Friday, October 21, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Although I'm grateful our home is holding a comfortable temperature without having to turn on the furnace yet, I'm looking forward to visiting a friend and sitting by her fireplace. The past two days the night time temps have been in the 30's and it hasn't warmed up much during the day, only getting into the upper 40's. Our house either has really good insulation or our computers/tvs are giving off more heat than we realize. :)
ICU 10/20/11
photo- one bulb of Spanish Roja garlic compared to two cloves of Elephant garlic
“This week we want to…” My parents are coming for a visit so that will keep us busy.
“The kids are…” DS16 finished his latest short film, It Came From The VCR. Click here to check it out.DS12 has decided he wants to be Al Capone for Halloween. No sewing for me this year! DS12 has also been reading about World War I and making more fitness plans.
“I am learning….” How to grow garlic. I went a little over board at the garden center and picked up German Porcelain, Spanish Roja, Musik and Elephant garlic. The Elephant garlic is so huge! One clove is the size of a small apple. I'm thinking about planting it and not telling the boys. Then next summer when we harvest it, I'll enjoy their surprise when they pull up huge bulbs compared to the others.
“I am struggling with…” Taking care of myself. I haven't gotten back into an exercise routine yet, and I seriously think my sugar addiction has stopped being cute. I'm starting to realized how it is controlling me.
“This week is the first time….” I've starting adding shots of apple cider to tall glasses of water and I love it. I'm drinking so much water now, which is great.
"I am grateful…” I am well. At work, I've been exposed to so much illness. So many people have come in coughing, sneezing, drippy noses. I've also heard whooping cough and mono are going around. I hope I can continue to stay well.
“Our family first started unschooling…..(insert time frame/date, etc)”
This is difficult to do, pick an exact date. Our unschooling has really evolved. I decided to stay home and engage with my children 100% when DS12 was born. I knew we most likely would not be blessed with more children, and I wanted to get all I could of the two we did have.
When my oldest missed the kindergarten cut off due to his October birthday, a friend suggested I do "school" with him at home. I used a kindergarten curriculum for about 5 minutes before realizing how stupid it was to do so. That was probably the start of our unschooling journey, so I'll pick the date September 1, 2000.
I arrived at radical unschooling mom status over time. I sampled Charlotte Mason and Thomas Jefferson methods, mostly to deal with my doubts, but eventually I stopped worrying and starting trusting. I trust my children and believe they have been born with a natural curiosity and desire to explore. I trust God will put us where he wants us on a time table that is right for our family.
The more I trusted the process, the better it worked. Being radical isn't the difficult part at all. I don't need to be like everyone else or want to. Radical unschooling is easy once you realize living a lifestyle respecting others and loving unconditionally is all it takes. I only follow those two rules, love unconditionally and respect all others. When in doubt, I ask myself, does this course of action respect both the individual I am dealing with and myself, and am I acting out of unconditional love, not fear.
Modeling my actions my boys have learned how to love and respect others and that is my greatest accomplishment.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Ginger Spiced Pumpkin Muffins
Description:
These came out so delicious but not overly spicy, nice and mellow for breakfasts or snacks. They were very easy to mix together and baked up quickly. They also can be wrapped and frozen, although I think this batch won't last to make it to the freezer!
Ingredients:
1 C fat free milk
1/2 C brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 C olive oil
1/2 C canned pumpkin
1 t cinnamon
1 t ground ginger
2 t baking powder
2 T ground flax seed meal
1 1/2 C whole wheat flour
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375
Whisk together the milk, brown sugar, egg, and pumpkin.
Add the baking powder, cinnamon and ginger.
Stir in the flour and flax seed meal.
Spray a muffin tin with non-stick spray and fill muffin cups. This batch makes exactly 12 muffins.
Bake at 375 for 15 minutes
Cool on a wire rack
Sunday, October 16, 2011
If I Can Make It Past Tuesday...
The appraiser is coming Tuesday morning. We're refinancing our home after living here for 10 years. I'm trying to tell myself, do what you can, leave God to the rest, but it is still bothering me. 10 years and we've stacked so much stuff!
Its not exactly like you'd find us on a episode of Hoarders. Most of the rooms in our home are very livable. Guests feel comfortable, not horrified. I have areas that function pretty well.
