Well I've been a pretty fail blogger lately, haven't I? Sorry about that. Not just on here, but on all of my blogs. I feel like I owe a bit of an explanation. So here are my reasons for being a terrible, inconsistant blogger as of late:
1. It's summer. Winter on Nantucket means boredom, spare time out the wazoo, and lots of blogging. It's dark, it's cold, it's windy, and the only place to go is Stop & Shop. But summer is the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. I can take the kids outside, we can go to the playground and the beach and go out on our "boat". The kids can run around outside while I read a book or study or play with them. We're not cooped up and desperate for things to occupy ourselves. It's quite nice really. But alas, it does mean less time for blogging.
2. I'm a nerd. Most of you knew that already, but in case you somehow missed that memo, now you know. I've been playing a computer game called Aion, and it's been fun. Jesse partitioned my computer just so I could play this game, so I have to show my thanks by using said game. (right?) He actaully spent quite a lot of time trying to get my computer set up for it, so I really can't not play it. (For other nerds, Aion is like World of Warcraft, but you get wings and you can FLY! Plus, it's a lot prettier and the animals are cuter. Oh, and you get a PANDA as a pet and he/she carries a backpack of stuff for you. Awesome. I'm still a fan of WoW, but Aion is my current game)
3. My keyboard died. Yeah. I got up one morning and all it would type was "4" repeatedly. And then it decided to dim my screen, even though I wasn't telling it to. So if I clicked a text box, it would just say "44444444444" and dim my screen. Not good. Jesse ordered me a new one of a different kind off of Amazon, so I'm using that now. It's a workout for my fingers though. My old keyboard was a nice little Apple wireless keyboard and I hardly had to lift my fingers. This new one is a Logitech "normal" keyboard, with those mountainous keys. My fingers are exhausted.
4. I just haven't been in the mood. With all this real life fun going on, I just haven't felt much like blogging. So please excuse my absence. I promise to be back at the keyboard when it gets colder out. ;-)
How are The Goob and The Bean, you ask? Wonderful of course.
The Goob: Has decided that it's super great to sweat all night long. Even though it's summer and he has no AC in his room (or even a fan), he insists on wearing winter pajamas and wrapping up in 5-6 blankets every night. I've tried to get him to wear his summer jammies, t-shirts and shorts, but it's been in vain. Fleece jammies and blankets or bust!
He's made a breakthrough at the beach- he actually sometimes touches the water!! If we go out on the boat and land in one of the coves we like, he will go in up to his thighs, sometimes deeper. There's little to no waves there, so he feels better. At "our" beach here by the house, he will sometimes get wet. The waves are much, much more intense at our beach and the undertow is strong, so I am 100% okay with him being cautious.
The Goob is also a very picky eater these days. Vegetables of any kind are evil. He won't touch them. In fact, if they come near him, he shuts his eyes and shakes his head until they go away. I sneak veggies into his other food, but it's not the same thing. A phase, I suppose. After all, he is a 3 year old boy.
He's still a chocoholic and tickle-fight-aholic. Don't think that will ever change. ;-)
The Bean: Trouble. He gets into everything. He thinks that my two lazy-susan's in the kitchen must be open at all times, and he loves to pull all the tupperware out of one of them and leave it on the kitchen floor. Fun. Thanks to a strategic placing of a baby gate, his toilet fun has been (mostly) curtailed, so that's a plus.
The Bean is the opposite of The Goob in many ways. One of them being how he approches water. While The Goob is only now beginning to warm up to the water, The Bean embraces it fully. Meaning, he dives right in. We went out on the boat yesterday and beached the boat so the kids could swim. Goobie of course splashed and played in thigh-high water. Beanie dove face first into the water. Three times. He was trying to pick up sea grass from the bottom, but that didn't always work out so well. Did he cry? Not a tear. He just came up and sputtered, blinked a few times, and went about his business. The Goob would have had a massive meltdown and sat in the boat the rest of the outing. It's fun to have two very different personalities. :)
Let's see, what else? Both boys love sitting in the cars and pretending to drive. Bean usually throws a fit when I have to take him back out. Bean recently cut a molar. That was a fun time for everyone, haha.
Goobie is still resisting potty training. And with so much life change coming up, he's not likely to do it anytime soon. I suppose he'll just be one of those late-learners. As I told my sister, I'm quite certain he won't be 20 years old and still in diapers... it'll come. We've tried all the methods that the books and DVDs say to try, with no results. He simply isn't ready. To be honest, I do hope he's ready soon. Pull-ups and diapers and such aren't getting any cheaper. I think he's ready in most areas, but I think he doesn't want to let go of this last piece of baby-hood. The Bean's still in diapers, and Goobie likes to do things like his little brother. Maybe they'll train together?
Well, real life is calling, so I must bid you adieu.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Scones
These are delicious!! I especially recommend nibbling one of these scones with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. (even better, nibble one with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate in the morning before your kids are up!)
Spot-On Chocolate Chip Scones
Ingredients:
3 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used dark chocolate chips instead!)
