There are so many good dinner ideas out there and my husband found us one this week. It was a good thing he felt ambitious because I've been drowning in prepping for the annual A to Z April Blog Challenge over at my other blog. Maybe next month you'll have a look-see. There'll be 26 opportunities to view something from A to Z.
Back to the dinner....
Rachel rolled up the bacon .
I Highly recommend a splatter screen for the chicken and bacon frying portion. Flavor will be an awesome combination though, I promise!
A couple before and after of the new potatoes cut in half. Added in onion and
some of these little numbers, seeded and sliced.
The end result, Ron gets best husband award for this delish meal.
the act of reflecting or the state of being reflected
2.
something reflected or the image so produced, as by a mirror
3.
careful or long consideration or thought So, in my careful, but not long, observation, I am not as sure about the way the visiting other blogs is monitored as it was last year. Just wasn't feeling it. But I can honestly say I myself did go above and beyond visiting others nearly every day. I felt that the days when I visited way over 5 other blogs, it was ok to not see quite as many the next. After all, I know I'm not alone in working a full-time job while performing this challenge. And half the time I would find the blog hadn't yet posted a current letter so it ended up I could cover all the letters pretty well. I'm thankful for all the visits I received and supportive comments. Thanks to the hosts and co-hosts as well for making sure I had at least one comment. You were all great this year! But how can I prove I was there other than the comments? How can anyone else tell? Is there an unknown app that tells the hosts and co-hosts who is really visiting others? Just wondering. I wouldn't want it to be like one of my husband's sting operations from his law enforcement days, but I do wonder how many people really did their part? I did notice that certain posts were ignored by the titles I used. I find it funny that an occasional reference to religion was met with silence. I guess it's my bad for thinking it wouldn't offend anyone. But I'm thankful for the opportunity to speak my part on the topics I chose. I'm thankful not being forced to pick a category as I was not always going to write a post with a religious or musical reference. My jump-off point usually started with the song title I chose to perform. So maybe next year if I choose to perform a song with my banjo, I'll choose that category of (MU). But maybe not. I'm not sure I would have had as many responses. The banjo is often misunderstood due to certain stigmas such as the classic movie "Deliverance". And then there's the irritation I even feel when reading a post and am expected to watch a Youtube video. Yes, I admit it.There's not always enough time. Is there a complaint in there? Just an itty-bitty one. I admit I don't always agree with a blogger's post, but I'd at least let them know I'd dropped in to read. Just common respect for their hard work in my opinion. The high point of my blogging happened on Day 26 with Letter Z. I was delivering my "soap box" to the world hoping to help spread awareness to anyone willing to listen to my story of Vanishing White Matter Disease (and also to ask for prayers and hope). Someone had a family member with this terminal illness who was a part of our A to Z Challenge. A disease so rare that only about 30 children in the world have this illness. I was extremely humbled to say the least. To be able to help someone else in any way, even just sharing the links to learn more about the disease, to me, was the best reward possible. My best regards to all my blogger friends, whether you are an aspiring writer, or just the everyday Joe like myself trying to make sense of this crazy world. Hope to see you all throughout the year. I'll be around.
P.S. I was messaged this morning on Facebook saying my Letter Z post was shared on the Find a Cure for VWM Facebook page. This A to Z thing has such a domino effect. Many thanks to the founders and those who help keep it going!
Oz, as you all know is where the tornado blew Dorothy to in the classic movie Wizard of Oz. Dorothy encounters trials and tribulations and meets friends along the way to assist her (and themselves) along the path, The Yellow Brick Road. The moral of the story as they find the Wizard is that the things you seek are inside you all along. You just need to believe in yourself.
Easier said than done sometimes.
This last 2 years, we've been honored to meet a young lady and her son who has a terminal illness. It's called Vanishing White Matter Disease. You can learn more about this disease on the website, http://ulf.org/vanishing-white-matter-disease . Their yellow brick road has been bumpy to put it mildly.
