Stay at Home Saturday – Tricks and Tips!

My head is brimming with lots of neat little things to share with you today as I am always learning new things that I want to share. That’s the great thing about the world we live in – information is constantly at our fingertips and there’s always something new to learn, especially when it come to cooking and keeping a home!

During the summer, beautiful, green zucchini is abundant. I have friends that grow it and I was privileged recently to receive the biggest zucchini I’ve ever seen in my life. My friend Aundrea grew it so it was organic, huge, and beautiful. Seriously, I can’t believe I forgot to take a picture of this thing – it looked like a gourd! Now, when a zucchini gets that big, apparently it isn’t very good for roasting, but it is good for baking. Naturally, that’s what I gravitated toward so I made 6 mini loaves and 1 large loaf of zucchini bread. However, I still had a ton of zucchini left!

I read in a cookbook of mine that you can shred zucchini and freeze it for later use. I was concerned about it turning brown, but guess what? It worked like a charm! I used my food processor to shred several cups and then froze them in 1/2 cup, 1 cup and 2 cup portions (label your containers!). They froze beautifully and when it’s time to use them, just run them under hot water to defrost. But what to do with the zucchini? You can make bread, of course, but you can also add it to spaghetti sauce or chili, soups, even meatloaf! I read that you can even add it to brownies, but I’m not willing to try that just yet!

Here’s what it looks like, all chopped up:

Here is 1/2 cup shredded zucchini in my spaghetti sauce:

And here’s the gorgeous caprese salad and fresh strawberries I served with my spaghetti – mmm, mmm, good!:

TNT Tip

If you have a picky eater like I do, you know that getting fiber into their diets is difficult. One way I’ve been helping this little matter is by sprinkling a generous portion of ground flaxseed on my son’s peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Since the flaxseed has a nutty taste, he is none the wiser! (Just make sure you get ground flaxseed, or flaxseed meal, found in the baking aisle!)

Love,

Amy

Train Up Tuesday: The Rewards of Reading

I hope that your summer is off to a great start! Reading any great books with the kids yet? Like we mentioned 2 weeks ago, summer time provides great opportunities for reading because of the time available and because the library and other programs offer various incentives for reading. Plus, it gives a good reason to stay in the cool indoors, by the pool, or in the shade if it is as hot where you are as it is where I am!

There are SOOOOOooooo many reward programs out there that I couldn’t begin to cover them all. Be sure to check out your local library, bookstores (both chain and independent), restaurants, and even some banks.

Here are a few that I have come across:

Barnes and Noble, as usual, has their summer reading program kicked off (May through early September 2010) in the form of a Passport. Download the form, tracking which books you read (and places you “visit” in each book). After 8 books, return the form to a B&N bookstore to choose a free book from the list. Also, participants are entered to win a autographed copy of complete set of The 39 Clues books. There are also parent/child activities you can download on this site.

Scholastic not only has several helpful articles and reading lists to help parents encourage their young readers, but the also have a summer reading challenge for 3-7 and 7 and up. The challenge for 7 and up readers involves logging minutes online to help their schools break the “world record”. The top 20 schools will be recognized in a “Scholastic Book of World Records”. The site also has other interactive opportunities for both age groups.

In addition to other rewards programs throughout the year, Chuck E. Cheese has a new “reading rewards” program. If kids read everyday for 2 weeks, they earn 10 tokens (with a pizza purchase).

Pizza Hut sponsors a Book It program for ages K-6 with readers earning a chance to be entered into a prize drawing. Check them out for more details: bookitprogram.com.

Even Pottery Barn Kids has a special offer for kids who attend their bookclub (Tuesdays)!

In the northeastern part of the country, TD Bank has reward of $10 if young readers complete 10 books.

Some parts of the country (mostly the west/mid-west) offer a $3 gift card through Half Priced Books for each week that children 14 and under read for at least 15 minutes a day (good through July 31, 2010)!

You don’t have to plug into a reading program to reward reading, however. Reading should be its own reward. It enhances imaginations, takes you to other places, develops vocabulary and a world of other ideas and opportunities. However, if that isn’t motivation enough, come up with your own motivators. Be involved in reading with your child (if they will let you). Find or create activities based on stories that they are reading and love. Scholastic has a few good articles you may want to consider, especially this one.

