Accomplishments of The Love Magnet

One of the many reason we love The Love Magnet's teacher and aides:

This year The Love Magnet learned how to draw faces. Apparently she has also learned how to draw bunny rabbits. When she presented this artwork to me today, she made sure to point out that the bunny rabbit has long ears. (I labeled everything so I would be sure to explain it right to Mr. Wonderful.)

She has also learned to think about the story. In this drawing she showed be that Spiderman is caught in a spider's web. Notice that Spiderman is wrapped up like a cocoon and he is yelling and scared. Also, the bug on the left is telling him to stay. The Love Magnet wrote that herself without any help. I didn't know she could spell the word "stay".

A year ago, The Love Magnet didn't draw faces, let alone expressions on faces. Her artistry was limited to scribbles. In this pictures she drew herself dancing with another spider. I was impressed that her figure showed motion and emotion.

I'd show you picture #4 that she listed herself but she also wrote her name on it. Her whole name.

For typical kids, this is not out of the ordinary. Yet I know that every single one of my T-21 Buddy bloggers will be cheering along with me. Along with art, understanding expressions, storylines (and what comes next), The Love Magnet has learned how to walk in the lunch line without help, balance her heavy lunch tray, retrieve her silverware, milk, and condiments, and make her way to the lunch table. She has learned to sit quietly and raise her hand. She knows how to navigate on a computer. She claps to a beat. She learned about the weather, days of the week, months of the year, and seasons. She learned in Health class how to always wash her hands (lots of soap and between the fingers!), to cover her nose and mouth when she coughs (and why that is so important.) She improved her vocabulary and speech. She has learned routines to practice for occupational therapy.

Thanks Mrs. P. Thanks Miss M and Miss M. Thank you Computer Teacher and Music Teacher. Thanks to "Grandma P" who taught the writing workshops. Thank you to all of the therapists.

My daughter has grown this past school year.

A very big thanks.....

to two incredible women. The Love Magnet loved her aides this year. These women hold a very special spot in our hearts and prayers.

Mama's In The Kitchen

Chilean Bean Stew
Stews – Vegetarian
From Moosewood Restaurant New Classics cookbook
Click here for their website to purchase cookbooks and check out other recipes
Serves: 6
Posted by Scarehaircare
June 1, 2009

Moosewood Notes: The traditional name for the dish is Porotos Granados. It’s a very popular stew in Chile where it’s made with fresh corn and fresh ivory or red beans from the farmers’ markets. Serve topped with cheddar cheese, accompanied with a green salad and freshly baked cornbread.

My notes: I didn’t think a stew could taste summery – this one does. Good with frozen corn, fabulous with fresh. I served this with Maple Cornbread from Cooking Light. I pureed some of the butternut squash with the corn which I think made for wonderful flavors and texture.

2 Tablespoons Vegetable oil
2 cups chopped onions
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/8 to ¼ teaspoon cayenne
3 cups water
4 cups peeled, seeded, and cubed butternut squash (about 3 pounds)
3 Cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
3 Cups cooked red pinto beans
½ cup chopped fresh basil

Heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the onions, garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne and sauté on medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the water and the squash, cover, bring to a boil; then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in 1 Cup of the corn and all of the beans and basil. Cover and continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the squash is soft.

Ladle 2 cups of broth from the stew into a blender. Add the remaining 2 cups of corn and puree until smooth. Stir the pureed corn back into the stew.

Gently reheat before serving, if necessary.

Per 16 oz serving: 330 calories, 12.1 g protein, 6.4 g fat, 65.5 g carbs, 0 mg cholesterol, 618.1 mg sodium, 10.4 g fiber


Maple Corn Bread
Bread
from Cooking Light
serves 12
posted by Scarehaircare
June 1, 2009

My notes: I loved this maple flavor with the Chilean Bean Stew. I subbed regular cornmeal for the masa harina and left out the jalapeno. The kids scarfed this warm from the oven and pronounced it a definite 'do-again'.

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup masa harina
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 1/2 cups water
1/3 cup maple syrup
5 tablespoons butter, melted
1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 350°.

Coat a 9-inch cast-iron skillet with oil. Place in oven for 10 minutes.

Lightly spoon flour and masa harina into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, masa harina, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk.
Combine water and remaining ingredients in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add water mixture to flour mixture, stirring until moist. Spoon batter into preheated pan.

Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove corn bread from pan; cool completely on a wire rack.

Yield: 12 servings

CALORIES 184 (27% from fat); FAT 5.6g (sat 3.1g,mono 1.6g,poly 0.6g); IRON 1.4mg; CHOLESTEROL 13mg; CALCIUM 62mg; CARBOHYDRATE 31.5g; SODIUM 342mg; PROTEIN 3g; FIBER 1.2g

Cooking Light, NOVEMBER 2002

Sunday Gratitudes

Today is dedicated to one incredible gratitude. Something that you, dear reader, might just take for granted. One simple gratitude that has had me teary all afternoon.

Today in church, as soon as Sacrament Meeting was over, a girl in The Love Magnet's class came over and announced that she would take TLM to Primary. My daughter has never gone to Primary without adult supervision. We just can't trust that she will get there without wandering off. I was surprised at first when the request was made. I asked the girl "Do you understand that you can't leave her alone and have to stay with her until her teacher comes to sit by her?" Sweet Miss R looked at me and replied "She's in my class. I'm not going to leave her alone!"

My daughter was so excited to go. Her mantra for over a year now has been "I do it myself!" Off they went, holding hands. I let them get a distance away and started to follow. (I'm a mom. Of course I'm going to follow.)

They made it down the hallway, still holding hands, The Love Magnet grinning from ear to ear.

In the Primary room The Love Magnet was greeted by another girl who took her other hand. Sweet Miss R and Sweet Miss L sat down on either side of her and the three were talking animatedly about the Primary activity the day before. (FYI: We learned by accident at the activity yesterday that fog machines will set off the church smoke alarms which brings the fire department. We also learned how to herd over 100 children out of the building without a mishap. It made for a very memorable Primary Activity Day.) Two of the boys seated in front of the three girls turned around in their seats and joined in the conversation. The Love Magnet took part in all off it, asking and answering questions and laughing at descriptions of the fire truck.

