Praying For...peace on Earth...I know this will never be while Satan can tempt the hearts of men. However, I can choose to be more charitable, meek, and peaceful towards others. At the school where I teach, the children are learning a variety of Christmas carols as well as Let There Be Peace On Earth. It's my new Christmas favorite and lifetime mantra.
Ponderization..."Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men," Luke 2:15. "In the scriptures, peace can mean either freedom from conflict and turmoil or the inner calm and comfort born of the Spirit that God gives to his faithful Saints." I want both for me and all mankind.
Talk of the Week...In his sermon, Meeting the Challenges of Today’s World, Robert D. Hales reminds us that our choices shape our eternal destiny. I like the idea of personal councils and hope to incorporate it into my life.
Cucina Fresca...After J saw me using two dinner plates to press corn tortillas, he sent away for the most beautiful tortilla press. Now making this favorite bread will be easy again. I haven't had a tortilla press for ages.
Teaching Little Children...I didn't know there was a whole story curriculum for teaching handwriting. A few weeks ago, I came up with a cute story to teach a, d, and g after a few of the children couldn't get the proper formation. The round part of 'a' is our nice huggable mommy. The downward motion is her little boy (or girl) who hugs her tightly. He doesn't run away, because he loves to hug his mommy. He also has a tall, tall brother that loves to hug mommy (d). They have a lazy brother that likes to drag his feet below the line before swooping off (g). Anyway, I plan to incorporate all these cute stories, because the children love the 'a' family stories so much. AND when I found this I also discovered the same company's integrated curriculum for science, handwriting, and language. It's so beautiful and peaceful.
Yorkie Yarns...For awhile I fed Dash vegan kibble. The other day J and I ate lentil soup for dinner, and Dash nearly went wild sniffing the air. After we were through eating, I gave her soup instead of kibble. She's never eaten with such gusto. Since I prefer a diet of lentils, rice, vegetables, and greens for dogs, I saved the leftovers for her. I used to feed Lentil soup to Gucci all the time, who also thought it was the best stuff ever. When I must crate this sweet little creature, I fill her Kong with a teaspoon of peanut butter mixed with a pinch of diatomaceous earth, flaxseed meal, dried moringa, and vegedog vitamins. I'm glad to have this cuddly little companion.
Garden Gate...frost is expected M-W, so J and I erected a mini greenhouse around our mangos. We'll keep it in place until all danger of frost has past. Everything else should do fine. I don't feel a need to put up a Christmas tree anymore, because my backyard decorates itself for christmas. We have yellow and orange balls hanging from trees, as well as quail, finches, and hummingbirds flitting or running about.
Movement...we did it! We finally got our bikes out for an early morning ride. Dash nearly froze, so I'll leave her home next time. Although I enjoyed the ride, I was horrified at my steeply declined fitness level. I peddled as hard as I could but barely moved at all. After nearly two miles, I decided it must be the bike. Yup! The tires were nearly devoid of air. Whew! I'm not as weak as all that after all. At school, the children can choose to get out the yoga mat and exercise. Sometimes I want to get right down there with one or another of them and stretch. Yoga (like Essentrics) is so delightful and peaceful as an exercise form.
Doctor Ginger, Medicine Woman...I'm not a medical doctor at all but a student of natural and nutritional healing. Got a killer headache to match my killer shoulder. I've tried massage for this, which helps tremendously. This time, however, I chose chiropractic. I saw a woman chiro, whom I've never met before. She released the headache with accu-pressure as well as got my shoulder to move six inches further than before. She's probably the best chiro I've ever seen. I'll go back until this issue is resolved. Grandma told me getting old isn't for sissies, and she was right. Really though, I don't think my shoulder thing is age related, I hurt it lifting dumbbells and dropping a can of beans on it. What? Yes, I'm under five feet tall. Reaching to get a can of organic black beans from the top shelf at Walmart, I caused a few cans to fall. One of them hit me squarely on my shoulder.
Showing posts with label teaching little children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teaching little children. Show all posts
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Sunday, December 6, 2015
vision
Praying For...citizens of the US and the Western World to embrace Christian worship and virtues, because it is the only way we can save law, order, and liberty in this country. God will not stand by us, as we travel the road to hell. We can't have decadence and His blessings. If we choose to retrench, we must be more charitable and unoppressive, learning from past mistakes.
Ponderizations..."Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him," Acts 10:33-34. Fear doesn't mean to be afraid, tremble, and shrink but to respect and revere. There is no room in God's kingdom for persecutors or racists. Jesus taught us through example and Paul (and other prophets) exhorted us to treat ALL others with Charity, the pure love of Jesus Christ. Charity is patient, dignified, serene, kind, strong while meek, and forbearing, is not jealous, boastful, angry, selfish, resentful, or proud, and strongly but uncontentiously stands as a witness of Christ's truth and righteousness. Boy, do I have a long way to go, but the point is I will make it WITH the atoning grace of Jesus Christ.
Garden Gate...Who decided that crushed granite makes a beautiful yard? Yuck! I've been shoveling this stuff up a bucket full at a time. It might take a year, but eventually it will be gone from the back yard and replaced with cool and kind to the feet wood chips. Even tiny food forests need pollinator attractors, so I am slowly digging holes for two brilliant, red hibiscus. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are supposed be attracted to them, plus they are on my list of favorite flowers. I plan to alternate them with grapes and kiwi against the wall behind the moringa, pole bean, acerola, asparagus, calendula, snapdragon, lupine, strawberry, and comfrey guilds. My imagination makes this a glorious sight, when in fact it looks very bare with only six tiny moringa and a very old, scraggly jasmine plant at present. Nevertheless, without vision a gardener fails.
Movement...I forgot how wonderful I feel, when I use gardening as my main form of exercise. Where I live, I can comfortably use this favored activity for six to eight months each year. Digging, carrying heavy buckets, dragging hoses, raking compost, laying wood chips, etc, I bend, lift, and squat out in the fresh air and sunshine. However, I've learned not to over do things and keep my little garden jobs to an hour or so. I still enjoy Essentrics because it sort of sucks pain out of the body, improves posture, and increases mobility. Uuuugh! I sound like some old lady doing a arthritis relief commercial...but it really does work so much better than Mobisyl and aspirin. Another week went by, and I still didn't take a bike ride. This week is THE week for sure.
Teaching Little Children...Although they are making good progress with sandpaper letters, Bob Books, slates, and rainbow letters, I've been working on a couple projects to help me do a better job of teaching reading and writing. Because I need things organized, complete, and systematic, I'm printing, tweaking, cutting, gluing, laminating new reading and grammar work. Along with Language Works Spelling, this should help me help my lovely children become strong, solid readers before other schools can stifle their intellects with look/say pseudo-phonics without a stitch of grammar. Plus, I want to help the children become more self-directed. Bob requires me to sit right there and listen to every word read. It takes too long and progress isn't what it could be with a more self-directed, systematic approach. Each little drawer is a lesson to give in small groups, which they practice individually until ready for the next lesson. The Montessori way is ingenious!
Cucina Fresca...My husband says I'm aptly named, because I love spicy food! AND I love bread. It's been a frustrating journey to discover good breads that don't trigger reactions, but one great discovery is idli. I waited for my new idli cooker for some time; the wait wasn't in vain. These are the best I've eaten anywhere. Sambar and Idli are traditional breakfast foods in Southern India but can be eaten for any meal.
Hotel Style Rice Cooker Sambar
1/2 c moong dal (rice maker cup not standard cup)
3 c water (on the white rice marker)
1 T curry powder
2 T sambar powder
dash pumpkin pie spice
dash mustard powder
garlic powder
onion powder
8-10 torn curry leaves
2 tomatoes, diced
2 wedges winter squash (eliminates need for tamarind and jaggery)
1 c moringa leaves or chopped spinach (reserved)
1 c cut, very thin asparagus, green beans, drumsticks, or cauliflower (reserved)
1/4 c minced cilantro
Mix dal, lentils, water, curry, sambar, garlic, onion, curry leaves, and tomatoes in a rice cooker. Place squash wedges on top. Cook on timed white rice or quick setting. At the completion of the cycle, stir in moringa and green beans. Close rice cooker and let steam while you cook idli. Place several idli in a shallow pasta bowl, ladle sambar over top, place a wedge of winter squash along side, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve. Sambar is a spicy vegetarian answer to carnivor dumpling soup. It can also be served with idli along side instead of in the soup...or a scoop of rice. All are delicious. BTW-Hubby gave this meal a 100% absolute redo; it's going to be our new after church luncheon, utilizing the timer on the rice cooker.
Ponderizations..."Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him," Acts 10:33-34. Fear doesn't mean to be afraid, tremble, and shrink but to respect and revere. There is no room in God's kingdom for persecutors or racists. Jesus taught us through example and Paul (and other prophets) exhorted us to treat ALL others with Charity, the pure love of Jesus Christ. Charity is patient, dignified, serene, kind, strong while meek, and forbearing, is not jealous, boastful, angry, selfish, resentful, or proud, and strongly but uncontentiously stands as a witness of Christ's truth and righteousness. Boy, do I have a long way to go, but the point is I will make it WITH the atoning grace of Jesus Christ.
Garden Gate...Who decided that crushed granite makes a beautiful yard? Yuck! I've been shoveling this stuff up a bucket full at a time. It might take a year, but eventually it will be gone from the back yard and replaced with cool and kind to the feet wood chips. Even tiny food forests need pollinator attractors, so I am slowly digging holes for two brilliant, red hibiscus. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are supposed be attracted to them, plus they are on my list of favorite flowers. I plan to alternate them with grapes and kiwi against the wall behind the moringa, pole bean, acerola, asparagus, calendula, snapdragon, lupine, strawberry, and comfrey guilds. My imagination makes this a glorious sight, when in fact it looks very bare with only six tiny moringa and a very old, scraggly jasmine plant at present. Nevertheless, without vision a gardener fails.
Movement...I forgot how wonderful I feel, when I use gardening as my main form of exercise. Where I live, I can comfortably use this favored activity for six to eight months each year. Digging, carrying heavy buckets, dragging hoses, raking compost, laying wood chips, etc, I bend, lift, and squat out in the fresh air and sunshine. However, I've learned not to over do things and keep my little garden jobs to an hour or so. I still enjoy Essentrics because it sort of sucks pain out of the body, improves posture, and increases mobility. Uuuugh! I sound like some old lady doing a arthritis relief commercial...but it really does work so much better than Mobisyl and aspirin. Another week went by, and I still didn't take a bike ride. This week is THE week for sure.
Teaching Little Children...Although they are making good progress with sandpaper letters, Bob Books, slates, and rainbow letters, I've been working on a couple projects to help me do a better job of teaching reading and writing. Because I need things organized, complete, and systematic, I'm printing, tweaking, cutting, gluing, laminating new reading and grammar work. Along with Language Works Spelling, this should help me help my lovely children become strong, solid readers before other schools can stifle their intellects with look/say pseudo-phonics without a stitch of grammar. Plus, I want to help the children become more self-directed. Bob requires me to sit right there and listen to every word read. It takes too long and progress isn't what it could be with a more self-directed, systematic approach. Each little drawer is a lesson to give in small groups, which they practice individually until ready for the next lesson. The Montessori way is ingenious!
 |
| Montessori Print Shop pink, blue, green, and grammar series. |
Cucina Fresca...My husband says I'm aptly named, because I love spicy food! AND I love bread. It's been a frustrating journey to discover good breads that don't trigger reactions, but one great discovery is idli. I waited for my new idli cooker for some time; the wait wasn't in vain. These are the best I've eaten anywhere. Sambar and Idli are traditional breakfast foods in Southern India but can be eaten for any meal.
Hotel Style Rice Cooker Sambar
1/2 c moong dal (rice maker cup not standard cup)
3 c water (on the white rice marker)
1 T curry powder
2 T sambar powder
dash pumpkin pie spice
dash mustard powder
garlic powder
onion powder
8-10 torn curry leaves
2 tomatoes, diced
2 wedges winter squash (eliminates need for tamarind and jaggery)
1 c moringa leaves or chopped spinach (reserved)
1 c cut, very thin asparagus, green beans, drumsticks, or cauliflower (reserved)
1/4 c minced cilantro
Mix dal, lentils, water, curry, sambar, garlic, onion, curry leaves, and tomatoes in a rice cooker. Place squash wedges on top. Cook on timed white rice or quick setting. At the completion of the cycle, stir in moringa and green beans. Close rice cooker and let steam while you cook idli. Place several idli in a shallow pasta bowl, ladle sambar over top, place a wedge of winter squash along side, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve. Sambar is a spicy vegetarian answer to carnivor dumpling soup. It can also be served with idli along side instead of in the soup...or a scoop of rice. All are delicious. BTW-Hubby gave this meal a 100% absolute redo; it's going to be our new after church luncheon, utilizing the timer on the rice cooker.