If you have any ideas that you are using or have come across, please share them with us!

Happy reading!
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: The Perfect Gift for Father's Day!

Father’s Day can be something else when it comes to buying gifts! I’m not convinced that most dads even want the “novelty” stuff that is suggested on tv, internet, and sales ads. Most people I know think men are more difficult to buy for anyway. Perhaps that’s true. But this week, I have a GREAT suggestion for what you can give your hubby, your children’s dad for Father’s Day:
HONOR

“The Greek word for honor means ‘to revere, prize, and value.’ Honor is giving respect not only for merit but also for rank.” (gotquestions.org)

Even if you’ve never heard one of his acts (I haven’t), you’re probably at least familiar with the connection between Rodney Dangerfield and the line “I get no respect.” Often those one-liners are related to his relationships to his parents, wife or kids.

Unfortunately, he could probably be the poster child for Dads today...both in and out of the “church” world. You may or may not be guilty, but I’m sure that we’ve all at least been around women who treat their husbands with little to no respect (both behind closed doors and even within church walls or other social environments).

I’ve hard many reasons as to why men are not getting respect. “He doesn’t lead the home;” “He doesn’t deserve my respect because you have to earn my respect;” even things like “He’s an idiot.” I’m not kidding. Even if these words aren’t said, you often see them lived out in the way the husband or father is treated.

Though I could go on and on about this topic (and I’m sure there is a wealth of material on the subject), I only want to share a few thoughts...not just my thoughts (does it really matter what I think about it?), but what Scripture has to say about this and then how it affects our child-rearing.

First of all, we often mistakenly assume that when we “give honor to whom it is due” it means that someone has earned honor based on merit or actions. While that may certainly be true in some instances, in the case of the role of fathers, the honor bestowed is actually the result of a command given by God because of the authority that He has given to fathers (for His glory). Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1-3 remind us not only of the command but that it is the first command with a promise of blessing and reward (long life).

The promise of reward doesn’t make it easier to bestow honor, respect, and submission, however. We need God’s love to perfect that in us. One thing that can help enable us to honor for the right reasons is looking at it in light of why we should do it. Obeying the command, of course, but also because it pleases God...not merely to please men:

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:17-24)


Ephesians 5:22-24 also reminds us:

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.


As an argument to why some women “can’t” submit to their husbands, I’ve heard that they shouldn’t have to if the husband isn’t leading, because Scripture goes on to say that husbands are to lead their wives and love her and not be harsh to her. These women have had bad experiences, I’m sure. But, what if the man says that he won’t lead because the wife isn’t submitting to him?! We have to consider the other side (and no, I’m not just simply taking his side). But it isn’t a conditional command. Remember that honor begets honor.

If the husband leading is an issue, I encourage you to read this article on desiringgod.org.

I know there are struggles with submission for those who are in marriages where the husband is not a Christian, away from God, or simply doesn’t fully realize his role as leader of the home. Certainly there is frustration in that. I know that my litigating personality wants to jump right in there and argue or talk it out, make suggestions, or vent frustrations....but 1 Peter 3 reminds us of the beauty of silence (NOT a cold shoulder, mind you) and of displaying our submission in our conduct. I like the English Standard Version of 1 Peter 3 verse 1-2:

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.


Titus 2 reminds us that younger women should be trained to love (which involves respect, honor, and submission) their husbands not just for the benefit of a happy household...but ultimately so that no one can malign the word of God. (For more on that, you can go back and read an archived entry on “Small Kingdom Work” )

But let’s not just look at the importance of reverence just as wives, but as mothers. We all know that children mirror what they see rather than just learn what they are taught they should do.

I’ve even noticed it myself. Although I greatly respect my husband and submit to him (well...I mean to most of the time)...I notice that those times when I question him or want to "discuss" things casually in front of the kids (and I’m not even talking about big arguments or anything like that) I can often see those attitudes mirrored in the inflection and tone that my boys take (my oldest in particular) with their conversation or relationship with their father. Boy, I don’t want that! It reminds me to get on my knees and repent and watch myself - for my benefit, my boys’ benefit, my husband’s honor, and ultimately God’s honor.

