Chrissy, Tyler, Thomas and Samuel(clockwise from top left)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Eating Out... In
We will forever be indebted to McDonald's. McDonald's fries were the first solid food we convinced Connor to taste... and like most children, he loved them instantly! From there, he conceded to try McDonald's chicken nuggets, and from there chicken breast, ham, ground turkey.... until, at age five, most of the solid foods he will eat are in some way connected to that first McDonald's Happy Meal.
We have, however, been working hard to trim the excess expenses from our budget and the excess fat and additives from our diet; and so, much to the boys' dismay, trips to McDonald's... and their other favorite restaurant: Costco's Food Court for pizza, have been far less frequent. In hopes of keeping the boys from rioting for their favorite dinners, I set out to find a way for our family to eat out... in. I started by searching for nutritious homemade versions of the boys' favorite fast foods: chicken nuggets, french fries, and pizza. In the end, I happened upon a couple of tasty, surprisingly nutritious recipes even my picky eaters can't wait to have again. Tonight, we had popcorn chicken and homemade french fries, the all around family favorite dining out-in recipe to date.
A Homemade Happy Meal of sortsPopcorn chicken, French Fries, and Veggies
Homemade French Fries from potatoes*
based on a recipe from The Sneaky Chef
based on a recipe from The Sneaky Chef
2 large potatoes
1 large egg white
1 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1 TBSP cornmeal
1 large egg white
1 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1 TBSP cornmeal
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut each potato into thin french-fry strips, about 1/4" thick. Toss potatoes with the egg white, evoo, and salt, coating evenly. Sprinkle with cornmeal and spread in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet... make sure they are in a single layer or they will stick together. Bake 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
All in all, the dining out-in program has been a success. The boys still ask to go to McDonald's at least once a day, but they are easier to appease with the promise of Happy Meals at Home than I would have ever imagined... and the savings are indeed noticeable.
*Connor just could not believe these french fries were actually made from potatoes! He enjoyed french fries made from potatoes so much that tomorrow he wants to try sweet potato french fries... whether or not he actually eats a sweet potato fry, the fact that he even suggested we make them speaks volumes to how much he loves our homemade fries! And yes, I WILL make them tomorrow night, just in case he will indeed take a taste.
All in all, the dining out-in program has been a success. The boys still ask to go to McDonald's at least once a day, but they are easier to appease with the promise of Happy Meals at Home than I would have ever imagined... and the savings are indeed noticeable.
*Connor just could not believe these french fries were actually made from potatoes! He enjoyed french fries made from potatoes so much that tomorrow he wants to try sweet potato french fries... whether or not he actually eats a sweet potato fry, the fact that he even suggested we make them speaks volumes to how much he loves our homemade fries! And yes, I WILL make them tomorrow night, just in case he will indeed take a taste.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Gratituesday: Home
Three years ago, our family moved from Florida to Virginia. It was a move none of us wanted to make: after eleven years in Florida, we felt settled, we were happy, we were HOME! We had a lovely house with a spacious backyard; wonderful neighbors; a family-friendly church; and above all, a supportive network of friends: friends who could be counted on for a day of play, a moment of support, a good laugh, or a heartfelt hug. The Lord, however, had other plans for us, and so we sold our house; loaded all of our belongings onto a truck; said far too many tearful goodbyes; and set out for Northern Virginia, thinking the move was to be our biggest adventure. Again, the Lord had other plans for us.
In the past three years, we have moved twice; purchased a house; saved our pennies through two periods of unemployment; begun homeschooling; undergone four rounds of chemotherapy; struggled with our youngest son's eating difficulties and increasing behavioral concerns; juggled medical bills; and through it all, prayed tearfully for friends, for support, for a sense of community, and for a feeling of belonging.
And, the Lord, in His time, answered:
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest. Jeremiah 29: 11-13
And now, suddenly, I feel a surprising sense of peace with where He has led us to be. While there are still times I dream about being somewhere else, there is no longer a specific place I am longing to be. While I still miss our friends in Florida tremendously, I am starting to make new friends here (friends we are meeting in the strangest places, but that's another post for another day). While I still struggle at times with the uncertainty of daily life, I am finding comfort in knowing I am where He has led me to be: I am HOME, and for that, I am grateful!