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Sugar Topping:
2 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 425 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2) In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Cut in butter using a pastry blender or rubbing between fingers, until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in chocolate chips. Add buttermilk and vanilla, stirring just until moistened. 3) Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly, 5 or 6 times, to gather into a large ball. Do not overwork the ball or the result will be tough scones. Divide the ball in half and gently pat each into 8 inch flat rounds. Brush top with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar, 4) Using a sharp knife, cut each circle into 6 even triangles and place on prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
Bake 16-18 minutes until tops are golden.
Morning?
Why do kids insist on getting up so early in the morning? Did I do that as a child?? Ugh!
The Goob woke me up at 4:10 AM this morning. And then The Bean woke up shortly after. What is up with this?? They've been getting up earlier since the sun rises earlier in the summer, but the sun was not up at 4 in the morning. I've been keeping them both up later at night to try to get them to sleep later in the morning, but no dice.
Any ideas? Tips, tricks?
The Goob woke me up at 4:10 AM this morning. And then The Bean woke up shortly after. What is up with this?? They've been getting up earlier since the sun rises earlier in the summer, but the sun was not up at 4 in the morning. I've been keeping them both up later at night to try to get them to sleep later in the morning, but no dice.
Any ideas? Tips, tricks?
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Crafty Kids- Shrinky Dinks!!
If you've never made a shrinky dink before, you are missing out. I made shrinky dinks all throughout my childhood, and I love them. The other day Jesse and I were bored, and I suggested we make shrinky dinks. He looked at me oddly and said, "Shrinky... what??" Alas! He had no idea what a shrinky dink was!! This had to be remedied.
So today I went out and bought sandpaper. (I also bought him sushi for dinner, which was ultra handy because the plastic lids from takeout containers are ideal for shrinky dinks) He used the lid from The Bean's birthday cake, and I used the lid from the sushi.
You'll Need:
Scissors
Colored pencils
Flat #6 plastic, usually found on takeout lids from delis and restaurants (#6 works the best, #1 also works, but it's thinner and shrinks less. #5... well, don't use that one)
Foil
Sandpaper (we used 80 grit and it worked perfectly. It needs to be relatively rough)
Access to an oven
Tongs
Instructions:
- Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees F. and set your oven rack to the lowest position.
- Wash your plastic pieces, especially if they were used for food.
- Cut out shapes with the scissors (remember, if you cut a hole for string, the hole will shrink too!!)
- Sand the plastic pieces on one side, making sure to get all of it rough. The colored pencils won't stick if there aren't a lot of grooves.
- Color the pieces on the rough side however you'd like. You can trace shapes and characters from coloring books if you don't want to freehand.
- Make a tray out of foil to set your plastic pieces on
- Put your shrinky dink on the foil tray and put it in the oven
- Watch it! It will shrink quickly. Don't worry when it starts to curl, it will curl a LOT but then it will flatten out all by itself.
- Once it's flat (or close to flat) remove the tray from the oven with the tongs. You then have about 10 seconds to shape or flatten it before it sets completely.
- Let it cool, and enjoy. :)
So today I went out and bought sandpaper. (I also bought him sushi for dinner, which was ultra handy because the plastic lids from takeout containers are ideal for shrinky dinks) He used the lid from The Bean's birthday cake, and I used the lid from the sushi.
You'll Need:
Scissors
Colored pencils
Flat #6 plastic, usually found on takeout lids from delis and restaurants (#6 works the best, #1 also works, but it's thinner and shrinks less. #5... well, don't use that one)
Foil
Sandpaper (we used 80 grit and it worked perfectly. It needs to be relatively rough)
Access to an oven
Tongs
(click the images for a larger view)
Instructions:
- Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees F. and set your oven rack to the lowest position.
- Wash your plastic pieces, especially if they were used for food.
- Cut out shapes with the scissors (remember, if you cut a hole for string, the hole will shrink too!!)
- Sand the plastic pieces on one side, making sure to get all of it rough. The colored pencils won't stick if there aren't a lot of grooves.
- Color the pieces on the rough side however you'd like. You can trace shapes and characters from coloring books if you don't want to freehand.
- Make a tray out of foil to set your plastic pieces on
- Put your shrinky dink on the foil tray and put it in the oven
- Watch it! It will shrink quickly. Don't worry when it starts to curl, it will curl a LOT but then it will flatten out all by itself.
- Once it's flat (or close to flat) remove the tray from the oven with the tongs. You then have about 10 seconds to shape or flatten it before it sets completely.
- Let it cool, and enjoy. :)
I used this sticker to trace my shrinky dink. (I used #6 plastic, see how much it shrunk!)
My monkey and two of Jesse's guitar picks.
#5 plastic... yeah. Not the best.
Another one of Jesse's guitar picks. He let it bake a little bit extra so that it turned white.
Note- This is an activity that requires adult participation. Ovens and scissors.. oh my!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Happy Birthday, Bean!
That's right! Today is The Bean's big number 1! So far he's eaten strawberries and toast for breakfast, played and giggled with his brother, and is now taking a nap. After naps we plan to go to the store and buy a cake, then take it to Daddy's work for a little birthday party. I'm going to bake a cake for our "at home" party tomorrow. :)
It's so amazing to me that it's already been a year. It's gone by so very fast. Hard to believe this time last year I was at the hospital, a pitocin drip in my arm and moaning in pain, waiting for my baby boy to make his appearance.
