Last night, we tried a new recipe that turned out to be a hit... with Craig at least. I was looking for something to use up some leftover beef from a slow cooker roast we had the day before. I searched "mango and cabbage" as I had a mango that needed to be eaten and I was trying to find an interesting way to use cabbage. (Not normally something I buy, but thought I'd give it a try.)
This is the recipe I found:
http://homecooking.about.com/od/saladrecipes/r/blsalad62.htm
Quite good if you're looking for something a little different. I added the following:
Shredded beef (laced with brown sugar and red wine vinegar)
Carrots
Cucumbers
Sesame seeds
Salt flakes and Parmesan on top
Friday, January 28, 2011
New Hair, Part II
I know, I didn't really write about my New Hair, Part I. Here's the short version:
Off to the salon, I asked the girl (new to me) to layer the front of my hair to try out bangs, and trim everything a little and create some layers all around, but to keep most of the length. She did the opposite. The result? A long bob with no bangs whatsoever. It looked alright when she straightened it... but that was it. Once home, my hair just looked like a fuzzy triangle. (Hey, maybe I'll wear my hair in a pony tail today. )
Hating my hair got me thinking about when it was short. So, I decided to chop it all off and start over.
I went to my aunt's stylist in Seattle, and she took the boys while I had the appointment. (They get spoiled, and I get spoiled just the same. Thank you, Carol!) I brought pictures... and we chopped it. When I saw the boys after the appointment, I asked (loaded question): "Gavin, do you like Mummy's new hair?" And, with the full pout, he responded with a very slow, "Nooooo." Tears welling up in his eyes.
I hadn't thought about the effect chopping my hair would have on the boys. I reassured him that it would grow. And it doesn't seem to phase him now.
At the same, I asked Graeme if he liked my hair and he said: "My like it!" But, I had to clarify: "You like mummy's hair or the water you're drinking..." Response: "No, my like my water!"
I'll post a picture of it this weekend. I'm still getting used to it. I think I'll like it more when it grows out just a pinch. Craig, very wisely, says he likes it.
Off to the salon, I asked the girl (new to me) to layer the front of my hair to try out bangs, and trim everything a little and create some layers all around, but to keep most of the length. She did the opposite. The result? A long bob with no bangs whatsoever. It looked alright when she straightened it... but that was it. Once home, my hair just looked like a fuzzy triangle. (Hey, maybe I'll wear my hair in a pony tail today. )
Hating my hair got me thinking about when it was short. So, I decided to chop it all off and start over.
I went to my aunt's stylist in Seattle, and she took the boys while I had the appointment. (They get spoiled, and I get spoiled just the same. Thank you, Carol!) I brought pictures... and we chopped it. When I saw the boys after the appointment, I asked (loaded question): "Gavin, do you like Mummy's new hair?" And, with the full pout, he responded with a very slow, "Nooooo." Tears welling up in his eyes.
I hadn't thought about the effect chopping my hair would have on the boys. I reassured him that it would grow. And it doesn't seem to phase him now.
At the same, I asked Graeme if he liked my hair and he said: "My like it!" But, I had to clarify: "You like mummy's hair or the water you're drinking..." Response: "No, my like my water!"
I'll post a picture of it this weekend. I'm still getting used to it. I think I'll like it more when it grows out just a pinch. Craig, very wisely, says he likes it.
A Revelation
After I posted my acknowledgement that I bribe my children, I had a revelation. First, I was corrected by my mother - stickler for definition that she is (which I love, by the way). It is incentive, rather than bribery, because the desired behavior is honest and what the boys should be doing anyway. So, that made me feel a little better.
My real revelation, however, was that - instead of sweets or treats - computer time was the ticket that actually worked. Gavin LOVES the computer. In the morning, when I'm writing here or checking email, he comes over and says sweetly, "Do you like PBS Kids?" or "How 'bout you try G -A- M- E- S Mickey Mouse?"