In the past three years, we have moved twice; purchased a house; saved our pennies through two periods of unemployment; begun homeschooling; undergone four rounds of chemotherapy; struggled with our youngest son's eating difficulties and increasing behavioral concerns; juggled medical bills; and through it all, prayed tearfully for friends, for support, for a sense of community, and for a feeling of belonging.
And, the Lord, in His time, answered:
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest. Jeremiah 29: 11-13
And now, suddenly, I feel a surprising sense of peace with where He has led us to be. While there are still times I dream about being somewhere else, there is no longer a specific place I am longing to be. While I still miss our friends in Florida tremendously, I am starting to make new friends here (friends we are meeting in the strangest places, but that's another post for another day). While I still struggle at times with the uncertainty of daily life, I am finding comfort in knowing I am where He has led me to be: I am HOME, and for that, I am grateful!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
A Gold Medal Day
From a coaching perspective, Ryan's nervousness showed in his skating today: his strokes were short, his edges weren't sharp, and his jumps were rushed. I am not, however, Ryan's coach; I am his mother, and from a Mother's perspective, Ryan couldn't have performed any better than he did! He skated onto the ice; performed his program, even managing a smile here and there; and bowed with a flourish at its conclusion before running off-ice with a smile that stretched from ear to ear! All I could think in that moment was, "HE DID IT! HE DID IT! HE DID IT!" I have a feeling he was thinking the same thing. Ryan's skating performance today earned him a silver medal, but as far as I'm concerned, he achieved nothing short of GOLD! Way to go, Dear boy! Way to go!
Here's a peek at Ryan's top-notch performance... be sure to watch for the extended spin at the end - as long as the music was playing, our boy was going to skate!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
When Only the Best Will Do
Just three short months ago, I listened in dismay as our seven-year-old son announced vehemently that he never wanted to ice skate again.
From the moment he had taken the ice two years before, he was a natural. He had phenomenal balance, picked up new moves quickly, skated with confidence, and above all, was having a blast! That all changed when he was moved into an older-age lesson group this Fall. The class for the younger skaters, which had been a mix of boys and girls between 7 and 8 years old, was canceled due to insufficient enrollment. The physical differences between a seven year-old-boy and the 9 to 11 year-old girls were noticeable immediately. Ryan struggled to keep up and grew more and more frustrated as the weeks went by, until his declaration to quit following the last class. I was dismayed, not because of any hopes or dreams of Olympic competition or World-class skating, but because Ryan, a hopeless perfectionist, wanted to quit an activity he truly enjoyed because he was frustrated and disappointed in himself.
After much discussion, Patrick and I decided we would let Ryan quit ice skating... after he passed his current ISI skating level: Freestyle 1. If he truly wanted to quit after meeting with success, that was one thing, but if he was quitting now out of frustration at not being the best, that was another. As a long-suffering perfectionist myself, I understand how crippling the NEED to do well, to be the best, can be. I have on more than one occasion given up something I loved because I couldn't meet my own, often unreasonable, standards. I didn't want Ryan to start doing that at age seven!
Based on his scores from his last set of lessons, he was close to passing Freestyle 1, but still had several elements to master. At the recommendation of the rink manager, Ryan started private lessons, and then, once we were sure there was going to be a group lesson specifically for the seven and eight year olds, he agreed to take group lessons again as well. He has skated twice a week for the past couple of months, really working to master the elements of Freestyle 1, and a little over a week ago, he passed the ISI Freestyle 1 test! He positively beamed from ear to ear!
Tomorrow, at the urging of his private instructor, Ryan will be competing in his first ISI skating competition. He is skating a program at the Freestyle 1 level. This is called skating up, as usually one competes at a level passed within the last six months, not the last 6 days.... Ryan has worked hard to master his program elements, to memorize his program, and to adapt to last minute changes in routine, and I am hopeful that overall, this will be a positive experience for him. We have talked many times about the importance of working hard and trying one's best, but for Ryan, one's best too quickly translates into THE BEST!
