Life Every Day

Necessity...the Mother of Invention.

2012-01-27T16:51:00.000-06:00

This afternoon the kids came home from school and went right outside to play.

I finished up some things and turned on The King's Speech to unwind after working all day (love that movie).

Later, everyone came in for snacks- hot chocolate and toasted oat and pecan scones- which we ate while basking in some seriously awesome afternoon sunshine. It was a good day.

I wanted a scone too (and honestly, how apropos considering said film) but would have really dug a hot cup of french press. I just didn't want to clean the french press later, making more work for myself for just one cup of coffee.

It dawned on me that my tea infuser would probably rock this job and it did. Absolutely no difference whatsoever, and so much easier.

Never Edit the Snow-Nose.

2012-01-24T05:00:00.001-06:00

Impromptu Jams.

2012-01-23T05:00:00.001-06:00

An original song...

And a cover...

Cooking School, or, Just One Long Love Letter to the Test Kitchen

2012-01-19T13:15:00.000-06:00

America's Test Kitchen has finally opened their online cooking school (links below).

Back in college, I loved watching America's Test Kitchen on Saturday afternoons on PBS.

When I got married, I didn't know how to cook, outside of the basics and quasi-prepared foods that came from a box or were inspired by a recipe on the back of a can. I endeavored to learn, capable of following a recipe, and did fine.

In 2006 I got serious about cooking. I still loved watching and learning from the Test Kitchen on TV, and invested in two of their books- the Family Cookbook and Cook's Illustrated's Best 30-Minute Recipe (Incredibly valuable to a mom with three, soon-to-be four very small children.)

And then I was hooked.

rosemary focaccia

These are not recipes hastily developed to "sound good" and "look easy" in a magazine or on a package, while simultaneously selling you a product like so many are designed to do, coupled with a deceivingly gorgeous, mouthwatering photograph that looks nothing like the final result.

These also aren't created to sound exotic or snobbish, for people to complete in order to prove a point, or feel "advanced" in the kitchen, like the recipes you'll find sometimes from Martha Stewart or from cooking shows on TV that you will never in your lifetime emulate.

classic gingerbread

The Test Kitchen works to create iron-clad, fool-proof, reliable recipes that work scientifically in the tradition of Julia Child; and that taste incredible. They do not cut corners, and create recipes that work.

best blueberry scones

And what is wonderful is that these excellent, precise recipes are also accessible to the home cook. The instructions leave nothing out, but are constructed in a concise, clear way that is simple to follow, using honest, real ingredients. This is real cooking.

After spending several years cooking almost exclusively with America's Test Kitchen, Cooks Illustrated, and Cook's Country, I have learned and absorbed so much by doing.

chocolate cream cupcakes

I'm quite capable of improvising in the kitchen now, with a handful of staple ingredients and the knowledge these recipes have given me. Many of them are now locked in my memory.

It's very empowering.

best baked apples

This is intelligent, informed cooking for real kitchens, for your real family, for those who want to know how it works, not simply to be told what to do.

Our family has benefited from these recipes so much, and I have personally enjoyed the experience of using them so much, that I feel happy to give them my money for my CooksIllustrated.com membership, or for a new book or subscription.

This cooking school is a great opportunity to work with solid instruction, at your own pace, in your own kitchen, with foods your own family will enjoy. If you want to cook- to really cook- I obviously think you should give these guys a shot, and perhaps even consider joining in this online school. It sounds wonderful.

Visit these links for more:

Cooks Illustrated

America's Test Kitchen

America's Test Kitchen Online Cooking School

America's Test Kitchen Radio Podcast

Cook's Country

Find them on your local PBS station.

Bon Appetit.

Read That.

2012-01-18T11:04:00.000-06:00

Here's What I've Been Reading...

The Omnivore’s Dilemma, by Michael Pollan

Reading with the Stars, A Celebration of Books and Libraries, Compiled by Leonard Kniffel

77 Love Sonnets, by Garrison Keillor

The Glamour of Grammar: A Guide to the Magic and Mystery of Practical English, by Roy Peter Clark

The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God, by Timothy and Kathy Keller

And I just started...

Small Things with Great Love: Adventures in Loving Your Neighbor, by Margot Starbuck

Pug Mug: Adventures in Shooting Modes

2012-01-16T12:32:00.001-06:00

Today I wanted to take a minute to show you a very basic difference between your DSLR's Full Auto Mode, Auto No Flash (Still fully automatic but you force your camera to expose the shot without a flash), and Manual Mode (you tell it how to take the picture).

These are shown Straight Out of Camera (SOOC) and were shot in succession with a Canon 85mm f/1.8 lens.

They were taken in my bedroom in the late afternoon, on a cloudy, dingy day, but there was still plenty of light for a decent shot. Not ideal lighting, but not terrible either.

Here we have Full Auto Mode, usually a green box etc on your dial. As you can see, cameras are lazy. They throw up that flash in nearly any shooting situation that doesn't take place outdoors in the sun.