I was trying to peek unobtrusively through the back door of the Primary room, tears in my eyes.

My daughter was a part of the group. Not a project. She was just another child having a great time with her friends. These children saw my daughter, not her disability.

I can't even write this without dissolving in tears!

To watch my daughter participate in a typical, simple interaction is such a milestone to me. I am so grateful to these families who teach their children kindness. I'm thankful that I would witness such an event and understand it as one of our Heavenly Father's tender mercies. It was a blessing, a simple assurance in my heart that our Heavenly Father is very aware of each of us and watches over us. Nothing is too small for Him. He was very aware of of my emotions and knew how thrilled and thankful I was. He understood. I truly felt His love.

Next week when sweet Miss R comes to walk with The Love Magnet to Primary, I won't follow. I do, however, reserve the right to peek through the window of the Primary room. I want to see it happen again.



And again.




And again.

She takes after her mom

The Love Magnet just singing her heart out. Made her mom so proud! Reminds me of another 1st grader making her mom so proud while singing her heart out to the tune of Dixie 33 years ago. Remember, Mom?

Mama's In The Kitchen

Dressed Up Salmon Cakes Over Field Greens
Main Dish – Fish
Adapted from Moosewood Restaurant New Classics cookbook
Servings: 6
Posted by Scarehaircare
May 30, 2009

Notes: Very tasty. It made more than six servings but I didn’t adjust the nutritionals to reflect that. Mr. Wonderful suggested to add horseradish to the herbed mayo to give it a bit of kick. I would also sub plain fat free yogurt for half of the mayo next time. Original recipe called for twice the amount of ingredients I listed for the herbed mayo. It didn't take much to top each cake so I cut that ingredient list by half. Be sure to pass around wedges of fresh lemon or lime to squeeze over the salmon cakes.

2 1/2 Cups red potatoes, chopped
1 Cup onion, finely chopped
1 Cup baby carrots, chopped
1 1/2 pounds salmon, skinned and cut into 1" pieces
1 whole egg
1 Tablespoon light mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon zest
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, tarragon, or majoram
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1 Cup bread crumbs
12 cups lettuce or spring greens mix
olive oil spray

Herbed Mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon or dill
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1/2 Cup light mayonnaise
1/2 Tablespoon lemon juice

1. Place potatoes, carrots, and onions in a large covered saucepan with water to cover. Bring to a boil; then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until veggies are tender. Place salmon on top of veggies, return to a simmer, and cook for about 7 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Drain in a colander.

2. In a large bowl, mash the drained veggies and fish with a potato masher until thoroughly mixed. Add the egg, mayo, mustard, and fresh lemon juice, zest, herbs, garlic, salt, pepper, and 1/4 Cup of bread crumbs. Mix thoroughly.

3. Spray grill pan with olive oil spray. Heat pan oven medium heat. Shapes fish mixture in to 6 cakes. As you finish each one, sprinkle with bread crumbs on both sides and carefully place in pan.

4. Fry the cakes about 4 minutes on first side until golden and crisp. Flip the cakes and cook another 2 to 3 minutes. Meanwhile, mix together the ½ Cup mayo, chopped herbs, and lemon juice. Set aside for topping salmon cakes when they are done.

5. Dress salad greens with a couple of sprays of your favorite salad dressing. Top with salmon cake and a spoonful of herbed mayo. Serve immediately

Cal: 346, Fat 10g, Sodium 760 mg, Fiber 3g, Protein 28 g,

So many things to think about...

My mind has been running full steam lately which tends to make me forgetful of other things. I apologize for forgetting my Sunday Gratitudes list. I spent the weekend wishing I was in Utah so I could help my mom decorate family graves. Memorial Day was spent planting a garden (and wishing I had inherited Grandma's green thumb) followed by a barbecue with some wonderful friends we've made here.

As for what is occupying my mind (beyond housework and homework) has been my kids. I've been jumping through the hoops require to get The Love Magnet registered for Medicaid so we can get extra therapies this summer. Since it won't be ready by the end of school, I had to ask for her to be included in the school's summer program. Last year's experience with the school summer program was not a good experience. She ran away multiple times a day and they never read her file to know that she is a wanderer. Not once did she come home with papers proving she did something constructive that day. And she lost a lot of her skills. Once Medicaid is approved, I hope she'll be attending a local learning center for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It just seems like a better fit for the summer.

(Oh for the days of innocence when I never gave a thought to Medicaid applications, insurance, my homework, the kid's homework, getting dinner on the table, keeping the laundry somewhat in check, when I had no more responsibility than to keep my room clean and be sure to come home when my mom told me to. .................. Never mind. Mr. Wonderful is too wonderful to miss the days before him. And my kids warm my heart.)

I've also been gathering paperwork and filling out forms for a learning center to help with Thirdborn's learning disability. He has done so well this past school year and I really want him to build on that rather than losing skills overs the summer. The center for him is insanely expensive. The tuition will be paid out of our family vacation fund so this year's vacay will be somewhere within driving distance or else canceled. The learning center will be worth every single penny and more if it helps my child.

On a much brighter note, everyone is healthy here. We still have a job in this economy. Food on our table. Clothes on our backs. Clean water. Dependable electricity. Good neighbors. One mortgage. Learning programs available for my children. The opportunity to go back to school.

So many things for which to be grateful.

Field Trip

Hey Love Magnet, wake up! It's field trip day. Time to get dressed, brush teeth, comb hair, eat breakfast and....

Ummm, Love Magnet....?

We made it just in time for the bus. Off to the Botanical Gardens. What a gorgeous, sun-shiney day! Apparently too bright to open your eyes....


The Love Magnet tried to listen to the science lecture about roots and stems and leaves and fruit and flowers. Then her attention wandered off....


...at the mention of flowers. These purple ones were right over her head.

Back to the science lecture. It was getting too long for her when they started talking about seeds. Good thing they brought out exploded seeds to eat (popcorn).

Everyone was getting wiggly by then.

Some of the garden tour was about flowers and native plants.

Then we were given the chance to look for toads.

Found the eggs! It looks like a necklace.

Found the toad! Can you see it?

After the toads it was time for the science hunt. The Love Magnet loved having her very own magnifying glass.

Looking for seeds, flowers, bugs, rocks.....

....and sticks.