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| Idli Maker |
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| Rice Cooker |
Sunday, November 22, 2015
going to love it
Praying For...Claire and children all over the world to be blessed with peace, plenty, happiness, health, and love...to be honest, slow to anger, quick to listen, and love the truth...to enjoy school and work diligently...to find and love Jesus and always strive to follow Him and be like Him...to enjoy life and try to find joy (or at least the point of learning) in all the experiences...to enjoy doing hard things, because learning from hard things make one wise and smart...
Ponderizations..."Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman walketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep," Psalm 127:1-2. This prophecy sure is telling for our time. If we don't turn back to God, we won't be able to keep anything safe; we won't have peace.
GC Sermon of the Week...Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ by Dallin H. Oaks reminds us that we are not alone, because Jesus suffered all our pains, heart ache, and more. He understands and wishes to lift us; He stands waiting for our invitation.
Garden Gate to Movement...Yesterday, I talked to a wonderful gardener, who gave me a great, though not original, idea. He told me about his mother, who used gardening to regain lost strength. I go up and down with my ability to exercise with my Adrenal issues. Anyway, his mother is 78, and over the last two years has planted 200 trees on her property. Nearly every day, she digs a bit for an hour. It might take three days or a week, but eventually her 3X3 hole is dug. Then she builds a one foot deep compost pile in the bottom, covers it up, and waits for spring or fall planting season. After planting a tree in excellent compost and covering it with mulch, she plants herbs, flowers, and vegetables around it. Two years ago, she had one of those horrible, sterile dirt 'pastures' so famous around here. Now she has a veritable oasis, which provides all her fruit and vegetable needs plus an abundance to share. I don't have acreage, but I still have some room to put in more trees, herbs, flowers, and so forth. Being outdoors and playing in the dirt in good weather, I can heal my body and lighten my spirit, God willing.
Teaching Little Children...this week I made Rainbow Letter work, so the youngest children can practice penmanship in a new way. I made handwriting work for those who have mastered penmanship. My oldest daughter loved botany and zoology booklets between ages 4-5. To make these, we print pages of the same black outlined bird, flower, leaf, tree, fish, child, and so forth. Then we make and laminate a booklet with the specific part colored in red and its nomenclature written underneath: eye, head, wing, breast, feet, beak, tail. The parts of flowers and leaves get a bit more technical than this. The child will take a couple sheets that has four of the same subject to be studied. Next they cut it into quarters, color and label the specific part, then staple it together between two pieces of construction paper. Because children usually learn to write before they learn to read, this gives them practice with the former and eases them into the latter. I can't wait to share these with the children; they're going to love the work.
Cucina Fresca...I'm trying to perfect my stuffing recipe today. Everything has to be home cooked. I can't stand veggie broth in a can, so I'm making my own with onions, celery, mushrooms, herbs, pepper, and other vegetables. That's how I've always been about broth.
If it turns out the way I hope, the big day of thanks will find me preparing gluten-free cornbread (not the sweet kind). I'll cube, dry, and toss it with poultry spice. I like to use this as everything is ground to a powder for optimum flavor without little dried bits, and no it has no poultry in it. They I dry saute a mushrooms and onions until they are very soft adding in celery for the last few minutes. Next I mix this all together with diced water chestnuts, put it in a round souffle dish (or medium pumpkin), and bake it for 60 to 90 minutes at 350F. It should make a lovely centerpiece on a platter, surrounded by roasted portabellas and frilly kale for our all-plant Thanksgiving dinner. The rest of the broth will be thickened to make gravy for our mashed Yukon Gold potatoes. Roasted savory garnet yams, steamed baby green beans, 3-sisters stew, green salad, cranberries, and various pies will complete our table. I will make a few things before hand like the stew and gravy. I'll buy the pies from a little vegan bakery down town. Without the turkey mess, it really isn't a huge job to cook or clean up.
Ponderizations..."Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman walketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep," Psalm 127:1-2. This prophecy sure is telling for our time. If we don't turn back to God, we won't be able to keep anything safe; we won't have peace.
GC Sermon of the Week...Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ by Dallin H. Oaks reminds us that we are not alone, because Jesus suffered all our pains, heart ache, and more. He understands and wishes to lift us; He stands waiting for our invitation.
Garden Gate to Movement...Yesterday, I talked to a wonderful gardener, who gave me a great, though not original, idea. He told me about his mother, who used gardening to regain lost strength. I go up and down with my ability to exercise with my Adrenal issues. Anyway, his mother is 78, and over the last two years has planted 200 trees on her property. Nearly every day, she digs a bit for an hour. It might take three days or a week, but eventually her 3X3 hole is dug. Then she builds a one foot deep compost pile in the bottom, covers it up, and waits for spring or fall planting season. After planting a tree in excellent compost and covering it with mulch, she plants herbs, flowers, and vegetables around it. Two years ago, she had one of those horrible, sterile dirt 'pastures' so famous around here. Now she has a veritable oasis, which provides all her fruit and vegetable needs plus an abundance to share. I don't have acreage, but I still have some room to put in more trees, herbs, flowers, and so forth. Being outdoors and playing in the dirt in good weather, I can heal my body and lighten my spirit, God willing.
Teaching Little Children...this week I made Rainbow Letter work, so the youngest children can practice penmanship in a new way. I made handwriting work for those who have mastered penmanship. My oldest daughter loved botany and zoology booklets between ages 4-5. To make these, we print pages of the same black outlined bird, flower, leaf, tree, fish, child, and so forth. Then we make and laminate a booklet with the specific part colored in red and its nomenclature written underneath: eye, head, wing, breast, feet, beak, tail. The parts of flowers and leaves get a bit more technical than this. The child will take a couple sheets that has four of the same subject to be studied. Next they cut it into quarters, color and label the specific part, then staple it together between two pieces of construction paper. Because children usually learn to write before they learn to read, this gives them practice with the former and eases them into the latter. I can't wait to share these with the children; they're going to love the work.
Cucina Fresca...I'm trying to perfect my stuffing recipe today. Everything has to be home cooked. I can't stand veggie broth in a can, so I'm making my own with onions, celery, mushrooms, herbs, pepper, and other vegetables. That's how I've always been about broth.
If it turns out the way I hope, the big day of thanks will find me preparing gluten-free cornbread (not the sweet kind). I'll cube, dry, and toss it with poultry spice. I like to use this as everything is ground to a powder for optimum flavor without little dried bits, and no it has no poultry in it. They I dry saute a mushrooms and onions until they are very soft adding in celery for the last few minutes. Next I mix this all together with diced water chestnuts, put it in a round souffle dish (or medium pumpkin), and bake it for 60 to 90 minutes at 350F. It should make a lovely centerpiece on a platter, surrounded by roasted portabellas and frilly kale for our all-plant Thanksgiving dinner. The rest of the broth will be thickened to make gravy for our mashed Yukon Gold potatoes. Roasted savory garnet yams, steamed baby green beans, 3-sisters stew, green salad, cranberries, and various pies will complete our table. I will make a few things before hand like the stew and gravy. I'll buy the pies from a little vegan bakery down town. Without the turkey mess, it really isn't a huge job to cook or clean up.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
great pay check
Praying For...Oakley...that she will come to know the joy, peace, hope, and help found in scripture studies and prayer.
Bibliophilia...reading all the Open Court readers I acquired this week. Why don't elementary school books contain classic literature anymore? Also sent The Princess and The Goblin by George MacDonald to Sammy and a very cute book, A Mouse Called Wolf to both Sammy and Oakley.
Cucina Fresca...so glad to get back to my own kitchen, where I can cook real food. Lately, I tried Chef AJ and Dr. Klaper's 'only eat when hungry' idea. I guess my 'hypoglycemia' was more an emotional dependency than a true medical condition. After listening to my body, I've discovered I'm not truly ready to eat each day until about 12:30. Instead of immediately thinking my discomfort is hunger, I drink 16 oz water. Then I ask myself if I'm really hungry or is some sort of emotion driving this need to eat. If I find it is actual hunger, I eat beans, oats, fruit, salad, or pizza crackers. At first I lost seven unwanted pounds that crept on during my mission; now it's leveled off. AND I feel pretty great unless I don't get enough sleep.
Pizza Crackers
2-4 Lundberg Organic Thin Stackers Puffed Grain or Rice Cakes
1-2 T tomato paste
dried Italian herbs
cayenne pepper
garlic powder
Spread tomato paste on all thin stackers. Sprinkle with herbs, cayenne, and garlic. Enjoy with a tall glass of water.
Teaching Little Children...I can't get enough of those sweet little people. In June I began teaching one tiny, 3-year-old girl letter sounds with sandpaper letters. Friday, I gave her the first reading lesson with three-letter, short-vowel words (If I hadn't taken July and last week off, she would have reached this place a month ago). A 4-year-old little boy who only knew 6 sounds in August, is now reading and spelling three letter words with ease. Another darling 3.5 year old boy who learned his first sound in August begs me daily for sound lessons and is on the brink of being ready for his first reading lesson. However, I do believe my greatest satisfaction comes from a kindergarten age boy, who just started school with us in August. He has worked and worked to learn his sounds. Friday, I gave him his first reading lesson. He gave me a great pay check, when he said. 'Reading is fun. I love school.' Until Friday, he always squirmed as if he felt awkward and out of place. As tall as he is for five, it's understandable that he was uncomfortable. As we worked together, I saw him relax for the first time. His math is going crazy, too. Although I love Montessori in every area, I think math most profoundly influences these children (oh, but home arts, botany, biology, and geography are so beautiful, too). Four digit addition and subtraction is way above state standards for kindergarten. Yet, I see children as young as 4 doing just that. Friday, two five-year-old girls learned to skip count by eights. In another week or so, they will be shown how to square and cube eights. Then they will have in their store of knowledge the square root, square cube, and times table of eight--at five! Yet, they see the lessons and materials as the most engaging toys and play of their lives. Montessori math is why my oldest finished algebra and geometry in one year as well as breezing through college calculus at 16; pretty much it was all in her head before age 6.
Puppy Prattle...We cute Dash's long hair off, or the groomer did. Although pure bred Yorkie, she has the cottony type coat instead of the silky type. Gucci was the same. It is sooooo hard to groom. After she reached back and bit the brush, I knew her pretty long hair was not worth the price. Both of us are much happier with two minute grooming sessions instead of fifteen minutes of her crying and me feeling guilty. We love our pre-dawn two mile walks. When we don't get to it, she is less content during the day.
Bibliophilia...reading all the Open Court readers I acquired this week. Why don't elementary school books contain classic literature anymore? Also sent The Princess and The Goblin by George MacDonald to Sammy and a very cute book, A Mouse Called Wolf to both Sammy and Oakley.
Cucina Fresca...so glad to get back to my own kitchen, where I can cook real food. Lately, I tried Chef AJ and Dr. Klaper's 'only eat when hungry' idea. I guess my 'hypoglycemia' was more an emotional dependency than a true medical condition. After listening to my body, I've discovered I'm not truly ready to eat each day until about 12:30. Instead of immediately thinking my discomfort is hunger, I drink 16 oz water. Then I ask myself if I'm really hungry or is some sort of emotion driving this need to eat. If I find it is actual hunger, I eat beans, oats, fruit, salad, or pizza crackers. At first I lost seven unwanted pounds that crept on during my mission; now it's leveled off. AND I feel pretty great unless I don't get enough sleep.
Pizza Crackers
2-4 Lundberg Organic Thin Stackers Puffed Grain or Rice Cakes
1-2 T tomato paste
dried Italian herbs
cayenne pepper
garlic powder
Spread tomato paste on all thin stackers. Sprinkle with herbs, cayenne, and garlic. Enjoy with a tall glass of water.
Teaching Little Children...I can't get enough of those sweet little people. In June I began teaching one tiny, 3-year-old girl letter sounds with sandpaper letters. Friday, I gave her the first reading lesson with three-letter, short-vowel words (If I hadn't taken July and last week off, she would have reached this place a month ago). A 4-year-old little boy who only knew 6 sounds in August, is now reading and spelling three letter words with ease. Another darling 3.5 year old boy who learned his first sound in August begs me daily for sound lessons and is on the brink of being ready for his first reading lesson. However, I do believe my greatest satisfaction comes from a kindergarten age boy, who just started school with us in August. He has worked and worked to learn his sounds. Friday, I gave him his first reading lesson. He gave me a great pay check, when he said. 'Reading is fun. I love school.' Until Friday, he always squirmed as if he felt awkward and out of place. As tall as he is for five, it's understandable that he was uncomfortable. As we worked together, I saw him relax for the first time. His math is going crazy, too. Although I love Montessori in every area, I think math most profoundly influences these children (oh, but home arts, botany, biology, and geography are so beautiful, too). Four digit addition and subtraction is way above state standards for kindergarten. Yet, I see children as young as 4 doing just that. Friday, two five-year-old girls learned to skip count by eights. In another week or so, they will be shown how to square and cube eights. Then they will have in their store of knowledge the square root, square cube, and times table of eight--at five! Yet, they see the lessons and materials as the most engaging toys and play of their lives. Montessori math is why my oldest finished algebra and geometry in one year as well as breezing through college calculus at 16; pretty much it was all in her head before age 6.