DSLRs also have an automatic mode with no flash; no matter what the flash won't fire. This mode is usually represented by a box with a flash lightning bolt with a line through it, etc.

I am pretty impressed with that one. It opened up the aperture all the way, kept the shutter speed up at a comfortable spot, ISO isn't too high (the higher the number, the more grain in the photo).

I was so disappointed in the full Auto results in the first photo, because there really was some decent light to harness in the room without a flash and- Come. On. I was shooting with an 85mm 1.8, Auto Mode! You picked f/4?! Honestly!! And slowed down to 1/60?!? Get your head in the game!

Using Auto with no flash forced the camera to find the light in other ways, not just with auxiliary lighting. Not every experience with this mode will be this good, but here in this light and with a good lens it worked pretty well.

And then, Manual mode-

I chose a wide open aperture, which I usually avoid unless the light isn't ideal, like right now. I then boosted my ISO to 800 so I could get a nice and bright exposure at a speed of 1/125. I like to stay at 1/125 or above for anything alive and moving, like people or pets. I typically don't see unpleasing grain with increased ISO until 1600 or above, so I wasn't worried about that here.

You can see the most noticeable difference here in the clarity of Bacon's face. A faster speed (he was sniffing and moving a bit) kept motion blur from being an issue, and my manually adjusted focal point gave emphasis to the right thing- his eye.

If you're not comfortable leaving Auto mode, some DSLR models will allow you to adjust your focal point even in Full Auto- but some do not. Consult your manual or Dr. Google to learn how to do this with your own particular camera.

Happy Shooting!

Sick Day.

2012-01-16T11:45:00.002-06:00

Future Jackrabbits.

2012-01-13T08:37:00.000-06:00

Sold out at the Frost; final score: Jacks beat the U 86-56. Not even a contest- but a fun game for the kids to watch. Go Blue!

Glamour.

2012-01-10T10:06:00.000-06:00

Right now I'm reading through a fantastic book called The Glamour of Grammar.

Roy Peter Clark's books on language and writing are concise, clear, relevant, and witty. He also shares my opinions about APA's pitfalls and Harry Potter's importance, bonus points there.

Writing Tools is a key book to own and reference as well.

These books are accessible and useful for any native speaker and writer, but they are particularly appreciated by anyone who holds a special place in their heart for the language; those of us who love English so much that we don't only love to read it, we love to read about it. For fun.

For instance, Glamour suggested that I pick five favorite letters, and write as many words as I could that began with each. I had a great time. I love words! I need to do things like this more often. It just makes my writing better- more free, creative, loosens up tight spaces.

Honestly, I don't put forth much effort into how I write what I write on this blog. I know it's for my family, and for me to simply follow the practice of writing about anything in my daily life- but I should be more intentional to include my "best" writing here from time to time, and I haven't been. Usually that's found in my journals or, especially this year, in homework. I write some really stunning things that never find their way past my discussion groups and professors- I should put that much thought into my musings on everyday things.

Reading through these books right now is reminding me that I need to work more at spicing up my everyday writing, using new and exciting punctuation, rather than my old crutches. I need to use my thesaurus more. I need to write as I write for "real" things that count, rather than always writing "as I talk" on my blog; though of course all styles are welcome here.

It's not so much about changing the subject matter, as that is already quite varied. It's about changing how I say it for more impact. Of course, classes begin this week and my blog will be neglected, and this resolution will be put on the back burner for a time. At least it's gotten me thinking.

Oh, and another thing...

Penny

2012-01-10T09:12:00.000-06:00

Weathered.

2012-01-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

I've been sorting through old photographs, letters, and postcards, finding some to display.

This is a photograph of my great grandfather, who died a year before I was born, in my grandmother's kitchen, long ago.

Look at that gorgeous indirect light, throwing his weathered face into relief. It's one of the most beautiful photographs I've ever seen.

Taste the Rainbow.

2012-01-05T05:00:00.001-06:00

The HyVee Bakery sells these awesome colorful loaves of white bread every few days or so. They try lots of color combinations and even had straight up green and red for Christmastime. It just tastes like good, simple, white bakery bread.

It's not there every day, but they're always happy to tell you when they think they might be making more loaves so you can stop in early in the day. I buy two or three at a time and keep them in the freezer.

It's $2.99 a loaf- obviously a bit more expensive and less nutritious than our regular whole grain bread, but the girls love finding it in their lunchboxes at school. It's a special treat, and "all" their friends think it's way cool.

I love surprising them with this little luxury from time to time.

It's the little things.

Downton Abbey

2012-01-04T09:59:00.000-06:00

Sigh. I said I would wait until the second season was done before watching, so I could devour them all at once.

But, I can't do it.

Can't wait for Sunday night!

If you haven't caught on to the awesomeness that is Downton Abbey, you can catch up at PBS.org or on Netflix streaming. Set in WW1 Era Britain, it's like Austen with a fresh and modern storyline full of twists and turns (all told in that gorgeous, understated English way, of course). A bit Upstairs, Downstairs, a bit Gosford Park, and crazy addictive. Watch with friends.

