back in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">lego</span> bucket, </p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Fz3UmjPkmus8uwOowNTVrF6b9djJdVD5ItgKr59Wt9XecmvlmJODypYKgtKokSJKdFFGYGOpqfVPHVihkH3R-4jClAiTu7L5ZW87JBU364DvddKKfFjv4DXWfFTpTR9Jwd_0IsAZMV4/s320/P1090885.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626640782824525186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">and then a brief look at the 100 animals book we checked out from the library.</p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAMwsJ4qtKaXm2qDf-NwJMlfvxEHcZry1LG41xFz3UPVYukDEQoooglb4EoTGsF5nKuxlRCS5YD7ZICTMFA9PBtyKc-CcYeC77Yr61y5AQcI_QPAZtWfXF8yX4a7crSBhXp2MSSSQnSw/s320/P1090890.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626638986328502258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">7:43am- getting cranky. I took you to your room and handed you your bunny-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">blankie</span> (paw in mouth) and you took it and snuggled your head onto my shoulder. Yep, time for a nap! It’s earlier than usual, but you’re not feeling yourself quiet yet. I wrapped you up in your pink fuzzy blanket, turned on your sleep sheep, and left you to dream.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">8:01am- you never fell asleep, just relaxed in your comfort zone. Now you’re giggling a little bit with your brother, who must be awake.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">8:24am- I just left your room after nursing you & lying you back down</p> <p class="MsoNormal">9:00am- you’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ve</span> been asleep for a little bit now, that’s more like your normal nap time. After leaving you @ 8:30 you cried some more, I picked you up and let you out of your crib for a bit but you were not happy. Saddest little birthday girl ever! So, I’m happy you’re sleeping peacefully now. Hopefully it’ll be a good one and all the restoration you need.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">9:16am- went in your room and you were awake! Oh well, but you seem much happier now! We need to get ready to go to the grocery store.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkuPb81JtS96SQGZ9iJVcIn9swdw7R66xK-653HUb1-_KL7AM9XCH3U4XiRzkEcJZ-pMqtG9Gi3DZt280zyMH9qllXhcrTFjwmbF9Nu5ZdnvLQ9jjHWYlD6mXws9SyCA6ZaSHLOW53PnM/s320/P1090891.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626638974523098722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cRGFQm7HG1viX8A9tVy08eFHjaQr-tEZC1DfBC9iILAVYLBci5drxI8UDGIguB5Cqg9yOIp_VoEuYSC4X-4aYfCtILDL_xE1QqnhoGng9dc_WnNL9lqzpcJ4so4OvFsknKkAdW8ZRQg/s320/P1090893.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626638973006748466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">happy shopper. One of your most favorite toys right now is this orange toothbrush. The handle has little balls in it, so it shakes like a rattle. You take it with you almost everywhere we go :)</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span> <p class="MsoNormal">11- got back from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">winco</span> & nursed right away- you were DONE w/ that shopping trip!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCJ_V6a1awJuaeqnULQ4sqmjz9Am9ih8hEVfbtHgZF5VGFhq1-Xt8FDoGaUGh9-v04iTO9kOxq-y1mmlT6CzDg4KfZ0vri-BoFfjxr_IdJfF7cM9Rwb02agTWEfjX8EYuWgr9SQap8cM/s320/P1090895.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626638966170844738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">11:15am – <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">lego</span> time w/ brother while I make lunch</p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58QaQToUsW0TKmmfEO8c9JdC3zSyfh3XICdCvRl9gNdgg7OyuiOe9zcuCsNqJAKjEvmAP-LYYoo7hG4_Fskv8l0gbxNCkS-4FOZXctryOFHCc30Ih_7k1Xu2bNWVXJDT7ZKarLgUUCMQ/s320/P1090905.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626638959789918994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">12:03pm – all done w/ lunch, time to play w/ brother some more!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">12:30pm- crawled into the kitchen to find me. I changed you, kissed your tummy & made you giggle, and nursed you to sleep.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">1:30pm- you woke up and sat yourself straight up- your newest skill- and cried out because you’re still tired and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">couldn</span>’t get back down & comfy. Tucked you back in w/ bunny-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">blankie</span>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">2:40pm- awake, sitting up! Nursed and down to play.</p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Hm6-Tcmo7QlUB6Kk0dCqyTf5rl9cy9erdoVazQon39yEIwMX6akS_naQ-qBY2kvrLUxaSl7_FFADp612dkA-zDJfJheYHNdoeM8D3omIAxN4W0HMD3JlSk2QbqzXm9sSrGYxykSQ7Tk/s320/P1090907.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626637527847126610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal">3:35pm- pots and pans</p> <p class="MsoNormal">3:50- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">nursin</span>’ some more</p> <p class="MsoNormal">4:00- shopping w/ mommy- rite aid, dollar tree, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">joanns</span>. Big girl! You got a few “pretty girl” comments while we were out. This was an out-of-the-ordinary afternoon trip, but we had to get a few things for your big party on Saturday.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I never got to record the rest of the day, but a typical evening looks about like this:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">5:00- you come crawling into the kitchen, crying desperately for something to eat while I’m making dinner. I sit you in your chair and find something in the fridge to throw at you. Frozen peas, cheese, left over cooked meat, diced fruit, whatever! You usually cheer right up w/ a little finger food to put in your mouth.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66BrDggPxgK7No0qUYViEekOOXY_p_FPaNErMNAexeJP2FuYQtnrR7p_nqkVngjH6YXbw4vlkoplNwXLzJ6eBVuMtdUQ-YyjYqfbj7v0fpWzduoTtIGAKKGIiFxRqdhjRR2sfONdWH0Q/s320/P1090908.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626637519316229042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span> <p class="MsoNormal">5:30- time for the rest of the family to eat dinner. Half the time you’re happy to have more on your plate, the other half you’re done eating after I finally sit down and so I clean you up and nurse you while I eat.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">6:30- we go for a walk as a family or you have play time w/ Daddy and Brother. Once in a while this includes a bath- which you scream throughout the entire duration. You hate baths. Tonight, however, you got to open your first birthday present! You've been eyeing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">baby dolls</span> for a while, so that's what we picked out for you. You thought she was great and chewed on her hand- because that's how you say "i love you," isn't it?</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidK8YpqweO4OO-gNf3VlfvEiC0_OGYNd5ygfHulkWRX-DAyhqC1zsV1_ymcQj9Zmj-UBcjVLZfV6Ku42-98BrWio7GtS7ISNJoyG0aEK6BEQo3G9Nd1DHWNhV0tSMaw1KJC_d91kmDgxY/s320/P1090910.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626637514467071010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span> <p class="MsoNormal">7:30- bed time! Nurse, cod liver oil, diaper & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">jammies</span>, stories w/ Daddy and Brother on the couch, and down for bed. You usually cry for a little while, then I nurse you, and lay you back down to fall asleep.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Love you, baby girl! Happy First Birthday!</p> <!--EndFragment--> </div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-14717224286181219982011-05-24T13:23:00.000-07:002011-05-24T13:47:20.071-07:00It feels like a photo day<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So let's catch up on May!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Charlotte discovered the tunnel. It was a little scary, but she made it!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VIWbbt1_P0ILJ3-8j5bAsXGrSLUU9xLlHpoHaCQScE9Y53wR0VpIOdC91QraDHUGUV9MDkIDN1VgBBZtgipigebRfZ9eOH5NJxI4AihiGC9DRwVgr2EEm6wJzoSiySv9yWHTml1i_cM/s1600/P1090650.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VIWbbt1_P0ILJ3-8j5bAsXGrSLUU9xLlHpoHaCQScE9Y53wR0VpIOdC91QraDHUGUV9MDkIDN1VgBBZtgipigebRfZ9eOH5NJxI4AihiGC9DRwVgr2EEm6wJzoSiySv9yWHTml1i_cM/s320/P1090650.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610381770601778738" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And I'm sorry, but could she be any cuter? I just couldn't help myself.</div></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7U26hyphenhyphenSE6egwy7uRbB4f0j71vsUaG9NurFHdsyfvrF-Pszn4spU0KuTPYpi6OLMUZj0cIYAyjh7feyemkExUHibY6UKmrnZ_RC42HRKeXHfiiUc9_tDi9rP-es4yE7JNj1i3byRWAmc/s320/P1090666.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610381795684454114" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">My Momma, on mother's day <3</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFVPVAfjeTtIvGIn-oSX8_ztbmHoFD15_HzlOmyr-m3r1cW22DckyUwOSK-USZCuir5Ke0AXA-DScPrLMaIRD46-PEjCgOAekUB0aINEs4Nb2uNSKOiOcY_mLBtSfSCYpohoTyHd-OrI/s320/P1090670.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610381779521149026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">More Mother's Day fun, w/ Matt's Mom and Grandma "GG." Poor Charlotte was so "done" at this point, it was a long day!</div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmnmQY3xZa6Tumc8-cwSzswQdcu_9qqvvOfi4DSOleKLF4Ded3HuM7cJbn81p0WtoE_9BJGCP5ujev3qoGh98QaLO4vsyTCSQ7LpH32pB8bI1wALmrBf5xBAyPb8kKvFHSYuI9DkdPQk/s320/P1090683.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610381792769531010" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Rowen playing with his little bud JJ</div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9CJtjwbSL41e95eEmiqxi42q4dCY677KQDg8SNO1zw6aGjcFAuyPpDxK31Lrkv0k9JlgW8DJRYlhls78NL4i0tF_l9qMopg3GqEpQkwPJSZCPaRE1tdexY4TfyxAeNSmAd5iSxbDCdFE/s320/P1090740.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610381804703680498" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Charlotte enjoying homemade saurkraut on her hotdog. Mmm.... i have the weirdest kids :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ovQ_iDNw3BwFV0UIoNSH-kBP1772-ColSsdMnjY7Vvzp2HjLYLPoAtDm8sO4lcAAZzmZIAKcXqpzhnvwwk6jkrrRK6Ju0fuC81Eomp-YyJQrCzE-HamFgi4d_cRU8jHSgumd5AEfwcM/s320/P1090796.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610382569877826722" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">kombucha!</div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBgKx8qP73ZH_jRL99-AFiUZyyW9gbgKe3vfbxRIemBB-v6eCqERfzVqDKJHQlkE3R2Y8R5HLDXQ_LZeLSzmndYZL_ItRBkU-LOEBIjmUY8PB5gQLLwj_yyYg7NBLid3wIN_vRLsV5cc/s320/P1090815.