The other day I devised a new plan. Brilliant. He starts each day with 30 minutes of computer time. If he follows directions, listens, cleans up, and proceeds through the day without whining or freak outs, then he can earn more time (or keep the 30). If he doesn't behave as a polite little guy, then he loses minutes. So far it is working like a charm. He got himself dressed yesterday with no fuss whatsoever! And seemed quite proud of himself too. (Although, if he loses minutes, he says, "22 minutes is still a lot of minutes...".)
This hasn't caught on for Graeme, of course. He's usually sleeping when Gavin gets PBS Kids time. And, though Graeme loves to still say, "I promise No Freak Outs!", he's not always true to his word.
My real revelation, however, was that - instead of sweets or treats - computer time was the ticket that actually worked. Gavin LOVES the computer. In the morning, when I'm writing here or checking email, he comes over and says sweetly, "Do you like PBS Kids?" or "How 'bout you try G -A- M- E- S Mickey Mouse?"
The other day I devised a new plan. Brilliant. He starts each day with 30 minutes of computer time. If he follows directions, listens, cleans up, and proceeds through the day without whining or freak outs, then he can earn more time (or keep the 30). If he doesn't behave as a polite little guy, then he loses minutes. So far it is working like a charm. He got himself dressed yesterday with no fuss whatsoever! And seemed quite proud of himself too. (Although, if he loses minutes, he says, "22 minutes is still a lot of minutes...".)
This hasn't caught on for Graeme, of course. He's usually sleeping when Gavin gets PBS Kids time. And, though Graeme loves to still say, "I promise No Freak Outs!", he's not always true to his word.
Brag Alert!
"F - R - EE... Free! That says 'free'!"
"F - A - C - T... fact. 'Fact'!"
This is Gavin lately. He's starting to sound out any letters he sees in an effort to build words everywhere. In books, on cereal boxes, signs along the road, or vans and buses at a stoplight while we're driving. I'm more than stoked. He loves to build words, so much so that he might be annoying friends. They want to play trucks and run around, while Gavin wants to stand in front of the refrigerator rearranging magnet letters.
Don't get me wrong - he still loves running around - usually after he's built some words.
Graeme is hanging in with his brother as he's starting to recognize letters and numbers as we go throughout the day. He'll find a "T" on the side walk (in paint or some such) and get very excited, for example.* He also loves to sing the ABC song and say "No, that doesn't rhyme!" - even when the given words do rhyme. But he's getting it!
Though we do read a lot (doesn't every parent?), I credit LeapFrog videos for helping Gavin make the leap to success. (Couldn't help it.) He got a video about complex words for Christmas and that began the obsession with the "Silent E" and "sticky vowels". And, let me tell you, 'silent E's' are VERY exciting!
* Graeme gets very excited about everything these days. At a friend's house yesterday, he found a "Mater" truck to play with... and yelled an enthusiastic "Mater!" every time he entered the room. (Probably every five minutes.) It was reminiscent of the goldfish swimming around the bowl and thinking, "Hey, a castle!" every time he swims around. Eternally sweet... we should all be so excited about the little things!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
An acknowledgement
I'm beginning to think - well, scratch that - I know now that I bribe my kids just a little too often. And it is usually sweet in nature. But really, how else do you get little boys to do what you want? (Suggestions?)
My reasoning for treats is that they are great little eaters (and I like them too... my kids and the treats). They like vegetables, grains, salmon, etc. So a little sugar isn't a big deal, right? It certainly wasn't when I was a kid. Lucky Charms were the best, and though my mom didn't buy them often, I remember eating cereals like that and really whatever else I wanted. I turned out OK. (Um, aside from that raging sweet tooth.)
In any case, I guess I wanted to acknowledge that bribery is maybe not the best tactic. When Gavin asks his skating teacher if she likes donuts, it doesn't create the healthiest view of our family or my mothering skills. Or when Graeme sits in the back seat of the car - hands outstretched - saying:
Graeme: "My handing my hands out for more mango, Mummy!"
Me: "No Graeme, we ate it all up! The mango is all gone!"
Graeme: "How 'bout Gummy Bears?"
