Pi Day!

My Aunt Susan always told me that "Nerds make the best husbands." I took her advice and married a high quality nerd (takes one to know one). My Prince-Nerd-Charming is a certified Math Major and lover of all things Pi. I love this about him and as a devoted wife I want to find ways to show him that I love and appreciate him. Because Aunt Susan was right, he really is the best husband!

While up at Western Washington University I was made aware of the math holiday revered by Math Majors everywhere.... Pi Day... March 14th....as in 3.14.


The past several years Rory celebrated Pi day with the youth group. They had Pi games, a Pi art contest and of course lots of Pie to eat. They also talked about God's infinite love that extends far beyond what we can calculate or imagine. It's irrational.

Getting our picture taken with Albert, he too was a big fan of Pi.

This year we took Pi Day to the next level, and declared it a family holiday. Since Rory's Birthday is so close to Christmas this is a replacement celebration... And truthfully he would much rather celebrate Pi Day.

So here is what we did:
We made Shepherd's Pie for dinner.
We helped Daddy memorize to the 130th digit of Pi.
We got Daddy a Pewter Pi Lapel Pin. (A special present for daddy)
We also got a Math Adventure book- Sir Cumferance and the First Round Table (A book to share as a family. So Daddy could introduced the concept of Pi)
We traveled to Silverdale Library to participate in their Pi Day Celebration. Where we got to throw pies at a Picture of Albert Einstein, make a house of cards and have lots of fun!

 Next year we plan to make a pie and Pi digit Cookies with number cookie cutters.

Who's the Turkey Now?

The image behind the intimidation, supporting conspiracy.

Okay, so I am not really sure where this 'fear' of cooking birds has come from. I think it mostly stems from lack of experience and partially from the look of a raw bird waiting to be cooked. For whatever reason this intimidates me.
Apparently, I am not alone, because the 'How To' article I read stared out by dispelling the myth that cooking the Turkey takes culinary skill and talent. This myth buster was further confirmed during a group discussion at Bible Study around Thanksgiving time. The experienced Turkey cookers let out a little secret. They all cooked the Turkey and made the pies. The Turkey is the easy part, and they let their daughter's and daughter-in-laws toil with all the potato peeling and labor intensive side dishes.
So, it is a conspiracy...good to know!
Growing up my mom would cook a Turkey about twice a year, for the usual Christmas or special occasion. And truthfully, I can't really remember ever seeing the bird being put in the oven. We didn't really cook birds regularly, we just got those frozen Chicken Breasts from Costco and called that Chicken.
Now that I am on my own and our food budget staring me in the face, the only reasonable thing to do is to conquer my fear and cook the bird.
I started out small with a Orange Glazed Cornish Game Hens, they turned out delicious.
Then I worked my way up to chicken. Some in soup and a few roasted in the oven. (My first attempt was rather dry, but I improved on the second attempt).
Somehow I thought I was ready to move up to cooking a Turkey. Now, reason would dictate that with a small family and limited experience, that I would start with a small Turkey. But, no, that would make too much sense. We opted for a 20 pounder.

I love to cook and enjoy new recipes and challenges. But when a large frozen bird is staring me in the face it produces one reaction...procrastination.
Without fail, I always put off cooking the bird waiting in my freezer.

This particular Turkey had sat in my freezer longer than I could remember. So, I finally decided that it was time to cook the beast.
I let it thaw in the fridge while we went to my parents for the weekend. Then on Monday, came the day of reckoning.
I stared down that bird, read and re-read the directions on the package. Watched a 'How To' video and then read and reread the directions I found on line. Then I stared at the bird some more. In the midst of this procrastination I talked to my friend Leslie, her last words were..."Foil is your friend." Guess who was pretty much all out of foil? Not much foil to befriend my Turkey...would this be 20 pounds of foiled meat?

All the foil I had to cover my poor Turkey.