Holding worms was fun....until it started to squirm around. That was just too much. To her credit, the Love Magnet did not scream and throw her worm the way other kids did.

She just let her other friends hold the worm for her so she could keep looking.

Riding home, The Love Magnet did not want to sit by her mom or her aide. She is much too cool for that. It was hard to get her to stay in one seat as everyone wanted her to sit by them.

Products I Love -

Children who have Down syndrome often have a hard time understanding social behavior. They do not do well in reading body cues and often need extra practice is basic social skills. Elizabeth Verdick has a wonderful series of books called Best Behavior Series that we checked out of the library. Among the series are the books: Words Are Not For Hurting and Feet Are Not For Kicking. The books have a section at the end for parents, caregivers, and teachers to help them approach the subjects in a fun manner.

Theses books are not meant solely for kids with disabilities but as a help for all kids who are learning the ropes of proper behavior. The drawings are simple and it is easy to judge the feelings of the children in the book by their facial expressions.

My daughter has had problems this past year with saying bad words to teachers and classmates, kicking, pushing, and otherwise doing things that first graders are supposed to know are not acceptable. It has been hard to know if she understands that the behavior is wrong and why there are consequences. I was really worried that we weren't getting through to her until we found Ms. Verdeck's series and started to read them every night before bed. It made a difference. The Love Magnet has had great success with these book and now often tells her own friends "Words are not for hurting!" when she hears them yell words that are not appropriate. That shows her progress right there. We're taking the books back to the library and purchasing our own copies.

DID YOU JUST HEAR ME SCREAM? TWICE?!!!

WOOO-HOOO!

Just had word that our Utah house sale has finally funded and we are no longer land barons. No more paying for two mortgages. We are now the proud owners of one house!


WOOO-HOOO!

Grades are out and I earned an A- in Stats. That puts my GPA at a 3.8. Does an A- still count for straight A's? The person with the highest grades in the family gets to pick/plan the family vacay. Secondborn won last year with straight A's. I told him to watch out this semester. Excuse me while I do a happy dance......

Thirdborn - future pilot soon to be flying your plane.

Sunday Gratitudes (on a Monday)

I'm grateful for airplanes that save me from a 16 hour car ride with 4 impatient children. I can handle 4 impatient children for three hours in a plane. My apologies for those who had to ride with us.

I'm thankful that my nephew was married in the San Diego Temple. That place is absolutely beautiful. The sealer who presided over the ordinance was a joy to listen to. He sounded (and looked) like a Hawaiian version of Colonel Sanders from KFC. He also knew many of the same people Mr. Wonderful knew in Hawaii.

I arranged to meet one of my Cookies while at the temple. Barbara took time out of her busy schedule to meet me on the grounds while the picture-taking was going on. It was so fun to see her. I'm grateful that Mr. Wonderful and the kids were able to meet her, too. I wish we had the entire day to talk rather than the half hour or so.

My kids had a great time in San Diego. There wasn't any time to do Disneyland, Sea World, or even Legoland. But they did get to play with friends, swim in pools and the ocean, see seals at the ocean,and collect shells. I'm grateful that they were able to spend the time doing this with Mr. Wonderful and his parents.

According to Thirdborn, the best part of the trip was the very last second. He wants to be a pilot. When this was discovered by the airplane crew, they escorted him into the cockpit at the end of the trip to show him all the gadgets and gizmos and let him be the one to switch the plane off. Thirdborn was beside himself with joy. I'm grateful that this crew would take the time to do all of this. Thirdborn refuses to take his wings off that he was given by the copilot.

I'm grateful to come home to my own kitchen. Get ready to cook. Tonight I'm making a southern banana pudding for a belated Family Home Evening.

Documentary: UP SYNDROME

These are two parts of the same documentary called Up Syndrome. You can find it on You Tube or at Trisomy Films. Please take a look. You will love Rene. One of these days I would love to meet Duane Graves and Rene Moreno and thank them for such a positive piece of work. Oh, and please make more. I want the world to see the Up in Down syndrome.

Before you watch the excerpts, please be sure to turn off the soundtrack I have. Just scroll to near the bottom. You'll find it.

Sunday Gratitudes

Thanks, Mom, for loving me even though I was a blue-and-hairy-rhesus-monkey-looking-baby. I'm sorry for the grief I caused for being three months premature. It wasn't entirely my fault, though. My twin sis is partly to blame.

Thanks, Mom, for being so proud during my first and completely unintentional solo in 1st grade (Tommy was supposed to sing with me but got stage fright and stood there with his mouth hanging open and no sound coming out). I can remember you being proud of me and making me believe that I could do anything.

Thanks, Mom, for being enthusiastic when I wanted to make Stone Soup, start a St. Lucia tradition in our family, learn the art of dancing with poi balls, and all the other fun things I brought home from Miss Morgan's 2nd grade class. You encouraged my enthusiasm every time I learned something new.

Thanks, Mom, for helping out with election posters when I ran for class officer in 8th grade. You had great ideas and I felt like I had the best posters.

Thanks, Mom, for getting after me about bad grades and bad boyfriends. You were right. Enough said about that.

Thanks, Mom, for attending every single performance of my senior musical, all of my choir concerts, and my senior plays. While I'm at it, thanks for the help on the very best hats and costumes. Thanks for making sure I didn't get sick before performances.

Thanks, Mom, for giving me a should to cry on through frustrations, disappointments, confusion and the toughest time of my life. I know you didn't understand. That is okay, I didn't understand either. But I made it through.

Thanks, Mom, for making my wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, helping to pick out cake and refreshments, stringing who-knows-how-many white Christmas lights on trees, and making my wedding wonderful. I hope you can forget any attitude I gave.

Thanks, Mom, for being there when I needed help doing laundry, scrubbing floors, and catching up on the dishes. Thanks for not judging me when you saw that my bedroom was full of laundry waiting to be folded, the kitchen floor hadn't been mopped in weeks, and that my kitchen table had oatmeal cemented on it from who-knows-when. You did not say one word of "I taught you better than that."

Thanks, Mom for helping me to figure out how to mother a of a baby/toddler/child/preteen. You were very wise. Of course you were, you practiced with 7 kids.