For my final A to Z Challenge post for 2015, I am dedicating this one to Isaiah and his mom, Bethany. Their journey has been extremely difficult as Isaiah is only 4 years old and is a daily inspiration to us with his constant smiles.
I believe in the power of prayer and my request to my fellow bloggers, family and friends, from all over the world is to please say one for them. Pray for peace, strength, healing and a cure for future generations. May Isaiah's story teach us all the importance of love and holding fast to the small moments in life.
Thank you and thanks for reading my blog this 2015 Challenge.
The object of the song The Ballad of Jed Clampett, is the oil they find, the Texas Tea, that made them millionaires. And so the tv show went on for several seasons in their mansion in Beverly Hills.
But what is your Texas Tea? To children it's "sugar". Make no bones about it, sugar makes the world go round when you are a child. Think fairs and bazaars. Snow cones, cotton candy, ice cream, funnel cakes, taffy, and much more.
My Child Care Food Program is regulated by the USDA and they are updating their regs for meals and snacks. One of their biggies is "sugar". We will be limited, once approved, on the kinds of sweets available to children. There are many pros and cons about this and I am sure I could make a major debate on the topic. But I prefer to find solutions for myself and my little precious charges because the changes are most definitely coming. Here are some options I will be putting "On the Table" instead of "cake-type sweet items" as their laws will Xclaim.
Instead of Donuts, I will be topping off my biscuits with some fresh berries and a dab of Cool Whip.
No Poptarts anymore. Instead we'll be making some toast and strawberry preserve sammies in my Panini press. YUmmO!
Can't have Cookies? How about Graham Crackers topped with Pineapple Cream Cheese? We can use raisins, craisins, banana slices or grapes to decorate.
For partytime, I'm going to let them make their own Yogurt parfaits. Each layer will have different colored fruits and we'll use some of my Auction finds, ice cream glasses.
Brownies eliminated? No problem. We're serving up Muddy Buddies. Chocolate Chex mix has "Whole Grain Rice" as its first ingredient. So There!!
I need to make sure I note that the changes on sweet items is not yet in effect. But where the children are concerned, I will find ways to 'sweeten' their day:)
to Share---Set a timer so that when it beeps the toy can go to someone new for awhile and then back again.
to Wash hands---I buy foamy soap to "smash" it.
to Go Potty----especially in the middle of play. I am guilty. I bribe with stickers that have "special powers stuck to them". It keeps with the dramatic play they're involved in.
to Eat their vegies---Puree them an add to the spaghetti sauce. It's ok to be sly.
or tell them it makes their hair grow fast if they like getting hair cuts :)
to Be Quiet just because the baby is asleep---Pretend to be quiet so the bear can't hear you in his cave
to Take a Nap---Whe we wake up, it's time to do a "special" activity. And keep that promise.
To Sit Still--- During storytime, involve them with asking them to find and touch an item on each page, like "I Spy".
This is the one letter that gave me trouble. Everyone has theirs and this was mine (this year). So lets get on with it.
List of Kinds of Vows:
Wedding vows
Divine vows
Monastic vows
Presidential vows **I could have went on and on with this topic but I'm really not into disputes**
Congressional vows **same as above**
Vows to pledge honor to your country #OOH RAH! to my Marine Vet husband#
Vows of revenge **I do NoT Recommend**
Vows of declaration (ex. "Well, I vow it is as fine a boy as ever was seen!" Henry Fielding)
Personal vows **to finish this blog challenge**
So just throwing out there that I am feeling "Venerated" (feeling of awe). Definitely Valuing each and every Visit and comment of you Virtuous people who I'm priviledged to meet on this Virtual space.
Unchained may be the title of that song, but in my home, we definitely have chain reactions. No "Un" about it.
There's the time my daughter decided to adopt 2 puppies. Let me explain the problem with my chain reaction thought process.
We have #1. no fence as we've been "Under Construction" since last June.