Well, time passed and kids distracted me and I still tried to get my game plan and muster up my gumption. I soon realized that I passed my window and had to make dinner for the evening, because there was no way this bird would be done in time for dinner.
It wasn't until after dinner was done and the kids were in bed that I started wrestling with the Turkey. Having just tucked in my 30 pound preschooler, my battle with washing the Turkey felt oddly reminiscent. I finally un-tucked the legs, figured out which end contained the secret compartment with the hidden pouch and the spot to stick the veggies. All the while questioning if I was doing it right.
When my 20 pound friend was finally tucked in, slathered with butter and herbs and deemed oven ready the clock read 9 pm. Hmmm....
At this point I had to dig through the trash to find out exactly how big this really heavy thing I could hardly lift was. Then I started counting the hours it would take to cook on my fingers. And the realization came to me. No matter what I did I was going to have to get up at 4am. Either to take it out of the oven or put it in so it would be done before the girl's ballet class. (Rory later pointed out that I could have just put it in at midnight and taken it out at 6. Where was that voice of reason when I was deliriously tired and trying to get this Turkey in the oven despite my big baby belly?)
Oddly enough I woke up at around 4 am on my own. Unfortunately for my husband I could not lift it out of the oven...again with the baby belly. So Rory got to get up at 4 am and help me... sorry honey!

Note the time in the back ground...The Turkey was finally cooked!

It wasn't until the next morning after we had rested and the Turkey had rested that we sliced in to discover exactly how dry this turkey was.
I am glad to report that it was not that dry. In fact it was pretty good. Not the moist masterpieces my mom and Aunt usually prepare...but good enough! It will be put to good use in Turkey Pot Pies, Enchiladas and all sorts of dinners to come.

Rose was excited to eat her Turkey on a Handle!

She thought it tasted great! One satisfied customer!

Re-Vamp...Sprucing up the place!

Well, you may notice a few changes around the blog this week. Thanks to my Brother-in-law, Phil, who graciously took some pictures of me this weekend. I have started the remodel project on the blog. Hope you like it so far. I still have to tweak a few things and work out a few kinks.

Here is one of the candid shots from our little photo shoot... Yes, this is Rose about to either bite or lick my hand. Oh, the precious moments in parenthood!

Through their eyes....

I remember vividly being introduced to Self Esteem in 2nd Grade. I had never heard of it before, but our elementary school was going on a full-force campaign. We were all thoroughly indoctrinated with the concept of self value and meeting goals.

Then came the process of growing up. The tug-of-war between the media sending daggers into a young girl's self-concept and the opposite encouragement to be good with who you are. During this time, a great deal of effort went into being someone who looks in the mirror and accepts you for you.

Then you have kids. You get a new body. You have tiny humans hanging off of your every limb and using your body for sustenance. Your body is not your own. You, despite best efforts, take on that wild haven't slept, I don't know what that stain is, sometimes surly look of motherhood. And you wonder, what do I look like to my child and husband?

At first the little babes see your smile, and they smile back. They love you for your milk and the comfort of your arms. Then they start walking and run circles around your legs, and hug your knee caps.

Then, they start talking and lovingly expostulate every thought and observation. It is a kind of poetry only toddlers and preschoolers can really create. You get to see the world through their eyes. And scarier... hear their observations of you.

"Wow Mom your feet are as big as a Step Sister's!"
Too many comments ending in "Your big giant bottom"
"Are those red things chicken pox?!" (No, just a bunch of zits.)
"You look like the beast." (I was getting dressed to go out and actually fixed my hair, was wearing makeup, ear rings and a nice scarf)

A smart mom knows that these little tidbits of truth should make you laugh, not cry. (I know hormones can produce irrational results, but please Mammas, this is a great time to learn to laugh... even if it is at how your child views you.) Although, laughing until you cry may just happen.

Then you savor all those sweet remarks all the more. Like, "Mommy you so pretty." This is twice as sweet when it is the echo of your husband. Who even after all those babies and even with all that really scary, curly hair...still sees you as beautiful. Then it is your job, Mamma, to believe him.

Homeschool Journal

This year I have had the privilege of homeschooling my daughters. One is in preschool and the other is in pre-kindergarten. It has been a lot of fun, and a learning experience for me as well as them!

Discovering their 5 senses.

We started the year by by buying curriculum through Sonlight. We purchased the Kindergarten Multi-Subject Package.  This package is designed for kids age 5 through 7. It came with an enormous amount of books and teaching curriculum. Truth be told I was completely overwhelmed!

Even though we had a 3 and 4 year-old we decided to get the Kindergarten curriculum so that we could use it for more than one year. We also felt that our oldest was ready for the reading, math and handwriting at the Kindergarten level.

It took me a really long time to sort through all the curriculum, and to get a feel for how the teacher's manual was organized. Then I had to pair down the subjects... a lot! This involved a lot of prayer and a lot of chocolate!