Thanks, Mom, for being there when I had to go through an emergency C-section. I know that Heavenly Father sent you to my hospital room the next morning to be there when the pediatrician announced that The Love Magnet had Down syndrome. Thank you for asking the questions I didn't know to ask. I'm so very grateful that you were there and that I didn't have to face that information alone.

Thanks, Mom, for being willing to serve a mission in a place you never expected to serve. I lived vicariously through you as you experienced Africa. I have since learned a new a deep gratitude for the simple things: clean water, a warm home, public schools, decent medical care, honest police, and a steady income.

Thanks, Mom for always being there for me. I hope I do just as well with my own children.

It happened! It really happened!

Remember this?

The Love Magnet has been hoping to lose a tooth. Begging people to pull a tooth out so she could be like all the other kids in her class.
You can read about it here.

Last night when I came home from school, my daughter told me she had a loose tooth. I had heard it so many times before that I didn't believe her. Finally I reached in her mouth to show her that there were no loose teeth.......and there is was. On the bottom front, a very wiggly tooth. I was afraid that she would swallow it when it fell out. What if it fell out at school and she didn't know it? She would be so disappointed. I never thought this would happen so soon. Kids with Down syndrome get their teeth in late and out of order. I thought she would be in 3rd grade before she ever lost a tooth.

Fast forward to this morning. I was helping her brush her teeth (Be careful, Mom, it's a sore loose tooth. Be soft, Mom!") when......

it

fell

out.




The Love Magnet had a shocked look on her face. She didn't know what to think about the blood and the empty feeling in her teeth. (Hence the "I'm not sure about this" look.) I got her cleaned up and had her look in the mirror. Thirdborn came into the bathroom to see what the excitement was about. We started cheering for her. We danced around. We high-fived. We tried to call Mr. Wonderful, but he wasn't answering his phone (he was in a meeting). So we called Uncle Teeth (who was our dentist in Utah) and he made all the appropriate "That's great!" and "Way to go!" The Love Magnet started to get excited.

The Love Magnet was so excited to go to school and tell everyone about losing a tooth. She told her aide, all of the other aides, the lunch lady,the music teacher, her teacher, and her classmates. They all nodded and smiled polite smiles. No one believed her. After all, she had been telling her classmates and teachers about this all school year. Finally one girl looked in her mouth...

"Hey!" This time she really did lose a tooth!"

All the kids were excited and had to look. The Love Magnet loved the attention. Everyone gathered around after the bell rang to sing the Tooth song to my daughter while I took pictures. She had waited all year for this big moment.

For some reason, she was shy.

Sunday Gratitudes

I am grateful for the rain and all the spring flowers. These are growing in my front yard. I have no idea what they are but I think they are beautiful. I am grateful for simple beauty in my own yard.

Aaron Barker Photography you can see his work here

18 years ago today I entered the Salt Lake Temple for the first time to receive my own endowments. I made promises to my Heavenly Father to be the best person I could be. That day was such a beautiful day. My twin sis helped me all through the endowment along with my mom and Grandma S. Afterwards, Mr. Wonderful took me on a quiet drive to talk about the covenants I made and what our future would be. (Our wedding date was set for the following week.) Now, whenever I go to the temple, I renew those covenants. I feel incredibly blessed and thankful for that opportunity.

On May 1, 2008, The Love Magnet had open heart surgery to repair her mitral valve. Last Friday we celebrated Happy Heart Day. I didn't make it a very big celebration, but is was big in my own heart. I am so grateful that she is healthy and that the surgery was successful. I'm grateful for that scar she has on her chest. I'm thankful that her doctors had the knowledge to perform the surgery successfully. Most of all, I am grateful for the strength that Heavenly Father gave my family, and for the love and kindness and prayers from our extended families, our ward families, our friends, our T-21 buddies and their families, my Cookies, and my Internet kindred spirits whom I haven't yet met. I felt all your prayers.

On a less serious note: Firstborn had his first date this past weekend. All of his friends canceled on him, including the guy who was going to drive. Poor Firstborn, he had to endure his mom driving him and his date to the movie theater. He didn't talk the entire drive. When I asked them if they were being so silent because I was there, he remarked "yeah, and this is the most awkward drive in my life." But he survived the humiliation and even had fun. And his date was darling. My gratitude here? He was chivalrous and remembered everything I taught him about treating girls.

This day just keeps getting better and better.....

I finished my last paper for the semester.


Ahhhhhh.


I got good news that people like me after all.


Yesssssss!


I finished registering for fall semester. Thanks to the university's generosity in accepting my many credits as electives, I don't have to take 16 credits - only 10.


Woooo-hooo!


Now if I could just get confirmation today that the ink is dry on the sale of my Utah house, that would be the proverbial whip cream on top.


Hoping...Hoping...Hoping...

My Little Houdini

We discovered this past weekend that The Love Magnet has learned how to open the garage door, run outside, and close it using the security key pad. She thinks she has discovered the freedom to run and play whenever she wants.

Made a trip to the local hardware store. Bought flap locks for all doors leading outside or too the garage. Installing them high in case The Love Magnet decides to take a chair to the door and see if she can learn how to unlock flap locks.

My daughter thinks it highly unfair that her brothers can play with friends without having Mom along as a chaperon. She also thinks that she should be allowed to do everything they do, no matter how age-inappropriate it may be for her.

My 6 year old has suddenly turned 16. What on earth am I going to do when she really turns 16 and wants to drive?

Sunday Gratitudes (on a Monday)

I am grateful (ohh, so VERY GRATEFUL) that there are two weeks left before finals. I love school and I have loved this semester, but it has taken over my life. I'm looking forward to only one class this summer and much more time to be with my family. Cook in my kitchen. Blog. (I miss blogging on a regular basis.)

I'm thankful for flap locks. The Love Magnet notices that her brothers get to do things that she can't....like play with their friends without a chaperone. She has also learned how to open and close the garage door. The flap locks are going on the doors today. Very high on the doors. (I wouldn't put it past her to pull a chair over to the door to try to undo the locks).

I'm grateful that The Love Magnet was invited to a birthday party last weekend. She had a wonderful time. Lots of pasta salad, lots of kids (birthday twins) and a pony ride to boot. I kept going over the rules of birthday parties with her on our way there so she wouldn't try to help blow out candles or unwrap presents. The Love Magnet behaved marvelously and hugged everyone when we said goodbye.