We have to be mindful of the generations that we are influencing...because all this has a trickle down effect.

Even when my husband doesn’t display perfection (which is so rare ;-), my children and I owe our honor, respect, and submission to him for so many reasons, the most important of which is for the glory of God.

I hope this encourages you to give your husband and your children’s dad the best gift he could receive...HONOR. (good luck figuring out how to wrap it!)

Much love,
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Summer Reading for and with Your Kids

The “official” date for summer is still a couple weeks away, but unofficially, it’s probably already summer for you. Many kids are out of school and family vacations are well underway! Summer is a favorite time for reading - extended vacation times, special library or other incentive programs (more on that later this month), and a desire to nurture little brains so they don’t turn to mush being out of the school routine. :)

Thanks to those who have contributed to our lists of suggested books! This week, we offer reading for children.

First, I’ll share a few favorite series:

• Anything by Eric Carle. Your child probably already recognizes his work, even if you aren’t familiar with his name. His illustrations/art is spectacular. You may be most familiar with “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”. Here is a list of his work. My oldest really likes “Pancake Pancake” while my youngest really enjoys “10 Little Rubber Ducks”. Other than his use of color, the thing I really like about his books is that they are available in easy reader, large versions and also small, board book versions that are splendid for toddlers. You’ll also want to check out The Caterpillar Exchange, which provides some great activities and crafts suggested and tried by teachers, librarians, and other learning enthusiasts.

• Charlie & Lola by Lauren Child (who also wrote the “Clarice Bean” series). You may recognize these characters if you have the Disney Channel. We were introduced to these characters in this way, but now we go after the books instead! They are so fun to read (especially if you use a British accent, as the characters do) :) Our favorites are probably “I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato” (great for those of us with picky eaters), and “Snow is My Favorite and My Best”...though, to be honest, it is difficult to narrow our favorites down to two in this series. The illustrations are also great and the stories sound like dialogue you may actually hear from your little ones.

• Clifford (as in the “big red dog”) by Norman Bridwell - this suggestion was given by a young teacher who works with young children. I checked out a few recently for my boys. They recognized the lead character from the PBS tv series. The plus about reading a series with a tv adaptation is that you can find great supplemental activities online, too! I’m always up for activities that help to make any learning experience a multi-sensory one. Check out PBS's site as well as Scholastic's for great ideas.
  

• Curious George. Although this character has become wildly popular due to recent movies, tv shows and merchandising, it all began with simple books written by Hans Augusto Rey and Margret Rey. Because George is curious, reading these books provides great opportunities to talk about figuring things out....something you can do with your child. The PBS show’s site also provides great science based activities in the way of videos launched by the show episodes. There are also games, printables, and even lesson plans (under the “teachers” tab) to enhance learning experiences.

• Franklin the Turtle (who also has a tv series based on his character) is a charming book series, as well. This series, written by Paulette Bourgeois, often has great morals. There are also some lesson plans and learning activities out there for this guy, too. Check out Scholastic’s site for more information or links listed here and here.
  

• Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner is a series introduced to me by another library-loving mother. The character is quite hilarious - a Siamese kitten with huge ears, thus convincing him that he is actually a Chihuahua (yep, another accent, which I so enjoy using when reading aloud!). The Skippyjon Jones website also has printables, a curriculum connections guide to ALL of the books, English/Spanish activities, as well as many other things you can do while reading these books.

Other reading:

There are so many other suggestions for reading! I would encourage you to start with something they are already interested in. Perhaps it’s trains, fairy tales, or another country. Often, libraries already have a list of suggested reading for popular topics on hand. Be sure to ask!

Also, maybe your child really loves a particular movie (classic or new) that is based on a novel or series. Consider undertaking the task of reading the actual book to them; they will already be familiar with characters, even if the story is different from the movie (and it likely will be). It could be anything from Roald Dahl’s "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" or Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" made popular by recent films to classics like the Mary Poppins series by P.L. Travers or "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls made popular by some older films.