Is it just me, or is all that pain a fond memory now? Maybe I'm crazy, but I kind of love all the excitement of going to the hospital and having a baby. It's excruciatingly painful (I haven't forgotten that!!) but there's so much joy, so much wonder... I can't help but feel nostalgic. I remember that as soon as he was born I couldn't stop exclaiming, "There's my boy!! That's my boy!! There's my boy!!" Over and over. It was just amazing.
It's so strange, being pregnant. Knowing there's this little, precious life inside of you. You feel connected to that life, you're already providing for it, loving and caring. But you don't even know what that little baby looks like. It's so wonderful to finally meet that little bundle of sweetness. To see him for the first time, to confirm that that bulge in your abdomen is really and truly a life. An entire person, with fingers and toes and arms and legs and a beating heart. It's surreal. Astounding. Suddenly you understand why pregnancy was so exhausting- you were making a person!!! It's real. He's real.
I had this "He's real!" epiphany with both of my boys. But neither time was I afraid. I was in awe. Life is so big, so wonderful, and I'm now a part of the creation of life. That's.... huge.
I have no idea what's in store for my boys. Maybe The Bean will be a zoologist, an accountant, a taxi driver, a writer, an architect or a plumber. Maybe he'll be none of those things. It doesn't matter to me. What does matter to me is that he's loving, compassionate, and respectful. He's only a year old, but the possibilities for his life are vast. And isn't that just great? Who knows how many people's life he'll change, what he'll accomplish.
As this first year of his life concludes, I'm looking back at all of the milestones he's hit and I'm just filled with happiness. He's experienced so much in such a short time. But he has so much more to experience!! I'm sad that this past year went by so fast, but I'm looking forward to what's to come. He's my Bean, and I'm so happy to get to watch him grow.
It's so amazing to me that it's already been a year. It's gone by so very fast. Hard to believe this time last year I was at the hospital, a pitocin drip in my arm and moaning in pain, waiting for my baby boy to make his appearance.
Is it just me, or is all that pain a fond memory now? Maybe I'm crazy, but I kind of love all the excitement of going to the hospital and having a baby. It's excruciatingly painful (I haven't forgotten that!!) but there's so much joy, so much wonder... I can't help but feel nostalgic. I remember that as soon as he was born I couldn't stop exclaiming, "There's my boy!! That's my boy!! There's my boy!!" Over and over. It was just amazing.
It's so strange, being pregnant. Knowing there's this little, precious life inside of you. You feel connected to that life, you're already providing for it, loving and caring. But you don't even know what that little baby looks like. It's so wonderful to finally meet that little bundle of sweetness. To see him for the first time, to confirm that that bulge in your abdomen is really and truly a life. An entire person, with fingers and toes and arms and legs and a beating heart. It's surreal. Astounding. Suddenly you understand why pregnancy was so exhausting- you were making a person!!! It's real. He's real.
I had this "He's real!" epiphany with both of my boys. But neither time was I afraid. I was in awe. Life is so big, so wonderful, and I'm now a part of the creation of life. That's.... huge.
I have no idea what's in store for my boys. Maybe The Bean will be a zoologist, an accountant, a taxi driver, a writer, an architect or a plumber. Maybe he'll be none of those things. It doesn't matter to me. What does matter to me is that he's loving, compassionate, and respectful. He's only a year old, but the possibilities for his life are vast. And isn't that just great? Who knows how many people's life he'll change, what he'll accomplish.
As this first year of his life concludes, I'm looking back at all of the milestones he's hit and I'm just filled with happiness. He's experienced so much in such a short time. But he has so much more to experience!! I'm sad that this past year went by so fast, but I'm looking forward to what's to come. He's my Bean, and I'm so happy to get to watch him grow.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Different Drums
Different Drums and Different Drummers, by David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates.
If I do not want what you want, please try not to tell me that my want is wrong.
Or if I believe other than you, at least pause before you correct my view.
Or if my emotion is less than yours, or more, given the same circumstances, try not to ask me to feel more strongly or weakly.
Or yet if I act, or fail to act, in the manner of your design for action, let me be.
I do not, for the moment at least, ask you to understand me. That will come only when you are willing to give up changing me into a copy of you.
I may be your spouse, your parent, your offspring, your friend, or your colleague. If you will allow me any of my own wants, or emotions, or beliefs, or actions, then you open yourself, so that some day these ways of mine might not seem so wrong, and might finally appear to you as right- for me. Not that you embrace my ways as right for you, but that you are no longer irritated or disappointed with me for my seeming waywardness. And in understanding me you might come to prize my differences from you, and, far from seeking to change me, preserve and even nurture those differences.
If I do not want what you want, please try not to tell me that my want is wrong.
Or if I believe other than you, at least pause before you correct my view.
Or if my emotion is less than yours, or more, given the same circumstances, try not to ask me to feel more strongly or weakly.
Or yet if I act, or fail to act, in the manner of your design for action, let me be.
I do not, for the moment at least, ask you to understand me. That will come only when you are willing to give up changing me into a copy of you.