Secondborn announced this past weekend that he had the 2nd highest score in his 6th grade for the language IRI test. We are thrilled for him! I am grateful that he has done so well in school this year. Math testing starts this week. We're praying for him, cheering him on, and making sure he eats a good breakfast.

Thirdborn had his book project due last week. This month he chose to do a reader's theater. I helped him put together a script and he worked hard on some really great animal masks for the characters. Mr. Wonderful and I went to help out. The project turned out very well. I'm grateful that Thirdborn has not lost his enthusiasm for school.

Mr. Wonderful had to speak in church yesterday (he is the YM President and the theme was the Aaronic Priesthood.) Other than announcing that we had three kids instead of four - he meant to say that we had three boys and one girl - his talk was flawless. He had great stories about his experiences and the Young Men were listening. I'm thankful that we were there to support him. I am sure he is grateful that it is over.

This past weekend, Firstborn participated in a dance event for our church. His group learned country line dancing and country swing. They did a great job. I'm thankful that he had a positive experience (he didn't want to do it at first...but I made him). Pictures will be posted soon.

Coconut Banana Bread with Lime Glaze

Cold, drizzly day. Trying to think warm. No, think tropical. Feel urge to cook (since when do I not feel the urge to cook, I'm a foodie for Heaven's sake!) See overripe bananas on counter. Think how good they will be combined with coconut.....

Coconut Banana Bread with Lime Glaze

from Cooking Light

CL's notes: The tangy lime glaze cuts the sweetness of the bread. Substitute apple juice for the rum if you prefer.

My notes: I used coconut and rum flavorings instead of rum. Added lime zest to the lime glaze. Ohhhhhh, yum. The same article also did a Chocolate Marbled Banana Bread that is my other favorite banana bread recipe since 2003. But you'll have to wait for me to post that recipe. I'm trying to think warm right now. Hawaii would be nice.....

2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 bananas)

1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt

3 tablespoons dark rum

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup flaked sweetened coconut

Cooking spray

1 tablespoon flaked sweetened coconut

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime or lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350°.

Lightly spoon the flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk to combine.

Place granulated sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 1 minute). Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add banana, yogurt, rum, and vanilla; beat until blended. Add flour mixture; beat at low speed just until moist. Stir in 1/2 cup coconut.

Spoon batter into a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with 1 tablespoon coconut. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack; remove from pan. Combine powdered sugar and juice, stirring with a whisk; drizzle over warm bread. Cool bread completely on wire rack.

Yield: 1 loaf, 16 servings (serving size: 1 slice)CALORIES 193 (21% from fat); FAT 4.6g (sat 2.8g,mono 1.1g,poly 0.3g); IRON 1mg; CHOLESTEROL 35mg; CALCIUM 15mg; CARBOHYDRATE 35g; SODIUM 179mg; PROTEIN 2.9g; FIBER 1.1g Cooking Light, SEPTEMBER 2003

Proud Mom Moment

Last weekend, Firstborn told me about a lesson in his English class. His teacher asked the class "What is chivalry?"

No one could answer.

No one except Firstborn.

When his teacher asked him how he knew these things, he told her about being taught at home. Opening doors for all women. Letting a woman walk first into a room. Standing up when a woman walks into a room. Offering your chair. Holding a chair for a woman. Helping her with her coat. When walking on the street with a woman, be sure that you are walking between her and traffic. Offering your arm to a woman, especially if the way is slick, so she doesn't fall. In other words, doing everything you can to show respect to women. (In case you are wondering, Firstborn gave me this definition.)

He told her that he watched his dad act that way towards his mom. He also said that his mom took all her sons on dates and made sure they learned how to do the same.

Amazement from English Teacher.

Meanwhile at home, I am thankful that the lessons at home are truly sinking in. I am grateful that he has now seen the validity of such lessons. Not only did it earn him an A that day, he has seen that girls like being treated in this manner.

I am a Proud Mom.

Happy Easter from my house to yours

Be sure to pause the music (scroll down my blog page and look on the right) before you listen to Elder Holland's conference talk. The talk is amazing.

Peace and goodwill (if only for a moment)

Tonight was one of those nights where I wish I could just bottle it up and save it.

I picked up my younger kids after school and took them home to find the two older boys. We had some celebrating to do:

Thirdborn earned 100%on his spelling test.

Secondborn got straight A's on his report card.

Firstborn earned 100% on his health exam today.

All of these are big accomplishments at our house. I took the kids out to dinner at our favorite burger-and-shake place. This is the moment I want to save, the moment we sat down:

Thirdborn was hugging everyone when they expressed admiration over his spelling score. He worked so hard for that this week. First born was high-fiveing everyone over his sports health exam score. Secondborn was proudly telling everyone about his report card and his latest exam on Ancient China. The Love Magnet excitedly told everyone "Good job!" as she scarfed french fries and fry sauce.

Everyone was listening to everyone else.

There was no fighting, teasing, or taunting -

For the entire meal.

My kids are good kids, but they aren't perfect. When these rare moments come along, I want to sit back and watch every second, hoping that I don't lose a single detail to faulty memory. I can't explain why these moments happen. But for one meal, it did happen.

Harmony.

Apparently Heaven is a burger joint with fabulous onion rings and lemon custard shakes, where love abounds between all brothers and sisters. Who knew?

Cub Scouts, Cute Babies, and Heroes (all in one fun filled Pack Meeting)

Yesterday, we had our first pack meeting in our newly formed ward. Thirdborn (finally!) received his Bobcat patch. When asked if he would like to say something, Thirdborn replied "I really love Scouting!"

The Love Magnet was ever so supportive....until she got sidetracked by a Cute Baby Alert.

The Love Magnet loves babies. Especially patient ones who will let her hug and kiss them. This particular baby was incredibly forbearing. Can you blame my daughter? Look at the cheeks on that baby. And the red hair and blue eyes. It's almost an overdose of sweetness.



After the awards were done, there was an Easter Egg hung on the back lawn of the church. Unfortunately, The Love Magnet wasn't fast enough. She didn't get one egg.