Puppy Prattle...We cute Dash's long hair off, or the groomer did. Although pure bred Yorkie, she has the cottony type coat instead of the silky type. Gucci was the same. It is sooooo hard to groom. After she reached back and bit the brush, I knew her pretty long hair was not worth the price. Both of us are much happier with two minute grooming sessions instead of fifteen minutes of her crying and me feeling guilty. We love our pre-dawn two mile walks. When we don't get to it, she is less content during the day.
Thursday, May 21, 2015
destroy or build
"O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me," Isaiah 48:18-19.
As I read in the 20th chapter of 1st Nephi, I felt the hope laced with frustration that Nephi must have felt. In this place, he read what is now Isaiah 48 to his family including his brothers, sisters, and extended relatives. Many didn't follow the commandments as they should. When Isaiah wrote these, he prophesied of the events surrounding the captivity and later release of the Children of Israel and Babylon.
Reading and likening these verses to myself, I feel pretty down. I can see how my hasty, angry, fear-based behaviors as a young parent, ruined our chances for peace at home, stifled our increase, and even bred apostasy. Sometimes I just want to stand on a worldwide stage and plead with young families to open their eyes. Time is so short to perform parenting duties. There is no place to work things out. In fact the best way to work out our issues or put down our baggage is success and joy and happiness with our own children. Force and anger should NEVER be part of the equation but only gentleness, persuasion, long-suffering, meekness, charity (Christ's pure love), and inspiration from the Holy Ghost. Certainly, we must teach and guide children, but this should be done after prayerful consideration, words of God from scripture, and inspiration. Hasty mistakes destroy relationships, but charity and inspiration build.
As I read in the 20th chapter of 1st Nephi, I felt the hope laced with frustration that Nephi must have felt. In this place, he read what is now Isaiah 48 to his family including his brothers, sisters, and extended relatives. Many didn't follow the commandments as they should. When Isaiah wrote these, he prophesied of the events surrounding the captivity and later release of the Children of Israel and Babylon.
Reading and likening these verses to myself, I feel pretty down. I can see how my hasty, angry, fear-based behaviors as a young parent, ruined our chances for peace at home, stifled our increase, and even bred apostasy. Sometimes I just want to stand on a worldwide stage and plead with young families to open their eyes. Time is so short to perform parenting duties. There is no place to work things out. In fact the best way to work out our issues or put down our baggage is success and joy and happiness with our own children. Force and anger should NEVER be part of the equation but only gentleness, persuasion, long-suffering, meekness, charity (Christ's pure love), and inspiration from the Holy Ghost. Certainly, we must teach and guide children, but this should be done after prayerful consideration, words of God from scripture, and inspiration. Hasty mistakes destroy relationships, but charity and inspiration build.
Saturday, September 27, 2014
in spite of circumstances
Here's another letter to a grandchild that I hope encourages someone to start writing letters to their grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or other important children in their lives. It's amazing how this little act strengthens relationships. My husband belongs to SendOutCards.com, which makes writing letters nearly as easy as sending an email. Physical letters are a tangible declaration of love, and little kids know it. As you can see, I use elements of the same letter to send to grandchildren of near the same age. However, I personalize them a bit for each child.
Hi _____!
Hope you are happy, healthy, and having fun. We wonder how kindergarten is going and if you love learning. I love learning. Right now I am studying a funny math book from Life of Fred series that also includes physics. I LOVE math but have never studied physics before. It's a challenge and quite difficult. However, I am not afraid of hard things and relish challenges. I also spend a lot of time drawing, reading, and playing my ukulele on the beach. Do you still draw a lot? Do you like math as much as me? I didn't bring my violin, because I didn't think such my old friend would be safe.
Spending so much time on the beach, I'm getting brown as a berry as Chaucer would say. I've never seen a brown berry. Have you? We see two large and one small green sea turtles here all the time. We think they live here. I think my favorite part of staying in a beach house is falling asleep to the lullaby of the waves.
I'm so grateful I can read the scriptures and go to church. These help me know the right way to act. Through the parables and stories of Jesus life, I learn how to be happy. One of the ways is realizing that Jesus did something for me that I cannot do for myself.
Before we came to this earth, Jesus Christ offered to be our Savior. He was willing to pay for all our sins, allowing us to be forgiven. He was willing to die and be resurrected so that we could live again and return to our Father in Heaven. Jesus was the only person with the power to do this for us. We could not do it for ourselves. when we die, our spirits leave our physical bodies. After Jesus died, his spirit and his physical body came back together as a resurrected body that would live forever. Because Jesus died and was resurrected, we will be resurrected too. The resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Savior, was such an important event that we celebrate it every week during Sacrament Meeting. You can read about it in the Bible here: Matthew 27:45-66, 28:1-8.
Hi _____!
Hope you are happy, healthy, and having fun. We wonder how kindergarten is going and if you love learning. I love learning. Right now I am studying a funny math book from Life of Fred series that also includes physics. I LOVE math but have never studied physics before. It's a challenge and quite difficult. However, I am not afraid of hard things and relish challenges. I also spend a lot of time drawing, reading, and playing my ukulele on the beach. Do you still draw a lot? Do you like math as much as me? I didn't bring my violin, because I didn't think such my old friend would be safe.
Spending so much time on the beach, I'm getting brown as a berry as Chaucer would say. I've never seen a brown berry. Have you? We see two large and one small green sea turtles here all the time. We think they live here. I think my favorite part of staying in a beach house is falling asleep to the lullaby of the waves.
I'm so grateful I can read the scriptures and go to church. These help me know the right way to act. Through the parables and stories of Jesus life, I learn how to be happy. One of the ways is realizing that Jesus did something for me that I cannot do for myself.
Before we came to this earth, Jesus Christ offered to be our Savior. He was willing to pay for all our sins, allowing us to be forgiven. He was willing to die and be resurrected so that we could live again and return to our Father in Heaven. Jesus was the only person with the power to do this for us. We could not do it for ourselves. when we die, our spirits leave our physical bodies. After Jesus died, his spirit and his physical body came back together as a resurrected body that would live forever. Because Jesus died and was resurrected, we will be resurrected too. The resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Savior, was such an important event that we celebrate it every week during Sacrament Meeting. You can read about it in the Bible here: Matthew 27:45-66, 28:1-8.
Whenever someone does something that hurts me either on purpose or by accident, I try to forgive right away like Jesus does for us. Anytime I hold onto my hurts, I only hurt myself. Because I choose to be happy and forgiving, mean people that hurt on purpose waste their time with me. Most people aren't mean purposely, causing problems accidentally. Getting mad at them, we only make them feel badly for a careless mistake. It's silly to get mad over mistakes or even meanness. Instead, I am learned to let it go.
I want to be happy. Refusing to become offended and accepting Jesus atoning gift, I know I'm doing the right thing. These choices also make Heavenly Father and Jesus happy for me. I hope you choose to be happy, forgive others, act kindly, obey your parents, follow God's commandments, and love learning. Life is so much better, when we choose happiness in spite of circumstances.
Love Ya Lots!
Saturday, August 30, 2014
final, beautiful lesson with my little children
This will be my last Sabbath teaching Primary for a long time to come, as our mission is coming to an end. Teaching little children has been a great blessing the last 18 months or so. Preparing the lessons, I'm reminded of the basics of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Even though they are easy enough for 4-7 year-old children to understand, they are important principles. While changes in children are blatant and huge over a short period of time, changes adults are subtle. Participating in their transformation, I've been given a front row seat to the miracles of free-agency and charity. These little people bring true joy to all those who are routing in their corner.
This week's lesson is Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy, a principle often ignored in this modern age.
I'll give each child a blank month calendar with Sunday's colored red. We'll discuss calendar usage and what is special about Sunday. I'll tell the children that since the beginning of the world, one day each week has been set apart for learning and thinking about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and for doing good to others. This day is called the Sabbath.
I'll read. "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it," Exodus 20:8-11. I'll explain that keeping the Sabbath day holy means we do things that remind us of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, such as going to church, reading the scriptures, and doing other reverent things. We should not work on Sunday, if possible, and we should not do things that keep us from thinking about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Next, we'll play a bean bag game, where I ask them if certain activities should be done on the Sabbath: church, house cleaning, visiting relatives, shopping, movies, reading scripture or other wholesome things, praying, sports, TV, going for a walk, playing games with family, visiting the sick.
Next, I'll read Jesus Healing a Man with a Withered Hand. "And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other," Matthew 12:10-13. I'll explain that the Pharisees were people who didn’t like Jesus Christ and what he did. They tried to trap him into saying things that were wrong or against the law. Jesus pointed out that if the Pharisees had a sheep that fell in a hole on the Sabbath, they would help it out. Since people are more important than sheep, helping people is a good thing to do on the Sabbath. If an activity is something that Jesus would do, such as helping or being kind to others, it is a good thing to do on the Sabbath day.
Next, I'll talk to them about preparing for the sabbath: washing and ironing clothes to wear to church, cleaning the house, preparing meals to eat on the Sabbath, and finding scriptures and other items needed for church. We'll sing Saturday is a Special Day: Saturday is a special day. It's the day we get ready for Sunday. We clean the house and we shop at the store, so we won't have to work until Monday. We press our clothes and we shine our shoes and we call it our get the work done day. We trim or nails and we shampoo our hair, so we will be ready for Sunday.
Finally we have a cute little activity book to color. I don't usually like canned activities, but this one also has a space for my favorite narration drawing activity. While we are coloring, I'll bear my testimony to the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy. To give them some ideas for ways to keep the day holy without boredom, I'll tell them how I keep my both my online and art journals, walk in nature, play my instruments/sing, write letters to family and friends, and play games with my family.
This week's lesson is Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy, a principle often ignored in this modern age.
I'll give each child a blank month calendar with Sunday's colored red. We'll discuss calendar usage and what is special about Sunday. I'll tell the children that since the beginning of the world, one day each week has been set apart for learning and thinking about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and for doing good to others. This day is called the Sabbath.
I'll read. "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it," Exodus 20:8-11. I'll explain that keeping the Sabbath day holy means we do things that remind us of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, such as going to church, reading the scriptures, and doing other reverent things. We should not work on Sunday, if possible, and we should not do things that keep us from thinking about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Next, we'll play a bean bag game, where I ask them if certain activities should be done on the Sabbath: church, house cleaning, visiting relatives, shopping, movies, reading scripture or other wholesome things, praying, sports, TV, going for a walk, playing games with family, visiting the sick.
Next, I'll read Jesus Healing a Man with a Withered Hand. "And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other," Matthew 12:10-13. I'll explain that the Pharisees were people who didn’t like Jesus Christ and what he did. They tried to trap him into saying things that were wrong or against the law. Jesus pointed out that if the Pharisees had a sheep that fell in a hole on the Sabbath, they would help it out. Since people are more important than sheep, helping people is a good thing to do on the Sabbath. If an activity is something that Jesus would do, such as helping or being kind to others, it is a good thing to do on the Sabbath day.
Next, I'll talk to them about preparing for the sabbath: washing and ironing clothes to wear to church, cleaning the house, preparing meals to eat on the Sabbath, and finding scriptures and other items needed for church. We'll sing Saturday is a Special Day: Saturday is a special day. It's the day we get ready for Sunday. We clean the house and we shop at the store, so we won't have to work until Monday. We press our clothes and we shine our shoes and we call it our get the work done day. We trim or nails and we shampoo our hair, so we will be ready for Sunday.
Finally we have a cute little activity book to color. I don't usually like canned activities, but this one also has a space for my favorite narration drawing activity. While we are coloring, I'll bear my testimony to the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy. To give them some ideas for ways to keep the day holy without boredom, I'll tell them how I keep my both my online and art journals, walk in nature, play my instruments/sing, write letters to family and friends, and play games with my family.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
choosing
In my primary class on Sunday, I had a choice experience. My students love to talk, so I've set up my class to allow for times of free speaking. At the beginning of class, we pass around our talking bag so each child can tell of their week and one way they were a peacemaker in their family. After the lesson, they draw something pertaining to the lesson and tell us about their creation. Also during this time, they are free to visit quietly. Last Sunday one little boy asked, Do you every get mad, Sister C? Because I want to be a good example and always truthful, I answered this way.
From time to time, most people have feelings of anger, sadness, rejection, or fear. However, it's what you do with those feelings that counts. If you allow yourself to hit or or kick or yell or fight or throw a tantrum because of your feelings, it is called contention. Jesus told us, contention is from Satan. Choosing to act out with contention, you choose to follow Satan. I know I don't want to follow Satan. It is better to talk things out if you can or walk away if it's not possible to talk it out. You always have a choice whether you are going to choose contention or choose to forgive and forget.