Of course there still are zones of chaos. Having to live it in, you get desensitized to it. The dust bunnies seem to belong there. Will the appraiser be measuring the dust as well as the square feet?
We've made good progress in the short time we've had to get the house ready for inspection. Of course that depends on how you look at it. My garage can't fit the two cars it should right now and the unfinished part of the basement has a narrow walking path through the boxes and shelves of holiday decorations and old toys. On the other hand, the upstairs is done except for some floor trim work, and the mancave, except for the dust bunnies mentioned earlier, is good to go.
I shouldn't worry so much about it. We live here. We really LIVE here. My home is a learning laboratory.
Its not meant to be a sterile, perfect world, but rather a source of inspiration to our learning through living lifestyle.
I have learned a few things however. One is I'm really good at living by my mother's motto - My house is clean enough to be healthy, but dirty enough to be happy. Another is, purging is an on going task I must devote time to every week. For every thing that comes in, I should find something to go out. The memories I hold of special time shared with those I love, is more important than the material possessions they gave me. Its hard enough to actually physically remove something from your home, attaching emotions to it doesn't help.
Whatever happens on Tuesday, I have to remember the lessons learned this past weekend of cleaning. Rather than worry about being judged by a stranger, I should focus on the gift we've given ourselves in cleaning and organizing our home. Photos- living room, kitchen, exercise/books/birds, mancave (with boy in game mode and Yumi wondering what I'm doing, unfinished storage area/utility.
Its not exactly like you'd find us on a episode of Hoarders. Most of the rooms in our home are very livable. Guests feel comfortable, not horrified. I have areas that function pretty well.
Of course there still are zones of chaos. Having to live it in, you get desensitized to it. The dust bunnies seem to belong there. Will the appraiser be measuring the dust as well as the square feet?
We've made good progress in the short time we've had to get the house ready for inspection. Of course that depends on how you look at it. My garage can't fit the two cars it should right now and the unfinished part of the basement has a narrow walking path through the boxes and shelves of holiday decorations and old toys. On the other hand, the upstairs is done except for some floor trim work, and the mancave, except for the dust bunnies mentioned earlier, is good to go.
I shouldn't worry so much about it. We live here. We really LIVE here. My home is a learning laboratory.
Its not meant to be a sterile, perfect world, but rather a source of inspiration to our learning through living lifestyle.
I have learned a few things however. One is I'm really good at living by my mother's motto - My house is clean enough to be healthy, but dirty enough to be happy. Another is, purging is an on going task I must devote time to every week. For every thing that comes in, I should find something to go out. The memories I hold of special time shared with those I love, is more important than the material possessions they gave me. Its hard enough to actually physically remove something from your home, attaching emotions to it doesn't help.
Whatever happens on Tuesday, I have to remember the lessons learned this past weekend of cleaning. Rather than worry about being judged by a stranger, I should focus on the gift we've given ourselves in cleaning and organizing our home. Photos- living room, kitchen, exercise/books/birds, mancave (with boy in game mode and Yumi wondering what I'm doing, unfinished storage area/utility.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Orangutan Safe Halloween
Our local zoo has trick or treating for kids, and the pool I work for participates in this fun activity. I learned from our zoo that orangutans are in danger of losing habitat and not all companies use sustainable palm oil. I'm passing along information from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, regarding orangutan friendly companies who do use sustainable palm oil.
This information is meant to be a helpful guide for consumers that are concerned about orangutan conservation and deforestation due to non-sustainable palm oil production in Indonesia and Malaysia. The companies listed below are members of the RSPO (Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil) and are committed to using certified sustainable palm oil. Please support companies that are doing their best to make a difference for orangutans.
Make a Difference for Wild Orangutans
Orangutan Friendly Sustainable Palm Oil Halloween Candy List
Note: Any products made by Nestle, Kellogg’s, PepsiCo (Frito Lay),
Hershey’s, Mars, Walmart (Great Value Brand) and ConAgra (even if not listed below) are good choices as they are all members of the RSPO.
If you do not find your favorite snack/company on this list, take action by writing
a letter and asking the company to join the RSPO and be committed to using
certified sustainable palm oil.
For a sample letter and more information on how you can Make a Difference for Wild Orangutans visit
www.cmzoo.org/conservation/PalmOilCrisis.