(For the record, mango is healthy. And their gummy bears are vitamins.)
Now I have to go find some chocolate... could be worse vices, right?
My reasoning for treats is that they are great little eaters (and I like them too... my kids and the treats). They like vegetables, grains, salmon, etc. So a little sugar isn't a big deal, right? It certainly wasn't when I was a kid. Lucky Charms were the best, and though my mom didn't buy them often, I remember eating cereals like that and really whatever else I wanted. I turned out OK. (Um, aside from that raging sweet tooth.)
In any case, I guess I wanted to acknowledge that bribery is maybe not the best tactic. When Gavin asks his skating teacher if she likes donuts, it doesn't create the healthiest view of our family or my mothering skills. Or when Graeme sits in the back seat of the car - hands outstretched - saying:
Graeme: "My handing my hands out for more mango, Mummy!"
Me: "No Graeme, we ate it all up! The mango is all gone!"
Graeme: "How 'bout Gummy Bears?"
(For the record, mango is healthy. And their gummy bears are vitamins.)
Now I have to go find some chocolate... could be worse vices, right?
Something to Try
I love looking for recipes online. Though I've used Google as my cookbook for the last few years, I find myself searching more often these days. Typically, I use this approach when I have some ingredient to use up and after I've looked in my favorite cookbooks to no avail. Type in whatever ingredients you have (say, peppers and ancho chiles) and you get a multitude of interesting or not-so-interesting recipes. I usually search for the ones that include ingredients that I already have on hand so I don't have to make another run to the grocery store.
Last night, I had some pork shoulder that needed to be used up along with some orange and yellow bell peppers. My usual leftover reincarnation is enchiladas of some sort, but the boys never eat enchiladas and I felt more like a soup. And I had just read an article about the health benefits of tumeric. Everything in my cookbooks was kind of ordinary, so I started searching.
This is what I found... Cuchuco de Cebada. A yummy, light soup that had a little different taste than a typical stew:
http://www.mycolombianrecipes.com/cuchuco-de-cebada-colombian-barley-and-pork-soup
I had virtually everything on hand, except for the spice blend "sazon goya with achiote" and cabbage. (But that's the gracious thing about soup is you can use whatever veggies you've got already!) You may notice that "tumeric" isn't actually in the recipe, so maybe my search got off track. However, thanks to Google again, a search for substitutions for the mystery spice blend delivered. Half tumeric and half paprika with a little chile or red pepper flakes to boost the heat. A close equivalent that worked for me!
Since the recipe was of Colombian origin, I channeled Sofia Vergara and imagined pairing the soup with little baby cheeses. (Sorry I couldn't resist.)
Last night, I had some pork shoulder that needed to be used up along with some orange and yellow bell peppers. My usual leftover reincarnation is enchiladas of some sort, but the boys never eat enchiladas and I felt more like a soup. And I had just read an article about the health benefits of tumeric. Everything in my cookbooks was kind of ordinary, so I started searching.
This is what I found... Cuchuco de Cebada. A yummy, light soup that had a little different taste than a typical stew:
http://www.mycolombianrecipes.com/cuchuco-de-cebada-colombian-barley-and-pork-soup
I had virtually everything on hand, except for the spice blend "sazon goya with achiote" and cabbage. (But that's the gracious thing about soup is you can use whatever veggies you've got already!) You may notice that "tumeric" isn't actually in the recipe, so maybe my search got off track. However, thanks to Google again, a search for substitutions for the mystery spice blend delivered. Half tumeric and half paprika with a little chile or red pepper flakes to boost the heat. A close equivalent that worked for me!
Since the recipe was of Colombian origin, I channeled Sofia Vergara and imagined pairing the soup with little baby cheeses. (Sorry I couldn't resist.)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Snow Rescue and Other Pictures
We got a little bit of snow last week... which provided a wonderful stage for construction truck rescues in our backyard. The serene white blanket quickly turned to patches of mud and slush as all the trucks had fun rescuing each other. I'm sure the boys had fun too. Snow suits are wonderful! I attempted to make a snow man, which Gavin demolished even before it took true form. I got him back with a few snowballs. The good thing is both Gavin and Graeme loved getting hit with snowballs. Laughter all around. (I did try to avoid any exposed skin or faces.) And, lucky for me, they couldn't really retaliate. They'll learn that coordination when they need to. I like my safety for now.