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610382578382583794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">aww..... Charlotte lovin' on Daddy. (and a spatula.) Matt's face is one of utter enjoyment and disbelief- Charlotte is VERY stingy with her lovin's! (I'm pretty much the only one that gets them, ever.)</div></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsQNxP7bJEmH6nfuTOUl153WOWHwX0aIgO8n_Bpq5qQUqLzj3OADQtwMb9Nrtyk6eAkDBlsFZCkLiMBlmZjDcpLtzNHh1Dr4lq4nYaMxwuhIXDwbKtGmLpeLVrC_74AlP-IqqkRt6kg0/s320/P1090812.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610382573709595250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 229px; height: 320px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Would you believe we actually had a day nice enough to go to the Zoo? Rowen holding hands with his little buddy Adler.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMBfHAnfehLShtS1OrFkbR8sdeW38jbR3qby5gejzoE9GnJwnQAB9RmyCOpMsDzxvkgP60olwdV3tD1VmpR4wfsegCevV3DqvGNrnoTx9VfPcGOygn-Rbf_5rv38T3fMwM36ho8Zp7W3s/s320/P1090825.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610382580139504002" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Charlotte found the tupperware cupboard. She dumped out the bucket of lids. (organized, aren't I?)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmMtQGR0lNSZ5nrxG_FIZ_zPo8ZyU3f2zBou1Eret-6NynZjG7o_8yYSXpBUR1nJaTgiYEueuWGPKpoOTov6QM_t0cjadChWjN13Fz1effScLg3JeK1gUFrxwC3Tp1P5x580AjJtsVug/s320/P1090834.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610384467881606386" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); ">Examined each one...</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGgEgPxELlbTel4ZLSjtgNnHzhqu4H3StrCBLc4aM3uHwnFjNe1d452lNvVcu0iV6J3mHQmnMR3YauBUcaltn5J4FT76rreVY34DF8vCLu9z5SYMbiSFSU2x8zo2xu2OSYPezlvEaUMA/s320/P1090836.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610384471149585698" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div style="text-align: center;">and then put them back. Sweet girl!</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxOvsS2TS3X0gv5Hutq5ukUWEYC4CHMqaGWcgV3IldGEQGhOJVS3lZ3sg_iDeXsmEkkFawjlXgKxHm1xLYtR7GdE1N6DXSE-zS4zhkcU5CIxm1nQFTnBuytZroS0xWjF5yghbwcHcncc/s320/P1090835.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610384480447064994" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This morning we went to a (don't be shocked) McDonald's play place with our good friends the Carters. I know, I know, yuck, right? But the Mommas enjoyed a cup of coffee and the kids REALLY enjoyed climbing their hearts out. I do believe we'll be making a regular play date out of it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo5MCLOjL3t0XiN-wdo-9WRR8dC6-VjAHTC1yhKq73_2a-NYyLZmbTrw7crNhaa1Uf1NC8rJjQTPwiir5EpxVryORyly4vfDcOadLckZeal9hhcik4mdaO5iz2gmlc8mcxJAz4ZHGO0w/s1600/P1090848.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo5MCLOjL3t0XiN-wdo-9WRR8dC6-VjAHTC1yhKq73_2a-NYyLZmbTrw7crNhaa1Uf1NC8rJjQTPwiir5EpxVryORyly4vfDcOadLckZeal9hhcik4mdaO5iz2gmlc8mcxJAz4ZHGO0w/s1600/P1090848.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo5MCLOjL3t0XiN-wdo-9WRR8dC6-VjAHTC1yhKq73_2a-NYyLZmbTrw7crNhaa1Uf1NC8rJjQTPwiir5EpxVryORyly4vfDcOadLckZeal9hhcik4mdaO5iz2gmlc8mcxJAz4ZHGO0w/s320/P1090848.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610384660175430738" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gO_Of6Lbmmuvml0LMHX7QiSdOZ8wbRe5OrtE5rLe8_6gMUhEwtr5_TNvCyn7fbL5I0Y7elT0nrX9JygQGHUPV61kd-uoAtmc0FNQAox2S-GWr5c_MIyhYuGYaemfqiv6-ODM15UApHs/s1600/P1090851.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gO_Of6Lbmmuvml0LMHX7QiSdOZ8wbRe5OrtE5rLe8_6gMUhEwtr5_TNvCyn7fbL5I0Y7elT0nrX9JygQGHUPV61kd-uoAtmc0FNQAox2S-GWr5c_MIyhYuGYaemfqiv6-ODM15UApHs/s320/P1090851.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610384493186300194" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyUWpTmdo_KJ-LFvwKwWdflNmiv-w2kJDSNPaRE-MJnYFuTnFaydYYKJZcxU3XJTh69rzSyLuGq8SimtoQGA7soUMbKYrvv4nCgUhi3EkrGuUTsBcDrwM_P1gXK83Aiyk6TsnkFMxEfM/s1600/P1090850.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyUWpTmdo_KJ-LFvwKwWdflNmiv-w2kJDSNPaRE-MJnYFuTnFaydYYKJZcxU3XJTh69rzSyLuGq8SimtoQGA7soUMbKYrvv4nCgUhi3EkrGuUTsBcDrwM_P1gXK83Aiyk6TsnkFMxEfM/s320/P1090850.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610384484432862226" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-63544140792188898762011-05-19T06:33:00.000-07:002011-05-19T07:01:18.755-07:00You can make that? Buttermilk!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, I know where she's going with this one, you say. I've known that little trick forever! Just add some lemon juice or vinegar to milk and let it curdle for a few minutes and..... oh, wait my dear friend. This is so much better. And just as easy. If you like to cook with buttermilk (or drink it, you crazy person. I know you're out there.) Or if you have some buttermilk that's going to expire and you're not ready to whip up 50 fluffy pancakes, you have got to try this. And then thank me later for the money your saving and for it's pure deliciousness.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay, are you ready? This is so great it just tickles me to share it. You need milk (not ultra-pasteurized, it wont work) some store-bought buttermilk (it's the last time you'll ever buy it, I swear.) and a jar w/ a lid.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Measure 2 Tbsp buttermilk into your jar...</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJJgVi7RWp1p5u7R1jS4VjEi52U8zjoBdU2AO708ArR219hp6t85GMV8D29rOZ8nf-ODaosU-qxGA_7OBYQ8LZyn59OQFuj6f105ISKocj2azAeJfQygjfxv_FtpCm649aiJp3plmqaw/s320/P1090726.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608421122776495794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">add the milk with your left hand while taking a picture w/ your right... no no, don't do that. Unless you have lots of towels near by. Just pour in two cups of milk. Okay?<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuE8pTqjiA3bZA0juMvLn8US-lNxlPqGGfjCdlrVl9Dkc1m0UAtPTo8kVugOfqA0x0NUItgIU2Csyz1LXsQIRoaYaFgjOFQ4b2bzI9T27V2VZ-QzX4C_iGkq-Qd84ZNpbEKZlcIxOeBTc/s320/P1090728.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608421124856184834" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">screw the lid on and shake it like ya mean it. (for a minute! Make sure you do a little dance while you're at it. Endorphins, I tell ya!)</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jb4TOh61jmrcqCjW6m926yYQsV7ZHDYK6LZda-KNy3iE7iTQtcIXpgCg71z4mx35NBWrXb_Wjs60z19TZnYpX8OL2uJkeQK8xf3n9T7SUAO0uYn9Ht56_9zIajZjVA1cCTF_M6BxqSo/s320/P1090731.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608421131795858994" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Set it somewhere that you wont touch it for a day. The timing is not exact and depends on the temperature of your kitchen, but technically it's "24 hours." But really, who's counting? Just don't leave it there a week, okay?</div><div style="text-align: center;">And while you're here, feel very blessed that this is not what YOUR fridge looks like. And let your imagination run wild with just how bad the SIDE of the fridge is. heh. Oh yes, the organizational queen of old is dead. six. feet. under.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oh7xNOKKoTwOANfg5iOJJLiNmAcJNEC0vQVmUVJX6nWJUN83QFwfsoRz8nSAuF-5naOD4rqXY_SYbNAZC7dNunfsrh_l6wZ7Ds2EguxU4BU3cR-iZ5A9iVx3TGO-VkR9iCvBxFpTwaY/s320/P1090733.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608421134014673618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 320px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Finally, take it down and give it a good stir so you can admire it's beauty. Try and contain your urge to eat a spoonful. (okay c'mon, I dare ya! I've always thought buttermilk to be disgusting until I whipped up my own batch. Ooooh mama.)</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ICCX3ecbcKHXTk-jjgOsjS_1hVnIK3NJO2Jd6kspJnUmOGTqxgahPSFh9IoobbHpw0fvZe7jdE42gkVxm6lp0p0gbDj8l3jMjP96jYoAPeQARXHYVQ4iq_-KvxkIPnJgDfRCSbbxIa4/s320/P1090799.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608425309709963570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">refrigerate and make biscuits at will! Or whatever your favorite buttermilk recipe is.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "> If you think it's been in your fridge a touch too long and you haven't used it yet, scoop out another two tablespoons, add it to two cups of milk..... you get the picture :) And feel free to double or half the recipe, the ratios matter, not the quantity. Enjoy!</span></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div><br /></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-67055931081653700892011-05-06T13:24:00.000-07:002011-05-06T13:39:55.838-07:00A few Photos of the kids<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">...'cause that's what everyone REALLY wants, right? Enough about enzymes and rancid oils already. ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8smB_BJdd3CpW7_deGa5rN6Jtk5OHmr26zjK2edgK8GjzloolAVats9fc3wQ4QbrBeP6EnFjJx-w-S8FgMpq2pYKJRp-fkvynIUTr55MvY9pWjXqdMiKnM1APW1dArGYTJlGhLxvauQ/s320/P1090595.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603702441104985938" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmW-c_JFnZxEurr1oobmn-5iEOyZzcnhihSMNvs6-u4J6r1LIcEm552wkvlxS9wbMkrD_-zMy9VjO9VzvD-BhYuQMn50w8ma0miklxgiQrjWxTsu6NhHXDSwkK7Z7EFJFAVJQz9BHZBd8/s320/P1090587.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603702438365613266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3TKNsZzOdhrwwJE7vJ2uGzPaUMSG3BE_7WOJC9lFuOK9y7sccks0jsQMDnX3oYeitaeLsFScoLztI71XaCYVVwayRal2gcIwVGQJacWWGkw3IKn23z365qy73gLFTxm3vPEsukPIWAQ/s320/P1090603.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603702452152061234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">a little easter egg huntin' w/ Pop-pop. i love this last one. They both have such cute looks on their faces!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmsLaLgKl4mVcleIsu-I8Z7l1qwcubg5IFjFbFk7rhNaBX4VtxSy3SNokC3-8ZSnTHKcc9mJjNOh9FWy5DCXG5jL5iSeP1GPdLTPh4jKAdk4Frg4GEUNQpFHdLgJOdYeIR3wehRHYG0k/s320/P1090607.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603702456790340514" style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 320px; " /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;">The gals are finally outside... But this was a few days before. Trying to cram onto the edge of the brooder box to roost. I can't believe how big they are! Look at this photo of when we first got them:</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsxRTEov8Aj3ZCwTrtPezstzNH6YMWZoHlCDOsxPJSXlRxhT6-KtvdAJXp2wFWxSq0LvpcJJPbpxW_Kb_rntIM3HVnNPegj4KpHAX7bVXcnsdl55cGpGbMPx-pwAywG8RoXSqRfKBofqA/s320/P1090248.