Company Name & Snack Name
Nestle Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, Crunch Bar
Wonka (Nestle) Sweetarts, Bottle Caps, Laffy Taffy, Nerds
ConAgra Fiddle Faddle, Crunch & Munch, Poppy Cock
Kellogg’s Rice Krispie Treats, Fruity Snacks, Pop Tarts
Kellogg’s Austin Crackers (all varieties)
Kellogg’s All Keebler Brand Cookies
PepsiCo (Frito Lay) Cheetos, Doritos
PepsiCo Grandma’s Cookies
Hershey’s Twizzlers, Jolly Ranchers, Whoppers
Hershey’s Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Almond Joy
Hershey’s Mr. Goodbar, Heath Bars, Milk Duds
Mars Snickers, Twix, M&M’s, 3 Musketeers
Mars Milky Way, Skittles, Dove Chocolates
Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups, NutButter (All flavors)
Lindt and Spungli Lindor Truffles (All flavors)
Ghirardelli All flavors
Walmart Great Value Brand products (Candy, Cookies, Crackers etc.)
This information is meant to be a helpful guide for consumers that are concerned about orangutan conservation and deforestation due to non-sustainable palm oil production in Indonesia and Malaysia. The companies listed below are members of the RSPO (Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil) and are committed to using certified sustainable palm oil. Please support companies that are doing their best to make a difference for orangutans.
Make a Difference for Wild Orangutans
Orangutan Friendly Sustainable Palm Oil Halloween Candy List
Note: Any products made by Nestle, Kellogg’s, PepsiCo (Frito Lay),
Hershey’s, Mars, Walmart (Great Value Brand) and ConAgra (even if not listed below) are good choices as they are all members of the RSPO.
If you do not find your favorite snack/company on this list, take action by writing
a letter and asking the company to join the RSPO and be committed to using
certified sustainable palm oil.
For a sample letter and more information on how you can Make a Difference for Wild Orangutans visit
www.cmzoo.org/conservation/PalmOilCrisis.
Company Name & Snack Name
Nestle Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, Crunch Bar
Wonka (Nestle) Sweetarts, Bottle Caps, Laffy Taffy, Nerds
ConAgra Fiddle Faddle, Crunch & Munch, Poppy Cock
Kellogg’s Rice Krispie Treats, Fruity Snacks, Pop Tarts
Kellogg’s Austin Crackers (all varieties)
Kellogg’s All Keebler Brand Cookies
PepsiCo (Frito Lay) Cheetos, Doritos
PepsiCo Grandma’s Cookies
Hershey’s Twizzlers, Jolly Ranchers, Whoppers
Hershey’s Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Almond Joy
Hershey’s Mr. Goodbar, Heath Bars, Milk Duds
Mars Snickers, Twix, M&M’s, 3 Musketeers
Mars Milky Way, Skittles, Dove Chocolates
Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups, NutButter (All flavors)
Lindt and Spungli Lindor Truffles (All flavors)
Ghirardelli All flavors
Walmart Great Value Brand products (Candy, Cookies, Crackers etc.)
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Cage The Elephant
| Start: | Dec 15, '11 6:30p |
| Location: | Rave, Milwaukee, WI |
Monday, October 10, 2011
Applesauce - organic
Description:
When we tagged our Christmas tree, we received a free bag of McIntosh apples. We usually don't eat this variety raw, so I decided to make applesauce. I adapted this recipe to use less sugar and it came out very yummy. I like my applesauce more chunky, so I don't use a mill.
The apples were organic and I used organic whole cane sugar. My kitchen smelled fantastic while it was cooking! The lemon helped brighten up the flavor.
Ingredients:
About 8 Cups of peeled, quartered apples
1/2 C water
1/2 C organic whole cane sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
6-8 lemon rind curls - use a peeler to curl off thin slices of lemon peel
juice of one small lemon
Directions:
In a large pot over low-medium heat, add all of the ingredients.
Cover and simmer the apples until they begin to soften and break down.
Using the back of a large wooden spoon, smash the apples against the sides of the pot and stir often.
Remove the lid and continue to cook down until you reach your desired consistency.
Remove the cinnamon sticks and lemon peel curls and allow your sauce to cool slightly before eating or chill in the refrigerator and enjoy.
Saturday, October 08, 2011
Why I've Been Away
Its not just the beautiful weather that has been keeping me from the computer. I've been blessed with family time. My oldest turned 16 this past week and my husband took a few days off from work so we could help him celebrate and enjoy a bit of family time.