When they discovered that The Love Magnet didn't have any Easter Eggs in her sack, Thirdborn and two other Cub Scout Heroes shared their eggs with her. The Love Magnet ended up with more eggs than anyone. I am constantly amazed at the kindness and generosity of 8-10 year old kids. None of them were forced to do this. They even hugged back when The Love Magnet expressed her thanks.

Add one more hero. Nothing is better than the view from the top of a big brother's shoulders.

Food Storage Made Easy is selling these cute food storage organizer binders. The whole purpose of FSME is to show you that EVERYONE can do this. They'll hold your hand and walk you through their list of babysteps. Check it out here. They are also giving away a few of these binders in a promotional contest to advertise the new and shiny gizmo. Pass the word on.

I really ROCK at this food storage thing....

Over the weekend I bought 80 boxes of Post cereals for $51.20. That breaks down to $0.67/box. (Cereal that would normally cost $4.98 a box for a total of $398.40.) I saved $347.20.


Now, I know you are thinking: What on earth is she going to do with EIGHTY boxes of Post cereals?!


I'll have you know that I have four children, two of them teenagers. They eat through one box every morning. (no, I am not kidding). If I let them eat cold cereal every single morning, those boxes wouldn't last three months.

Good thing I don't let them eat cold cereal every single morning. There are also pancakes, muffins, oatmeal (not much success in getting them to like oatmeal but they still have to eat it every now and then), bacon and eggs, and smoothies.

Truly, food storage is a really good thing. It saves money since you stock up on sale items. It saves trips to the grocery store. Click on these links for ideas:

Simply Living Smart
Food Storage Made Easy
Provident Living

Sunday Gratitudes

Sunday Gratitudes on a Sunday! That has become a bit rare around here. My life has been so full of school and kids that I hardly get to do much more. I was holding off a post until I could get the pictures downloaded....but my camera isn't cooperating. You'll just have to imagine the beaming faces:

I'm grateful that Thirdborn was awarded the Star Award for Determination. He was beaming in front of the whole school. I can't think of anyone who deserves that Determination Title more than him. He has worked so hard. I'm currently reading Dr. Levine's A Mind At A Time which has been great at explaining how Thirdborn thinks. I'm eager to get the summer academic program started that will focus exactly on his learning disability.

I'm grateful for "Grandma P" who visits The Love Magnet's class once a week to work on writing workshops. This sweet woman helped my daughter to write, illustrate, and "publish" a story called The Rootbeer Float (apparently TLM got the idea after having floats for FHE treat). My daughter so so excited to read the book to me at the Authors Party her class hosted. She was even more excited to read the book to her best friend E. (Unfortunately, the great pic I had of this moment is floating somewhere around my camera. This is where you imagine beaming faces). Let me also share how thankful I am for E. E is so patient with The Love Magnet. They play together and work together. I am so grateful that my daughter has good friends in her class.

I'm grateful for General Conference weekend. The talks will be available to read soon. If you can't wait, you can see the video archives here. I will post the links to my favorites: Elder Holland and Sister Thompson. (I would love to have lunch with Sister Barbara Thompson someday. I think she might be a kindred spirit.) I loved the messages of living within your means, trusting in our Heavenly Father, having faith, understanding the Atonement of Jesus Christ and exactly what his sacrifice means for us. My spirit has rejoiced today. My batteries are recharged.

I'm thankful that I was able to get the research done and my papers finished this past week. More exams and papers coming up every single week until the end of the semester. This semester has been hard, mainly due to the class times, but I'm making it and the semester is almost done.

I'm grateful that we were able to see my family and Mr. Wonderful's family over Spring Break. It had been awhile. I really got to spend some time with my mom and my twin sis. It was divine to be together.

Where in the world is Scarehaircare?

I had a flu shot in October. Apparently it doesn't count for getting the flu in March.

Drat.

So please excuse the omission of Sunday Gratitudes last Sunday. I was in bed. I made the kids miss the first two days of Spring Break. It wasn't much fun for them. I didn't even make the Chocolate Birthday Cake with sprinkles for World Down Syndrome Day. That will have to happen next Sunday. Pics will be forthcoming.

Now we are in Utah visiting family. The kids are enjoying a Spring Break full of snow. I am spending time with my mom and twin sis at my grandma's house. We're going through things and taking home mementos (I will post pics later). Mom saved me one of Grandma's many pickle crocks so I can make my own crystal pickles. I have a few books (one of my absolute favorites when I was growing up was Brigham Young and Me, Clarissa. I was thrilled to get it.) I also have a beautiful watercolor print of antique dolls that my cousin painted. It will go in The Love Magnet's room. Lastly, I have my grandma's Ableskiver pan. If you don't know what abelskivers are, I will show you in a later post. It requires photos of the finished product.

I hadn't been in Grandma's house in over a year. Longer than that - since she left to go into assisted living. It was bitter-sweet to be there - it's hard to believe that Grandma has been gone for 6 months. I looked into a closet and saw her sweaters. Tears came into my eyes - I wanted to wrap myself in a sweater hug. There was one sweater she wore the most, a white thing. I almost took it with me. I wish I did. I really miss my Grandma. I miss her reading Shel Silverstein to me. I miss making raspberry jam in her kitchen. I miss her showing me how to make holly hock dolls every year. I miss her taking me on a tour through her incredible flower and vegetable gardens (My sis-in-love was right - Grandma ran on solar power.) I know I've stated that I miss Grandma's Sunday suppers with the pickle dishes and "yucky" rolls. I miss being able to call Grandma when I needed to hear an adult voice. I miss hearing the family history stories.

Afterwards, we went to the local ice cream parlor for sundaes (raspberry chocolate brownie for twin sis and me and Almond Joy sundae for mom) and cheese fries. (I KNOW!! My inner health-nut was cringing!) There was a reason for this choice of menu: My twin sis brought Grandma S to the same place about a year ago. Grandma fell in love with cheese fries and sundaes. she had never eaten cheese fries before. Grandma wasn't eating much of anything at the time so when anyone found something she liked, they would encourage her to eat all she could. (There is a photo of that trip here.) So this afternoon we toasted Grandma with ice cream and cheese fries.

I won't be eating supper tonight. Someone will have to roll me to bed. This was worth all the calories I'll have to run off next week.

HAPPY WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY!