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603703935140539170" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">seriously</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0MgSILpHvc23gHETJIWa8sALrWAFQHHJoNzd6oRZsm3uq4QzCD_LVUPeXEdhx5dFjvfk_qVSSx_TLwweFSmb5TayIH9ZqWbtYIu5qeYYEB2H87o1_eDnXoCbsOwWfXvtnvYlw7sOWxg/s320/P1090613.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603702901794771490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><div style="text-align: center;">Rowen entertaining Sissy w/ donkey kicks all around her.</div></span><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOv6NAn2Y59GCJYf5BG3Zx-c42oAXOtmghU2JuraOrXkPe-LoYGyJ_sMiWquq0CmTUXlBcHwMfD4XwEE0mD6dEYRnh7Ax7LJFj5z_NBUKxZi3HaIlkZf9UL_thqwWoMUsiwyMfhHqdIDU/s320/P1090612.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603702467647881874" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQB50c45xHQy58Q_DoFWbIpfwYzF_X70vvIkXl6x9dLLyVizVEIGCg8Rp48cMQn1Pt1jFSB_-3MDVTW328amahmA1YrU66yfi99DK6KS-Z1-ZplC5XnLM0RXOfDfZegQCk7C9rrxbdQOE/s1600/P1090619.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQB50c45xHQy58Q_DoFWbIpfwYzF_X70vvIkXl6x9dLLyVizVEIGCg8Rp48cMQn1Pt1jFSB_-3MDVTW328amahmA1YrU66yfi99DK6KS-Z1-ZplC5XnLM0RXOfDfZegQCk7C9rrxbdQOE/s320/P1090619.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603702922762222690" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center; ">just before our bike ride. Rowen is SO cool. Charley is sucking on an apple slice. She knawed at it for about two hours- the duration of our sunny day adventure. Hehe. (more impressive than that, she kept her hat and sunglasses on the whole time. yeah!)</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvgRA1htnO-uncvc9pW8PWEE7dlC1c0sULGyOC6vOXZhbzLushGXBh7zYh8fKzzhB8ScrZBuH6vdlYiUGLHorHIKfP9r6-Sop0KR4NAPN1OgaGIz6Q2_oAlu_Di2uPVljpdO0PYAsrMA/s1600/P1090623.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvgRA1htnO-uncvc9pW8PWEE7dlC1c0sULGyOC6vOXZhbzLushGXBh7zYh8fKzzhB8ScrZBuH6vdlYiUGLHorHIKfP9r6-Sop0KR4NAPN1OgaGIz6Q2_oAlu_Di2uPVljpdO0PYAsrMA/s320/P1090623.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603702913453810322" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 320px; " /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">I told them to have goofy faces.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfsFuYD6dCzirpslURg7PjaiR6mM0F30v_Z6ajctWn_xzCRfYNwcLWaGJvlQzC2DuW0OlbCP_WQXnt6ZrUhBCuKV44WeLCypUPBrwL7GAPaObRwGznIMNnjTRyzF6L6Gz9ETy-IY9RF7w/s320/P1090634.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603702911794425458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); ">Okay i didn't. I just only snapped one picture and that's what I got. :)</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;">Making the most out of our <i>one</i> sunny day: picnic dinner (broccoli raab w/ cheese, nitrite/nitrate free hotdogs, probiotic ketchup and raw milk. Oh yeah, we eat guuud when Daddy's gone.) It was Sissy's first hot dog. She would have eaten the whole thing if I hadn't given the last two bites to Rowen. Oink!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-20982292206919683522011-05-05T17:48:00.000-07:002011-05-06T13:08:28.710-07:00You can make that? Mayo!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Stop feeling guilty about spreading the white stuff on your sandwich- try this and know that you're doing something GOOD for your heath with every bite! It's ridiculously easy. I'm serious. It took me WAY longer to write/post this blog entry than to make the mayo. *snort* </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">I'm still perfecting my recipe, but that's the beauty of it. Change is a good thing!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Step one: gather your supplies, and make sure they're room temperature. You'll need:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 22px; font-family:'palatino linotype', perpetua, georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"><b><br /></b>1 egg + 1 yolk from pastured hens. (Yes folks, they're going to be raw. You want the good stuff.)<br />1 tsp raw sugar or other sweetener if you like (you can totally do without)<br />1 tsp raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar<br />3/4 C olive oil (cold press)<br />1/4 C coconut oil<br />1 tsp whey (liquid drained off yogurt or kefir)<br />sea salt & paprika</span></span></span></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieANoxRAG4NlHyqZcReyQrIGZ_PSvmRRGrkaVqDVyboB2DwaHKFpNSfgeRkwtuWvpHL86q1vi1sqysEXfYH2RHcXlm6jPV7BDKkVLhsKcgThjZNE5-KPc8u60l-zCBh9fNBZmeWDB-R3s/s320/P1090560.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603399412314548802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">If it's less than 76 degrees in your kitchen, your coconut oil will be solid. I like to fix this little "problem" by putting the (full) measuring cup in a tray of hot water. Liquefies right quick!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzcdOC4DngiYbtyt-UjKBfPKbBRi4BgnmbFSsYE0E1cViXTDJXFLk8X32EEtlePZqVJJaBlVvZQ4Lt-WgsaMQvPkS508e1jexeFJ_mXY9l6RdhtFyBHKbubB7bwZWXufT6neOLZ6Xvz4/s320/P1090561.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603399417197645778" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span>whirl the eggs, sugar, vinegar, and whey in a food processor until it's nice and frothy. Slowly pour in the oils while it's running, like so:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33zARREh6HK089wTOrbouuF6dzJFv1ACHdjdY3qpHDL2DTXsikLRjXPS1HEuoqiTyc0YTSScbIHDb-GBEFYdKXS6Fc72oSFRHN1-HACj3brwxiQGk1oCJQLl8tkAD6CFiAzZ2B9Ha30w/s320/P1090564.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603399422373307554" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><div style="text-align: center;">I made my first batch with vegetable oil because I still had it. It was.... eh.... not the best. Second batch was half coconut oil, half olive oil. It was yummy, but a tad too coconuty. This batch at 1/4 coconut 3/4 olive is pretty tasty! Essentially, you could use whatever combination of oils you wanted to as long as you have one cup. If you're just getting into more "natural" cooking and going w/ coconut & olive is making your eyes bug out 'cause they're so expensive ( i know... i know...) you could start w/ half veg oil & half natural oils. That would cut the cost, and at least you're going better than store bought. Baby steps, people. I'm thinking my next batch might be 1/4 bacon grease... wouldn't THAT be tasty??? Baconaisse... ooh, the sky's the limit when you make it yourself!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sorry. I'll stop day dreaming and get back to the process.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Next step: admire it's thick, lusciousness, and season appropriately.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZDwAECII-8GzGBeSQCUbSyq86U8I0GYZKBZBH31uJef8hiE_q02FKimPZ4NN_3wzwzmh-eJsc0VKOX4Pd7YKobj11MY7BopWflj5rblrE2Lt6DIbZhmqJxuv1NG8X7EeBc1EfeF3Ils/s1600/P1090566.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZDwAECII-8GzGBeSQCUbSyq86U8I0GYZKBZBH31uJef8hiE_q02FKimPZ4NN_3wzwzmh-eJsc0VKOX4Pd7YKobj11MY7BopWflj5rblrE2Lt6DIbZhmqJxuv1NG8X7EeBc1EfeF3Ils/s320/P1090566.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603399433559760178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Here's the part that is really going to eek you out. Forgive me.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Put it in a small jar, close the lid, and leave it on your counter for about 12 hours. Raw eggs and all. (then refrigerate and enjoy.) You see, that's why you put in the whey. All the happy organisms in the whey go to work on the mayo, fermenting it and INCREASING the nutritional value- and the shelf life! Normally homemade mayo will last about 3-5 days in your fridge. And who wants to clean the food processor every time you want a turkey sandwich? This lovely stuff will last several months, if you don't eat it first. :) It took me a while to get up the nerve to try fermented mayo because I thought it would taste... well.... fermented. (and the whole raw eggs fermenting on the counter for half a day thing...) But honest to goodness this is the yummiest spread. AND it's actually good for you! Healthy, natural oils (instead of rancid oil, which is what all the stuff in the store is made of. If you're not aware, vegetable oils (soybean, cottenseed, corn, etc.) are processed at such a high heat that they turn rancid. Like when you have the heat too high in your pan and the butter starts burning and smoking? yeah. yuck. Then to mask the unsightly odor and color, they bleach & deodorize it. But I digress....) </div><div>where was I? Oh yes... pastured eggs, and oh-so-many enzymes to aid digestion and overall well being. :) Eat up! </div><div><br /></div><div>Cost analysis:</div><div>2 eggs @ $4/doz = $0.67</div><div>1t raw sugar @ 5#/$6.65 =$.02</div><div>1t raw apple cider vinegar @ 32oz/$2.75 =$.01</div><div>3/4C olive oil @$6/ltr = $1.06</div><div>1/4 C coconut oil @ 1gal/$39=$.61</div><div>whey = free</div><div>spices = too little to count</div><div>Total: $2.37 for about 12oz of delicious, healthy, organic, probiotic mayonnaise. Let me know if you try it, what you use, and how you like it!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-78659757233213859452011-05-04T13:58:00.000-07:002011-05-04T13:58:41.098-07:00Rowen Strider May 4th<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gIDuKPZHpM0?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>notice his feet are up! Love the strider bike. what a gorgeous day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-15227504909688144912011-04-21T16:07:00.000-07:002011-04-24T13:03:22.911-07:00Do you worry about feeding your kids meals that other people have provided?