DS16 got his big gift last weekend when G-ma was here, a new laptop. Later in the week, on his actual birthday, we took him out for lunch and gave him a new game, Dark Souls. You would think this would mean we wouldn't see too much of him, but he's actually been pretty good about spending some time with us. He has to eat right?!
Actually he agreed to get some sun and last Thursday we headed out to Skelly's Farm to walk around in corn mazes. We did the "impossible" maze first. I wanted to use the map but my husband challenged us to try and find the markers without using the map. This pushed me past my comfort zone, but when I was actually able to find the marker when it was my turn, it was very rewarding knowing I had achieved it without using the map. There were 12 markers in all and it took us about an hour to navigate the entire maze without using the map. After the "impossible" maze, we tried the "easy" maze, but it actually didn't feel easy at all. Maybe we were tired from working the "impossible" maze first?
I should have worn a hat. It became quite warm in the corn, without the benefit of a breeze. My skin was a little pink and I was ready for a nap that early evening.
I cap napped, while the men folk watched Scream 4. Speaking of movies, we also watched Rango, which I enjoyed more than I thought I would.
Back to our other outdoor activities- we picked pumpkins and we've been throwing the football around more often. We hit a few garage sales, but didn't find anything worth taking home.
I should be in the garden, cleaning it up and getting it ready for winter, but I'm still waiting for the garden center to stock garlic, which I really want to plant for next summer's harvest. I'm also adding popcorn to my list of what I want to grow next year. I found my garden notes from the past few years and its pretty neat to me how every year we just keep making it bigger, adding new things to try.
I found a huge spider in my yard. It's belly is the size of a super ball. I wish my camera was working better. It's an orb web spider and the web is measuring over 6 feet across. Much of my remaining Swiss chard has lots of spiders in it. I know spiders are good for the garden, but after almost eating one I found in my salad, I'm a bit freaked.
We started watching American Horror Story on FX. Although I found Jessica Lang's character awesomely creepy, I was disappointed over all. I want more horror, more creepy neighbors, and less sex. This show looked like it was going to be scary, but its mostly sex.
The new season of Dexter looks like its going to be good. I'm happy they are basically starting with a clean slate. I was a bit let down with last season, but the season before the last was gut wrenching and a lot to live up to.
Well, I think I've babbled enough and made enough notes here to jog my memory later. Hope you're all having a great weekend!
DS16 got his big gift last weekend when G-ma was here, a new laptop. Later in the week, on his actual birthday, we took him out for lunch and gave him a new game, Dark Souls. You would think this would mean we wouldn't see too much of him, but he's actually been pretty good about spending some time with us. He has to eat right?!
Actually he agreed to get some sun and last Thursday we headed out to Skelly's Farm to walk around in corn mazes. We did the "impossible" maze first. I wanted to use the map but my husband challenged us to try and find the markers without using the map. This pushed me past my comfort zone, but when I was actually able to find the marker when it was my turn, it was very rewarding knowing I had achieved it without using the map. There were 12 markers in all and it took us about an hour to navigate the entire maze without using the map. After the "impossible" maze, we tried the "easy" maze, but it actually didn't feel easy at all. Maybe we were tired from working the "impossible" maze first?
I should have worn a hat. It became quite warm in the corn, without the benefit of a breeze. My skin was a little pink and I was ready for a nap that early evening.
I cap napped, while the men folk watched Scream 4. Speaking of movies, we also watched Rango, which I enjoyed more than I thought I would.
Back to our other outdoor activities- we picked pumpkins and we've been throwing the football around more often. We hit a few garage sales, but didn't find anything worth taking home.
I should be in the garden, cleaning it up and getting it ready for winter, but I'm still waiting for the garden center to stock garlic, which I really want to plant for next summer's harvest. I'm also adding popcorn to my list of what I want to grow next year. I found my garden notes from the past few years and its pretty neat to me how every year we just keep making it bigger, adding new things to try.
I found a huge spider in my yard. It's belly is the size of a super ball. I wish my camera was working better. It's an orb web spider and the web is measuring over 6 feet across. Much of my remaining Swiss chard has lots of spiders in it. I know spiders are good for the garden, but after almost eating one I found in my salad, I'm a bit freaked.