The Love Magnet and her family hope you celebrate this day appropriately by:

1. Completely eliminating the words retard, retarded, or 'tard from your vocabulary.

2. Ask everyone you know to eliminate those words.

3. Hug a person who has Down syndrome.

Since this is a day for celebrating, The Love Magnet insists that you also make her favorite dessert: Chocolate Birthday Cake. Be sure to include candles and sprinkles. The Love Magnet believes all cakes should have candles and sprinkles.

Mr. President, I'd like you to meet Sarah...

Obama's joke at the expense of Special Olympics. Oh, yes he did say that. Without blinking an eye. I wonder if he thought anything wrong right after that remark or did his PR group have to point it out?

Mr. President (and world) I'd like you to meet Sarah. Sarah has left me comments on this blog for a few months now. She has incredible wisdom as you will see. Her response to the whole situation is respectful and to the point......absolutely perfect. See it here.

(Mr. President, I really think you should invite Sarah to the White House. She is one smart cookie. I shall count myself very blessed if I ever get to meet her in person.)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

picture by Michael Brandy of The Deseret News

These recipes come from a fab Irish pub in Utah (I know, unexpected). I'm making this for supper tonight.

IRISH SODA BREAD
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
1 cup raisins
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
Sift flour, soda, cream of tartar, salt and sugar in a bowl. Add raisins, mix eggs and buttermilk into flour mixture. Knead lightly for a few minutes. Spread on floured cookie sheet or pizza pan. Bake in 350-degree oven for 45 minutes.

SMOKED SALMON CHOWDER
3 pounds red potatoes, cut in quarters
3 carrots, roughly chopped
Olive oil
1 head celery, roughly chopped
2 yellow onions, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1-2 quarts chicken stock (or vegetable stock or water)
2 quarts heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons roux (butter and flour in equal parts, cooked together)
2 pounds gravlax or smoked salmon (MacCool's cures and cold-smokes its salmon. At the supermarket, look for gravlax or smoked salmon)
2 ounces (about 3 tablespoons) chopped dill

Quarter the potatoes, then boil or steam until slightly tender. Drain and refrigerate.
In a heavy-bottomed sauce pot or braiser, saute carrots in olive oil, then add celery and onion and cook until they become soft. Don't let them turn brown, or it will discolor the chowder.
Add garlic and saute another 2 minutes. Add the stock to cover the veggies completely, and bring to a boil. Add heavy cream and bring the mixture to a boil again. After the chowder has reduced somewhat, mix in the roux to thicken it slightly, to the consistency of a stew.
Pour the chowder into a plastic container or bucket and place in an ice bath.

While the chowder is cooling, add the salmon, reserving some for the garnish. (The salmon is already cured and/or smoked, so it's cooked.)

Add the potatoes and dill, and stir gently but thoroughly. The chowder is best if made a day or two before serving. It seems to get a more intense, sweeter flavor after sitting in the refrigerator.

To serve, thoroughly reheat, garnish with some cold thinly sliced gravlax on top, and add a nice hunk of Irish soda bread on the side.

and just in case you want to try MacCool's yourself:

MacCool's Public House locations:
1400 S. Foothill Drive in Salt Lake City
855 W. Heritage Park Blvd. in Layton
11610 S. District Main Drive in South Jordan.

Pink Eye

Ugh. And more ugh.

What I thought yesterday was just goopy eyes from blocked tear ducts (it happens sometimes to my darling little girl) was most definitely a full blown case of pink eye this morning. I kept TLM home from school and called the family doctor first thing this morning.

Midmorning I get a call from the elementary school: Thirdborn has pinkeye and will I come and get him? (Why on earth didn't I see it when I looked at him this morning? He looked fine this morning.)

I called Mr. Wonderful to tell him the news and......his eyes are itchy. Oh, lovely. So are mine, come to think of it. The Love Magnet and her brothers spent yesterday afternoon all together in my bed, watching movies.........infecting my pillows........

So it's a round of eye drops for everyone at this house. And my profuse apologies to anyone else who might have picked it up from my kids this weekend. I shall repent from my not-so-nice thoughts of whomever infected my kids.

One smile: the nurse offered my kids a pair of their very own blue medical gloves so they could handle things without infecting everything. The Love Magnet immediately put hers on, turned to me and said "Mom, give me your arm". She proceeded to do a perfect imitation of taking my blood. She wanted to take everyone's blood - and hug them afterwards for being brave patients.

I had always thought that she would be a teacher's aide when she grew up. Now I am wondering of the possibilities of working in a doctors office. Not doing anything technical.....just offering love to teary patients.

Sunday Gratitudes (on a Monday)

I'm grateful for datenight. I put together a group to continue on the tradition of game night here. These people are great fun. The food is fabulous (there has been a small competition going on for bragging rights to the best meal - I think its a three-way tie so far). Last night I made a Blackberry Almond Tort based on a recipe I found here. Since there wasn't flour in the sponge cake ingredients list (I thought it might be an error) I used the sponge cake recipe from America's Test Kitchen Best New Recipes cookbook. The cake turned out divine. I had enough pastry cream left over to make a trifle for Family Home Evening treat tonight.

I started running last week. It will still be uber hard for another week or two but persistence will pay off. I'm so grateful that K got me started on running. I never would have dared try on my own if it weren't for her. My sweet sis-in-love has registered for the Richmond Marathon in November. She told me that they also have a half marathon and suggested I come with her. Hmmm. Seriously considering.....

The weather has been warming up. My tulips are starting to poke out of the ground, including the tulips I planted a year after I bought the bulbs. So here is gratitude that the bulbs are forgiving. I absolutely love spring flowers.

This week past week was harder than most. My boys and Mr. Wonderful were so good at helping out. Or should I say that Mr. Wonderful was great in rallying the troops to help out? In any case the kitchen was clean and the carpets vacuumed. I'm grateful for my family's love and support. Now I am making it up to them by getting the laundry done today.

Running update

After not running in ages, and getting on the scale only to make myself miserable, I dusted off my running shoes and strapped on my Garmin. It was cold outside. But the skies were a combination of blue and white and the sun was shining. It didn't help that I was given a nasty cough from Mr. Wonderful and the kids. Add that to trying to run against a stiff wind......