#2. The back yard is still a mud pit.
#3. I am not going to be the one to go around the yard picking up land mines.
#4 Because, Mom's you know, it's always us in the end.
#5. I don't need a vet bill, much less a Double vet bill.
So, after a stressful year of construction, I honestly needed to take the time this year to bury myself in this song, "Unchained Melody" to bring myself some calm. This song was hard. It required intense concentration and time. But I'm pretty dog-gone (pardon the pun) proud I accomplished it.
To finish the story of the puppies, we were able to find a home for them and keep them together. A chain of hope ended this saga.
And Note to my daughter: Once you have a home of your very own and decide to have pets, I will be more than happy to house sit your pets (just no snakes please).
This is one of the hymns I remember best from my childhood years in attending a little country church "Antioch Baptist Church". It conjures up images of people who are long gone but were very influential. These people were far from the Time Magazine's "most influential people in the world" list. But their signicant impact on a life has been long-lasting.
So what would you say to someone in your past if you had the chance again? Maybe a 'thanks' for the pen and mini notebook they handed you during a particularly boring sermon. (Sorry, they exist.) Grandma, you saved my mother's sanity, and me a swat :)
Or what about the church deacon/sheriff deputy/neighbor, who didn't let you hang your sister when she had that party while mom was out of state? I'd definitely thank him for his wisdom in handling the situation. No punches were swung. And we are the closest of sisters today many, many years later.
Or the pastor's wife who I assisted one summer in the 2-year-old room at Vacation Bible School. Little did I know I was seeing my future career form. Her patience was golden and I'd thank her for the example she set.
I'm feeling pretty blessed for the life experiences that have led me down my life's path.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
My dad was Bill. Not silly by any means, but always welcomed wherever he went. Talk about big shoes to fill.
Simply put, I. Was. Shy.
And things kept me from growing out of that stage as time progressed.
One of the biggest was my constant knee injuries. Everyone had a cure for me other than actual surgery. The suggestion I got from all experts was doing those "fabulous" leg lift exercises. We used items from canned vegies to sand bag weights. Ug. Still hate them and still suggested by my doctors when the legs give me trouble. Finally had my first surgery at age 24. My first knee dislocation was at age 9. You do the math if ya want.
After the knee issue came the silver caps on my two top front teeth. Yep, right there front and center. I was playing tag in our school gym and met up with a brick wall, my teeth being the center point of gravity. They did not survive, naturally. So for a few years, I was blessed with those shiny, obnoxious, dreaded caps. I rarely smiled for photos and limited my talking to strangers. I wonder how many polaroids exist of m silver teeth? I bet not one.
So since becoming a childcare provider, the one thing I have always been partial to is the shy kids, the ones with delays, just waiting for the skies to open up.
To young mothers out there, I'd like to tell you to let your children be the wall flowers, but take them to the social events. Give them a hobby they can excel in. Never shame them. Be a role model.
How did you spend your New Year's Eve? Many were partying til the wee hours of midnight and beyond. But not this troupe. We chose to purchase 4 Amtrak tickets and take a little jaunt on the Missouri River Run. This is a daily route that travels from Kansas City to St. Louis. We boarded in Sedalia and rode to St. Louis in a little under 3 hours (one way). And another 3 hours back.
So what influenced us to partake is such an excursion? A few factors were involved. One of the biggest is that we'd never taken a train ride before; not counting the amusement park trains. Or in my husband's case, when he hitched a ride on a freight train at the age of 13 or so. He does not wish for me to romanticize this fact as there were still hobos at the time and he could have had a very bad result. And his mother doesn't even know about it. (So, yes, it still matters in your 40's if Mom finds out.)
So this legitimate train ride was very enlightening. The most disturbing part is the lack of baggage checking. Yes, my retired-narcotics-officer husband was the first to pick up on this. He noticed a couple of familiar faces getting off the train, backpacks in hand, eager to avoid him. Imagine that?! (his reputation still follows him) Just for the record, we would Not have tried to play the part of vigilante or sheriff's deputy........unless??? We're human of course.