<div>This week I started reading "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Real-Food-What-Eat-Why/dp/1596913428">Real Food: What to Eat and Why" by Nina Planck</a>. A couple things were so encouraging to me early in the book that I just had to share them :)</div><div>The first one especially- as I learn more about real food, and at the same time, the disasters of industrial food, I worry about my kid's diet. ("worry" is not the right word, we are SO in the Lord's hands!) I can feed them nourishing foods at home, but what about when we go to other people's houses for dinner? What about eating out? I am just as concerned about my heart as my kid's diet. I want to have (and to foster in them!) a heart of graciousness, thankfulness, and hospitality. To shun others because their food choices are not the same as ours is sin. Plain and simple. So this first excerpt gives me peace because these kids were having only SIX nourishing meals per WEEK, and saw vast improvements. Read on:</div><div><br /></div>"...in one experiment, Price fed malnourished kids one meal daily, six days a week, while they ate as usual at home. The therapeutic meals included liver, fish chowder, or a meat stew made of broth and carrtots; a buttered whole wheat roll made with freshly ground flour; tomato juice with cod-liver oil; and two glasses of whole milk. The meat, dairy, and eggs came from animals raised on grass, which Price had found containted more vitamin A than animals raised on grain. It was the American version of the traditional diets: rich in protein, vitamins A, B, and D, omega-3 fats, and minerals. The children's health- and their performance in school- improved sharply. "A properly balanced diet," Price wrote, "is good for the entire body."" <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">p28 "Real Food" Nina Planck</span></i><div><br /></div><div>With a husband with borderline high cholesterol, this one also interested me greatly! </div><div><br /></div><div>"The study of blood cholesterol and its various subcategories is getting more spphistiated by the hour, but the conventional wisdom holds that it's better for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to be high and low-density liboprotein (LDL) to be low. Casually known a the "good" and "bad" cholesterol hypothesis, this idea emerged with it became clear that the number they call "total cholestrol" was a poor-very poor- predictor of heart disease. Today, most experts believe that low HDL and high LDL are "risk factors" for heart disease, which means the two conditions are statistically correlated.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>"But I'm not so sure. There are two important caveats to the rule that high LDL, in particular, is dangerous. The first is a lesson from Statistics 101: correlation does not necessarily imply cause. In other words, high LDL does not necessarily <i>cause</i> heart disease. Instead, it could be a symptom (or <i>marker</i>, as experts say) of heart trouble. The second caveat is equally serious: many studies show that high LDL and heart disease are <i>not</i> linked.<b> In 2005, the </b><i><b>Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons</b></i><b> reported that as many as half of the people who have heart disease have normal or "desirable" LDL. Also in 2005, researchers found that older men and women with high LDL live longer.</b> When the rule- high LDL is dangerous- doesn't apply in the elderly or in half of the heart disease cases, the honest scientist can only conclude one thing: the rule eeds a second look. Some cholesterol experts believe the rule needs more than just tweaking. "There is nothing bad about LDL." says Joel Kauffman, Professor of Chemisty Emeritus at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. "There never was.""</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-58872245846716943602011-04-20T06:50:00.000-07:002011-04-20T07:04:33.109-07:00it's quiet around here...So I've gotta say, I'm loving the "homeschooling" with Rowen. I wish I were posting all the fun activities we were doing, especially the cute Easter stuff, but to be honest, I can't do both! :) (And I keep forgetting to take pictures.... heh heh) I'm not sure how the blogging mommas stay so on top of it. And the kiddos are the priority :) So I'll write that post about how easy mayo is eventually- but for now, I'm off to scoop up my yummy baby who's chatting away in her crib!<div style="text-align: center;">A few photos- for you photo junkies out there. You know who you are!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQAPyLxgvPaRu_dX-t-6vJ4Xu_Dn2s8w2fZaV-bl1rGrPRJg19ik81ibgQtR2912ESzkmn1VQcuQ4SelLnFTlV6LsyU2pvKLByrpNHFMPhgfGubPx3ieMX9HhTi9zJJBU0eV7X4IoIPU/s1600/P1090581.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQAPyLxgvPaRu_dX-t-6vJ4Xu_Dn2s8w2fZaV-bl1rGrPRJg19ik81ibgQtR2912ESzkmn1VQcuQ4SelLnFTlV6LsyU2pvKLByrpNHFMPhgfGubPx3ieMX9HhTi9zJJBU0eV7X4IoIPU/s320/P1090581.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597664994643576082" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmkbfK4t5zwKjEow48KIqcGi6V8t0nld6QYBVN4CN8YmQqvWqylEX_iMwKjDwH2PBG5yP1MW-Xto9H7eK5yg6UJqsrBr6zsnivPq2GEa3kMuwjUkqYpbcOl44VQOlgWJ8aCpJ5p4xNiA/s1600/P1090575.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVmkbfK4t5zwKjEow48KIqcGi6V8t0nld6QYBVN4CN8YmQqvWqylEX_iMwKjDwH2PBG5yP1MW-Xto9H7eK5yg6UJqsrBr6zsnivPq2GEa3kMuwjUkqYpbcOl44VQOlgWJ8aCpJ5p4xNiA/s320/P1090575.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597664985784875778" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlidN67oS2EnXu-YTt7z4lGwC8YdpIpNnc4WMglYcn3lbctXzQm7Qr-zAlC0loZ3WUeaD3FqQBIAe8q_e7jAKre-KjzGP4kLjgI__O22mejY-cIqSK2-e_RhpHePKsxbUmL2jSd3vq0W8/s1600/P1090573.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlidN67oS2EnXu-YTt7z4lGwC8YdpIpNnc4WMglYcn3lbctXzQm7Qr-zAlC0loZ3WUeaD3FqQBIAe8q_e7jAKre-KjzGP4kLjgI__O22mejY-cIqSK2-e_RhpHePKsxbUmL2jSd3vq0W8/s320/P1090573.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597664978396709586" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6v6cPw9TrMCqBuAgRNn1pe38pYPV-84iT4JNI0KhURLhIffyRQt3nIO6M6AgiXRr2ajQsKV2vDPNDHcq2An9vrhityah-wwUgrdMHfbgoF4h7erW-R_a_JK7kvALZJ_WbhimHSXClqlk/s1600/P1090559.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6v6cPw9TrMCqBuAgRNn1pe38pYPV-84iT4JNI0KhURLhIffyRQt3nIO6M6AgiXRr2ajQsKV2vDPNDHcq2An9vrhityah-wwUgrdMHfbgoF4h7erW-R_a_JK7kvALZJ_WbhimHSXClqlk/s320/P1090559.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597664967364833714" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0e1-eqYYlFpE5kwVLmZTYwhtCfjXIoE7vHKR1FRRmn0WUZjdSg4FpP60-gK-YipjnLWceUkqFsQBD-enkeFf3GnoODPUKb4cnaCT1kvENJF1Dp315-NNLhuZQzvkOQYeSYtsGF6KNYI/s1600/P1090539.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0e1-eqYYlFpE5kwVLmZTYwhtCfjXIoE7vHKR1FRRmn0WUZjdSg4FpP60-gK-YipjnLWceUkqFsQBD-enkeFf3GnoODPUKb4cnaCT1kvENJF1Dp315-NNLhuZQzvkOQYeSYtsGF6KNYI/s320/P1090539.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597664959319700690" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The water is super hot. Gloves on the feet so he can put his feet in the sink! ha. He'd really like gloves his size but I can't find 'em.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJuCDS5CcPVKy7juffgS99As4QID3ZngPn8iRPlGTs2ICNkcD0pntwTk6lIJLqp4kAZL8ahL1MhMxDDZPiMY292u-HCT2kc2IiovHN46K8EuhxincGxHbPAoSD0Dy0POGBdzjmAshQYw/s1600/P1090533.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJuCDS5CcPVKy7juffgS99As4QID3ZngPn8iRPlGTs2ICNkcD0pntwTk6lIJLqp4kAZL8ahL1MhMxDDZPiMY292u-HCT2kc2IiovHN46K8EuhxincGxHbPAoSD0Dy0POGBdzjmAshQYw/s320/P1090533.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597664400018495234" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">sissy's first plate. aw, big girl.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEaxQZAn1HFFWUojfFsCmrohT1Pb-N1KvHVKNfhKakG39SEIdROrbAq-idDBOUCIxw4iPAtd3KXFm49aNldJHh15WkJd1ecaizJVklTCa6-4cMMRL4IYRcmuTwcoUZKCwPkjJoDXWHHU/s1600/P1090526.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEaxQZAn1HFFWUojfFsCmrohT1Pb-N1KvHVKNfhKakG39SEIdROrbAq-idDBOUCIxw4iPAtd3KXFm49aNldJHh15WkJd1ecaizJVklTCa6-4cMMRL4IYRcmuTwcoUZKCwPkjJoDXWHHU/s320/P1090526.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597664395576196802" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0Hwhiu_kTqYCb_FkVKQCIBIo94vEPXn1ujpvT3EdKGNOeL8lCeyWvMAagD9UdC7HZQbc6DU8o9Y1Bi49IXjHHlI7q1oxYCHLVJAvxo0t4Xiiq29BlmZp_DBl6zaxPC5ubiuPwmqlN88/s1600/P1090523.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0Hwhiu_kTqYCb_FkVKQCIBIo94vEPXn1ujpvT3EdKGNOeL8lCeyWvMAagD9UdC7HZQbc6DU8o9Y1Bi49IXjHHlI7q1oxYCHLVJAvxo0t4Xiiq29BlmZp_DBl6zaxPC5ubiuPwmqlN88/s320/P1090523.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597664394734489490" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure why, but I was super impressed by this little structure. The matching and the even...ness.... is that a word?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDZzQgzXwQFd8npT01mjUOuhP6dmfubZ1aYOb3b2bSUx3iQJ4NAkodlKAsoWkwc5Pv6RSzi67pMdJNqs6OMwBrF4HrNBnwsH-ASkmKMLdzlv29iR-NNZJN3qcrZQYojUC9ijUJOzE_Oo/s1600/P1090479.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDZzQgzXwQFd8npT01mjUOuhP6dmfubZ1aYOb3b2bSUx3iQJ4NAkodlKAsoWkwc5Pv6RSzi67pMdJNqs6OMwBrF4HrNBnwsH-ASkmKMLdzlv29iR-NNZJN3qcrZQYojUC9ijUJOzE_Oo/s320/P1090479.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597664383368289874" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PGc3-fcMBI5K3mvjf8Al0SYj3W_dEBbs4odk6OfxPs1sGoMyowhQy54K8ddNTdV-UEPAe-DFCh4_aR0A1I1zeJQElD5ByZ4ijYS96s7lOiBV7UgMMI2RjEsVIDLkgNHOTaqYbMtLLDw/s1600/P1090467.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PGc3-fcMBI5K3mvjf8Al0SYj3W_dEBbs4odk6OfxPs1sGoMyowhQy54K8ddNTdV-UEPAe-DFCh4_aR0A1I1zeJQElD5ByZ4ijYS96s7lOiBV7UgMMI2RjEsVIDLkgNHOTaqYbMtLLDw/s320/P1090467.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597664373756558530" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">found this in his room the other day. His pillow is on the bottom, and all the animals are piled on top, head up, in quite the mountain. Topped with a blankie of course. Night night, animals!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-89867113490709089722011-03-31T10:21:00.000-07:002011-03-31T10:24:34.766-07:00a sweet girl & naughty chickens<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXx1pyUwBFSbkMB6ld4zkowIPrK7smGZWOAWt1dB4C-PFZRjTYICfs_KpwsJxDElcRN_CXotCcIjHqxExtOjw_HuD3oYSZsRlrA6eEOLndem7FvhN9OH8bS0L0QTyYmF0B1lGNuog3jI8/s320/P1090460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590296055341207266" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX77bGK9wsWZ8sSYJH0-e14CVuxmYvkBdoCKvBG1ECXfKA6svbUelKFRQXQ4Flrw75JpYJttdcSZb_Cfp5BrBKX3W23-BYA1mI3NTnzAVdQc0CutjmqlYn1W8e6PqjQN_8E_wF22mDLvE/s1600/P1090470.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX77bGK9wsWZ8sSYJH0-e14CVuxmYvkBdoCKvBG1ECXfKA6svbUelKFRQXQ4Flrw75JpYJttdcSZb_Cfp5BrBKX3W23-BYA1mI3NTnzAVdQc0CutjmqlYn1W8e6PqjQN_8E_wF22mDLvE/s320/P1090470.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590296067626205810" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBwos20Nz0hHmx9ti8lHCZnregUfR7S6mnGPbST9WJeHU3NrjO1Bp9rIJ6PXCRoNvSvwQf0VXTebt6vuHvyjjTk390_75LrMupHwYltlGj1cbVDsAByGPB_d5AbegpbVZ-7lJrIqaQ8I/s1600/P1090438.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBwos20Nz0hHmx9ti8lHCZnregUfR7S6mnGPbST9WJeHU3NrjO1Bp9rIJ6PXCRoNvSvwQf0VXTebt6vuHvyjjTk390_75LrMupHwYltlGj1cbVDsAByGPB_d5AbegpbVZ-7lJrIqaQ8I/s320/P1090438.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590296060129448962" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-21993883747831034102011-03-30T19:09:00.000-07:002011-03-31T04:15:34.118-07:00resolutions.Last year I did a new resolution every month. It was fun, motivating, and effective at changing little things. The accountability didn't hurt. I'm not sure why I didn't just keep it going this year, but I didn't. And I'm kinda missin' it. So why not start in April?<div>Really, my "new years resolution" this year was to journal more. Journal my quiet times and take notes at church, etc. I haven't been doing that hot. But we can call that "january" and keep working on it!