I may be your spouse, your parent, your offspring, your friend, or your colleague. If you will allow me any of my own wants, or emotions, or beliefs, or actions, then you open yourself, so that some day these ways of mine might not seem so wrong, and might finally appear to you as right- for me. Not that you embrace my ways as right for you, but that you are no longer irritated or disappointed with me for my seeming waywardness. And in understanding me you might come to prize my differences from you, and, far from seeking to change me, preserve and even nurture those differences.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
"Jeet!!! Jeet!!"
We splurged! We got The Goob a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Not the real thing of course, but a Power Wheels Jeep. We live in the perfect spot for a Power Wheels- it's flat and we have grass and pavement aplenty. Plus, no neighbors nearby to get annoyed with us. It came in yesterday (we had it shipped to Jesse's work since the mail isn't delivered out here) and Jesse put it all together before we went to see it. The Goob looked at it, and in total awe said, "Oh Gosh!! A Jeet!! Wow. A Jeet. Oh Gosh!" over and over and over. Once he realized it was his he was jumping up and down. The battery wasn't charged, but he didn't know he'd be able to drive it yet, so it didn't matter. He was thrilled just to sit in it and turn the "dials" and pretend to drive. We put The Bean in the passenger seat and they were in fits of giggles. It was pure joy to watch.
Today we went and saw it again at daddy's work. This time, he got to drive it. As Doc from the movie Cars says, Hot Snot! He was beside himself with glee. He still hasn't quite gotten the whole steering wheel and pedal thing figured out, but that will come. He's having so much fun!
Bean hasn't been left out, don't worry. The Jeep is a two seater, and he and Goobie have been happily switching seats back and forth (when the car isn't turned on!). They're absolutely loving it.
Anyone else own one of these? What do you think of it? Any stories to share? :)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
An Experiment
The Goob was in a good mood this morning, which was lovely. That good mood lasted through his normal nap time. Occasionally he stays up a little past his nap time, so I thought nothing of it. I kept waiting for him to get tired, but he never got tired. He was chilling on the couch, true, but he wasn't showing any classic toddler signs of needing a nap, and he wasn't saying he was tired. He normally does. (He's a bit abnormal... he loves to sleep) So I thought, "Well, okay. Maybe he's just done with napping now." HA. No. Not even close.
The Bean woke up from his nap and I was ready to go into town, so we got ready and hopped in the car. Okay, hopped may not be the right word... but nevertheless we wound up in the car. It was a beautiful day, so I thought we'd go to the park. On the way there, The Goob conked out. I mean conked. The moment we started driving his eyes closed and he was out. I drove around for a while, thinking that some was better than none. (That's true... but....) When we got to the park I woke him up and we walked over. There were a few kids there and it's a park he loves -both important- but he just stood there.
The Bean was ecstatic. Kids! Playthings! Dirt! He was more than ready to join in. That was cute to see, but didn't change the fact that his older brother was not at all enjoying his time there. We stayed for a few minutes. The Bean played with the mulch (thankfully he refrained from eating any, a miracle in itself) and The Goob continued standing there, silent. Then he turned to me, the most desperate look on his face and said, "Carrr?". The poor little man was just exhausted.
Lesson learned- The Goob is not ready to give up his afternoon nap. He's been an interesting mix of mopey, whiney, slap-happy, and zoned-out.
It's going to be an early bedtime tonight, seeing as how he's right now curled up on the floor, wrapped in a blanket watching his favorite movie.
How old were your kids when they stopped taking naps? I'm curious, because a friend of mine's daughter quit her naps at 2 years. The Goob is 3 and still very definitely in need of his nap. Did your child stop napping due to necessity (day care schedules, etc.) or by choice?
The Bean woke up from his nap and I was ready to go into town, so we got ready and hopped in the car. Okay, hopped may not be the right word... but nevertheless we wound up in the car. It was a beautiful day, so I thought we'd go to the park. On the way there, The Goob conked out. I mean conked. The moment we started driving his eyes closed and he was out. I drove around for a while, thinking that some was better than none. (That's true... but....) When we got to the park I woke him up and we walked over. There were a few kids there and it's a park he loves -both important- but he just stood there.
The Bean was ecstatic. Kids! Playthings! Dirt! He was more than ready to join in. That was cute to see, but didn't change the fact that his older brother was not at all enjoying his time there. We stayed for a few minutes. The Bean played with the mulch (thankfully he refrained from eating any, a miracle in itself) and The Goob continued standing there, silent. Then he turned to me, the most desperate look on his face and said, "Carrr?". The poor little man was just exhausted.
Lesson learned- The Goob is not ready to give up his afternoon nap. He's been an interesting mix of mopey, whiney, slap-happy, and zoned-out.
It's going to be an early bedtime tonight, seeing as how he's right now curled up on the floor, wrapped in a blanket watching his favorite movie.
How old were your kids when they stopped taking naps? I'm curious, because a friend of mine's daughter quit her naps at 2 years. The Goob is 3 and still very definitely in need of his nap. Did your child stop napping due to necessity (day care schedules, etc.) or by choice?
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Silly Goob Clips
My template for the blog doesn't work so well with YouTube videos, so if you can't see everything, try watching it on YouTube instead of here. :)
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Crafty Kids- "Canvas" Painting
This is perfect for an inexpensive party activity or just for fun by yourselves.