Our lesson had been about talents. Another little boy in the class said his only talent was making everyone at his house mad. I nearly burst out crying but instead told him contention isn't a talent. Contention is from Satan. Surely, he must have something positive or happy that he was good at. After thinking for a minute, he said he was good at wresting. I pointed out that he was also a good reader, great singer, and had a beautiful smile. I think this is what started the other boy thinking about anger.
I don't know why I cooled off on my study of Jesus The Christ. I love that book and the way it leads one through the life of Jesus with the scriptures. I'll give it another try and see if I can't rekindle my fire. Even so, I love my Savior. I've experienced lulls like this before and know that they pass. I think getting out of the habit is so much easier than getting into the habit.
From time to time, most people have feelings of anger, sadness, rejection, or fear. However, it's what you do with those feelings that counts. If you allow yourself to hit or or kick or yell or fight or throw a tantrum because of your feelings, it is called contention. Jesus told us, contention is from Satan. Choosing to act out with contention, you choose to follow Satan. I know I don't want to follow Satan. It is better to talk things out if you can or walk away if it's not possible to talk it out. You always have a choice whether you are going to choose contention or choose to forgive and forget.
Our lesson had been about talents. Another little boy in the class said his only talent was making everyone at his house mad. I nearly burst out crying but instead told him contention isn't a talent. Contention is from Satan. Surely, he must have something positive or happy that he was good at. After thinking for a minute, he said he was good at wresting. I pointed out that he was also a good reader, great singer, and had a beautiful smile. I think this is what started the other boy thinking about anger.
I don't know why I cooled off on my study of Jesus The Christ. I love that book and the way it leads one through the life of Jesus with the scriptures. I'll give it another try and see if I can't rekindle my fire. Even so, I love my Savior. I've experienced lulls like this before and know that they pass. I think getting out of the habit is so much easier than getting into the habit.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
simple but fun lesson
I've taught lessons about tithing in Primary before. The children always enjoy this lesson. We'll talk about all the things people do with money they earn. I'll take a pile of pennies and show the children how to figure out a tithe.
I'll tell the story of the widow's mite. "And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living," Mark 12:41-44.
The widow gave only a small amount compared to the amounts that some rich people paid. However, Jesus knew that she gave what she had, because she loved Heavenly Father. We too can show our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by paying our tithing, even if it is just a small amount.
I'll tell about my son, who has saved his money for the things he wants ever since he was a little guy. They'll like the stories of how he learned to pay his tithing first, then save half for fun and save half for a rainy day.
Tithe means tenth part, given for the service of God. Since everything we have is a blessing from God part, He doesn't ask much in return. One tenth is sufficient to build up His kingdon. Paying a tithe is the duty of every believer and a test of faithfulness to God. These funds are used to build temples, chapels, and other facilities useful for building up His kingdom as well as printing lesson materials.
After this we will draw pictures of ourselves paying our tithing. As they finish, I'll ask each child to hold up their picture and tell us about their interpretation of paying tithing.
It's a simple lesson, but they always get the principle.
I'll tell the story of the widow's mite. "And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living," Mark 12:41-44.
The widow gave only a small amount compared to the amounts that some rich people paid. However, Jesus knew that she gave what she had, because she loved Heavenly Father. We too can show our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by paying our tithing, even if it is just a small amount.
I'll tell about my son, who has saved his money for the things he wants ever since he was a little guy. They'll like the stories of how he learned to pay his tithing first, then save half for fun and save half for a rainy day.
Tithe means tenth part, given for the service of God. Since everything we have is a blessing from God part, He doesn't ask much in return. One tenth is sufficient to build up His kingdon. Paying a tithe is the duty of every believer and a test of faithfulness to God. These funds are used to build temples, chapels, and other facilities useful for building up His kingdom as well as printing lesson materials.
After this we will draw pictures of ourselves paying our tithing. As they finish, I'll ask each child to hold up their picture and tell us about their interpretation of paying tithing.
It's a simple lesson, but they always get the principle.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
warmer climes
Praying For...Claire the sweetest little girl on the face of the earth...that she will be happy, healthy, safe, and know Jesus as her Savior and Friend...that the evils of this world will pass her by...that her introduction to school will be kind and gentle...that hearts of the leaders of nations will be softened toward their citizens, their neighbors, and God-given liberty.
Jesus' Words..."Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward, Psalm 127:3. With each generation, the window to get it right with little children is so small. We don't get any do-overs. As adults, we must remember to follow Jesus' example to turn the other cheek. In essence we must act like adults. How does the child want to be treated by the adult especially during conflict? We are all born with free agency and are required to act with charity during difficult situations. There is never an excuse to berate, belittle, or strike a child. I learned that as soon as they can talk, they can begin to understand reason. If we put ourselves in their place and try to figure out why they are crying or whatever, we can name the feeling. When the child feels love and understanding, they are more able to gain composure. But if we yell at them or worse, we teach them to act anger in frustrating situations.
Remembrance...Friday was Katie's birthday. If she had lived, she would be 26. Since N needed my help, I went over with the intent of stopping at the cemetery afterward. Aaarrrrgggh! The sprinklers were on. So Katie and I had a short conversation in the car. I wonder if I'm the only one that remembers her on her birthday now...
Dr Ginger, Medicine Woman...so excited that plant based, nutritional medicine is going mainstream...
Cucina Fresca...I developed a 15 minute meal with things in my fridge and pantry.
Rotini con Piselli e Pomodoro...AKA Nana's Ninja Noodles
1 pound whole grain spirals (tinkyada brown rice tastes the most like traditional pasta)
1/4 c minced red onion (can substitute green onions but put them in after the carrots are tender)
1 large clove garlic, pressed
1-2 carrot, diced
1 c minced green cabbage (dehydrated works well here)
4-5 cherry tomatoes quartered (reserved/optional)
a couple twists freshly ground black pepper
1 T powdered dehydrated mixed vegetables
1/8 t red pepper flakes
6 T tomato paste
1 t Italian herbs
10 oz frozen peas
2 T raw pumpkin seeds (or pine nuts)
1 T minced fresh parsley
2 T nutritional yeast (optional)
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cut up veggies. Add the pasta, cabbage, and peas and cook until al dente, 7-8 minutes. While pasta is cooking. Water saute veg, pepper flakes, and herbs over medium high heat adding more water as it is absorbed. Don't let it burn. While veg are sauteing, cook a package of some frozen/fresh green veg or make a green salad. It takes about 7 minutes for the veggies to soften this way. Drain the pasta, reserving 2 cups of the pasta water. Stir in tomato paste, nutritional yeast, and 1 c. hot pasta water into onions until a sauce is formed. Toss pasta and sauce Gently fold in the cooked pasta, peas, and the cheeses, adding more reserved pasta water if necessary. Transfer to a heated serving platter and garnish with a tiny sprinkling of coarse salt, reserved tomatoes, parsley, and pumpkin seeds. Serve with a side of some green vegetable or large green salad dressed with maple mustard dressing (a variation of Jane Esselstyn's 321 dressing): 1 T real maple syrup (or honey), 2 T salt free mustard, 3 T rice vinegar OR 2 T quality balsamic vinegar, and 1 T apple cider vinegar.
Bibliophilia...I'm looking forward to getting back into my study of the great books, which one of my scholars is pursuing. I love to mentor young adults. They keep my outlook fresh.
Sound of Music...I love Alex Boye's music. He has a new song out that makes me smile. Here's his newest original song. Listen to it! I want to learn to play and sing this one. It would be cute on uke.
Thimble News...Working on designing a new dress. In the past, I made a skirt completely by hand. I'd like to try this with the new dress in my head. I thing it will be pretty. It's sort of along the lines of a regency empire but I want it to be more comfortable and casual with a modest neckline. The bodice will be a raglan peasant with an empire waist A-line mid-calf skirt. The fabric is a very light floral eyelet that I will line with whisper thin muslin. Right now it's only in my mind, although I do have the cloth. It will be good for warmer climes.
Jesus' Words..."Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward, Psalm 127:3. With each generation, the window to get it right with little children is so small. We don't get any do-overs. As adults, we must remember to follow Jesus' example to turn the other cheek. In essence we must act like adults. How does the child want to be treated by the adult especially during conflict? We are all born with free agency and are required to act with charity during difficult situations. There is never an excuse to berate, belittle, or strike a child. I learned that as soon as they can talk, they can begin to understand reason. If we put ourselves in their place and try to figure out why they are crying or whatever, we can name the feeling. When the child feels love and understanding, they are more able to gain composure. But if we yell at them or worse, we teach them to act anger in frustrating situations.
Remembrance...Friday was Katie's birthday. If she had lived, she would be 26. Since N needed my help, I went over with the intent of stopping at the cemetery afterward. Aaarrrrgggh! The sprinklers were on. So Katie and I had a short conversation in the car. I wonder if I'm the only one that remembers her on her birthday now...
Dr Ginger, Medicine Woman...so excited that plant based, nutritional medicine is going mainstream...
Cucina Fresca...I developed a 15 minute meal with things in my fridge and pantry.
Rotini con Piselli e Pomodoro...AKA Nana's Ninja Noodles
1 pound whole grain spirals (tinkyada brown rice tastes the most like traditional pasta)
1/4 c minced red onion (can substitute green onions but put them in after the carrots are tender)
1 large clove garlic, pressed
1-2 carrot, diced
1 c minced green cabbage (dehydrated works well here)
4-5 cherry tomatoes quartered (reserved/optional)
a couple twists freshly ground black pepper
1 T powdered dehydrated mixed vegetables
1/8 t red pepper flakes
6 T tomato paste
1 t Italian herbs
10 oz frozen peas
2 T raw pumpkin seeds (or pine nuts)
1 T minced fresh parsley
2 T nutritional yeast (optional)
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cut up veggies. Add the pasta, cabbage, and peas and cook until al dente, 7-8 minutes. While pasta is cooking. Water saute veg, pepper flakes, and herbs over medium high heat adding more water as it is absorbed. Don't let it burn. While veg are sauteing, cook a package of some frozen/fresh green veg or make a green salad. It takes about 7 minutes for the veggies to soften this way. Drain the pasta, reserving 2 cups of the pasta water. Stir in tomato paste, nutritional yeast, and 1 c. hot pasta water into onions until a sauce is formed. Toss pasta and sauce Gently fold in the cooked pasta, peas, and the cheeses, adding more reserved pasta water if necessary. Transfer to a heated serving platter and garnish with a tiny sprinkling of coarse salt, reserved tomatoes, parsley, and pumpkin seeds. Serve with a side of some green vegetable or large green salad dressed with maple mustard dressing (a variation of Jane Esselstyn's 321 dressing): 1 T real maple syrup (or honey), 2 T salt free mustard, 3 T rice vinegar OR 2 T quality balsamic vinegar, and 1 T apple cider vinegar.
Bibliophilia...I'm looking forward to getting back into my study of the great books, which one of my scholars is pursuing. I love to mentor young adults. They keep my outlook fresh.
Sound of Music...I love Alex Boye's music. He has a new song out that makes me smile. Here's his newest original song. Listen to it! I want to learn to play and sing this one. It would be cute on uke.
Thimble News...Working on designing a new dress. In the past, I made a skirt completely by hand. I'd like to try this with the new dress in my head. I thing it will be pretty. It's sort of along the lines of a regency empire but I want it to be more comfortable and casual with a modest neckline. The bodice will be a raglan peasant with an empire waist A-line mid-calf skirt. The fabric is a very light floral eyelet that I will line with whisper thin muslin. Right now it's only in my mind, although I do have the cloth. It will be good for warmer climes.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
lessons they taught me
Matthew 22:15–22
Article of Faith 1:12
The ideas for this lesson sound like lots of fun. We are to begin by making farm animals from play dough. After discussing what would happen to the animals without a fence. I am supposed to put a fence around the animals. For my class, this might work better with little plastic farm animals. I'll have to check out the cost of each at the store. Anyway...the idea is to help the children see that fences keep the animals safe. Even cattle out on the range have fences to keep them off the road.
Next we'll discuss the rules of a simple game, family, home, school, and primary class. A few months ago, we had a lesson like this but only specific to our primary class. Some of my children seemed to know no boundaries. After that lesson, they are much more thoughtful and like the order we have in our class.
Next, I'll tell a story about a city boy, who took his dog out without his leash. Because he ignored the law, the dog was hit by a car and severely injured. After he and his mother returned from the vet, they had a discussion about law. Most laws are created for protection. If he had followed the leash law, his dog would not be hurt. Then we'll discuss laws that the children know about. As an advocate for bicycle helmets, I'll bring up a law that applies directly to them as children. King county law requires helmets for all bicyclists. Other laws we might talk about, which they can understand include: Stop at all stop signs. Don’t be cruel to animals. Do not steal. Do not litter.
To introduce the scripture story, I'll explain a bit about taxes. Since the father of one child in our class is an EMT, telling the children that taxes pay for EMTs, police officers, firefighters, roads, libraries, and schools will be interesting to them. I'll ask that particular child what it would be like not to have EMTs. This will lead nicely into the scripture story in Matthew 22, where the leaders tried to trick Jesus with their questions about taxes. Using a coin, Jesus told the people that they should obey their country’s laws and Heavenly Father’s laws. Jesus taught the people that it was important to obey the laws of their country.