</div><div>February I decided to read more. (I don't actually know if it was february exactly, but I've been trying to read more.) and for heavens sake, not JUST about food. I read a lot about food :) I've read:</div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/CORRECTING-YOUR-CHILD-Abner-Sumrall/dp/1615792627/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1301570107&sr=8-1">Correcting Your Child in Love</a> by Abner Sumrall</div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nourishing-Traditions-Challenges-Politically-Dictocrats/dp/0967089735/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1301537625&sr=8-1">Nourishing Traditions</a> by Sally Fallon</div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Project-Morning-Aristotle-Generally/dp/006158326X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1301537670&sr=1-1">The Happiness Project</a> by Gretchen Rubin</div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Fermentation-Flavor-Nutrition-Live-Culture/dp/1931498237/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1301537914&sr=1-1">Wild Fermentation</a> by Sandor Katz</div><div>and am working on</div><div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Breastfeeding-Natural-Spacing-Sheila-Kippley/dp/1435746546/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1301537713&sr=1-1">Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing</a> by Sheila Kippley</div><div>To make a goal more achievable, "they" say you should quantify it. So I'm going to say one book per month.</div><div>March brought the idea that I should be doing more with Rowen as far as directing his play to bring about a more structured learning. So I've been planning projects and trying to listen to his interests and questions more- it's been fun! My goal is to plan 3-4 activities a week (or more) and only a week at a time, so I can really mold them to him in that moment. Fun!</div><div>April is coming up, and my resolution is to read through the bible in a year. Starting in April, you ask? Didn't you do that last year, you ask? Yes, and yes! My first resolution last year, starting in January, was to read through the bible in a year. And I did! Hooray! But then the year was over, all my little boxes were checked, and my bible reading totally fizzled out. I just get stuck- what to study next? I dunno. Apparently, I'm a box checker. I knew that about myself, this is not shocking. So I downloaded a new "one year reading plan" (complete with boxes!) and I started yesterday (cheating a little, I know.) :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, my resolutions are not and have not been a one-month deal. (okay, a couple of them were.) Anyhow, to recap the last 12 months:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 102, 102); line-height: 18px; font-family:Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div style="line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">May - stockpile the freezer. OAMC style. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(okay, this one really was a one month resolution. I really liked it, and I haven't done it since! I can't believe that was a YEAR ago.)</span></i></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">June- have a healthy baby and try to stay sane</span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(shoot. another one monther.)</span></span></span></span></i></div><div style="line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">July - ban high fructose corn syrup from our house. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-small;"><i>(boy, what a can of worms this turned out to be! Not only corn syrup, but all things processed have been getting the boot around here!)</i></span></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">August- try one "</span></span></span><a href="http://www.deceptivelydelicious.com/site/" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(33, 152, 166); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">deceptively delicious</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">" type recipe a day. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-small;"><i>(This really was a one month goal, and then to see where it took me. I don't do anything anymore besides the "sweet milk" (sweet potato in his milk, which he loves) and we're still in a fierce vegetable battle with the toddler. Ya win some, ya loose some.)</i></span></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">September - journal pray as a daily part of my quiet times. <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-small;"><i>(clearly, with my January resolution, this has been a flop. But I earnestly want to keep at it.)</i></span></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 20px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">October - so long, corn-fed beef. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(check. We've even gone to one pastured chicken a month, divided up into four meals plus bone broth.)</span></i></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;">November - tidy up! </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;">fill BOTH our yard debris bins, every week. & k</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;">eep the kitchen table clear. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:x-small;">(while the yard debris bins are a seasonal thing, i'm still keeping the kitchen table fairly clear!)</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;">December - spend at least hour, one night a week, on the kids' scrapbooks. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">(fail. utter fail. and I'm still trying. and still failing. boo.)</span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What about you? What's one thing you'd like to work on this month? Name it! Quantify it! Let's encourage each other :)</span></span></div></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-42837225840347708332011-03-25T15:01:00.000-07:002011-03-25T15:29:49.430-07:00You can make that? Ketchup!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can make ketchup? Yeah! And it's SO easy! Maybe you're venturing into eating a healthier, preservative-/additive-/mystery ingredient-free diet. You're cooking dinner at home most of the time: great! But when you venture into the condiment isle at the grocery store- what do you do? You could shop at a fancy, organic grocery store and spend loads of money. (Well, some of you could.) We sure can't! My solution: make it myself :) I've been making our salad dressing, sour cream, mayo, pickle relish, and now ketchup. Yay. But wont it go bad in like a week, you ask? I can't be making all our condiments every week! The magical, ancient solution: fermentation. When you ferment your yummy home concoctions, they'll last a month or more!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was my first batch of real ketchup, and I was SO excited to make it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div> I got the recipe from <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/homemade-ketchup/">The Nourished Kitchen</a> - a very fun blog I highly encourage you to visit. Here is her recipe:<br />
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<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 cups tomato paste, preferably homemade</li><br />
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<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/4 cup raw honey, maple syrup or whole unrefined cane sugar (see <a href="http://nourishedkitchen.com/where-to-buy/#sweeteners" style="color: #246b00; text-decoration: underline;">sources</a>)</li><br />
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<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh whey*, divided</li><br />
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<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar, plus extra for thinning the ketchup, if desired</li><br />
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<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 teaspoon unrefined sea salt</li><br />
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<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 teaspoon allspice</li><br />
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<li style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; list-style-type: square; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 teaspoon ground cloves</li><br />
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Seeing that homemade tomato paste is out of the question in March, I used S&W Organic. Yay for costco.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYSRmSUV2JWBU1DeCPo_Hjx1wdFEkTKo4OpBD9-L1JVl9F8BK6802edrIVKmkfYEsySmobjH6Ab_j_7HSckPgGXlDkAMnYcqvcS9m7zvYPTxFBsfugNxLRWI4_a4nRCDSFiHjzL5TRQ/s1600/P1090406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYSRmSUV2JWBU1DeCPo_Hjx1wdFEkTKo4OpBD9-L1JVl9F8BK6802edrIVKmkfYEsySmobjH6Ab_j_7HSckPgGXlDkAMnYcqvcS9m7zvYPTxFBsfugNxLRWI4_a4nRCDSFiHjzL5TRQ/s320/P1090406.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used a combination of pure maple syrup and raw honey, 'cause I'm complicated like that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cvLmAzDX5kYbQV_BgQcecY0q0Gs7p8eK1YL402JoSeP86cnArZhNh-Gy0SLYGqGYTA3IhMNo6n5NGbKHOorr5v65_mV1f96c9KlGBMPsYM6GLAZ44n5fRqLHrC_17FSGXp60Z4Mumg/s1600/P1090409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cvLmAzDX5kYbQV_BgQcecY0q0Gs7p8eK1YL402JoSeP86cnArZhNh-Gy0SLYGqGYTA3IhMNo6n5NGbKHOorr5v65_mV1f96c9KlGBMPsYM6GLAZ44n5fRqLHrC_17FSGXp60Z4Mumg/s320/P1090409.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