Materials Needed:
1 Chinet paper plate per child
Poster paints or water colors
1 paintbrush per child
1 fine point marking pen (Sharpie)
Empty yogurt cups or disposable cups with water (to rinse brushes)
paper towels
Prep:
Before the party - Be sure that you have enough plates, brushes and cups for the children attending, plus a few extras.
Before you begin - Set the work table with a water cup, a paper towel (to dry the brush after rinsing), a "canvas" and a paint brush for each child. Supply paints for children to share.
How To Make:
The kids can paint their own "masterpiece" on their "canvas" and set it aside to dry. At the end of the party (when they are dry) let them sign their work with the fine point Sharpie, just like the pros! ;-)
Materials Needed:
1 Chinet paper plate per child
Poster paints or water colors
1 paintbrush per child
1 fine point marking pen (Sharpie)
Empty yogurt cups or disposable cups with water (to rinse brushes)
paper towels
Prep:
Before the party - Be sure that you have enough plates, brushes and cups for the children attending, plus a few extras.
Before you begin - Set the work table with a water cup, a paper towel (to dry the brush after rinsing), a "canvas" and a paint brush for each child. Supply paints for children to share.
How To Make:
The kids can paint their own "masterpiece" on their "canvas" and set it aside to dry. At the end of the party (when they are dry) let them sign their work with the fine point Sharpie, just like the pros! ;-)
Friday, March 11, 2011
Ritzy Snacks
Today was a rainy, dreary day. We spent most of it out and about, at playgroups and a speech evaluation and then all sorts of errands. When we got home the kids went straight to their beds for naps, but once they awoke, we needed an indoor activity. Something simple, but fun. Something... yummy?
These scrumptious little buggers are as easy as they are delicious. They are perfect for kids who want to help in the kitchen, and mothers who don't mind a bit of mess. The quality time and change of pace are both wonderful for you, and your child.
Ritzy Snacks
What you will need:
2 bags of chocolate chips
A jar of creamy peanut butter
One box of Ritz snack crackers
2 squares of paraffin wax (if you have it) to add to the chocolate to make it set better. If you don't have it, just keep them refrigerated.
Directions:
Spread a generous amount (but not too much) of peanut butter between two Ritz crackers, making a sandwich. (I do about two sleeves worth of crackers) Set aside. Melt chocolate over low heat, stirring often. Add paraffin (optional) and stir.
Using a fork or tongs, dip one of the sandwiches into the chocolate, covering both sides. Let excess chocolate drip off, then set on wax paper to cool. When chocolate has set, you will be able to easily remove the Ritzy Snack from the wax paper. (I usually put them in the fridge to speed the setting up, and I store them there as well)
*Children can help spread peanut butter and put crackers on top of the peanut butter. If your child is old enough and you are comfortable with it, they can also help dip the sandwiches in the chocolate. Use your judgement.
These scrumptious little buggers are as easy as they are delicious. They are perfect for kids who want to help in the kitchen, and mothers who don't mind a bit of mess. The quality time and change of pace are both wonderful for you, and your child.
Ritzy Snacks
What you will need:
2 bags of chocolate chips
A jar of creamy peanut butter
One box of Ritz snack crackers
2 squares of paraffin wax (if you have it) to add to the chocolate to make it set better. If you don't have it, just keep them refrigerated.
Directions:
Spread a generous amount (but not too much) of peanut butter between two Ritz crackers, making a sandwich. (I do about two sleeves worth of crackers) Set aside. Melt chocolate over low heat, stirring often. Add paraffin (optional) and stir.
Using a fork or tongs, dip one of the sandwiches into the chocolate, covering both sides. Let excess chocolate drip off, then set on wax paper to cool. When chocolate has set, you will be able to easily remove the Ritzy Snack from the wax paper. (I usually put them in the fridge to speed the setting up, and I store them there as well)
*Children can help spread peanut butter and put crackers on top of the peanut butter. If your child is old enough and you are comfortable with it, they can also help dip the sandwiches in the chocolate. Use your judgement.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Getting the Sillies Out
The kids and I have been sick these past couple of days, and we've all been quite grumpy because of it. Nobody likes being sick! The Goob wasn't in the mood to hang out with The Bean and me, so he went off into another room to play. A few minutes later, he emerged carrying a paper shredder. I didn't even know we had a paper shredder! He asked me to help him take it out of the box, so we took it out and inspected it. He was very proud of his discovery, but was perplexed because it didn't turn on when he hit the button. I showed him how you have to plug some things in before they'll work, and he was fascinated. Then we turned on the shredder and put a few pieces of paper through it. This kept us entertained for quite some time! He kept running around the house finding paper, and I would tell him if it was okay to put through the shredder or not.
When he was tired of running around (he's sick after all) we sat down and stirred the box of shredded paper. Because my boy is 3 years old, the next logical step for him was to throw it all up in the air and pretend it was confetti. My first thought was, "No!! Mess!!", but then I thought, "Who cares? Maybe a mess is exactly what we need!".
So what did we do? We made it bigger! We shred more paper and had a blast throwing it up, letting it fall, rolling around in it and being very, very silly.