Finally, I'll end with our favorite activity of drawing a specific idea about the lesson. I will ask them to draw themselves obeying a law. Maybe I'll demonstrate drawing a chick, since farm animals within fences was part of the lesson. They like drawing lessons. During this time, I softly play primary music from an app on my phone. They also talk a great deal.
After my first week with them, I didn't want anything to do with teaching them. I've raised my children and didn't have the desire to take on a bunch of wild animals. After ranting about it to my husband and briefly praying about it, I knew my time with them would help me as much as it would help them.
My goal with these children became getting them to a point where they could listen instead of talking out/throwing tantrums/screaming and participate appropriately and happily. For the most part, we have gotten to this point. They are nice children who respond very well to respect and love. The idea of listening first to be understand then seeking to be understood has worked wonders with them. Because they know I love/respect them and they will have a chance to share important things about their lives, they are more willing to listen during listening time, sing during singing time, and participate during participation time.
Each week at the beginning of our class, we have a little tradition. Using a bean bag (it's actually a lavender filled bag-I also use lavender essential oil on days when they are overly active), we follow the idea of the talking stick. Whomever has the talking bag is the only one who is allowed to talk besides the chief (me.) If anyone forgets, I immediately remind them to be respectful of their friend's turn. This has taught them to listen patiently as well as to speak confidently. Near the end of class, I take out our poster, which is a picture of Jesus and a CTR symbol. I present scenarios, make choices after asking themselves, "What would Jesus want me to do?" They love this game.
When I leave at the end of my mission, they will be fine. Probably, they won't give me a second thought, but I will always remember them and the lessons they taught me.
Article of Faith 1:12
The ideas for this lesson sound like lots of fun. We are to begin by making farm animals from play dough. After discussing what would happen to the animals without a fence. I am supposed to put a fence around the animals. For my class, this might work better with little plastic farm animals. I'll have to check out the cost of each at the store. Anyway...the idea is to help the children see that fences keep the animals safe. Even cattle out on the range have fences to keep them off the road.
Next we'll discuss the rules of a simple game, family, home, school, and primary class. A few months ago, we had a lesson like this but only specific to our primary class. Some of my children seemed to know no boundaries. After that lesson, they are much more thoughtful and like the order we have in our class.
Next, I'll tell a story about a city boy, who took his dog out without his leash. Because he ignored the law, the dog was hit by a car and severely injured. After he and his mother returned from the vet, they had a discussion about law. Most laws are created for protection. If he had followed the leash law, his dog would not be hurt. Then we'll discuss laws that the children know about. As an advocate for bicycle helmets, I'll bring up a law that applies directly to them as children. King county law requires helmets for all bicyclists. Other laws we might talk about, which they can understand include: Stop at all stop signs. Don’t be cruel to animals. Do not steal. Do not litter.
To introduce the scripture story, I'll explain a bit about taxes. Since the father of one child in our class is an EMT, telling the children that taxes pay for EMTs, police officers, firefighters, roads, libraries, and schools will be interesting to them. I'll ask that particular child what it would be like not to have EMTs. This will lead nicely into the scripture story in Matthew 22, where the leaders tried to trick Jesus with their questions about taxes. Using a coin, Jesus told the people that they should obey their country’s laws and Heavenly Father’s laws. Jesus taught the people that it was important to obey the laws of their country.
Finally, I'll end with our favorite activity of drawing a specific idea about the lesson. I will ask them to draw themselves obeying a law. Maybe I'll demonstrate drawing a chick, since farm animals within fences was part of the lesson. They like drawing lessons. During this time, I softly play primary music from an app on my phone. They also talk a great deal.
After my first week with them, I didn't want anything to do with teaching them. I've raised my children and didn't have the desire to take on a bunch of wild animals. After ranting about it to my husband and briefly praying about it, I knew my time with them would help me as much as it would help them.
My goal with these children became getting them to a point where they could listen instead of talking out/throwing tantrums/screaming and participate appropriately and happily. For the most part, we have gotten to this point. They are nice children who respond very well to respect and love. The idea of listening first to be understand then seeking to be understood has worked wonders with them. Because they know I love/respect them and they will have a chance to share important things about their lives, they are more willing to listen during listening time, sing during singing time, and participate during participation time.
Each week at the beginning of our class, we have a little tradition. Using a bean bag (it's actually a lavender filled bag-I also use lavender essential oil on days when they are overly active), we follow the idea of the talking stick. Whomever has the talking bag is the only one who is allowed to talk besides the chief (me.) If anyone forgets, I immediately remind them to be respectful of their friend's turn. This has taught them to listen patiently as well as to speak confidently. Near the end of class, I take out our poster, which is a picture of Jesus and a CTR symbol. I present scenarios, make choices after asking themselves, "What would Jesus want me to do?" They love this game.
When I leave at the end of my mission, they will be fine. Probably, they won't give me a second thought, but I will always remember them and the lessons they taught me.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
using narration in Primary to seal understanding
This week my Primary lesson focuses on the lessons learned by the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-24. After he realized all his foolishness, he returned to his father. He didn't return in his arrogance but with sorrow and a resolve to be different. The choice to apologize for wrongdoings is called repentance, which can turn us from a state of regret and unhappiness to hope and happiness.
After telling this story and explaining the moral, I'm to tell a story about a little girl named Angela. Angela's friend Maria had a lovely toy kitchen with some very nice toy food. Angela especially liked the fruits and vegetables. When Maria wasn't looking, she slipped some in her pocket even though she knew it was wrong to steal. At home again, Angela hid the toy food under her bed. Although she played with it a little, it wasn't as fun as she remembered it at Maria's house. Why do you think it wasn't fun to play with the toys? What do we call the sin of taking what doesn't belong to us?
Noticing her daughter under the bed, Angela's mother asked her what she was doing. With a sad face, Angela crawled out, showed the stolen toys to her mother, and cried. Mother asked Angela why she was crying. Angela said she felt bad for stealing her friend's toys. What might Angela do to uncomfortable feelings?
Mother suggested that she and Angela should pray about it, asking what Jesus would want her to do in this situation. What would Jesus want her to do? Did you know you can say little prayers in your mind any time and any where to help you understand the right thing to do?
Angela felt Jesus would want her to return the toys and apologize. When Angela knocked on Maria's door with her mother standing behind her, she felt a little scared. Maria answered the door. Angela confessed her mistake and apologized. She felt a little better. Maria looked sad at first but then hugged her friend and said. "I'm not mad at you but don't take my toys again. Do you want to come in and play with me?" Angela said she did; her mother said she could. Angela felt a lot better and knew she would never steal again.
Do you know what word we use for admitting a sin, apologizing, fixing the problem, and deciding not to repeat the mistake? It's a big word, repentance. We are told in the scriptures to repent of our sins. Every night when you kneel down and say your prayers, think about your day. Was there something that you did that wasn't right? Did you argue with your sister? Did you disobey your parent? Did you tell a lie? Where you unkind to anyone? If you can answer yes, ask God to forgive you and help you make it right.
After the lesson, we'll draw pictures of making good choices. I didn't used to like having little children draw, but have found it a much better tool than coloring pages. A coloring page doesn't get the children thinking about the subject. When a child draws a picture of themselves being kind, they draw themselves doing a specific action. Of course I can rarely tell what the picture means. Nevertheless, explaining the drawing to me, they verbalize the principle. In my homeschool, we did this sort of retelling of the lesson all the time. In that setting, it is called narration. Drawing and verbalizing are great learning tools.
After telling this story and explaining the moral, I'm to tell a story about a little girl named Angela. Angela's friend Maria had a lovely toy kitchen with some very nice toy food. Angela especially liked the fruits and vegetables. When Maria wasn't looking, she slipped some in her pocket even though she knew it was wrong to steal. At home again, Angela hid the toy food under her bed. Although she played with it a little, it wasn't as fun as she remembered it at Maria's house. Why do you think it wasn't fun to play with the toys? What do we call the sin of taking what doesn't belong to us?
Noticing her daughter under the bed, Angela's mother asked her what she was doing. With a sad face, Angela crawled out, showed the stolen toys to her mother, and cried. Mother asked Angela why she was crying. Angela said she felt bad for stealing her friend's toys. What might Angela do to uncomfortable feelings?
Mother suggested that she and Angela should pray about it, asking what Jesus would want her to do in this situation. What would Jesus want her to do? Did you know you can say little prayers in your mind any time and any where to help you understand the right thing to do?
Angela felt Jesus would want her to return the toys and apologize. When Angela knocked on Maria's door with her mother standing behind her, she felt a little scared. Maria answered the door. Angela confessed her mistake and apologized. She felt a little better. Maria looked sad at first but then hugged her friend and said. "I'm not mad at you but don't take my toys again. Do you want to come in and play with me?" Angela said she did; her mother said she could. Angela felt a lot better and knew she would never steal again.
Do you know what word we use for admitting a sin, apologizing, fixing the problem, and deciding not to repeat the mistake? It's a big word, repentance. We are told in the scriptures to repent of our sins. Every night when you kneel down and say your prayers, think about your day. Was there something that you did that wasn't right? Did you argue with your sister? Did you disobey your parent? Did you tell a lie? Where you unkind to anyone? If you can answer yes, ask God to forgive you and help you make it right.
After the lesson, we'll draw pictures of making good choices. I didn't used to like having little children draw, but have found it a much better tool than coloring pages. A coloring page doesn't get the children thinking about the subject. When a child draws a picture of themselves being kind, they draw themselves doing a specific action. Of course I can rarely tell what the picture means. Nevertheless, explaining the drawing to me, they verbalize the principle. In my homeschool, we did this sort of retelling of the lesson all the time. In that setting, it is called narration. Drawing and verbalizing are great learning tools.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
thank you, thank you
We always start our lesson time with each child telling something joyful about their week. When they were 4.5, this was a difficult thing for them. However, over the last 16 months since I've been their teacher, they have learned quite well how to talk about interesting things in their lives. They've also learned how to be respectful of other people and wait for their turn to talk. This was one of my biggest goals for these children. They've also grown in their ability to grasp the lesson material and make connections in their own lives.
It is so important that children learn to be grateful, that this week's lesson is an extension or review of last week's lesson. I'm supposed to start it out by showing the picture of the Ten Lepers from last week. The children are to raise their hands if they remember what the picture is. One of them will be chosen to tell the story. Of course others will join in as they are still learning to only speak during their turn. At the end of this participation, I remind the children that Jesus Christ healed all ten lepers, but only one remembered to thank him. Jesus must have been happy that one person remembered, but sad that the others did not.
Next there is a story about a little boy, who loved surfing and building sand castles at the beach with his father. After his father died, the boy was sad and missed this favorite activity. His Primary (Sunday School) teacher noticed the boy's sadness and invited him to surf with his little boys. The three boys had a great time. When the boy got home, he wanted to thank his teacher for the day at the beach but didn't know what to do. The boy decided to something nice for him to say thank you. The boy thought and thought then asked his mother if he could pick strawberries from the strawberry patch that he and his father had planted together the year before. He also made a thank you card with a drawing of a big wave. Later that afternoon, the boy took the strawberries and card to his teacher and said, “Thank you for taking me surfing.” The teacher smiled and hugged the boy. They were both happy.
"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more," Doctrine and Covenants 78:19. This scriptures tell us that if we are thankful, we will be happy.
Life can be overwhelming, when I allow myself to see only my trials. Choosing to see and count my blessings instead of my trials, I feel much happier. If I then remember to thank God and those He sends to bless me for help and kindness, I feel rich. A simple “thank you” can help others feel happy for doing good and it can make me feel joy. Cards and return kindnesses are great, too.
Finally, I'll encourage the children to see how many times they can use the special words “thank you” during the week with their family and friends.
Since my children love to color and talk, I like to end our lessons with coloring time. This week, we'll make thank you cards that they can give to someone of their choice. Sometimes there gabbering gets a bit loud, but they are so happy to have the opportunity to visit. Sometimes I play Primary songs to bring the mood to a more Sabbath-like feeling with an ap on my phone. Cell phones are amazing tools/toys.
It is so important that children learn to be grateful, that this week's lesson is an extension or review of last week's lesson. I'm supposed to start it out by showing the picture of the Ten Lepers from last week. The children are to raise their hands if they remember what the picture is. One of them will be chosen to tell the story. Of course others will join in as they are still learning to only speak during their turn. At the end of this participation, I remind the children that Jesus Christ healed all ten lepers, but only one remembered to thank him. Jesus must have been happy that one person remembered, but sad that the others did not.