added the vinegar, salt, spices and my 1/4 cup of whey that I had drained from kefir. Stir it all up! (If you don't know what whey is or want to know how to "make" it, leave a comment and I'll be sure to explain!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DLIKo6g6APptMPLr5PCHydPVkD4h_gGJqYlgAsjYUDx6gZw97e34tpC5c5RCc8H_yRkHZUgL9O3_drProveGNN-OGt8sZoEZtKiLakleOcFj2sfnS-Wr3mS6jPwOB_tYzWOvB1smSw/s1600/P1090413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DLIKo6g6APptMPLr5PCHydPVkD4h_gGJqYlgAsjYUDx6gZw97e34tpC5c5RCc8H_yRkHZUgL9O3_drProveGNN-OGt8sZoEZtKiLakleOcFj2sfnS-Wr3mS6jPwOB_tYzWOvB1smSw/s320/P1090413.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Scoop it into a mason jar.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNGMtBdxVb_grg3AWIpYvy4qpHpJQzpz4qjEvhx74BUk4AxvvJkFCwuUVVC-Qq7RMrNbvhseLJlL9s-ApY-GPDomqtEO1s81ELUfq16D8T3QV0rA9mmgN5J7TDqkyCZza39CiCedqaQ/s1600/P1090415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNGMtBdxVb_grg3AWIpYvy4qpHpJQzpz4qjEvhx74BUk4AxvvJkFCwuUVVC-Qq7RMrNbvhseLJlL9s-ApY-GPDomqtEO1s81ELUfq16D8T3QV0rA9mmgN5J7TDqkyCZza39CiCedqaQ/s320/P1090415.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Top it off with the extra 2 Tbsp whey for good measure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqP2M1DhWs3ivSUkH2dJVdoxSwOC7bZaoJ_q_BipW7Cc5Ol4QJTKISwRjU1y9KZ9WNlQCyADx9ytk8TPWm_cgjIN8TVI8VhjLVdEym5rDSILBwOeMU0bBbbJ9tFsVG_OeclKT764vPA/s1600/P1090416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqP2M1DhWs3ivSUkH2dJVdoxSwOC7bZaoJ_q_BipW7Cc5Ol4QJTKISwRjU1y9KZ9WNlQCyADx9ytk8TPWm_cgjIN8TVI8VhjLVdEym5rDSILBwOeMU0bBbbJ9tFsVG_OeclKT764vPA/s320/P1090416.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Put a towel on it, and set it in a warm place for three to five days & leave it alone so it can ferment. (Next to your lacto-fermenting beets of you have them. Then they can have a nice chat while they culture.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkx-zuytZ8a2JZwGIPY3lAJHcWV6qqT8cZGXOu_aPTW6czV7G0iXn0Z1nNolDCA5H9qIxWh-kMV3J1MQW83k-JRKxnlL1el2zl1aVC9oRAyY-XrX4xUSz_Ejv5FOUsRkJWEXTQYG_kA/s1600/P1090417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkx-zuytZ8a2JZwGIPY3lAJHcWV6qqT8cZGXOu_aPTW6czV7G0iXn0Z1nNolDCA5H9qIxWh-kMV3J1MQW83k-JRKxnlL1el2zl1aVC9oRAyY-XrX4xUSz_Ejv5FOUsRkJWEXTQYG_kA/s320/P1090417.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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And.... tadaa! you have ketchup! Nutritionally speaking, a vegetable with natural sweeteners, just teeming with healthy, beneficial bacteria (think yogurt!) The recipe said I could just stir in the white stuff that formed on the top from the extra whey, but it eeked me out a bit so I scooped it off. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGKEmZOIjsATska8R7nVU9jI2VyPJh5llxMO8c-kdTjE3fGBQrNOMkJDLApqT1p547RW_zNbjVrcH-myjOTKPDSRaWzpjhjyvIJrC6f1APnQd9eQKFsWWrKEJZ6WRml8vv15pZ_FGAA/s1600/P1090451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsGKEmZOIjsATska8R7nVU9jI2VyPJh5llxMO8c-kdTjE3fGBQrNOMkJDLApqT1p547RW_zNbjVrcH-myjOTKPDSRaWzpjhjyvIJrC6f1APnQd9eQKFsWWrKEJZ6WRml8vv15pZ_FGAA/s320/P1090451.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXTmzHukyoT6YlHB0SkMiXqBMlWLIsC8JKs8cipvyDc4ZbP6BMN9VZ-CHnEJn2n8-sQ7RT5spu_3zNASc_2MvF6eRL1xYdJRa-TQp9LIDavwpTVvpVSsyFTi4t00XIl0T75caKduhEw/s1600/P1090452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXTmzHukyoT6YlHB0SkMiXqBMlWLIsC8JKs8cipvyDc4ZbP6BMN9VZ-CHnEJn2n8-sQ7RT5spu_3zNASc_2MvF6eRL1xYdJRa-TQp9LIDavwpTVvpVSsyFTi4t00XIl0T75caKduhEw/s320/P1090452.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">yum! Homemade turkey nuggets, here we come. This ketchup will last SEVERAL MONTHS in your fridge. Hooray!<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Almost forgot!</div><div style="text-align: left;">cost analysis:</div><div style="text-align: left;">tomato paste: can't find the reciept. I think it was 6.99, but maybe it was 7.99 for the box of 12. I'm going to guess high. $8 / 12 = $0.67. I used three cans = $2.00</div><div style="text-align: left;">maple syrup: $12.55/32oz - 1/8C=$0.39</div><div style="text-align: left;">honey: $30.40/1gal - 1/8C=$0.24</div><div style="text-align: left;">whey: free, drained off kefir or plain yogurt</div><div style="text-align: left;">cider vinegar: $2.75/32oz 2T=$0.09</div><div style="text-align: left;">sea salt & spices: oh..... i don't know. Let's say $0.02</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Total: $2.74 at the most! (you could make it much cheaper with cheaper ingredients! I could be wrong, but I don't think you could buy an organic ketchup with probiotics for $2.74 or less at the grocery store!)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div>Matt and Briannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438901048115436558noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-80323226436901243642011-03-25T06:55:00.000-07:002011-03-25T06:55:08.424-07:00Spring Sensory Tub<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsc6dsI-TQM1_434G9GfqQGOabAxIwy8OSzHplyzuz7w5jhGCtDuAEFJ3B0P4wSa92dSW9xEP2RFuGPUhxrWjPojWUODuW7crBHgCJ-0JRU6bGZ7R0jHuXwBtObilnzEW8_CHpMtyrg/s1600/P1090459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsc6dsI-TQM1_434G9GfqQGOabAxIwy8OSzHplyzuz7w5jhGCtDuAEFJ3B0P4wSa92dSW9xEP2RFuGPUhxrWjPojWUODuW7crBHgCJ-0JRU6bGZ7R0jHuXwBtObilnzEW8_CHpMtyrg/s320/P1090459.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQ_oHG-UrrJL82Act6rVYtmIZFFRo6HviqMYYQu2ZGpjhQQUTmiARS_dEcIglrq0n9nbg-vKj8AV5pzxkpQbvaZHLQ5W1HYXKNB4JQflMIW7MUEM_uN9SSNKatF6qRi5RQZ9bb1BP1Q/s1600/P1090458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQ_oHG-UrrJL82Act6rVYtmIZFFRo6HviqMYYQu2ZGpjhQQUTmiARS_dEcIglrq0n9nbg-vKj8AV5pzxkpQbvaZHLQ5W1HYXKNB4JQflMIW7MUEM_uN9SSNKatF6qRi5RQZ9bb1BP1Q/s320/P1090458.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think beans, water, rice, or sand (etc) are the best things for touch tubs. Scooping, pouring, filling, burying, generally running stuff through tiny fingers.... But I wanted to switch it up a bit and do more with textures, weights, and things that could be sorted since Rowen's really into that right now. So for my spring sensory tub, i tore all the blossoms of an apple blossom garland (half off at Michaels) and threw in some easter grass, easter eggs, glass rocks, and little fuzzy chickies. Fun! (at first I did a whole bag of easter grass. Bad idea on several accounts. Not only was my kitchen full of easter grass, but the whole tub was one mass. So only a few strands remain and it's much more fun!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and on a side note:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEXyRkKHTkMRzv1zQKviHPEn0n-UQ0IZvaa0FKqWkn1QSBdv52yrye4SBeukK3yX2kgO-WN31ehyphenhyphenP-X-m8XFZ_m8W-U8ptvirFQT6bEK6ZnktSbmsDfFE1k3xKs4ozWq0ddGTqlvopA/s1600/P1090455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEXyRkKHTkMRzv1zQKviHPEn0n-UQ0IZvaa0FKqWkn1QSBdv52yrye4SBeukK3yX2kgO-WN31ehyphenhyphenP-X-m8XFZ_m8W-U8ptvirFQT6bEK6ZnktSbmsDfFE1k3xKs4ozWq0ddGTqlvopA/s320/P1090455.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">yay!</div>Matt and Briannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438901048115436558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-47028187548039740562011-03-24T15:51:00.000-07:002011-03-24T15:51:38.822-07:00You can make that? Kombucha!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I make a lot of stuff at home. Some of it is crazy. Some of it is just plain ordinary. When it comes up that I make a particular thing (i.e. yogurt) most people are awed and think I have some amazing talent or tons of time. Neither is true :) I've just learned a trick here and there, and enjoy going back to the ways of old, home cookin'. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because I really believe most things I make "from scratch" are so simple, I've really been wanting to share some of them here on the blog. Maybe some things will be obvious, maybe some will surprise you. If you try anything yourself, let me know how it goes! If you start with just one thing at a time, you might get hooked. :) My goal is to write a "you can make that?" blog any time I make something that I think might be interesting to someone- that way you can kind of see in "real time" just how little time it takes up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For my first entry: Kombucha!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(what on earth?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know. I'd only heard of it recently. But after three batches, I'm sold. And it's not even summer yet! Imagine how good this is going to be in the heat of summer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay okay, on with it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCEa2KH9HWV1DtV8Rx5n7hkG5j4BVe9AIKFYXPomVt3Wz2poF3U9CTqty4IvQ1_ruXWzjuRCR9zYEaAy7vmv1IJBLagKKF2YDyMFu-HTpXMZL4XKFziCeD1Xv0VzK_MHd9YIooPRBVA/s1600/P1090425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCEa2KH9HWV1DtV8Rx5n7hkG5j4BVe9AIKFYXPomVt3Wz2poF3U9CTqty4IvQ1_ruXWzjuRCR9zYEaAy7vmv1IJBLagKKF2YDyMFu-HTpXMZL4XKFziCeD1Xv0VzK_MHd9YIooPRBVA/s320/P1090425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Kombucha is a heath drink. In a nutshell: fermented sweet tea. But it tastes more like apple juice than tea. (and slightly beer-like.) <br />
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Here is a better description than I could give you, from <a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2008/07/kombucha-refreshing-summer-drink.html">passionatehomemaking.com</a><br />
"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">Wonderfully fizzy and slightly sweet tasting, Kombucha is a great way to improve your health. The Kombucha culture, often referred to as a “mushroom”, is a probiotic colony of friendly yeast and bacteria. It acts on sugar and tea to produce acetic, lactic and glucuronic acid. Kombucha is great for detoxification, boosting metabolism and assisting digestion. It is rich with antioxidants and amino acids, namely L-threonine (supports healthy protein balance). Kombacha is loaded with enzymes and healthy bacteria thought to enhance the digestive process. It has been used to prevent post-meal heartburn, acid reflux and has even been used as a cure for cancer."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">There is a LOT of info on the internet if you want more :) I'll just give you a quick how-to!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">First of all, the hardest part of making kombucha is finding a mother. And if you know me, that's going to be very easy. Just ask :)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">1-boil 3 quarts of water</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">2-dissolve 1 C sugar</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">3-add 4 tea bags (i've been using black, but you can use green)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">4-let it cool to room temperature. In my kitchen, this takes about 2 hours. Remove tea bags.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">5-add 1/2 cup mature kombucha</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">6-place the "mother" scoby on top (scoby stands for symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">7-cover your GLASS container with a towel, and leave it in a dark place for 7-9 days. You'll know it's done when it no longer tastes like tea at all, and you have a "daughter" scoby formed on the surface.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Calibri, Candara, Segoe, Optima, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">8-pour it out, which I think should probably be done gently...