Although I listed quite a few books made popular by television or film, I don’t want to skip over classic good books. Classical education is strong in this area (reading beyond textbooks and novel excerpts). Here is a list of 1000 Good Books for primary readers which covers just about anything you can imagine (from picture books to advanced primary readers)! Also, for the older child (teens), here are lists of 100 Great Books, covering everything from Ancient & Classical to the American and Modern (and everything in between).

Well, this is just some of what you’ve suggested or what I’ve come across recently. Have you found any good lists or favorite books? Or perhaps you have links to some creative reading enhancement activities. Please share them with us!

-Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Oceans of Fun

My family recently went on our family vacation to the beach...with the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Such fun times! I love the beach immensely...so much so, that it’s the only time I have to fight back tears upon realizing when the week is over we are heading home.
When we are home, I love anything that reminds me of the ocean...calming colors, additions to our seashell collection, and letting my boys continue to play with their “beach toys” - buckets, shovels, and their findings. Who says they have to be stowed away until the next trip?!

This week I’ll share a few ideas that will keep your mind in sand even if aren’t close to the waters.

We have SEVERAL buckets at our house. Different sizes, shapes, and colors. Some with broken handles :)....those don’t make it back to the beach since they aren’t the easiest to transport...but they are still good for something! One game we have played with our buckets is like the old “Grand Prize Game” from the Bozo Show (did anyone else love watching that part of the show as much as I did as a kid?). Anyway, in case you aren’t familiar with the game, you line up buckets and standing a few inches from the first one, you take turns tossing a ping-pong ball into each successive bucket. Simple enough game, but the little guys seem to enjoy it.


You can also use your buckets for collecting treasures around the yard for for water transfer activities (which can surprisingly entertain toddlers for quite some time). Buckets are also great when you don’t have room or patience for even a kiddie pool.

If you visit a shelly beach or a pebbly beach (which I have grown quite fond of in recent years), be sure to collect a few on each trip. It’s a great way to preserve memories of your vacation, to expand a sensory table or basket, or to use for future crafts and activities. I don’t know what we’re gonna do with all the shells and stones we have collected just in the last 5 years much less as the boys grow up and the collections expand! (Suggestions please)

Don’t just look for the ones you consider “keepers”, either. Broken or worn down shells can be great for art projects, too!


Last year, we painted shells, just for fun. Some of them we used as ornaments for grandparents who came with us on the trip. You can “google” phrases like "seashell art and crafts” and find all sorts of novel and sometimes silly things to do with them! I hope to introduce some of these crafts to my boys this summer.

I’ve noticed that we often have many of the same type of shell depending on the beach we visit. Use it as an opportunity to sort shells by shapes, colors, or sizes.

Chasing Cheerios' blog also has some great ideas for sea shell activities. The shell necklace would be great for those shells that already have holes in them. :)
While you are at the beach, don’t forget to bring home some sand as well. I don’t mean like a truckload (you’d probably get caught). Just a few baggies worth. Sand feels so wonderful between little fingers...and apparently wet sand is great on bellies...


You can use the sand to draw in the sand at home (practicing letters and numbers) or to bury small treasures or the shells you’ve found.

One of my friends and Roof reader (Leighann) share a few fun ideas with me recently - beach in a bottle and beach in a bag. Both activities involve putting sand, shells, toy sea animals, and perhaps water, glitter, and blue food coloring in a container to create your own beach environment. We really enjoyed making ours!

I also came across another beach in a bag sensory activity that I hope to do this week (posting pictures and updating the blog later, too).

I also remember doing another ocean in a bottle activity with some under age 4 kids several years ago. You use a bottle, water, oil, and glitter to create an miniature ocean wave experience.

EverythingPreschool.com has SEVERAL suggestions for beach related games and activities that you’ll want to check out as well.

Are you totally bummed out now because you don’t live near a beach? Don’t sweat it! I’ve found plenty of colored sand as well as shells or pebbles in a basket at places like the Dollar Store or at craft stores. Even if you or your little one haven’t visited a beach, you can still get in on the fun!

I hope you’ve enjoyed some of the suggested activities for Summer Time fun that we’ve explored over the last month! Please share any other ideas you have or links you love.

-Ashlie