Yeah, I know I am complaining. I'm a complainer. The only disability is a bad attitude. Chalk it up to being angry with myself for stopping my running habit and gaining weight as a result. I am not happy with myself at the moment. At least I got out. I'm proud that I did run (1 mile non stop at 11:30/mi. and the second mile off and on because I was coughing so much. I didn't get the third mile in at all).

Last night I got online to check out blog and saw that my sweet Sis-in-love had a similar idea and dusted off her running shoes, too. I feel a kinship with that woman. She is one of my heroes.

Sunday Gratitudes

One huge gratitudes for meds. We've had a sick Mr. Wonderful, followed by The Love Magnet, Thirdborn Son and now me. The only things that seem to help are Vicks vapor products and Mucinex. While I am at it, I am grateful for the stores in easy distance and plenty of products stocked.

Gratitude for a wonderfully supportive church family. These people would walk through fire to help. This week our dear Relief Society President has been just incredible in helping me work through a few minor trials and teaching me humor through it all.

I'm incredibly grateful for a doctor who could give us a name for Thirdborn's learning disability. Thirdborn does have a form of dyslexia. We were even referred to a center that will help Thirdborn retrain his brain how to work with this disability. This doctor did all of this in a fun way that made Thirdborn comfortable. My son came home laughing and telling me about the silly things he had to do. He was more excited to show me the prize he picked for doing so well. I'm also grateful that Thirdborn has already started resource services to help him at school. He has had such a great attitude through it all and that is a big result of his wonderful teacher. I wish I could keep her for every grade.

I'm grateful for Mr. Wonderful. He was all set to take me out to dinner and a dance last Friday when he was sick. I told him that we could cancel and he replied that it wouldn't be fair to me that I needed a datenight. Well, yes I did. I convinced him to put on pjs. Then I ran to the store and splurged on three imported cheeses, a few antipasto items, crackers and non-alcoholic sparkling pear juice. I put everything together on a tray along with a high quality chocolate and toffee bar. We watched Cold Comfort Farm at which I laughed uproariously and Mr. Wonderful was baffled. When I told him we did not have to watch it he told me that he was just happy being with me. Isn't Mr. Wonderful wonderful?

Oh, the Simple Joys

Wearing your softest pajamas to school.

Green eggs and ham.

Watching the movie Horton Hears A Who.

Cuddling with your favorite princess fleece blanket.

Reading The Cat In The Hat.

Blue frosting - your favorite color.

Best. School day. Ever.

I wish I could wear my pajamas to school, eat green eggs, watch movies and read fun books all day, and really truly enjoy blue frosting'd cupcakes with wild abandon. Unfortunately, 40 year old moms in college just don't get to do fun things like that.

Be a Duck- God loves them, too.

Have you ever been offended? Really, really offended? Hurt? Feel a bit bitter about it all?

This rarely happens to me. Most the time I have no idea that someone offended me until they come to apologize and I just blink at them wondering what on earth they are talking about. No harm, no foul. No worries.

But once in a blue moon something happens (like this last week) where someone does offend me. This one happened anonymously. I won't say what it was other than that being anonymous must make them braver. (Please, next time you have a problem with me, come and tell me. I won't get offended. I won't yell or scream. We'll have a great conversation over herbal tea and a sweet. You might even like me, after all.)

In the mean time, you've read my Gratitudes where I learned to Be A Duck. Just let it roll off my back. The thought makes me grin and want to quack. (I know a bit corny, but right now, whatever helps me to lighten up is a good thing.)

Another piece of great advice came from someone whom I unknowingly offended (who held the grudge for two years and then used the situation as an example for a Sunday School lesson. It was the first time I had ever heard about the problem - had I known sooner, I would have apologized profusely. Instead I got to hear the story unfold along with the rest of my ward. They were staring at me out of pity along with some trying to hide smiles, knowing - hoping?- that I would laugh at this later. I had more than a few people come up to me afterwards to ask if I was offended that he publicly humiliated me like that. Oh, good grief. I wish I knew about Be A Duck back then). His words of wisdom that day were a mantra: God loves them, too. That is how he said he finally got over it, by realizing that God loved me, too, no matter how many faults I had. Turn about being fair play, I repeated that mantra about him. It worked. I got over it.

I've been thinking a lot about this today. There has got to be more wisdom like this out there.
If you have it, let me know. I'll start a collection.

Quack

Sunday Gratitudes

I regret having missed my Sunday Gratitudes last week. I had the week from The Vortex of Doom (what I prefer saying rather than you-know-where. Just humor me, okay?) But the week ended much better than it started. I have much for which to be grateful.

I am grateful that Firstborn blessed the Sacrament for the first time today. Firstborn turned 16 at the beginning of February. Since our ward boundaries were reorganized at the same time, his ordination to become a Priest had to wait a few weeks. He was ordained last week and today I was a proud mom as my son reverently blessed the sacrament. I am so grateful that he honors his priesthood. He has a great example in his dad.

I'm grateful for the wise counsel "Be a duck" (meaning 'let it roll off your back'). This week, after a particularly hard trial, I was told this by an amazing woman. You know who you are. Heavenly Father blessed me by putting you in my path. You were his angel when I really needed it.

I'm grateful that we were able to learn the results of the testing for Thirdborn and his learning disability. We weren't given a name for it, but results did qualify him for resource help. I'm happy that he will get this extra help and I pray that it helps him be successful. Thirdborn has an appointment this month with a medical doctor that specializes in diagnosing learning disabilities. I am grateful that we were able to finally get an appointment with him. I want to better understand what Thirdborn is enduring and how best I can help him.

I'm grateful that Secondborn is doing so well in school that he has been asked to tutor other kids before school. He loves helping his classmates. I love that he is giving service.

I'm grateful that Mr. Wonderful is finally on the upswing after catching an awful virus. He has been coughing and feeling 'blah' for over a week now. It's hard for him to keep up the work schedule he has when he doesn't feel 100%. But today he was starting to sound like himself again.

I'm grateful that I aced my math and Child Psych exams last week. That felt great to know nearly all the answers. I didn't ace my stats exam (far from it) but the professor said I can still get a good grade if I keep doing well on my homework and do better on future exams. While I am on that subject, I am grateful that the Statistics TA's are patient. They are going to see a lot of me during the next few weeks before exam #2.