We started watching American Horror Story on FX. Although I found Jessica Lang's character awesomely creepy, I was disappointed over all. I want more horror, more creepy neighbors, and less sex. This show looked like it was going to be scary, but its mostly sex.
The new season of Dexter looks like its going to be good. I'm happy they are basically starting with a clean slate. I was a bit let down with last season, but the season before the last was gut wrenching and a lot to live up to.
Well, I think I've babbled enough and made enough notes here to jog my memory later. Hope you're all having a great weekend!
Friday, October 07, 2011
Saturday, October 01, 2011
Hoping For A Great Weekend!!
We're starting DS15 soon to be DS16's birthday celebration early, and today G-Ma is coming to help us celebrate. We'll take him to Red Lobster for lunch and later tonight is the big football game Wisconsin vs. Nebraska. I'll have "pick" food out for the game, meatballs, thinly sliced chicken, rolls, veggies, chips and dip. For sweet treats DS12 made cupcakes, and I made cookie dough ice cream from scratch. I found a recipe that doesn't use eggs in the cookie dough.
I'm hoping we can hike around the Christmas tree farm and tag our tree. We usual do this every year. It's great to pay for it now and not have an extra expense at the holidays, plus the weather is not as cold now, so you can take your time browsing out the perfect tree. We'll go back after Thanksgiving to cut it down.
Our favorite pumpkin farm opens this weekend too, Boo's Pumpkin patch. This family run pumpkin and gourd farm always has such an amazing selection.
We'll be giving our son his main birthday present this weekend since G-Ma will be here. He's not getting what he thinks, and I think it will really surprise him!
The trees seem to be turning up their color show. I'm hoping we can find time to go for a hike and enjoy it up close and personal. I'm grateful these crazy windy days we've had haven't blown off all the leaves.
DH and I will end our weekend watching the start of the new Dexter season. This show is so well done. Its the one instance where the show is better than the books. If you haven't seen it, Dexter is a serial killer who kills killers. Once you start watching it, you want more and more. When DH & I first starting watching, thankfully it was on DVD. We would stay up late at night, "Let's watch just one more episode!" Now that we're caught up, it's almost painful to have to wait that entire week until your next Dexter fix.
I better go and start getting ready for our good times. I hope you have a great weekend yourself!
I'm hoping we can hike around the Christmas tree farm and tag our tree. We usual do this every year. It's great to pay for it now and not have an extra expense at the holidays, plus the weather is not as cold now, so you can take your time browsing out the perfect tree. We'll go back after Thanksgiving to cut it down.
Our favorite pumpkin farm opens this weekend too, Boo's Pumpkin patch. This family run pumpkin and gourd farm always has such an amazing selection.
We'll be giving our son his main birthday present this weekend since G-Ma will be here. He's not getting what he thinks, and I think it will really surprise him!
The trees seem to be turning up their color show. I'm hoping we can find time to go for a hike and enjoy it up close and personal. I'm grateful these crazy windy days we've had haven't blown off all the leaves.
DH and I will end our weekend watching the start of the new Dexter season. This show is so well done. Its the one instance where the show is better than the books. If you haven't seen it, Dexter is a serial killer who kills killers. Once you start watching it, you want more and more. When DH & I first starting watching, thankfully it was on DVD. We would stay up late at night, "Let's watch just one more episode!" Now that we're caught up, it's almost painful to have to wait that entire week until your next Dexter fix.
I better go and start getting ready for our good times. I hope you have a great weekend yourself!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Monday Blah & Weekend Update 9/26/11
Yes, it is Monday. Ours is going to be very rainy, and I'm going to have to shake off this serious case of blah.
I have a ticket to my nephew's heavy metal show tonight. I wish I was more psyched up to go. I'll meet my sister there after I finish working tonight, but I'm feeling guilty about not coming home after work like usual.
I found out yesterday DH preferred when I did not work Monday nights. I actually prefer working Mondays and having Thursdays off. The boys still ask me, "Do you have to work tonight, " more often than I'd like. I know my family would like me home more, but I have to stop feeling guilty. Financially, its not an option.
I think my strawberry smoothie is kicking in. I'm feeling a little less Monday blah now.
I should journal our past weekend. Friday night we grilled burgers at home and watched Quarantine 2: Terminal. It was bad. It had its entertaining moments, but over all a disappointment.
Saturday morning we slept in and hung out as a family, on the couches, chilling to Saturday morning TV.