Next there is a story about a little boy, who loved surfing and building sand castles at the beach with his father. After his father died, the boy was sad and missed this favorite activity. His Primary (Sunday School) teacher noticed the boy's sadness and invited him to surf with his little boys. The three boys had a great time. When the boy got home, he wanted to thank his teacher for the day at the beach but didn't know what to do. The boy decided to something nice for him to say thank you. The boy thought and thought then asked his mother if he could pick strawberries from the strawberry patch that he and his father had planted together the year before. He also made a thank you card with a drawing of a big wave. Later that afternoon, the boy took the strawberries and card to his teacher and said, “Thank you for taking me surfing.” The teacher smiled and hugged the boy. They were both happy.
"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more," Doctrine and Covenants 78:19. This scriptures tell us that if we are thankful, we will be happy.
Life can be overwhelming, when I allow myself to see only my trials. Choosing to see and count my blessings instead of my trials, I feel much happier. If I then remember to thank God and those He sends to bless me for help and kindness, I feel rich. A simple “thank you” can help others feel happy for doing good and it can make me feel joy. Cards and return kindnesses are great, too.
Finally, I'll encourage the children to see how many times they can use the special words “thank you” during the week with their family and friends.
Since my children love to color and talk, I like to end our lessons with coloring time. This week, we'll make thank you cards that they can give to someone of their choice. Sometimes there gabbering gets a bit loud, but they are so happy to have the opportunity to visit. Sometimes I play Primary songs to bring the mood to a more Sabbath-like feeling with an ap on my phone. Cell phones are amazing tools/toys.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
conflicted for a time
Praying For...Oakley, our 7-year-old beauty queen...that she will be happy, healthy, and safe, that she will choose to follow Jesus, that she will be obedient to Jesus and her parents, that the evils of the world will pass her by, that she refuses the temptations of rebellion, that she will retain the twinkly love in her smile that gives so much joy, and that leaders of nations will stop indulging in power trips of unrighteous dominion, so they can focus on doing all they can to help parents raise up this generation as strong, productive, confident citizens.
Jesus' Word..."He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net," Proverbs 10:9. After the news broke about the tens of thousands of illegal immigrant children flooding into the US, I was conflicted briefly about my position. Thinking and praying about this issue, I came to a conclusion. These children have been sent here by parents that were deceived by a lion named Obama and his party of that 'dream' of granting amnesty, which furthers the lion's political agenda of destroying the United States Constitution. Members of the "dream child" faction spewed rhetoric that caused parents of small children and teens to send their children on long, dangerous journeys in the search for a better life. The 'dream' faction see these people as a future boost to their progressive political voting pool. Possibly, they didn't realize the terrible situation they would help put innocent children into, when they laid their nets. I'll give the benefit of a doubt. However, they designed to lead these children and their parents to act illegally.
In all haste, the children should be sent by plane to their nations' capitols for their own countries to deal with. If we want to help humanitarianly, we might build large warehouse-like processing centers in each capitol to provide simple, inexpensive, nutritious beans, rice, greens, and fruit, warm clothing/bedding, and basic education, as well as security in such for the next 12 months (only) to help reunite these children with family still in their own countries (even if their parents are illegally in the US.) The US didn't separate these families, the families did that themselves. After 12 months, if families have not be located and reunited in country of origin, the countries can take over funding for these centers and provide for their own orphaned citizens. Steel buildings can be erected for this purpose in a couple weeks tops anywhere in the world. There is no need to build centers in the US for processing purposes or hearings. We know the children are here illegally and can tell us from which country they came. That is all we need to know for immediate deportation. Once people understand we won't take all their children and provide for them, they will stop sending them. Sure we will still have the usual problems that must be dealt with by strengthening our boarders.
This repatriation isn't heartless. With so many gang problems in US cities (which these people say is the reason they are fleeing their own countries) and so many poor in this country to deal with already, we cannot care for these people that have been convinced that they will be given amnesty by a pride of lions.
Bibliophilia...sent Oakley Life of Fred: Apples, The Yellow House Mystery, and several summer workbooks (cursive, reading comp, Kumon math) to facilitate keeping up skills and playing school...I absolutely love the Life of Fred books and continue to read them. As a middle aged woman I know how important it is to learn new things to guard against dementia.
Cucina Fresca...Speaking of dementia, whole, plant foods keep the vessels of the brain supple and supplying life giving blood. Dr. Gregor puts out nutritional facts videos. The other day he published a new one on the health benefits of cocoa vs fatty chocolate, mentioning his chocolate ice kream. Since DH is a milk shake addict that still dreams of tall dark milk chocolaty yumminess, I decided to modify Dr. Gregor's ice cream into a vascular system building chocolate shake. It's wonderful. DH can eat it to his heart's content, and I like it too. 1-2 very ripe bananas, 1 Valencia orange, 4 T special dark cacao, 1/2 t vanilla, dash cinnamon, 12 oz frozen cherries, 10 oz. spinach or kale, 2 c. water, 2 c ice.
Teaching Little Children...for awhile I was worried about my Primary class, since my time with them is drawing to a close. Now I see the Lord's hand in this. They are growing up. They have learned what I came to teach them. They know how to behave for the most part. They also know what unconditional love feels like. Last week we talked about my impending departure. One little boy said he was both sad and excited. I smiled and said it was good he felt excited for a new teacher. This showed he was growing up. New experiences can be exciting. I also told him it was ok to feel sad that we wouldn't be together anymore and that I wouldn't forget him. Probably a month ago I would have felt sad hearing his words. Now I know it is great that he anticipates the future. I have learned so much about unconditional love and compassion during this privileged time of teaching these little children.
Jesus' Word..."He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net," Proverbs 10:9. After the news broke about the tens of thousands of illegal immigrant children flooding into the US, I was conflicted briefly about my position. Thinking and praying about this issue, I came to a conclusion. These children have been sent here by parents that were deceived by a lion named Obama and his party of that 'dream' of granting amnesty, which furthers the lion's political agenda of destroying the United States Constitution. Members of the "dream child" faction spewed rhetoric that caused parents of small children and teens to send their children on long, dangerous journeys in the search for a better life. The 'dream' faction see these people as a future boost to their progressive political voting pool. Possibly, they didn't realize the terrible situation they would help put innocent children into, when they laid their nets. I'll give the benefit of a doubt. However, they designed to lead these children and their parents to act illegally.
In all haste, the children should be sent by plane to their nations' capitols for their own countries to deal with. If we want to help humanitarianly, we might build large warehouse-like processing centers in each capitol to provide simple, inexpensive, nutritious beans, rice, greens, and fruit, warm clothing/bedding, and basic education, as well as security in such for the next 12 months (only) to help reunite these children with family still in their own countries (even if their parents are illegally in the US.) The US didn't separate these families, the families did that themselves. After 12 months, if families have not be located and reunited in country of origin, the countries can take over funding for these centers and provide for their own orphaned citizens. Steel buildings can be erected for this purpose in a couple weeks tops anywhere in the world. There is no need to build centers in the US for processing purposes or hearings. We know the children are here illegally and can tell us from which country they came. That is all we need to know for immediate deportation. Once people understand we won't take all their children and provide for them, they will stop sending them. Sure we will still have the usual problems that must be dealt with by strengthening our boarders.
This repatriation isn't heartless. With so many gang problems in US cities (which these people say is the reason they are fleeing their own countries) and so many poor in this country to deal with already, we cannot care for these people that have been convinced that they will be given amnesty by a pride of lions.
Bibliophilia...sent Oakley Life of Fred: Apples, The Yellow House Mystery, and several summer workbooks (cursive, reading comp, Kumon math) to facilitate keeping up skills and playing school...I absolutely love the Life of Fred books and continue to read them. As a middle aged woman I know how important it is to learn new things to guard against dementia.
Cucina Fresca...Speaking of dementia, whole, plant foods keep the vessels of the brain supple and supplying life giving blood. Dr. Gregor puts out nutritional facts videos. The other day he published a new one on the health benefits of cocoa vs fatty chocolate, mentioning his chocolate ice kream. Since DH is a milk shake addict that still dreams of tall dark milk chocolaty yumminess, I decided to modify Dr. Gregor's ice cream into a vascular system building chocolate shake. It's wonderful. DH can eat it to his heart's content, and I like it too. 1-2 very ripe bananas, 1 Valencia orange, 4 T special dark cacao, 1/2 t vanilla, dash cinnamon, 12 oz frozen cherries, 10 oz. spinach or kale, 2 c. water, 2 c ice.
Teaching Little Children...for awhile I was worried about my Primary class, since my time with them is drawing to a close. Now I see the Lord's hand in this. They are growing up. They have learned what I came to teach them. They know how to behave for the most part. They also know what unconditional love feels like. Last week we talked about my impending departure. One little boy said he was both sad and excited. I smiled and said it was good he felt excited for a new teacher. This showed he was growing up. New experiences can be exciting. I also told him it was ok to feel sad that we wouldn't be together anymore and that I wouldn't forget him. Probably a month ago I would have felt sad hearing his words. Now I know it is great that he anticipates the future. I have learned so much about unconditional love and compassion during this privileged time of teaching these little children.
Saturday, June 28, 2014
malo
This week my Primary lesson focuses on gratitude. The object is to encourage each child to feel and express gratitude to Heavenly Father. It's interesting how these lessons seem to mirror what I am thinking about myself on most weeks. For awhile I felt anything but grateful on my mission. All I seemed to see were the hard things about a rainy climate. Then I realized the Lord blessed me tremendously by allowing me to live in this peaceful, healthy setting, where my physical health has improved exponentially. Spiritually and socially, I've gained a different vantage of human nature and needs. It's as if I can see through the exterior and understand what Heavenly Father sees and loves in others...sometimes...Anyway...It is important for everyone, including my Primary class, to open their eyes to each blessing in their lives, great and small.
Luke 17:11–19
1 Thessalonians 5:18
The focus scriptures help me gain perspective. Am I more like the nine or the one? Do I remember to say thanks? Do I remember to pray? This leads to another scripture not part of the lesson but a point I will bring out. "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments," Doctrine and Covenants 59:21.
I love the object lesson. Each of us in the class are to tell of blessings in our lives in turn round and round the circle. As is usual in a class, if someone can't come up with a blessing, I'll give a prompt. What are some of the beautiful creations Heavenly Father has given us? Who are some special people he has blessed us with? What things can our wonderful bodies do? Each time something new is mentioned, I add a spoon full of water to a cup until it runs over. Psalm 23:5
There is a story to relate about a grandma that made a doll for her granddaughter's birthday. In the first version, the granddaughter acted ungrateful. In the second, the opposite occurred. We'll discuss how grandma felt in each scenario.
Next, I'll tell the story of the ten lepers using a picture to keep their attention.
I'll ask them to join me singing, Children All Over the World.
All over the world at the end of day,
Heav’nly Father’s children kneel down and pray,
Each saying thank you in his own special way,
Saying thank you, thank you in his own special way.
“Gracias.” “Mālō.” “Wir danken dir.”
All over the world tender voices hear.
Some say “tak,” others “merci,”
“Kansha shimasu,” we thank thee.
Our Heavenly Father hears them;
He understands each tongue.
Our Heav’nly Father knows them;
He loves them, loves them, ev’ry one.
We'll discuss the word tongue in the song and what that means. I'll challenge them to stop each night before they get into bed, think about their day, recall blessings, and thank God for them.
Finally, I'll invite the children to draw pictures of things they are thankful for. As they finish, I'll ask them about their pictures. My children seem to like creating their own art instead of coloring a picture.
Luke 17:11–19
1 Thessalonians 5:18
The focus scriptures help me gain perspective. Am I more like the nine or the one? Do I remember to say thanks? Do I remember to pray? This leads to another scripture not part of the lesson but a point I will bring out. "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments," Doctrine and Covenants 59:21.
I love the object lesson. Each of us in the class are to tell of blessings in our lives in turn round and round the circle. As is usual in a class, if someone can't come up with a blessing, I'll give a prompt. What are some of the beautiful creations Heavenly Father has given us? Who are some special people he has blessed us with? What things can our wonderful bodies do? Each time something new is mentioned, I add a spoon full of water to a cup until it runs over. Psalm 23:5
There is a story to relate about a grandma that made a doll for her granddaughter's birthday. In the first version, the granddaughter acted ungrateful. In the second, the opposite occurred. We'll discuss how grandma felt in each scenario.
Next, I'll tell the story of the ten lepers using a picture to keep their attention.
I'll ask them to join me singing, Children All Over the World.
All over the world at the end of day,
Heav’nly Father’s children kneel down and pray,
Each saying thank you in his own special way,
Saying thank you, thank you in his own special way.
“Gracias.” “Mālō.” “Wir danken dir.”
All over the world tender voices hear.
Some say “tak,” others “merci,”
“Kansha shimasu,” we thank thee.
Our Heavenly Father hears them;
He understands each tongue.
Our Heav’nly Father knows them;
He loves them, loves them, ev’ry one.
We'll discuss the word tongue in the song and what that means. I'll challenge them to stop each night before they get into bed, think about their day, recall blessings, and thank God for them.