The moral of the story, if there is one, is that sometimes you just need to let go. Have some fun, don't worry about the mess. The memories are worth it!
When he was tired of running around (he's sick after all) we sat down and stirred the box of shredded paper. Because my boy is 3 years old, the next logical step for him was to throw it all up in the air and pretend it was confetti. My first thought was, "No!! Mess!!", but then I thought, "Who cares? Maybe a mess is exactly what we need!".
So what did we do? We made it bigger! We shred more paper and had a blast throwing it up, letting it fall, rolling around in it and being very, very silly.
The moral of the story, if there is one, is that sometimes you just need to let go. Have some fun, don't worry about the mess. The memories are worth it!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Healthy Food- Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
I've been trying to eat better myself, and consequently, I've been making healthier food for all of us. Here is a recipe for home-made pizza dough, using whole wheat flour.
Ingredients:
-1 teaspoon white sugar
-1 1/2 cups warm water (approx. 110 degrees F/ 45 degrees C)
-1 tablespoon active dry yeast
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-1 teaspoon salt
-2 cups whole wheat flour
-1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Bake time- 20 minutes
Rise time- 1 hour and 45 minutes
Directions:
In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top, and let stand for about 10 minutes, until foamy.
Stir the olive oil and salt into the yeast mixture, then mix in the whole wheat flour and 1 cup of the all-purpose flour until dough starts to come together. Tip dough out onto a surface floured with the remaining all-purpose flour, and knead until all the flour has been absorbed and the ball of dough becomes smooth- about ten minutes. Place dough in an oiled bowl, turning the dough to completely coat the surface with oil. Cover loosely with a towel and let stand in a warm place until doubled in size- about one hour.
When the dough has doubled, tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into two pieces for thin crust, or leave whole to make one thick crust. Form into a tight ball. Let rise for another forty five minutes, until doubled.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Roll a ball of dough with a rolling pin until it will not stretch any further. Then drape it over both sides of your fists and gently pull the edges outward while rotating the crust. When the circle has reached the desired size, place on a well oiled pizza pan. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sauce, cheese, meats, or vegetables.
Bake for sixteen to twenty minutes (depending on thickness) in the preheated oven, until the crust is crisp and golden at the edges and the cheese is melted on top.
Ingredients:
-1 teaspoon white sugar
-1 1/2 cups warm water (approx. 110 degrees F/ 45 degrees C)
-1 tablespoon active dry yeast
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-1 teaspoon salt
-2 cups whole wheat flour
-1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Bake time- 20 minutes
Rise time- 1 hour and 45 minutes
Directions:
In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top, and let stand for about 10 minutes, until foamy.
Stir the olive oil and salt into the yeast mixture, then mix in the whole wheat flour and 1 cup of the all-purpose flour until dough starts to come together. Tip dough out onto a surface floured with the remaining all-purpose flour, and knead until all the flour has been absorbed and the ball of dough becomes smooth- about ten minutes. Place dough in an oiled bowl, turning the dough to completely coat the surface with oil. Cover loosely with a towel and let stand in a warm place until doubled in size- about one hour.
When the dough has doubled, tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into two pieces for thin crust, or leave whole to make one thick crust. Form into a tight ball. Let rise for another forty five minutes, until doubled.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Roll a ball of dough with a rolling pin until it will not stretch any further. Then drape it over both sides of your fists and gently pull the edges outward while rotating the crust. When the circle has reached the desired size, place on a well oiled pizza pan. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sauce, cheese, meats, or vegetables.
Bake for sixteen to twenty minutes (depending on thickness) in the preheated oven, until the crust is crisp and golden at the edges and the cheese is melted on top.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Healthy Food- Whole Wheat Pancakes
Give your kids a healthy start by making them these delicious whole wheat pancakes!
Note: This makes a dry mix that you can store. There will be leftover dry mix, so make sure to read the directions that follow.
Whole Wheat Pancakes
Dry Mix Ingredients:
8 cups whole wheat flour
4 cups oatmeal
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
cinnamon/nutmeg to taste
To Add To Dry Mix:
3/4 cup skim milk (or buttermilk)
1 egg
Directions:
Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly, making sure to evenly distribute the baking soda and powder.
When you're ready to make fresh pancakes, whisk wet ingredients together and add 1 cup of the prepared dry mix.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Crafty Kids- Slime!
These past two days the kids and I have been stuck at home. My car battery was dead and my hubby was at work... we were going nowhere. I generally try to get the kids out of the house at least once a day, so they were extraordinarily grumpy at not being able to go. How to cure the crankies? Craft time!! Here is a simple but fun activity for kids of most ages. Include your child in as many steps as is realistic for their age.
Slime
Ingredients
- 1 glass mixing bowl
- 1 rounded teaspoon of 20 Mule Team Borax (sold in the laundry isle of most grocery stores)
- 8 ounces white school glue
- 1 1/2 cup warm water
- 15 drops food coloring (if desired)
- 1 airtight container (zip lock bag or tupperware is fine)
Directions
- In the glass bowl, stir 1 cup of warm water with glue and food coloring.
- Dissolve the Borax powder in the remaining 1/2 cup of warm water.