As I sit here tonight, I am saying a little prayer for Ryan: for confidence, for smooth skating, and for a sense of satisfaction in a job well done, no matter the competition results. If you have a moment to join me, this Mother's heart would truly appreciate a little prayer said on his behalf.
... As for Ryan's skating future: he now says he is going to continue private lessons this summer... "but not the WHOLE summer!" and that he will start group lessons again "in the Fall!" Perfectionism cured? Not by a long shot... but maybe, just maybe, he is starting to learn an important lesson about hard work, determination, and hanging in through tough times....
From the moment he had taken the ice two years before, he was a natural. He had phenomenal balance, picked up new moves quickly, skated with confidence, and above all, was having a blast! That all changed when he was moved into an older-age lesson group this Fall. The class for the younger skaters, which had been a mix of boys and girls between 7 and 8 years old, was canceled due to insufficient enrollment. The physical differences between a seven year-old-boy and the 9 to 11 year-old girls were noticeable immediately. Ryan struggled to keep up and grew more and more frustrated as the weeks went by, until his declaration to quit following the last class. I was dismayed, not because of any hopes or dreams of Olympic competition or World-class skating, but because Ryan, a hopeless perfectionist, wanted to quit an activity he truly enjoyed because he was frustrated and disappointed in himself.
After much discussion, Patrick and I decided we would let Ryan quit ice skating... after he passed his current ISI skating level: Freestyle 1. If he truly wanted to quit after meeting with success, that was one thing, but if he was quitting now out of frustration at not being the best, that was another. As a long-suffering perfectionist myself, I understand how crippling the NEED to do well, to be the best, can be. I have on more than one occasion given up something I loved because I couldn't meet my own, often unreasonable, standards. I didn't want Ryan to start doing that at age seven!
Based on his scores from his last set of lessons, he was close to passing Freestyle 1, but still had several elements to master. At the recommendation of the rink manager, Ryan started private lessons, and then, once we were sure there was going to be a group lesson specifically for the seven and eight year olds, he agreed to take group lessons again as well. He has skated twice a week for the past couple of months, really working to master the elements of Freestyle 1, and a little over a week ago, he passed the ISI Freestyle 1 test! He positively beamed from ear to ear!
Tomorrow, at the urging of his private instructor, Ryan will be competing in his first ISI skating competition. He is skating a program at the Freestyle 1 level. This is called skating up, as usually one competes at a level passed within the last six months, not the last 6 days.... Ryan has worked hard to master his program elements, to memorize his program, and to adapt to last minute changes in routine, and I am hopeful that overall, this will be a positive experience for him. We have talked many times about the importance of working hard and trying one's best, but for Ryan, one's best too quickly translates into THE BEST!
As I sit here tonight, I am saying a little prayer for Ryan: for confidence, for smooth skating, and for a sense of satisfaction in a job well done, no matter the competition results. If you have a moment to join me, this Mother's heart would truly appreciate a little prayer said on his behalf.
... As for Ryan's skating future: he now says he is going to continue private lessons this summer... "but not the WHOLE summer!" and that he will start group lessons again "in the Fall!" Perfectionism cured? Not by a long shot... but maybe, just maybe, he is starting to learn an important lesson about hard work, determination, and hanging in through tough times....
Perfect Pancakes
We LOVE pancakes, but I have been struggling as of late to find a wholesome and delicious pancake mix. Not long ago, I decided we could eat healthier, and likely save a bit of money on our food budget, if I started to make some of our mixes from scratch. The boys LOVE to eat pancakes for breakfast, and oftentimes for lunch or dinner, so finding a better pancake batter seemed a good place to start. I tried a couple that sounded more promising on paper than they tasted on the fork before happening upon one actually called The Perfect Pancake Mix.