And like most journeys, the path we ended up taking was very different from what I thought it would be. But, we are happy, and it is going great!

Here is what we ended up with:
The Kindergarten Package came with:
Horizon's Math- K
Handwriting Without Tears 
The Sonlight Reading Curriculum with the Grade K Readers

We have been using only these three elements for our Pre-Kindergartner. As we suspected, they were just right for her. However, the rest of the curriculum was too advanced and had to be set aside for next year. We will definitely get more than one year out of our purchase.

Then came the surprise. We ended up borrowing the My Father's World Kindergarten Curriculum. We have loved this. We have used that curriculum for our Science, Bible, Letter and weekly theme. This has flowed nicely into our weekly themed book basket we started last year. This was also very easy to use with both girls and they can fully participate at each of their levels.

Rose, our Preschooler has her own set of age appropriate workbooks... more on that later.

Surviving Survival Mode-- Part Four-- Ask for help!

This post is part of a series. I have been talking about a cycle that my family and I have experienced when dealing with the ups and downs of chronic health conditions. We tend to rotate through times of 1. Prevention 2. Survival Mode and 3. Recovery. 

The past several posts have been all about Survival Mode. Survival Mode is the time when health is at it's worst and your family is trying to weather the storm.  

 Lastly, Survival Mode is the time to enlist help. You bring in friends, you bring in the grandparents, you call the Aunties. Call your friends from church, or neighbors. Anyone who is understanding of your situation, who is compassionate (as opposed to judging) and willing to give your family a few hours of their time. 

It is not easy to lay in bed and let someone take over your home for a bit. Things will be done differently than you would do them. You may not be able to find a single cooking utensil when you are ready to cook again. But, bottom line, you need help. Admit it, welcome it, have the humility to accept it.

It can be hard to let people in. I mean after all, your house looks like it has NEVER been cleaned. People understand the flu, but not necessarily chronic pain or asthma that leaves you barely able to move. It can feel humiliating to let others see just how messy your struggle to survive has become. But you have to do it any ways. 

If you can, hire people to clean your house. I know that for me a huge burden would be lifted off my shoulders if I could hire someone to come in and clean each week. Even in the better times pushing around a vacuum and cleaning the tub are jobs that zap energy. 

And never turn away free help and the loving compassion of friends. Friends who have eyes to see your struggle and the compassion to come alongside you and help. These friends are priceless. Be sure to appreciate them in whatever ways you can. You may never have the strength to return the favor in the same way, but pray that the Lord opens your eyes to bless them in ways that you can, and ways that they need.

Maybe you can't go over to their house and clean, but you can offer them a cup of tea and a listening ear. You can offer lots of prayer up for others while you are laying in bed. 

I know that for me, the times that have been the hardest for me to ask for help have had the most surprising endings. Friendships have been formed, long important talks have been had, laughter was shared and everyone involved was blessed. 


Here is a video that tells the story of my recovery from a spinal fusion. (Many of you may have seen it before, but given the topic, I thought I would share it again.)

Music for Lent- A perfect combination

I love pairing things. It is almost a hobby for me. I enjoy finding the perfect combination of sight, sound, and taste. Combining ingredients to make a recipe for a moment that just lets your senses experience a deep sigh.

A cup of tea with just the right pastry. Delightful! Then if I can combine that with a spot next to a window, a blanket on my lap and the perfect music to match my mood....Heavenly.

Each season produces new inspiration and just like we have Christmas music, I have fall, Lent and summer too. For me music is such a key ingredient. On one hand it sets a tone, on the other it reflects what I am feeling or trying to express.

This year I set out on a quest to find some music that reflected my feelings and mood in this season of Lent. I wanted music that was soul-full, focused on amazing grace and sacrifice that would draw my thoughts back to the Lord. I found Linsey Wallace.

Linsey Wallace has a smooth alto voice with rich character and artful twists. Musical artistry and worship blend smoothly together. She has a way of getting to the heart of the matter with Jesus. Her beautiful voice pulls you in and you can easily get lost in the music, yet the words bring you into meditation on Jesus and all that He has done. It is a wonderful listening experience that produces a response...worship.

And what do I have? A perfect combination for my senses. Music that captures the flavor of Lent, the beauty of the Cross, and the cries of my heart. All experienced by a sunlit window seat, a devotional in hand and cup of good tea.

Check out Linsey's two EP Albums (Swayed by Grace and One) on itunes and see what I mean.