</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuR2tM8-uUCmEcOp9iku0W7XBd09PsGhxrami45FiwPwpvm7sQ7QE_uO44DtGPmRsPq5Dj36iMvpYN3UnlwhHaJg_WDy9awLm87lDQ6qHwmZMC7BRi9uS2BmioXv-A_rgZVQmPnWwrXQ/s1600/P1090427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuR2tM8-uUCmEcOp9iku0W7XBd09PsGhxrami45FiwPwpvm7sQ7QE_uO44DtGPmRsPq5Dj36iMvpYN3UnlwhHaJg_WDy9awLm87lDQ6qHwmZMC7BRi9uS2BmioXv-A_rgZVQmPnWwrXQ/s320/P1090427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> there they are! mother and daughter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqokU14FSZTzem7g1I-nSwNSCQc_KSp6ow5wN7ywn2abERllT3eXo5dTYPtJGDTJz2KlP7Hbk3wBaIs2w_riK-xiUMomEoWk_u-1dOj7KjKlPYIpBNOQezE16D8Fs-3JdEQBvMOZxmig/s1600/P1090428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqokU14FSZTzem7g1I-nSwNSCQc_KSp6ow5wN7ywn2abERllT3eXo5dTYPtJGDTJz2KlP7Hbk3wBaIs2w_riK-xiUMomEoWk_u-1dOj7KjKlPYIpBNOQezE16D8Fs-3JdEQBvMOZxmig/s320/P1090428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Bottle it up, and reserve 1/2 cup kombucha for your next batch. I've just been putting it in a jar, which is fine. It looses it's fizziness though, and that's half the fun. So I'd like to eventually get some better bottles for storage. (oh, and store it in the fridge. You can look up flavors to add and a double fermentation method with juice added on the Internet. Since I haven't tried any of that yet, I'm not going to include it here.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc5XrP4jVcdfoN3NnVc8iEa9MiKjDS_f0KDRwPJMt2ysvOG32q8q4mlqE40m-Q8KzXvmXgRpOR8kL89KG8yaJukZxeOHtBDU0Kr6LOY0xP2ylu_Qkjzbs40sQC8HF_s0yLp4DriJZ2w/s1600/P1090429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc5XrP4jVcdfoN3NnVc8iEa9MiKjDS_f0KDRwPJMt2ysvOG32q8q4mlqE40m-Q8KzXvmXgRpOR8kL89KG8yaJukZxeOHtBDU0Kr6LOY0xP2ylu_Qkjzbs40sQC8HF_s0yLp4DriJZ2w/s320/P1090429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div> add the new, cool sweet tea to your (hand-washed) jar<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWxeY9PV6qKlJHvk8ZDKHNLt7NZDXk3fhMYXWz4LYdcRIbxXyNjTDMEo3tdYa9RVEAdwzO8H9UWMbFhTqEZA3eBF1O11TgZpAD1D_HzjAi-CT9K8sAXUDe7gNhWCa2RsfoRmNC8sHzQ/s1600/P1090430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWxeY9PV6qKlJHvk8ZDKHNLt7NZDXk3fhMYXWz4LYdcRIbxXyNjTDMEo3tdYa9RVEAdwzO8H9UWMbFhTqEZA3eBF1O11TgZpAD1D_HzjAi-CT9K8sAXUDe7gNhWCa2RsfoRmNC8sHzQ/s320/P1090430.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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place either the mother or the daughter on top, give the other one to a friend (you can store it in 1/2 C kombucha in the fridge until ready to use)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPJvY4lBwwZjNT5yu4kW4P9gfIsr8tYUw_zhnJjhoK7SDJcj0Dgcq3oBLR6AQoydQ4Xmwl6JQYIu0pawpGDX3rp8fcsNoVHy1rKFS9Yqa-4EdYYr5iLZeUB2OOf174K06pdlJYomq7g/s1600/P1090431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPJvY4lBwwZjNT5yu4kW4P9gfIsr8tYUw_zhnJjhoK7SDJcj0Dgcq3oBLR6AQoydQ4Xmwl6JQYIu0pawpGDX3rp8fcsNoVHy1rKFS9Yqa-4EdYYr5iLZeUB2OOf174K06pdlJYomq7g/s320/P1090431.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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tadaa<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg795OqiJPd_LitQel2UMNJ2LlBrCLqrPjVb0XLc1aJ_QNR1JrqyGpCGZBvpEwthZB2JCIczZER-6VgbWeuOrwWYaYCDZNOxAJ7EPm5OZwp3daHmgr8KV4eWHFgd8_9ln4nW2ZOIeXAiA/s1600/P1090433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg795OqiJPd_LitQel2UMNJ2LlBrCLqrPjVb0XLc1aJ_QNR1JrqyGpCGZBvpEwthZB2JCIczZER-6VgbWeuOrwWYaYCDZNOxAJ7EPm5OZwp3daHmgr8KV4eWHFgd8_9ln4nW2ZOIeXAiA/s320/P1090433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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cover it up and start again!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWzPbfsYw0rmmC3ZjzmJQ3f14LKi77ThhQ4lCguPUAAK3LKufdpJPTbQv4qMf32ye5iXP9BCqeGhc5Z9anD2xyPqs7bh9NjPp214G1d7oR6wQO9zYI2CySUkSdaVbZ0dwrEbavHB0FQ/s1600/P1090434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWzPbfsYw0rmmC3ZjzmJQ3f14LKi77ThhQ4lCguPUAAK3LKufdpJPTbQv4qMf32ye5iXP9BCqeGhc5Z9anD2xyPqs7bh9NjPp214G1d7oR6wQO9zYI2CySUkSdaVbZ0dwrEbavHB0FQ/s320/P1090434.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Cost analysis:<br />
glass jar: $6.99 if you don't already have one. One time cost (i read somewhere that a 1 gallon bowl is better than a jar, actually, the kombucha thrives when the depth is less than the width. I didn't read that until after I bought the jar. we'll see how it goes.)<br />
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tea: varies. I bought a big box of lipton, though some will say you must use organic tea to avoid fluoride. go with your gut on that one. My math worked out to $0.11 for the four bags.<br />
water: don't make me figure that out. I'm gonna go with "free" even though I know technically it's not<br />
sugar: $0.26<br />
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Total: $0.37 (after making up the cost for the jar!)<br />
if there are 12 cups in 3 quarts, that's $0.03 per cup. Wow! Talk about an affordable, tasty, health boosting beverage!Matt and Briannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438901048115436558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-49544926379915320392011-03-23T15:47:00.000-07:002011-03-23T15:47:44.130-07:00Springtime Activities: terrarium, nature walks, spring books, and a big paper tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">hooray, it's Spring! It's still cold and not much has changed, but it IS staying lighter after dinner, and there ARE pink blossoms lighting up the trees! Reason enough to celebrate for me. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I haven't been taking many pictures of our springtime activities. Oops. For starters, we've been on a few walks. We talk about the Spring things we hear (birds chirping, frogs croaking) and see (blossoms on the trees, daffodils) and it's fun seeing Rowen aware of so much more this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First fun project: we built a terrarium! I've had a bottle of soda (gifted to us at a potluck last summer- or the summer before?) that I finally decided to dump down the drain for this activity. We cut off the bottom, and I let Rowen scoop in the soil from a bag of potting soil. I let him poke his fingers in, count the seeds, drop them in his finger holes, and bury them. I shoved the bottle top back into the bottom (trickier than it sounds!) and we squirted some water in the top with a squirt bottle!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8F-MGWkg2lID7oaKW4XMxmdDMKNFzKaJJCkfOYkH8saWRgw-P7dpEwfES3XRjXluPHHhql522aeJIUezRcvpMKvYifGiJFaJq12CGfXTtLY1vpb327ZsFM_023bwJGQRZaJUK6rpdsw/s1600/P1090449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8F-MGWkg2lID7oaKW4XMxmdDMKNFzKaJJCkfOYkH8saWRgw-P7dpEwfES3XRjXluPHHhql522aeJIUezRcvpMKvYifGiJFaJq12CGfXTtLY1vpb327ZsFM_023bwJGQRZaJUK6rpdsw/s320/P1090449.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> tada.<br />
I actually have pretty low expectations for this minute bottled garden. (radishes. they're the hardiest thing I could think of.) as Rowen immediately shook the heck out of it. We'll keep you posted! So far he's looked into it a few times a day. Hopefully something will sprout and grow into a learning experience!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOq5U0HKXBMOH0LDMRGNRMOFXsFGdy7Niusg7kY7SGLjEeiaLmCdUNKzsUaC-g6e9cklXHAIfco355FWlkyUYv6gHNRWtIFX8pwwkeLn1UCT-thmcbjkg2YZJcysO4l6mRUNqGs6aAmw/s1600/P1090439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOq5U0HKXBMOH0LDMRGNRMOFXsFGdy7Niusg7kY7SGLjEeiaLmCdUNKzsUaC-g6e9cklXHAIfco355FWlkyUYv6gHNRWtIFX8pwwkeLn1UCT-thmcbjkg2YZJcysO4l6mRUNqGs6aAmw/s320/P1090439.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> To bring a little spring inside, we decided to built a tree with some pretty pink spring blossoms. Ro did great with his kid scissors (finally, an art project he can get into!) but also did lots of tearing. He really liked using scotch tape to put the pieces together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUwCj00MfGUS8roV45o2AAN1wgi7hRaQ4LhBaRQobtMa9_XfqrzHsTlcxl8Om8U42G-34nt3aknWnGpnQC9jG9enLZRy-NocxQ859wFJMqRMy8uN9QNbWsn07dqdB5f6Or3zj6h-qnA/s1600/P1090440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUwCj00MfGUS8roV45o2AAN1wgi7hRaQ4LhBaRQobtMa9_XfqrzHsTlcxl8Om8U42G-34nt3aknWnGpnQC9jG9enLZRy-NocxQ859wFJMqRMy8uN9QNbWsn07dqdB5f6Or3zj6h-qnA/s320/P1090440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zNVMk0FxyXST0zsVzw-i62kVsCbvH8bwu8eOKN7dIjsZbsldkonnG5HBYIGJp506TLltCYFdcIsRio66pqevIksTzL_fRgKBjPMhjH6dC3hv81pUk_XjOkaNmuOZ1JVpbIFw-0PKOg/s1600/P1090442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zNVMk0FxyXST0zsVzw-i62kVsCbvH8bwu8eOKN7dIjsZbsldkonnG5HBYIGJp506TLltCYFdcIsRio66pqevIksTzL_fRgKBjPMhjH6dC3hv81pUk_XjOkaNmuOZ1JVpbIFw-0PKOg/s320/P1090442.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I cut a whole bunch of shapes out of pink tissue paper (triangles, ovals, circles, squares and rectangles) which he identified, squished, and stuck in the glue.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGoPQS3vt6TAVFndKyebmqpRUkySNi_vpNtPOMIunsPqgdRHrfc5RRzmuCHKps2rQuTNskzyOAqU5NoJccRryeglWNdIilCwBc4OFXzEgk6iVIiFsRbpHDDSjPAKb8q3F8KmfE_6TJg/s1600/P1090443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGoPQS3vt6TAVFndKyebmqpRUkySNi_vpNtPOMIunsPqgdRHrfc5RRzmuCHKps2rQuTNskzyOAqU5NoJccRryeglWNdIilCwBc4OFXzEgk6iVIiFsRbpHDDSjPAKb8q3F8KmfE_6TJg/s320/P1090443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaKo6KpjmzOi74r-r8EqY8h-Y3wHU_w3m5BkJgErqAp7Z8NhiJRt5bqlvJsFAH_ylFNHZ3doA_V5VEfwHaHH5Y2P8M8oGLdpKnLAkWfJMYajkN7Xdm_dopxYBXTJbEp7G3rs6g9DAeA/s1600/P1090447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaKo6KpjmzOi74r-r8EqY8h-Y3wHU_w3m5BkJgErqAp7Z8NhiJRt5bqlvJsFAH_ylFNHZ3doA_V5VEfwHaHH5Y2P8M8oGLdpKnLAkWfJMYajkN7Xdm_dopxYBXTJbEp7G3rs6g9DAeA/s320/P1090447.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> yay! (yes I know, the top is naked. He got bored, but lasted much longer than I thought he would! Maybe we'll add some more "blossoms" later.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJukqnUIYEccJD6d3jgWTiqUdkKQ3B1yf7s7GPSI1Ey2OjXjoadXEusC-IU9O9A_jvLxaYfWB_eA1tqhMp7dcyFdwSheVNzivd3-AxSVnmGBaqrjgz4FSE9SnEBWiz5eZlF-vtAp9jag/s1600/P1090444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJukqnUIYEccJD6d3jgWTiqUdkKQ3B1yf7s7GPSI1Ey2OjXjoadXEusC-IU9O9A_jvLxaYfWB_eA1tqhMp7dcyFdwSheVNzivd3-AxSVnmGBaqrjgz4FSE9SnEBWiz5eZlF-vtAp9jag/s320/P1090444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> We went to the library and picked up some Spring books. This was much more effective than my pathetic attempt at St. Patrick's Day books. (Have I mentioned how much I love the library's online request system? I can request a bazillion books while sitting at home, and then they'll email me when they're ready. I walk it, pick them up off the shelf filed under my name, and check out. Saves SO much time and chaos!) Anyway, the biggest hit is "Kevin Discovers Spring" by Liesbet Slegers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsuGn2Hh6lnzmIuBxf_UlsJC3KoWvXY1atgr_BUqv1YQbXhJ7UKUZKkGU4eftRGK_y197ScfJnQAAvxc6Su6qcwazDBD-lX8_6KogsiXZrKd1F5IYn45vpL_ulvKM_h67tU_aQ2lKsw/s1600/P1090446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsuGn2Hh6lnzmIuBxf_UlsJC3KoWvXY1atgr_BUqv1YQbXhJ7UKUZKkGU4eftRGK_y197ScfJnQAAvxc6Su6qcwazDBD-lX8_6KogsiXZrKd1F5IYn45vpL_ulvKM_h67tU_aQ2lKsw/s320/P1090446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Matt and Briannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438901048115436558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-72451272758109011692011-03-23T15:18:00.000-07:002011-03-23T15:18:42.741-07:00Time BudgetingI have so many things milling around in my head these days... but I can only blog so much. So I'm starting with time budgeting. I've been messing around with schedules and things for a few months now, (really some form or another for a couple years) to pretty much no avail. I'm always wondering where the heck my time goes. I'm a stay at home mom- doesn't that mean I should have an amazing dinner ready every night, a spotless home, fun activities planned with my kids each day, time for exercise, and profound daily quiet times?<br />