Saturday afternoon, I covered for a co-worker so she could attend the Badger game. My men picked me up after my shift and took me out for Mexican. Yum! We hit the used book store afterward. I showed serious restraint and didn't buy anything for myself.
I did find a $2 book for DS12. Its a police exam guide. He wants to be a police officer one day and he enjoys reading these kinds of things. I had checked one out from the library once, but now he has his own to keep and enjoy. I love that he's only 12, but enjoying a book written for grown ups. That's unschooling.
Sunday DH and I ran a few errands, but for the most part, we stayed home, enjoying the nest. I began a few house repairs, we'll have to finish up this week, and we played cards. We had our family Sunday meal and watched some football. Their team won, not mine, but I did get to win our card game!
I have a ticket to my nephew's heavy metal show tonight. I wish I was more psyched up to go. I'll meet my sister there after I finish working tonight, but I'm feeling guilty about not coming home after work like usual.
I found out yesterday DH preferred when I did not work Monday nights. I actually prefer working Mondays and having Thursdays off. The boys still ask me, "Do you have to work tonight, " more often than I'd like. I know my family would like me home more, but I have to stop feeling guilty. Financially, its not an option.
I think my strawberry smoothie is kicking in. I'm feeling a little less Monday blah now.
I should journal our past weekend. Friday night we grilled burgers at home and watched Quarantine 2: Terminal. It was bad. It had its entertaining moments, but over all a disappointment.
Saturday morning we slept in and hung out as a family, on the couches, chilling to Saturday morning TV.
Saturday afternoon, I covered for a co-worker so she could attend the Badger game. My men picked me up after my shift and took me out for Mexican. Yum! We hit the used book store afterward. I showed serious restraint and didn't buy anything for myself.
I did find a $2 book for DS12. Its a police exam guide. He wants to be a police officer one day and he enjoys reading these kinds of things. I had checked one out from the library once, but now he has his own to keep and enjoy. I love that he's only 12, but enjoying a book written for grown ups. That's unschooling.
Sunday DH and I ran a few errands, but for the most part, we stayed home, enjoying the nest. I began a few house repairs, we'll have to finish up this week, and we played cards. We had our family Sunday meal and watched some football. Their team won, not mine, but I did get to win our card game!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
NIGHTMARE!!!
A nightmare woke me early. It was impossible for me to go back to sleep afterward. I wanted to wake up my boys, but I showed some restraint.
In the dream, my children had become MORONS!!!! They had changed their personalities to try and fit in at.....SCHOOL!! GASP!!!
I'm so glad it was just a dream. My autodidacts are still free to be who they are!!
This isn't a slam on everyone who chooses to attend public instruction. I'm just grateful we have the opportunity to provide an environment for our boys where they feel safe to be themselves, free of judgment. They don't have to worry about being accepted because we love them unconditionally.
I know we've given them a solid foundation of self confidence. Both boys have experienced negative criticism from others, and I was proud of how they handled it. When one son was cyber bullied, he simply "unfriended" the offenders, and told me he wasn't going to let it bother him. My other son received negative remarks regarding his film making and he completely let it roll off his shoulders. He has too much fun creating movies, and he knows the people in his life that matter, that love him, appreciate his creativity.
I believe because we love and respect our boys so much, and because we give them so much freedom, they have become wonderful, generous young men. They are not morons.
They are funny, intelligent, creative, insightful and caring individuals. They aren't trying to be someone they're not. They inspire me everyday!
In the dream, my children had become MORONS!!!! They had changed their personalities to try and fit in at.....SCHOOL!! GASP!!!
I'm so glad it was just a dream. My autodidacts are still free to be who they are!!
This isn't a slam on everyone who chooses to attend public instruction. I'm just grateful we have the opportunity to provide an environment for our boys where they feel safe to be themselves, free of judgment. They don't have to worry about being accepted because we love them unconditionally.
I know we've given them a solid foundation of self confidence. Both boys have experienced negative criticism from others, and I was proud of how they handled it. When one son was cyber bullied, he simply "unfriended" the offenders, and told me he wasn't going to let it bother him. My other son received negative remarks regarding his film making and he completely let it roll off his shoulders. He has too much fun creating movies, and he knows the people in his life that matter, that love him, appreciate his creativity.
I believe because we love and respect our boys so much, and because we give them so much freedom, they have become wonderful, generous young men. They are not morons.