Another enlightening part of the ride was the dining car. It's not like in the movies. A little counter on one end with a person taking your order, microwaving it if needed, and taking your money. The. End.
Finding Gluten-Free was pretty difficult. Lucky for us, we did our homework and took some picnic items along. But my youngest and I let curiosity get the better of us and so we ventured 3 cars ahead to "see what it looked like". In short, you'd get a better choice from Quik Trip or whatever your local convenience store is called. Not impressed.
The positives:
*You could barely hear the horn. Surprising as I remember the days when trains traveled behind my home and it was most definitely heard inside my house.(before the rail was abandoned and made into a bike trail)
*The conductors were super nice
*The view was very pretty, even in the dead of winter.
*I learned that along certain parts of the Mighty Mo, houses stand on stilts 15 feet off the ground. Quite a sight to see a mobile home on poles. To each his own I guess.
*I had nearly 6 whole hours of crochet time. Only yarn-aholics will relate.
So in short, if my daughters decide to move away and I don't want to drive, take a bus or plane, train travel is an option.
Just make sure to sit close to the exit and don't plan on a meal like momma's.
My favorite activity to do with my daycare children is "Conversation Starters". There are good reasons to try this activity, even at home with your own children. First of all they love to talk. Second, it's so good for their self confidence, language development, social skills, and so so much more. I ask them a question and they answer while I dictate their answers. They'll make sure I get it all written down too. I hear, "Did you get that part?" So adorable. Parents get to see the conversations too since I post them on a large sheet of paper beside the coats. Smiles abound! And who couldn't use a smile after a long day at work?!
Things happen when we engage children like this. Curiosity is unlocked and they take an active part and become more involved with others. In other words, the little shy kid gets to shine :)
If you have time, check out my daycare blog to see one of our conversation starters from November.
Special thanks to Osage Plains Images for permission to use photos in the slideshow. Please take time to see his Facebook page Here
Power in physics equals the rate of doing work. So while I think I do pretty good "powerful" work in my day job, there are many areas I lack "power". Here's a couple for sure:
After 3 knee surgeries including one broken knee cap in the mix,
I. Can't. Run. No Power there
Pulling an all-nighter these days would be a Big FAIL.
On the positive side:
Having enough power to do this A to Z challenge has been time-consuming, but do-able. Feeling some power as I made it this far for a 2nd year. Yay to me :)
I probably appear powerful to a child when I can reach up high (even though I'm pretty short)
And when a child runs to me for a hug, they feel powerful hugging as tight as they can. Love that!!!
Most of the time we don't strive for power. We just use powerful means to help each other out. Like the times a family member or friend suffers health issues. Seeing and experiencing these hold us powerless many times (we initially think.) But what we learn is that by encouraging them and doing our part, we give them comfort, hope and time to regain their own Power.
Yep, another Bible Verse:
Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Have you ever Googled "Only" and looked at the images? I did and it's amazing how we use only as an exclusion.
"Only One"
"Only Today"
"For Teachers Only"
"Adults Only"
"Authorized Personnel Only"
"Ladies Only"
"For your eyes Only"
But to "Only Trust Him", it's more of a simple request. It's all you have to do and there are no exclusions. Everyone is included.
The song lyrics invites "every soul". By only trusting, He has rich blessings to bestow.
Trust is another word for Faith.
Explained in Hebrews 11:1 , "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
It's a hard concept for most of us these days. Too many have hurts and disappointments and hold back trying to Only Trust Him. The Bible never once says, "figure it out." But over and over it says "Trust God".
Norwegian Wood is just a "nice" song. If you listen to the lyrics, the guy plays the gentleman and sleeps in the tub. What a concept in the present times.
But about being "Nice".....I have a list of niceness in a day in the life of children.
Let me get you a hat.