- Add the Borax mixture to the glue mix -making sure all Borax has been added- and stir until the lump stops forming. Stir vigorously for another 20 seconds.
- Remove the lump of slime and knead it with your hands to dry it and complete the reaction. In about 2 minutes or so, you should be holding a ball of wonderful slime that pulls clean from your hands.
Your slime is now ready to use. Store it in an airtight container.
For older children- Bounce it off a table to show that it acts like a solid. And then, leave it to relax into a puddle on the table to show how it acts like a liquid.
Please Note: This recipe produces slime that is non-toxic, but should not be eaten.
(Pictures forthcoming... my computer is asking to be thrown out the window)
Slime
Ingredients
- 1 glass mixing bowl
- 1 rounded teaspoon of 20 Mule Team Borax (sold in the laundry isle of most grocery stores)
- 8 ounces white school glue
- 1 1/2 cup warm water
- 15 drops food coloring (if desired)
- 1 airtight container (zip lock bag or tupperware is fine)
Directions
- In the glass bowl, stir 1 cup of warm water with glue and food coloring.
- Dissolve the Borax powder in the remaining 1/2 cup of warm water.
- Add the Borax mixture to the glue mix -making sure all Borax has been added- and stir until the lump stops forming. Stir vigorously for another 20 seconds.
- Remove the lump of slime and knead it with your hands to dry it and complete the reaction. In about 2 minutes or so, you should be holding a ball of wonderful slime that pulls clean from your hands.
Your slime is now ready to use. Store it in an airtight container.
For older children- Bounce it off a table to show that it acts like a solid. And then, leave it to relax into a puddle on the table to show how it acts like a liquid.
Please Note: This recipe produces slime that is non-toxic, but should not be eaten.
(Pictures forthcoming... my computer is asking to be thrown out the window)
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Everybody Loves... Babies: A Documentary
Today while the kids were napping I decided to watch the documentary called "Babies". I've heard of it before, I think I saw an ad or a preview somewhere and it caught my eye. Netflix happened to have it, so I gave it a go. What an interesting documentary! There was no narration, no explanation, just video clips cut together to tell a story. A small amount of appropriate music was used, but it was mainly just natural sound.
The documentary followed four different babies, Ponijao from Opuwo, Namibia; Mari, from Tokyo, Japan; Bayar, from Bayanchandmani, Mongolia; and Hattie, from San Francisco, California. Four babies, four lives that are totally different yet completely the same.
The film starts out with the pregnant mothers, all with different facilities for the birth, all with different rituals and traditions. Then we see the newborn baby and what happens after they are born. I'll admit, my jaw dropped when the Mongolian mother hopped on the back of her husband's motorcycle, newborn babe in arms to go home. True, they were only going across fields, but the idea of an unrestrained infant goes against my American upbringing. Here, as shown, babies are secured in a 5-point harness system and placed in an enclosed vehicle.
Another thing that made my eyes go wide, was how the Namibia women dealt with poop. The Namibia mother was nursing her infant when he had a bowel movement. Diapers don't exist there, so what did she do? She wiped his bottom (and the contents thereof) onto her knee. Baby poop, on the knee. Then, she picked up a corn husk from the ground and scraped the feces off. That was it. My husband (a germ-a-phobe) would have had a conniption! But it's simply how it's done there.
Bathing was another area that differed. The Mongolian child was bathed from a metal pan of water, the Tokyo and American children were bathed in bathtubs and showers. But the Namibia child was the most interesting. His mother used her teeth to pull the bugs and grime off of him, then spit it out on the ground. When the Mongolian child was an infant, the mother squirted her breast milk on his face to wash it. Different, but fascinating. In the end, all the mothers were cleaning their child.
I also loved the scene where there was a rooster on the bed where the Bayar was lying. It was just... amusing and strange to see an infant gazing up at this gigantic bird in his bed.
All in all, the film was cute, educational, and beautiful. It really was a great reminder that though we're all different, we're all essentially the same. We have the same needs, the same desires. But we have different ways of sating those needs and desires. And also, just because someone does something differently than you, doesn't mean it's wrong.
To learn more, or to watch the trailer of Everybody Loves... Babies, click here- http://www.focusfeatures.com/babies/
The documentary followed four different babies, Ponijao from Opuwo, Namibia; Mari, from Tokyo, Japan; Bayar, from Bayanchandmani, Mongolia; and Hattie, from San Francisco, California. Four babies, four lives that are totally different yet completely the same.
The film starts out with the pregnant mothers, all with different facilities for the birth, all with different rituals and traditions. Then we see the newborn baby and what happens after they are born. I'll admit, my jaw dropped when the Mongolian mother hopped on the back of her husband's motorcycle, newborn babe in arms to go home. True, they were only going across fields, but the idea of an unrestrained infant goes against my American upbringing. Here, as shown, babies are secured in a 5-point harness system and placed in an enclosed vehicle.
Another thing that made my eyes go wide, was how the Namibia women dealt with poop. The Namibia mother was nursing her infant when he had a bowel movement. Diapers don't exist there, so what did she do? She wiped his bottom (and the contents thereof) onto her knee. Baby poop, on the knee. Then, she picked up a corn husk from the ground and scraped the feces off. That was it. My husband (a germ-a-phobe) would have had a conniption! But it's simply how it's done there.