They are funny, intelligent, creative, insightful and caring individuals. They aren't trying to be someone they're not. They inspire me everyday! Wednesday, September 21, 2011
ICU 9/21/11
“This week we want to…”
Here's a few ideas - haircuts, help DS15 with his latest flick, yard/garden needs attention, yard sale, continue the great purge, rotate out seasonal clothing, shop for new clothing if needed, (they always seem to out grow winter gear so quickly), use our free movie tickets...
“The kids are…”
DS15 is beginning production of It Came From The VCR.
DS12 is coming to a cross roads. I can see he's looking for something new. I keep making suggestions and as we unschoolers call it, strewing, but he has yet to find a new center point for his main focus. This kid has always been one to pick one thing and go full speed at it.
These are the times when as an unschooler, you may become a little nervous, but I now understand the reason for these cool down periods. Reading James Sebastian Bach's book, Secrets Of A Buccaneer Scholar really helped me find peace with these transition periods.
“I am learning….”
To listen with greater attention.“I am struggling with…”
Having patience for people with negative attitudes. Life's too short. Is it really that difficult to choose a better frame of mind?
“This week is the first time….”
I'm going to consume chia. I've heard about the health benefits and my sister has given me some to try.
“I am grateful…”
I have a love nest sanctuary.
“My favorite season is…. BECAUSE…..”
If you make me choose, its autumn, hands down, but I do appreciate all of the seasons because I crave change. Autumn is the season where I'm most physically comfortable, but I don't want to give up sleepy, white winter or spring's new birth. Summer is rewarding to have green all around and growing things is very rewarding.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
A Beautiful Tuesday 9/20/11
Today is too beautiful of a day to do dishes, don't you think? We don't get very many of these in Wisconsin. You are required to take advantage of them.
We filled up the bike tires with fresh air and although DS12 took off pedaling, I really wanted to Wii it. You don't want to know the last day I was on Wii Fit, but its so funny the response you get when the game hasn't logged you for awhile. With windows, (and drapes), wide open, I was Wiiing away as the sidewalk walkers gazed in at me. I didn't care. The peepers just want to see my awesome, I understand.
After our workouts, we watched DS15 dissect a rat. Thankfully it was a virtual rat in a computer game. I don't think many people understand how many educational experiences game play offers.
We begin production on DS15's next mini-movie. We walked over to our cemetery to scout location shots and block scenes. Again I couldn't get over how perfect it is outside, warm, sunny, with a terrific breeze blowing.
I also marveled at how they just don't make headstones like they used to. So many of the older graves have amazing sculptures and monuments. The newer section was all grave markers that were designed to be easy to mow over. When we go back to shoot DS15's movie, I'll bring my camera and try to capture a few to show you.
The spiders allowed me to pick a few lovely pieces of Swiss Chard for our lunch. The leaves are so pretty to me, with the branching out veins running up and out from the stem. For today's harvest I chose all green leaves. I admit, some of the chard is so pretty I don't want to pick it!
I have to run. I'm being summoned to help the boys with a challenge. They're back to gaming this afternoon.
We filled up the bike tires with fresh air and although DS12 took off pedaling, I really wanted to Wii it. You don't want to know the last day I was on Wii Fit, but its so funny the response you get when the game hasn't logged you for awhile. With windows, (and drapes), wide open, I was Wiiing away as the sidewalk walkers gazed in at me. I didn't care. The peepers just want to see my awesome, I understand.
After our workouts, we watched DS15 dissect a rat. Thankfully it was a virtual rat in a computer game. I don't think many people understand how many educational experiences game play offers.
We begin production on DS15's next mini-movie. We walked over to our cemetery to scout location shots and block scenes. Again I couldn't get over how perfect it is outside, warm, sunny, with a terrific breeze blowing.
I also marveled at how they just don't make headstones like they used to. So many of the older graves have amazing sculptures and monuments. The newer section was all grave markers that were designed to be easy to mow over. When we go back to shoot DS15's movie, I'll bring my camera and try to capture a few to show you.
The spiders allowed me to pick a few lovely pieces of Swiss Chard for our lunch. The leaves are so pretty to me, with the branching out veins running up and out from the stem. For today's harvest I chose all green leaves. I admit, some of the chard is so pretty I don't want to pick it!