Peekaboo at the park!
Gavin (whose hair was cut shortly after this picture) found he enjoyed riding down slides backwards.
Squinting into the sun, with the Olympics in the background, showcasing the 11's for an otherwise cute picture. This park is by our friends house in South Seattle. It is a great park with trails for the boys on their bikes as well!
Gavin's first foray into photography as Craig gets home from work. I was going to make a joke about his head being cut off, but then I realized that most of the heads are cut off in the pictures that I take too. Or at least the ones posted here. So I guess I can't dig too much.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Skating Lesson #2
This is just a quick update, mostly because Craig told me it was weird to create a group and then not actually post anything. I wasn't actually sure that it would send anyone anything... I'm trying to be organized and sort of technology savvy. But I'm really not. So be compassionate.
Gavin had his second skating lesson yesterday. MUCH better. First, he skated through the whole lesson. Second, he could get up on his own. And third, his teachers seemed much less annoyed. Maybe the absence of hockey skates helped in all areas. Graeme kind of stole the show though, because he's just cute in his "clown" hat, and everyone loves how chatty he is. I got him to clap for Gavin as the lesson was over. But Gavin had fun and that's most important.
Then off to the donut shop we went... where after eating the frosting of the top of his donut, Graeme made friends with two other kids that came into the store. "Hold my hand!" he said very sweetly to them. Then they walked around the store together. Sweet. I wondered if he was trying subtly to get another donut out of the friendship.
Gavin had his second skating lesson yesterday. MUCH better. First, he skated through the whole lesson. Second, he could get up on his own. And third, his teachers seemed much less annoyed. Maybe the absence of hockey skates helped in all areas. Graeme kind of stole the show though, because he's just cute in his "clown" hat, and everyone loves how chatty he is. I got him to clap for Gavin as the lesson was over. But Gavin had fun and that's most important.
Then off to the donut shop we went... where after eating the frosting of the top of his donut, Graeme made friends with two other kids that came into the store. "Hold my hand!" he said very sweetly to them. Then they walked around the store together. Sweet. I wondered if he was trying subtly to get another donut out of the friendship.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Ice Harvesting Lesson
Today we ventured to the local ice rink for Gavin's first official ice skating lesson. He's been out with Craig a few times, but had been relying a bit too much on the A-frame bar (much like myself in earlier post). Overall he did pretty well. Turns out the skates we brought were harder to learn on... who knew hockey skates were curved so kids fall down more? Well, Craig and lots of other people for sure, but not me. I'm totally out of my element at the skating rink.
Next week we'll get the rental skates which are straighter and have the toe pick so kids don't fall forward on their faces. Gavin never fell on his face (that I saw anyway), but he did spend a lot of time harvesting ice shavings while lying on the ground. Once he fell, he couldn't really get up on his own. I don't know if that was his skates or that he just doesn't know how to do that yet. We'd always helped him get up. (Good plug for the sink or swim mentality.) He wasn't the only one floundering, mind you, but with only 3 teachers for 10 or so 3-5 year olds, it was hard to get to everyone.
The highlight of the lesson was leaving early to go get donuts and hot chocolate next door. The Vietnamese ladies behind the counter were quite taken with Graeme and his chattiness. After every sip of hot chocolate, he'd say: "My like it." It was pretty cute, because he was totally serious with furrowed brow each time. Like a gruff quality control agent giving approval. Seriously, after every sip. Good thing that they liked us (or him), because we'll be back every Tuesday for the next 6 weeks!
(On a side note, I've come to realize my kids eat a fair amount of sugar... I'm OK with it. They eat good food too. Vegetables, flax seed, fish, blueberries... it's all part of being a kid to me. And it's fun for me too. As long as I'm working out.)
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