Finally, I'll invite the children to draw pictures of things they are thankful for. As they finish, I'll ask them about their pictures. My children seem to like creating their own art instead of coloring a picture.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Jesus Christ Is the Good Shepherd
As usual the children will take turns telling about their week and reporting their success at peacemaking in their homes and schools.
This week's lesson is based on Luke 15:1–7 and John 10:1–18. I love teaching this one. The objective is to help each child understand that every person is important to The Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
First we will talk about what a shepherd is and does, as well as the difference between a shepherd who leads his sheep and a sheep herder who drives his sheep. Using pictures helps tremendously with young children.
The lesson includes a story about two children, who live on a sheep ranch. Their lambs get out at night. The next morning they find all but one. When the main fold is safe, they go off to find the lost sheep. These children love to listen to stories.
After teaching the children the Bible story of the lost sheep with its accompanying picture, we will talk about the fact that each of us are Jesus' lambs and how He loves us.
Finally, they will get to glue cotton balls to pictures of lambs and color the grass green. My children LOVE coloring and cutting and glueing and all that. (Update: at the last minute I decided to teach them how to draw lambs. Then we wrote I am a lamb in Jesus' fold across the top, colored in grass and sky, and signed our names artist style.
These children are not perfect but have made huge strides in their behavior in the 15 months that I've been their teacher. For the most part, they sit still-ish and quiet-ish during listening time, they participate, they sing, and they are happy to be at Primary. I love these little children and enjoy writing them letters. It seems that going that extra mile in their lives with gifts and letters has made a huge difference. Last Sunday I was very ill with a low B12 level. I drug myself to church, so I could teach my class. When I could hardly speak or stand, I told them of my plight and asked for their help. They were as good as gold 99% of the time. We have come a long way together, and I am so proud of them.
This week's lesson is based on Luke 15:1–7 and John 10:1–18. I love teaching this one. The objective is to help each child understand that every person is important to The Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
First we will talk about what a shepherd is and does, as well as the difference between a shepherd who leads his sheep and a sheep herder who drives his sheep. Using pictures helps tremendously with young children.
The lesson includes a story about two children, who live on a sheep ranch. Their lambs get out at night. The next morning they find all but one. When the main fold is safe, they go off to find the lost sheep. These children love to listen to stories.
After teaching the children the Bible story of the lost sheep with its accompanying picture, we will talk about the fact that each of us are Jesus' lambs and how He loves us.
Finally, they will get to glue cotton balls to pictures of lambs and color the grass green. My children LOVE coloring and cutting and glueing and all that. (Update: at the last minute I decided to teach them how to draw lambs. Then we wrote I am a lamb in Jesus' fold across the top, colored in grass and sky, and signed our names artist style.
These children are not perfect but have made huge strides in their behavior in the 15 months that I've been their teacher. For the most part, they sit still-ish and quiet-ish during listening time, they participate, they sing, and they are happy to be at Primary. I love these little children and enjoy writing them letters. It seems that going that extra mile in their lives with gifts and letters has made a huge difference. Last Sunday I was very ill with a low B12 level. I drug myself to church, so I could teach my class. When I could hardly speak or stand, I told them of my plight and asked for their help. They were as good as gold 99% of the time. We have come a long way together, and I am so proud of them.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
health, endurance, wisdom, and knowledge
I'm not a doctor but a student of natural, preventative medicine sometimes called nutritional herbalism.
There's been a debate over school lunches raging in Washington the last couple years. I don't often agree with anyone with the last name of Obama, but I'm with Mrs. President here. Except, I don't think she goes far enough.
Recent research ties animal but especially dairy protein strongly to increased osteoporosis, cancer risk, and tumor growth as well as animal fat consumption with vascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Excess salt stresses the vascular system and brain, while sugar intake stresses the endocrine system. Oils of all sorts contain saturated fat that makes red blood cells clump plus constrict and coat the arteries. The evidence is overwhelming that the least expensive foods are the most healthy: whole grains, legumes, roots, vegetables, greens, and fruits.
Tax money subsidizes school lunch programs, therefore tax payers certainly have a right to say how our tax dollars should be spent on these programs. School lunch programs that serve beans, whole grains, veggies, greens, roots, and fruit could offer lunch to all children at no charge for less money. See the video below to witness how schools in Southern India have a model program of this practice. Palates adjust. Kids eventually eat if nothing else is available. If little Billy's mommy wants him to eat bologna on white bread, milk, and brownies, she should send them in a plastic lunch box. If I am going pay taxes to subsidize feeding her child, I vote to do so in such a way that the said child will become an asset to the nation instead of a liability. Because many parents and teachers don't support the movement toward healthy eating, their children/students refuse to change, too. It's not the food, it's the attitudes of the adults surrounding the issue.
Lean, fit, healthy people are an asset to the nation, because they don't require tax dollars for subsidized, preventable medical care. Instead lean, fit, healthy people work with less sick days, pay taxes, and don't drain the system. Sooo....if we look at it in a dollars and cents way, serving whole plant foods in schools will reduce the debt of the nation and the need for more bogus medical (disease) care. Didn't Benjamin Franklin say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? That certainly applies here.
If you don't want to listen to Benjamin Franklin, let's see what God said about this through revelation. The body is a temple, 1 Corinthians 6:19, and should be cared for in the best way including the highest quality fuel. All wholesome plants, including whole grains, legumes, vegetables, roots, greens, and fruits, are good for human consumption. Meat is ordained for human use, but it pleases God if we use only enough to stave of starvation when plants are not available when the garden isn't producing during winter or famine is in the land. See Doctrine and Covenants 89 Following God's commands always brings blessings, such as when children honor their parents their days on earth will be long, Exodus 20:12. Following the commandment to eat mainly wholesome plants, we are promised health, endurance, wisdom, and knowledge. Aren't those the very things we want for all children in our nation?
Little by little I'm regaining my health by living this principle. I am getting stronger and gaining endurance, exercising about 1-2 hours a day while still maintaining enough energy for basic tasks. Once again I can focus on my studies of the great books and Spanish without falling asleep. 95% of the time, I'm pain free. I'm not sure how wise I am, but now I'm not often tempted to eat the king's meat or dainties. I'll ever be grateful to my Father in Heaven for His instructions but wish I had listened sooner.
Sooooo...my solution is for each school to teach the biological science of botany in the form of organic horticulture in the school garden, greenhouse, and orchard. Teach them true, science-based nutrition instead of false advertising from the designing animal product conglomerates. Finally, teach children Montessori-like practical life skills such as sprouting, harvesting, preparing, serving, and cleaning a midday meal in teams in each classroom instead of so many of the silly things 'taught' in schools (but that's another whole argument). I've seen documentaries of such programs in Japan and China but could not find links to add here. Wouldn't we like to reverse the trend of hedonism, narcissism, frailty, weakness, obesity, and expanding incidence of preventable, food-produced, degenerative disease in our children who will become our protectors in a few short years?
There's been a debate over school lunches raging in Washington the last couple years. I don't often agree with anyone with the last name of Obama, but I'm with Mrs. President here. Except, I don't think she goes far enough.
Recent research ties animal but especially dairy protein strongly to increased osteoporosis, cancer risk, and tumor growth as well as animal fat consumption with vascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Excess salt stresses the vascular system and brain, while sugar intake stresses the endocrine system. Oils of all sorts contain saturated fat that makes red blood cells clump plus constrict and coat the arteries. The evidence is overwhelming that the least expensive foods are the most healthy: whole grains, legumes, roots, vegetables, greens, and fruits.
Tax money subsidizes school lunch programs, therefore tax payers certainly have a right to say how our tax dollars should be spent on these programs. School lunch programs that serve beans, whole grains, veggies, greens, roots, and fruit could offer lunch to all children at no charge for less money. See the video below to witness how schools in Southern India have a model program of this practice. Palates adjust. Kids eventually eat if nothing else is available. If little Billy's mommy wants him to eat bologna on white bread, milk, and brownies, she should send them in a plastic lunch box. If I am going pay taxes to subsidize feeding her child, I vote to do so in such a way that the said child will become an asset to the nation instead of a liability. Because many parents and teachers don't support the movement toward healthy eating, their children/students refuse to change, too. It's not the food, it's the attitudes of the adults surrounding the issue.
Lean, fit, healthy people are an asset to the nation, because they don't require tax dollars for subsidized, preventable medical care. Instead lean, fit, healthy people work with less sick days, pay taxes, and don't drain the system. Sooo....if we look at it in a dollars and cents way, serving whole plant foods in schools will reduce the debt of the nation and the need for more bogus medical (disease) care. Didn't Benjamin Franklin say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? That certainly applies here.
If you don't want to listen to Benjamin Franklin, let's see what God said about this through revelation. The body is a temple, 1 Corinthians 6:19, and should be cared for in the best way including the highest quality fuel. All wholesome plants, including whole grains, legumes, vegetables, roots, greens, and fruits, are good for human consumption. Meat is ordained for human use, but it pleases God if we use only enough to stave of starvation when plants are not available when the garden isn't producing during winter or famine is in the land. See Doctrine and Covenants 89 Following God's commands always brings blessings, such as when children honor their parents their days on earth will be long, Exodus 20:12. Following the commandment to eat mainly wholesome plants, we are promised health, endurance, wisdom, and knowledge. Aren't those the very things we want for all children in our nation?
Little by little I'm regaining my health by living this principle. I am getting stronger and gaining endurance, exercising about 1-2 hours a day while still maintaining enough energy for basic tasks. Once again I can focus on my studies of the great books and Spanish without falling asleep. 95% of the time, I'm pain free. I'm not sure how wise I am, but now I'm not often tempted to eat the king's meat or dainties. I'll ever be grateful to my Father in Heaven for His instructions but wish I had listened sooner.
Sooooo...my solution is for each school to teach the biological science of botany in the form of organic horticulture in the school garden, greenhouse, and orchard. Teach them true, science-based nutrition instead of false advertising from the designing animal product conglomerates. Finally, teach children Montessori-like practical life skills such as sprouting, harvesting, preparing, serving, and cleaning a midday meal in teams in each classroom instead of so many of the silly things 'taught' in schools (but that's another whole argument). I've seen documentaries of such programs in Japan and China but could not find links to add here. Wouldn't we like to reverse the trend of hedonism, narcissism, frailty, weakness, obesity, and expanding incidence of preventable, food-produced, degenerative disease in our children who will become our protectors in a few short years?
Sunday, May 25, 2014
clap along if you feel like weirdness is ok
Praying For...Quinn, our ninja boy. He is so funny and earnest and happy. I pray that he will of course be happy, healthy, safe, and know Jesus. I pray that the world will be a safe place for him to grow up or at least he can escape most of the evil that surrounds him. I pray that his parents will know the best way to nurture his special spirit to guard against rebellion. I pray that the leaders of nations will cease using religion or anti-religion as a weapon against their people. I pray that religious persecution will cease, allowing people to worship and believe how, where, and what they may according to the dictates of their consciences. I pray that communities will unit in the protection of children.
Jesus' Word..."A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city." Proverbs 18:19 I so want to become a hermit, because I can't seem to turn around without unintentionally offending someone.
Cucina Fresca...I made a delicious version of Savory Griddle Cakes from Dr McDougall's Advanced Study Weekend but still need to do some tweaking to the recipe. His recipe included olives, which are on my sometimes don't agree with me list. I put them in my recipe and decided they detracted from the flavor. His recipe recommended a red pepper sauce that we didn't think was too wonderful. Either basil or cilantro should be good herbs to try with a possible addition of fresh thyme or oregano. A chopped salsa of tomato, herbs, garlic, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, and green onions will be much better than the pepper sauce I'm thinking. This is where I'm at so far.
1 1/4 c oat milk (reduced by a couple T from McDougall recipe because the batter was a bit thin)
1 T fresh lemon juice
1 c fine cornmeal
1/3 c brown rice flour (Up by a couple T from McDougall's recipe for the same thin batter problem)
2 t non-aluminum baking powder
½ t baking soda
dash salt
1 c frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 c grated zucchini
½ c chopped green onions
2 T chopped pimiento, well drained
2 T chopped fresh cilantro
This would also be good as a sweet recipe. Keep the corn and zucchini, but replace the onions, pimiento, and cilantro with berries. Top with a more berries and a teaspoon of maple syrup...we have a new yummy brunch recipe.
Pen and Brush...a young girl I tutor is making some progress. As I often do with young people that need help with penmanship, I give her drawing lessons from a series, Draw Write Now. It's been some time, since I used these books; I forgot how much I liked them. The instructions are simplistic and don't teach shading and all that, but they are fun. So I've been drawing again with these tutorials, but adding the shading and so forth. However, I'm into colored pencil again. Likely, I'll watercolor again, when I can ignore my phone again in a few months. Being interrupted in the middle of a painting ruins it.