I have to run. I'm being summoned to help the boys with a challenge. They're back to gaming this afternoon.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Update 9/19/11
You can thank my cat for this update. I should get moving, but she is curled up on my lap, enjoying my warmth.
What's Up:
I'm shaking up the supper rut. We fell into a bad pattern of eating the same things, getting tired of eating the same things and resorting to eating out. I made a list of every possible meal we enjoy as a family, and its my goal to add at least one new recipe each week to this rotation.
DS15 is working on a new short film. Its a scary story this time. The working title is "It Came From The VCR!" I'm hoping he can finish it before Halloween, and maybe we could have a film screening party!
DS12 wants to make a Viking helmet. I'll help him research this, and we'll see if we can pull this off. A few weeks ago he said he wanted a sombrero. I saw one at Target, but he didn't want me to spend money on it. I guess he's into hats lately. Come to think of it, so am I. I want a 20's style cloche hat to wear.
I pulled over a dozen board games and puzzles from the game closet that I know we'll never play again. It barely made a dent. I have much more work to do in there. I've got piles to move but the difficult part is where to go with it. I may see if the consignment store will take it, but the boys talk about a garage sale or Craig's List. I know the objective is just to get rid of it, but its tempting to try and get a little money.
I need to find a recipe to try with green plum tomatoes. I don't want to fry them. I saw a recipe for green tomato bread, (think like zucchini), but after making the pumpkin banana bread and chocolate cake this past weekend, I'm baked out. I think I'll try using them on a pizza or making some kind of green sauce with them. I've only had green tomatoes fried.
Yumi is up now, meow chirping at the hummingbird at the feeder. I wonder how many more days we'll have before we don't see the hummers anymore. I actually thought they'd be gone by now.
Since I no longer have any excuse, I better get up and get moving. Have a great Monday!
What's Up:
I'm shaking up the supper rut. We fell into a bad pattern of eating the same things, getting tired of eating the same things and resorting to eating out. I made a list of every possible meal we enjoy as a family, and its my goal to add at least one new recipe each week to this rotation.
DS15 is working on a new short film. Its a scary story this time. The working title is "It Came From The VCR!" I'm hoping he can finish it before Halloween, and maybe we could have a film screening party!
DS12 wants to make a Viking helmet. I'll help him research this, and we'll see if we can pull this off. A few weeks ago he said he wanted a sombrero. I saw one at Target, but he didn't want me to spend money on it. I guess he's into hats lately. Come to think of it, so am I. I want a 20's style cloche hat to wear.
I pulled over a dozen board games and puzzles from the game closet that I know we'll never play again. It barely made a dent. I have much more work to do in there. I've got piles to move but the difficult part is where to go with it. I may see if the consignment store will take it, but the boys talk about a garage sale or Craig's List. I know the objective is just to get rid of it, but its tempting to try and get a little money.
I need to find a recipe to try with green plum tomatoes. I don't want to fry them. I saw a recipe for green tomato bread, (think like zucchini), but after making the pumpkin banana bread and chocolate cake this past weekend, I'm baked out. I think I'll try using them on a pizza or making some kind of green sauce with them. I've only had green tomatoes fried.
Yumi is up now, meow chirping at the hummingbird at the feeder. I wonder how many more days we'll have before we don't see the hummers anymore. I actually thought they'd be gone by now.
Since I no longer have any excuse, I better get up and get moving. Have a great Monday!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Pumpkin Banana Bread
Description:
I had some left over canned pumpkin to use, and I thought it would taste good in banana bread. It tastes very yummy, and I may just always use pumpkin now when I'm baking banana bread.
Instead of oil I used applesauce and instead of sugar, I used honey. I also used whole wheat flour to make this a more healthy treat option.
Ingredients:
2 bananas, mashed
1 1/3 C canned pumpkin
1/2 C applesauce
2 Large eggs
1/2 C honey
2 1/2 C whole wheat flour
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
3 t cinnamon
1/2 C walnuts, chopped
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350.
Spray a 9 x 5 loaf pan with non-stick spray or grease.
Mix the bananas, pumpkin, applesauce, honey and eggs together in a large bowl.
Mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and walnuts in a separate large bowl.
Mix together the banana mixture and the flour mixture just until the flour is incorporated.
Scrape the dough into the loaf and pan and bake for 45 minutes.
Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the loaf pan on a wire rack.
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