yeah. right.<br />
Anyway, I was thinking about budgeting the other day and a thought occurred to me. There are only so many minutes in a day. (I know, shocking, right? who knew?) Just like there is only so much money every month. I'm an avid budgeter. If you follow Dave Ramsey at all, I'm the "nerd," not the "free spirit." I love excel. (well, I'm a Mac user- so it's actually "numbers" that I love.) Anyway- I've been fanatically budgeting since high school. (yes.) I love knowing where every penny goes. (nope. I don't round up. every penny.) If someone were to ask me how to get started in budgeting, I'd tell them to save all their receipts for a month and to enter everything into a spreadsheet. To try not to change your habits that month, just to be aware of where it all goes. It can be shocking. So while I was thinking about this and how it relates to the time in a day, I thought I'd start recording all my minutes. Just how DO I spend my time? Should I feel guilty about not spending enough time with each kid, doing fabulous things? How much time DO I spend in the kitchen? Should I feel guilty about how untidy my home is in this crazy season of life? And really, how much time DO I spend on facebook? The endless life-sucker that it is... because frankly, when I "waste" my minutes rather than being intentional with them, I rob other areas of my day of much needed time. Things I'd rather be spending my time on.<br />
So, that's my project for the week. Time budgeting. Hopefully it wont take up so much time by itself as to throw off my observations. ha! Actually, I'm committing to not adding anything up until a designated time. In a week, perhaps I'll enter it into a new spreadsheet and look at percentages. Maybe it will help me to see areas that I need to change. Like I was wondering how much time I spent making lunches. Would I spend less time "packing" lunch for everyone the night before when I pack my husbands', even though the kids and I eat at home every day? Hm. Anyway, if I can make my life more efficient, great. If I can just be aware of how I spend my day, honestly, I think it may be eye-opening. Perhaps not. But worth a shot.Matt and Briannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438901048115436558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-86037607024091954152011-03-17T16:33:00.001-07:002011-03-17T16:38:19.983-07:00St. Patrick's Day Activities: round 5!Rainbows! Rowen's really not much of an arts & crafts guy. Sorting, however, was a big hit. A couple days ago, I soaked some round noodles in food coloring water, and then let them dry. The next day I dumped 'em into a bucket, with some other random "rainbow" colored things I could find. He enjoyed sorting them into different little tubs!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQ-ss3rGq1B3MhcFlrR-uXCP2j_mYe6TF4KzzOONYS8cVZqPCcR5du5WSmOH0aHE9OH29vDaiozXYpJUT_5Gim8HYpGBJM4jtKqEFyyMC9GU66lqr25_jCeNfTM244rY7GGzkEDeRjM8/s1600/P1090327.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQ-ss3rGq1B3MhcFlrR-uXCP2j_mYe6TF4KzzOONYS8cVZqPCcR5du5WSmOH0aHE9OH29vDaiozXYpJUT_5Gim8HYpGBJM4jtKqEFyyMC9GU66lqr25_jCeNfTM244rY7GGzkEDeRjM8/s320/P1090327.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585196733839885218" /></a>When he was through, he wanted to find MORE things to add to his "rainbow."<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QcsPEAeCKSDoKxosWKOqH9XkMXz9S_Cg7mOvFVoYCjHvgfopltPA_13wJmxKLzSxvQo_6auXYQkvWGG-tjQMZYpdb7SjkIfeHZjDz7yeYCm-vh2O94T-wJ4ELPWxQ6UtnMnikxTsoz4/s1600/P1090329.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QcsPEAeCKSDoKxosWKOqH9XkMXz9S_Cg7mOvFVoYCjHvgfopltPA_13wJmxKLzSxvQo_6auXYQkvWGG-tjQMZYpdb7SjkIfeHZjDz7yeYCm-vh2O94T-wJ4ELPWxQ6UtnMnikxTsoz4/s320/P1090329.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585196725791286674" /></a>love him!<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUTqCzYajNhQFhLnClXJvnGaWhtXxq6FeF3wZwMJJhTr6v0a0xsgv0sgOzeeBSSMEYYfxZqyIidvWTLDsKm8Ql7hhsJB5P4C9aiIA612xKZp0MZRasvEtOiA3hGtevV8uSm92-YvR3V8/s1600/P1090336.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUTqCzYajNhQFhLnClXJvnGaWhtXxq6FeF3wZwMJJhTr6v0a0xsgv0sgOzeeBSSMEYYfxZqyIidvWTLDsKm8Ql7hhsJB5P4C9aiIA612xKZp0MZRasvEtOiA3hGtevV8uSm92-YvR3V8/s320/P1090336.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585196716878287186" /></a>and.... just 'cause she's cute :)</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-63822224773834950782011-03-16T15:27:00.000-07:002011-03-16T15:46:54.504-07:00St. Paddy's Day Activities: continued<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjlheRH8F4Do187cjWjNvuctZ34O-hVDf6oIrVXDSKioB0z6X9ILxmAgfLIDoPyhnKCaiVHeaPlnU67oj4ruk31CtdYPxC5sf67yL04P76oaVrwVHfhxjVsk3Tajp90YuNbzorDWq0U0/s1600/P1090304.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjlheRH8F4Do187cjWjNvuctZ34O-hVDf6oIrVXDSKioB0z6X9ILxmAgfLIDoPyhnKCaiVHeaPlnU67oj4ruk31CtdYPxC5sf67yL04P76oaVrwVHfhxjVsk3Tajp90YuNbzorDWq0U0/s320/P1090304.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584811795510403266" /></a>kefir+spinach+banana+a bit of pear puree for sweetness= shamrock smoothie!<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4Ev2b3z9_aH5DbTNHLPuKjRGdQAbJ_QLd3HRdOW3ltbnEW_Or0eKmCLOlCTHTL4NRk-pnhBVvBhp8H3swsMYFvcgX4WxskkUxJwySwO6CRdeFbbV7vjEEgFZd3LCArYUl8u1V8ablu4/s1600/P1090305.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4Ev2b3z9_aH5DbTNHLPuKjRGdQAbJ_QLd3HRdOW3ltbnEW_Or0eKmCLOlCTHTL4NRk-pnhBVvBhp8H3swsMYFvcgX4WxskkUxJwySwO6CRdeFbbV7vjEEgFZd3LCArYUl8u1V8ablu4/s320/P1090305.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584811790563703282" /></a>mmmmm....... green goodness!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib62UdDEalKHpdEzDakrgmPaC5uIAvi49miCvmjFt55p8ezuPVhfYp9aGQY4sEDwcfYJUvZeou8lezI916kJk7DV_17XFATtjrj9_2-A7Kr56MW5Q9oDppFBi_7r5oWRLRQANrTT8IQng/s1600/P1090308.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib62UdDEalKHpdEzDakrgmPaC5uIAvi49miCvmjFt55p8ezuPVhfYp9aGQY4sEDwcfYJUvZeou8lezI916kJk7DV_17XFATtjrj9_2-A7Kr56MW5Q9oDppFBi_7r5oWRLRQANrTT8IQng/s320/P1090308.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584811778448064674" /></a>grabbed a pack of 8 glitter glues at the dollar tree. toddler fail. You have to squeeze them from the bottom in order to get the glue out. (Toddler wants to squeeze the middle, of course!) Eh, what do you expect from the DT anyway?) :) He has the most fun with the caps, anyway.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEQzgE2lGMtDIdBExvU7t-A9qFsw_mhmLesh2QMs30ZNCsw5J5pTgdrJSQCpWAp_RqfipZ6eD0oQ0yFqvceIHp2poV79lsbioqvuRBqotRj531alE5gxiQUxb2gCAS19OCPVyJ6aTN-E/s1600/P1090311.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKEQzgE2lGMtDIdBExvU7t-A9qFsw_mhmLesh2QMs30ZNCsw5J5pTgdrJSQCpWAp_RqfipZ6eD0oQ0yFqvceIHp2poV79lsbioqvuRBqotRj531alE5gxiQUxb2gCAS19OCPVyJ6aTN-E/s320/P1090311.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584811770872860610" /></a>These are shamrocks cut out of the papers he "stamped" yesterday. I learned from one of our library books that St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity to unbelieving Ireland. Three leaves, one leaf... cool, huh?</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqFgGcVLeMSAbL1F2_sC1q3BOyLvjXtxRbjuFIeAqcfNwfW9dSq7PYout1TQHdjQTLyMCy-UkAG9xIXIGlqtOx5PVZjgsP1eaJ7fX3kxAa-5mFQQxwU1QYD3Fjm5q9Ms-Gl4II_hNhas/s1600/P1090319.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqFgGcVLeMSAbL1F2_sC1q3BOyLvjXtxRbjuFIeAqcfNwfW9dSq7PYout1TQHdjQTLyMCy-UkAG9xIXIGlqtOx5PVZjgsP1eaJ7fX3kxAa-5mFQQxwU1QYD3Fjm5q9Ms-Gl4II_hNhas/s320/P1090319.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584811768277975954" /></a>left over smoothie? smoothie pop. oh yeah!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1259192456816245743.post-90161840902424956002011-03-16T15:17:00.000-07:002011-03-16T15:26:32.661-07:00The Ladies: 1.5 weeks<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN4cFfTOapevpAVR__p-jIYVqmkknXNG4spKkP48ZdbwWgLHVfpzUtOC9hhGxnc-XtQcUJEYgFPiZjCroaneVnRrT0h2sT48zbsB6pnQt_r8ekz_jFPJCFQeOh1Yn4kmRZubsjdfAyc4/s320/P1090315.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584805837352669730" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span>I propped a stick in the brooder today for a roost- they had a jolly old time picking at it all morning. They enjoyed either eating or playing with all the lichen and moss but that's about it. I think big blackie has been wanting to roost (especially on top of the waterer, if only she could get up there!) I tried propping up a crepe spreader (seriously.) for a few days, and she kept stretching one foot up on it, but never attempting to perch. I figured it was too thin. So, a bigger stick was in order :) Big yellow (Miss Bossy) tried it first, but didn't stay. Big blackie is quite pleased. (no, they still don't have names. I'm starting to think it's for the better, though.) We'll see :) She's pecked at a couple of the other girls who've looked interested. "this is MY roost!"<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRxfEQeJkVjyx84wcZiq6lNWd67PElaLiY19ChCRX2ef3WaQ84Wfc6XJ3EokcjLAVpD0jERkp6jD_rCedPz38iSWCAMJJGnyM7JbAzZEmdJyogKfLUox86J6JHJ5zSRB-aZ8JMwUyKzg/s1600/P1090320.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRxfEQeJkVjyx84wcZiq6lNWd67PElaLiY19ChCRX2ef3WaQ84Wfc6XJ3EokcjLAVpD0jERkp6jD_rCedPz38iSWCAMJJGnyM7JbAzZEmdJyogKfLUox86J6JHJ5zSRB-aZ8JMwUyKzg/s320/P1090320.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584805842431859186" /></a>They're hilarious. They play "keep away" with any pine shavings that they find that are slightly different. They peep all day (and night) long, but it sounds like spring time. Like a tree just outside your house has a flock of birds flying back home from the south. So far no stink, which is a perk. Just waiting for that one :) They're getting their feathers in- you might be able to enlarge the picture to see but I haven't checked. But the tail feathers crack me up. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>That's all for now!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04625137515975174383noreply@blogger.com0