Hey, Steph! He gave me his flashlight!
Wanna go on a bear hunt?
4, Macoy: "Ben wants my lucky hat." Me: "What can you do nice for him to make him feel better?"Hudson (16 months) "Let it go, ok?!" (he has watched the movie Frozen often)
How about trying a little nice, especially when you don't feel like it. Not just when you're dressed up for church.
When you're sitting on the sidelines of a ballgame listening to parents yelling, it can be particularly hard to "feel" it. You'd really like to blast them in the face with some special words. But that could end with very bad results. Trust me.
So I typically grab my crochet hook and start making a piece of mindless work like a shawl or a scarf. And with each stitch I'm praying. For me, for them, for anyone else who needs it. And in my mind I'm hearing Hudson say, "Let it go, ok?!"
In the words of Stevie Wonder, "Music is a world within itself with a Language we all Understand."
"Music can change the world because it can change people." --Bono
How many times do you remember a concert filled with lit candles, everyone swaying to a well-known song? The air is electric, the differences between people melt away. It's both a healing and a miracle.
I wonder what happens to the brain in these moments?
Is the section that gets angry shut down? Is it disabled? I'd bet so.
When a baby cries around here and I'm elbow deep in a sink of dishes, I'll ask one of my older children to "go sing to the baby". I guarantee that 9 out of 10 times the crying stops and two things happen:
1st: the eldest child feels empowered and empathetic.
2nd: the baby finds peace.
It soon becomes a perfect celebration of joy and life.
Music matters to all ages and stages of life. Pete Seeger, a well-known banjo player/singer, was indeed a pioneer in using music for change. Words stamped on his personal banjo said:
"This machine surrounds hate and forces it to surrender"
I hope you'll play more music in whatever form you enjoy and help bring peace in the world.
L is for Loved:
Honor Flight is making our Veterans feel "Loved" by escorting them via air on dedicated flights to visit memorials built to give tribute for the sacrifices they made.
One local photographer has documented in pictures his trip with one of these Honor Flights.
For a commentary of Kevin Walker's experience as well as more pictures, see Here
I wanted to present it to you in a slideshow with music. Hope you'll thank a Vet today.
I don't think I'll be writing anything about kangaroos for my Letter K post.
You should be very thankful, believe me!
But I can tell you about some funny things Kids say.
My most recent one I wrote down was when I asked my daycare kids (all boys except one of my babies. There are 2.) if "Girl" Scout cookies were ok with them for snack. I'm still chuckling at their response of "We can't have "Girl" cookies." So without further ado I pulled out the Oreos. I added that 'maybe Boy Scouts could start baking so I could buy some of their "Boy" cookies.'
If you get a second or two, check out my "Kids Say the Darndest Things" tab at the top.
Bet the Irish Washerwoman was just searching for a pot of gold. How many times, Mom, do you find change in pockets when doing laundry?
So switchin gears now to my picture topic in the slideshow......
Imagination.
We decided to spend some time Inventing stories this morning and I thought it was way more interesting to read than googling some top ten ways to get rich like that Irish Washerwoman. So hope you enjoy the Imaginations of my In-home daycare boys.
Weston: age 4 (fish photo)
Once upon a time he gets that down at the pond. He carried it back up to his house and he's going to cook it and eat it
Macoy: age 3 (boat/dog/pumpkin photo)
That's in the water. That boat drive in the water and that dog sat and eat.
and pumpkins in the basket and the end. (on 2nd thought Not)
and that phone called somebody
and bird pecked and that bird pecked too and the end.
Hadley: age 3 (hat lady/watch photo)
Once upon a time there was a girl in the field. The clock says time to go to bed.
They're standing by a block.
The train was coming for the lady . The End
Ben: age 3 (man and girl/ cliff photo)
Once upon a time they went to a wedding and now they want to go home.
How about this one? They went to a doctor. They was sad. Now they was scared.
They want to go home.
Can I be done?