Bathing was another area that differed. The Mongolian child was bathed from a metal pan of water, the Tokyo and American children were bathed in bathtubs and showers. But the Namibia child was the most interesting. His mother used her teeth to pull the bugs and grime off of him, then spit it out on the ground. When the Mongolian child was an infant, the mother squirted her breast milk on his face to wash it. Different, but fascinating. In the end, all the mothers were cleaning their child.
I also loved the scene where there was a rooster on the bed where the Bayar was lying. It was just... amusing and strange to see an infant gazing up at this gigantic bird in his bed.
All in all, the film was cute, educational, and beautiful. It really was a great reminder that though we're all different, we're all essentially the same. We have the same needs, the same desires. But we have different ways of sating those needs and desires. And also, just because someone does something differently than you, doesn't mean it's wrong.
To learn more, or to watch the trailer of Everybody Loves... Babies, click here- http://www.focusfeatures.com/babies/
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Welcome!
Welcome to The Goob & The Bean!
An Introduction:
Here at TG&TB, I'll be blogging about all things "mommy". That means sharing triumphs, frustrations, photos and memories. Sometimes I'll talk about being a parent and a wife, and sometimes it will be more about the kids than the mommy. No matter what I write about, comments and thoughts are always welcome!
Meet The Gang:
Me: Shannon, the wife and mother. I'm a blogger, I have a book blog (Literati's Literary Library), and I'm the administrator over at wickedlovely.com. I read a lot, and I love photography. Give me chocolate or cute toys, stationary, books, etc., and I will love you forever.
Jesse: My husband and best friend. He's in the US Coast Guard, working hard to keep us safe. He builds and flies RC planes, plays guitar, skateboards, works on cars, and is the best father my children could possibly have.
Tyler: Our three year old! He's an energetic little booger, who likes to be chased, loves tickle-fights, and gets into all sorts of trouble when he's bored. He is a neat freak and a bit obsessive about some things, like- the doors must be closed, he'll only eat food that requires a fork or spoon, and he has to wear a shirt at all times unless he's in the tub. He's got an infectious laugh, a charming smile, and loving eyes. He is "The Goob."
Logan: The first thing that comes to mind, and the first thing I tell people he meets, is "He bites." And boy, he bites hard! He's deceptively adorable, with big blue eyes and dimples that will melt your heart. He'll be turning one this April, and I can't believe how fast these past ten months have gone. He's on the brink of walking, and loves to "creep" around the room, holding on to anything within reach to help him stand and move around. Logan hates long car rides, loves eating things all by himself, and sleeps with a soft stuffed horse. He is "The Bean."
Elmo: Our fat, wrinkly, loyal canine companion. He's my shadow, my foot warmer, and he cleans up any crumbs the kids leave behind. He's unfathomably good with the kids, letting them poke, prod and terrorize him endlessly.
Lila: The white cat you might see lurking in the corners. Loving and sweet, but smart enough to stay away from grubby hands and flying sippy cups. She won't pass up a good pet or empty lap, but only if the little ones are tucked in bed.
An Introduction:
Here at TG&TB, I'll be blogging about all things "mommy". That means sharing triumphs, frustrations, photos and memories. Sometimes I'll talk about being a parent and a wife, and sometimes it will be more about the kids than the mommy. No matter what I write about, comments and thoughts are always welcome!
Meet The Gang:
Me: Shannon, the wife and mother. I'm a blogger, I have a book blog (Literati's Literary Library), and I'm the administrator over at wickedlovely.com. I read a lot, and I love photography. Give me chocolate or cute toys, stationary, books, etc., and I will love you forever.
Jesse: My husband and best friend. He's in the US Coast Guard, working hard to keep us safe. He builds and flies RC planes, plays guitar, skateboards, works on cars, and is the best father my children could possibly have.
Tyler: Our three year old! He's an energetic little booger, who likes to be chased, loves tickle-fights, and gets into all sorts of trouble when he's bored. He is a neat freak and a bit obsessive about some things, like- the doors must be closed, he'll only eat food that requires a fork or spoon, and he has to wear a shirt at all times unless he's in the tub. He's got an infectious laugh, a charming smile, and loving eyes. He is "The Goob."
Logan: The first thing that comes to mind, and the first thing I tell people he meets, is "He bites." And boy, he bites hard! He's deceptively adorable, with big blue eyes and dimples that will melt your heart. He'll be turning one this April, and I can't believe how fast these past ten months have gone. He's on the brink of walking, and loves to "creep" around the room, holding on to anything within reach to help him stand and move around. Logan hates long car rides, loves eating things all by himself, and sleeps with a soft stuffed horse. He is "The Bean."
Elmo: Our fat, wrinkly, loyal canine companion. He's my shadow, my foot warmer, and he cleans up any crumbs the kids leave behind. He's unfathomably good with the kids, letting them poke, prod and terrorize him endlessly.
Lila: The white cat you might see lurking in the corners. Loving and sweet, but smart enough to stay away from grubby hands and flying sippy cups. She won't pass up a good pet or empty lap, but only if the little ones are tucked in bed.
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