This morning, the boys and I mixed up a batch of The Perfect Pancake Mix. They had questions about a few of the ingredients: crushed seven-grain cereal, wheat germ, cornmeal... but in the end, their desire for pancakes drizzled with Vermont maple syrup overcame their unfamiliar ingredient anxieties and they tried a first bite, and then a second, and a third... Ryan ate NINE pancakes; Connor devoured EIGHT! Both boys agreed this was indeed The PERFECT Pancake Mix, and so I thought I'd share the recipe. It comes from one of my all-time favorite cookbooks, Disney's Family Cookbook. A cookbook from the editor's of Family Fun Magazine, whose kid-friendly recipes are easy, nutritious, and above all, delicious, not just for kids, but for Moms and Dads, as well.
This morning, the boys and I mixed up a batch of The Perfect Pancake Mix. They had questions about a few of the ingredients: crushed seven-grain cereal, wheat germ, cornmeal... but in the end, their desire for pancakes drizzled with Vermont maple syrup overcame their unfamiliar ingredient anxieties and they tried a first bite, and then a second, and a third... Ryan ate NINE pancakes; Connor devoured EIGHT! Both boys agreed this was indeed The PERFECT Pancake Mix, and so I thought I'd share the recipe. It comes from one of my all-time favorite cookbooks, Disney's Family Cookbook. A cookbook from the editor's of Family Fun Magazine, whose kid-friendly recipes are easy, nutritious, and above all, delicious, not just for kids, but for Moms and Dads, as well.
The Perfect Pancake Mix
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp. baking soda
4 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. sugar (optional)
2 cups whole wheat or oat flour, or a combination
1 cup seven grain cereal (available at whole food stores)
1 cup cornmeal
4 Tbsp. wheat germ (optional)
Perfect Pancakes
1 Tbsp. butter
1 egg
1/2 cup nonfat yogurt, buttermilk, sour cream, or milk (we used milk)
1/2 cup The Perfect Pancake Mix
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp. baking soda
4 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. sugar (optional)
2 cups whole wheat or oat flour, or a combination
1 cup seven grain cereal (available at whole food stores)
1 cup cornmeal
4 Tbsp. wheat germ (optional)
In a large mixing bowl, sift the all purpose flour with the baking solda, baking powder, salt and optional sugar. Drop in the remaining flour, cereal, cornmeal, and wheat germ and stir until thoroughly blended. Store in an airtight container and, if using wheat germ, refrigerate (or freeze). Makes 7 1/2 cups, enough for 15 batches of 5 pancakes.
Perfect Pancakes
1 Tbsp. butter
1 egg
1/2 cup nonfat yogurt, buttermilk, sour cream, or milk (we used milk)
1/2 cup The Perfect Pancake Mix
Set a griddle or skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Lightly beat the egg with the yogurt, buttermilk, sour cream, or milk. Add the pancake mix and stir just until smooth.
Ladle the batter onto the skillet. Turn the pancakes when you see air bubbles on the surface (about 1 minute). Serve with maple syrup, jam, yogurt, or confectioner's sugar. Makes about 5 medium pancakes. (I doubled the recipe, and then whipped up a second batch for my approving, clearly ravenous little boys!)
What's up next? Sunday Waffles, another recipe from Disney's Family Cookbook, prepared with The Perfect Pancake Mix!
Ladle the batter onto the skillet. Turn the pancakes when you see air bubbles on the surface (about 1 minute). Serve with maple syrup, jam, yogurt, or confectioner's sugar. Makes about 5 medium pancakes. (I doubled the recipe, and then whipped up a second batch for my approving, clearly ravenous little boys!)
What's up next? Sunday Waffles, another recipe from Disney's Family Cookbook, prepared with The Perfect Pancake Mix!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
An Astronomical Birthday
In celebration of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are hosting 365 Days of Astronomy Daily Podcasts. Patrick is composing several of the podcasts this year, including today's entitled A Galaxy of Astronomical Birthdays. Our own birthday boy had some "out of this world" fun helping out his Dad in the production of this podcast. Go ahead, give it a listen. It's sure to bring a smile to your face... and maybe even teach you a thing or two!
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