Teaching Little Children...I am taking full advantage to love my little class, since that time is swiftly drawing to a close. I am considering keeping a couple of them as honorary grandchildren and putting them in my grandchild of the week rotation. I'm having great success working with my two newest tutoring students. They are challenging but are so earnest and honest in their pursuit of knowledge. The young man is learning to read at a rapid pace. After I gave him the story of Ben Carson and then William Kamkwamba, he has changed his mind about scholarly work. He has decided he can be smart if he wants. I teach reading with Alpha Phonics among other things as I know phonics to be the best way to learn this skill. During our sessions, we read a few lessons. Then I assign homework to be read with a parent or older sibling that is a good reader. This boy surprised me and is on lesson 50 after only 4 sessions together. Likewise with math, he's learning multiplication quickly. The little girl is trying hard too, working at a comfortable pace. We have so much fun together.
Garden Gate...the new tomato I planted is going crazy in my sultry attic greenhouse. Actually, everything except the cilantro loves the heat and humidity up there.
Sound of Music...the ukulele is so much fun and so easy...still, there is a lot to learn to get good at it. Getting good isn't really my goal. I simply love to sing and play for fun. I mustn't let the joy of the uke overshadow my love of violin. It would be easy to do, since proficiency on the uke is nearly guaranteed compared to the violin.
Crowning Glory...thankfully my hair grows fast...It's just past my shoulders now. The no-poo baking soda and vinegar is working well. Since it's shorter, my hair looks much fuller. Without all the WEN product weighing it down, it is bouncier, too. Hopefully, I've finally figured out how to care for my greying hair now very wavy hair. Grey hair is so much different than regular hair. Wavy-curly hair has a whole set of issues that never come up with straight hair. I am sort of obsessed with hair and notice other people with lovely locks everywhere. I'm always complimenting people on their hair, which Emily says is a weird fetish. Don't we all have weird things about us? Clap along if you feel like weirdness is ok!
Jesus' Word..."A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city." Proverbs 18:19 I so want to become a hermit, because I can't seem to turn around without unintentionally offending someone.
Cucina Fresca...I made a delicious version of Savory Griddle Cakes from Dr McDougall's Advanced Study Weekend but still need to do some tweaking to the recipe. His recipe included olives, which are on my sometimes don't agree with me list. I put them in my recipe and decided they detracted from the flavor. His recipe recommended a red pepper sauce that we didn't think was too wonderful. Either basil or cilantro should be good herbs to try with a possible addition of fresh thyme or oregano. A chopped salsa of tomato, herbs, garlic, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, and green onions will be much better than the pepper sauce I'm thinking. This is where I'm at so far.
1 1/4 c oat milk (reduced by a couple T from McDougall recipe because the batter was a bit thin)
1 T fresh lemon juice
1 c fine cornmeal
1/3 c brown rice flour (Up by a couple T from McDougall's recipe for the same thin batter problem)
2 t non-aluminum baking powder
½ t baking soda
dash salt
1 c frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 c grated zucchini
½ c chopped green onions
2 T chopped pimiento, well drained
2 T chopped fresh cilantro
This would also be good as a sweet recipe. Keep the corn and zucchini, but replace the onions, pimiento, and cilantro with berries. Top with a more berries and a teaspoon of maple syrup...we have a new yummy brunch recipe.
Pen and Brush...a young girl I tutor is making some progress. As I often do with young people that need help with penmanship, I give her drawing lessons from a series, Draw Write Now. It's been some time, since I used these books; I forgot how much I liked them. The instructions are simplistic and don't teach shading and all that, but they are fun. So I've been drawing again with these tutorials, but adding the shading and so forth. However, I'm into colored pencil again. Likely, I'll watercolor again, when I can ignore my phone again in a few months. Being interrupted in the middle of a painting ruins it.
Teaching Little Children...I am taking full advantage to love my little class, since that time is swiftly drawing to a close. I am considering keeping a couple of them as honorary grandchildren and putting them in my grandchild of the week rotation. I'm having great success working with my two newest tutoring students. They are challenging but are so earnest and honest in their pursuit of knowledge. The young man is learning to read at a rapid pace. After I gave him the story of Ben Carson and then William Kamkwamba, he has changed his mind about scholarly work. He has decided he can be smart if he wants. I teach reading with Alpha Phonics among other things as I know phonics to be the best way to learn this skill. During our sessions, we read a few lessons. Then I assign homework to be read with a parent or older sibling that is a good reader. This boy surprised me and is on lesson 50 after only 4 sessions together. Likewise with math, he's learning multiplication quickly. The little girl is trying hard too, working at a comfortable pace. We have so much fun together.
Garden Gate...the new tomato I planted is going crazy in my sultry attic greenhouse. Actually, everything except the cilantro loves the heat and humidity up there.
Sound of Music...the ukulele is so much fun and so easy...still, there is a lot to learn to get good at it. Getting good isn't really my goal. I simply love to sing and play for fun. I mustn't let the joy of the uke overshadow my love of violin. It would be easy to do, since proficiency on the uke is nearly guaranteed compared to the violin.
Crowning Glory...thankfully my hair grows fast...It's just past my shoulders now. The no-poo baking soda and vinegar is working well. Since it's shorter, my hair looks much fuller. Without all the WEN product weighing it down, it is bouncier, too. Hopefully, I've finally figured out how to care for my greying hair now very wavy hair. Grey hair is so much different than regular hair. Wavy-curly hair has a whole set of issues that never come up with straight hair. I am sort of obsessed with hair and notice other people with lovely locks everywhere. I'm always complimenting people on their hair, which Emily says is a weird fetish. Don't we all have weird things about us? Clap along if you feel like weirdness is ok!
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Jesus loves the little children.
 |
| On this coloring page, my class will be invited to draw smiles on the faces of the children that Jesus is blessing. |
Maybe the reason I love teaching Primary more this time than ever before is the fact that I do all the suggested steps including prayerfully reading the suggested preparation scriptures. This week they are Matthew 25:34-40, Mark 10:13-16, 3 Nephi 17. As I read the Holy Ghost guides me with ideas for a successful lesson. If I then prepare and teach with a good attitude according the the directions of the Holy Ghost and the lesson manual, my little children seem to get a lot out of the time we spend together. So do I.
I'll tell the Bible story from Mark 10
I'll tell the Book of Mormon story from 3 Nephi 17.
My children love to talk and participate in lessons. I'll remind the children that under Heavenly Father’s direction, Jesus Christ created the earth and all the plants and animals on it. Then I'll ask each child to name a favorite animal or plant. After they tell me all about their favorites, I'll tell them that Jesus created so many different trees, animals, and flowers to make the world interesting because He loves them.
I'll ask them to tell me of times when their mothers hugged them or their father gave them priesthood blessings. After they are done responding, I'll present the idea that the wonderful love of their mothers and fathers doesn't even come close to the way Jesus loves them, although the blessings and hugs are similar to the blessings and hugs Jesus gave. If they had been alive at the time Jesus Christ lived on earth, he would have taken them into his arms and blessed them. Although Jesus is not on the earth right now, he still loves everyone on the earth.
We'll play our favorite beanbag game with the following questions. How do you know Jesus loves you? What did Jesus mean when he said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me”? What did Jesus’ disciples (helpers) try to do when the parents brought their children to see Jesus? How did Jesus show he loved the sick and injured people in America? What did Jesus do after he blessed the children in America? Whom did the parents in America see standing with their children after Jesus blessed them? Why did Jesus bless the children? How can we show our love for Jesus?
Especially at times when I'm heart sick or lonely, I feel the warm embrace of my Savior, Jesus Christ. He loves me always. When it seems nobody else can or will give me love, His love pulls me up. I cannot forget nor do I want to forget the magnitude of love surrounding Him.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
in ways that are best
As our mission rounds the bend into the final leg, I'm getting nostalgic about teaching my little Primary class. In the past, I always heard people say how much they loved the people where they served. Sure, I have always felt a certain closeness with people from church and even genuine friendship but nothing like the love I felt for my children or parents. I get it now. I love those kids like they are my own grandchildren. I love many people at church like I love my own family. Something about serving a mission changed my heart.
This week's Primary lesson is prayer. Heavenly Father always hears our prayers and answers them in ways and times that are best for us. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes no, and some times not now. In the story of Elizabeth and Zacharias found in Luke 1:5-17, we are taught that not now is sometimes a long time in coming. Imagine praying for a child to have the Lord wait until I was well past the child bearing years and well stricken in years. Like Elizabeth and Zacharias I would find joy in raising a child even in my golden years, but bearing and birthing at that time would be a trial. However, I imagine the Lord made them wait so they could be mature enough to do a good job raising John the Baptist.
Another story we are to tell the children is of John Widsoe as a little boy. After working for several weeks, he was paid with a five dollar gold piece. Unfortunately, his pocket had a hole and the money was lost. After praying John was directed to the money. His answer was yes, and he didn't have to wait until later.
Another story is of a little boy with a cold. On a lovely snowy day, his mother made him stay inside instead of playing outside. She wanted him to get well instead of getting worse. Although he pleaded, she didn't relent. His little friend came to the door asking him to come out and play in the snow. The sick little boy told his friend to come back after lunch, because he was going to pray for Heavenly Father to change his mother's mind. After lunch the sick boy again asked his mother if he could play outside. He told her he had prayed that she would let him go outside. His mother looked unhappy. She asked her son if he thought Heavenly Father would want him to go out and play in the snow today when it might make him more sick. When the friend came back, the sick boy said he couldn’t go outside. The friend said that Heavenly Father didn’t answer the sick boy’s prayer. The sick boy explained that Heavenly Father did answer his prayer, but the answer was no.
Sometimes it is painful to be told no or to wait, but another thing is more painful still. If we don't know that Heavenly Father sometimes tells us no or wait as any good parent does, we might loose faith in prayer. When I was in the hospital with my dying daughter, an acquaintance that had come to the hospital with my dear friend was somehow in Katie's room. My friend and I were attending a big family meeting with the hospital staff, which was one of the few times I left the room. Anyway, after I returned, the acquaintance offered to pray with me as many friends and acquaintances had. I acquiesced. Her prayer was so foreign and offensive as she demanded that God heal our Katie. This is not how I pray, knowing I can ASK for things but am sometimes told no or later. Because of lack of sleep and all the stress and the fact that my little girl was dying and the shock of this strange prayer, I broke down in the fear I had offended God. As with all loving parents, I know my Father in Heaven does what is best. He sees the whole picture. As any child, I sometimes don't understand my Father's ways or time table but know better than to demand my will. I'm so grateful that this important point is in the lesson schedule to teach to such young little children.
This week's Primary lesson is prayer. Heavenly Father always hears our prayers and answers them in ways and times that are best for us. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes no, and some times not now. In the story of Elizabeth and Zacharias found in Luke 1:5-17, we are taught that not now is sometimes a long time in coming. Imagine praying for a child to have the Lord wait until I was well past the child bearing years and well stricken in years. Like Elizabeth and Zacharias I would find joy in raising a child even in my golden years, but bearing and birthing at that time would be a trial. However, I imagine the Lord made them wait so they could be mature enough to do a good job raising John the Baptist.
Another story we are to tell the children is of John Widsoe as a little boy. After working for several weeks, he was paid with a five dollar gold piece. Unfortunately, his pocket had a hole and the money was lost. After praying John was directed to the money. His answer was yes, and he didn't have to wait until later.
Another story is of a little boy with a cold. On a lovely snowy day, his mother made him stay inside instead of playing outside. She wanted him to get well instead of getting worse. Although he pleaded, she didn't relent. His little friend came to the door asking him to come out and play in the snow. The sick little boy told his friend to come back after lunch, because he was going to pray for Heavenly Father to change his mother's mind. After lunch the sick boy again asked his mother if he could play outside. He told her he had prayed that she would let him go outside. His mother looked unhappy. She asked her son if he thought Heavenly Father would want him to go out and play in the snow today when it might make him more sick. When the friend came back, the sick boy said he couldn’t go outside. The friend said that Heavenly Father didn’t answer the sick boy’s prayer. The sick boy explained that Heavenly Father did answer his prayer, but the answer was no.
Sometimes it is painful to be told no or to wait, but another thing is more painful still. If we don't know that Heavenly Father sometimes tells us no or wait as any good parent does, we might loose faith in prayer. When I was in the hospital with my dying daughter, an acquaintance that had come to the hospital with my dear friend was somehow in Katie's room. My friend and I were attending a big family meeting with the hospital staff, which was one of the few times I left the room. Anyway, after I returned, the acquaintance offered to pray with me as many friends and acquaintances had. I acquiesced. Her prayer was so foreign and offensive as she demanded that God heal our Katie. This is not how I pray, knowing I can ASK for things but am sometimes told no or later. Because of lack of sleep and all the stress and the fact that my little girl was dying and the shock of this strange prayer, I broke down in the fear I had offended God. As with all loving parents, I know my Father in Heaven does what is best. He sees the whole picture. As any child, I sometimes don't understand my Father's ways or time table but know better than to demand my will. I'm so grateful that this important point is in the lesson schedule to teach to such young little children.
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