2012-01-03T21:01:00.000-06:00

"Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

2012-01-01T05:00:00.018-06:00

Starting the new year with a fantastic meal.

Though these twelve months are not guaranteed to me, and should I brave them they will indeed be filled with unknowns, this morning my heart is ready to embrace them undaunted.

Little things and big, I'm looking forward to 2012.

Happy New Year.

Wet Paint.

2011-12-30T14:25:00.000-06:00

Jim got me a watercolor set for Christmas. I've been wanting to try out watercolor painting for a while- I've never done it (or any other painting) before. I just love the washes and the blending, the way the paint behaves, and the things I've seen others do with it. So, why not try it for myself as a little winter hobby?

Armed with several library books on topic I painted for four hours yesterday afternoon. I need quite a bit of practice, but I have enjoyed it.

Things I have on my side: Good knowledge of color, composition, and photograph/subject inspiration.

Things against me: Lack of experience, talent, and patience.

I am keeping on. I painted a lovely parakeet yesterday , as well as a peacock today. Both are satisfactory, if not beginner-level. Above is my first acceptable painting- a "honey bird" as Hudson calls it.

Spring Sessions.

2011-12-30T14:02:00.002-06:00

After a break this fall, dates are set for spring photography classes at the Museum of Visual Materials. I wasn't sure if it would work out with my current schedule, but I caved- I love doing this!

You know, I've had several students tell me that they've taken other photography classes, only to find the information over-simplified or in general, a let-down.

Students have been psyched to find a class that works step by step, methodically, transitioning from the most basic information up to techniques that may take years to master, all in one night, with all of the class information included in a simple take-home packet and a free pass to ask me questions any time in the future.

I focus on getting things right in-camera, using natural light only, so this is perfect for the everyday photographer who wants better pictures, without extra equipment or software. And all in a relaxed environment. All I'm saying is, you will probably love these classes. OK?

BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY

Want to learn how to take better pictures with ANY camera? Nearly all that makes a photograph great happens before we click the shutter. Learn the basics of composition, color, light and more at this class.

Requirements: Any camera and a desire to take better photographs.
Cost: $25
Time: 7-8:30
Dates: February 21, March 6, April 17

DSLR BASICS

We purchase a DSLR because we think it will take "better" pictures- only to find it clunky, confusing, and many times the results are disappointing. Join us for the DSLR Basics class to learn all the technical basics you need to understand the terms and functions of your DSLR, and leave with a packet of very useful information in a friendly format. You'll leave with all of the information you'd need to make the transition from Auto to Manual at your own pace.

Requirements: A DSLR or plans to own one in the future.
Cost: $25
Time: 7-8:30
Dates: February 28, March 27, and April 24.

The material is unique to each class, with no overlap of information between the two. Those interested in the DSLR class will find Basic Photography useful as well, as they work in tandem.

A portion of each session fee supports the MoVM and all the great art and events they bring to our community. Class size for each is very limited. Call Jessica at the MoVM (Uptown at 500 N Main- just down the street from The Ransom) to get a spot or two, and make sure to bring a friend- these classes are so much fun! Please pass these dates on as well, if you know someone who might enjoy these classes. It's a huge high five to me when they fill up. Thanks!

Jan Brett

2011-12-30T05:00:00.001-06:00

Grace has been obsessed with Jan Brett books this season since she did a unit on the author at school.

She loves the stories, the B stories, and the illustrations. She has spent tons of time on Jan Brett's website- which is a super wonderful place for an older child to explore. It is full of fun information and instructional videos teaching us how to draw her characters for ourselves- all very charming and neat. You can even save the files to your computer to use anywhere- how generous! This one is Grace's favorite character- and there's a cute surprise guest.

Grace has drawn quite a bit from these videos, and I would post a picture of her work if I had one...another day. Brett is a lovely woman and a wonderful teacher as well as storyteller. These books are especially great in winter and of course can be found at your local library. Enjoy- we certainly have.

2011 Top 10 List: Books Edition

2011-12-29T05:00:00.003-06:00

I read some amazing books this year. In the spirit of top 10 lists, I thought I'd throw together a list of the ones that impacted me the most.
I essentially went over my list of books I'd read over the year and picked the ones that I got emphatic about, telling friends, "YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK." etc.

Whether it was insightful or beautiful or moving or wise or entertaining or all of the above, I would call each of these a very good book.

In no particular order.............

1. Generous Justice: How God's Grace Makes Us Just, by Timothy Keller

2. The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mocking Jay, by Suzanne Collins

3. Harry Potter, Books 1-7, by J.K. Rowling

4. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, by Eric Metaxas

5. Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L'Engle

6. Bossypants, by Tina Fey

7. Evolving in Monkey Town, by Rachel Held Evans

8. Art and the Bible (Ivp Classics) by Francis A. Schaeffer

9. The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne and My Life in France, by Julia Child and Alex Prud’Homme tie for this spot- books I've read in the past and re-read this year because they were so good.

10. Jesus, My Father, the CIA and Me: A Memoir...of Sorts, by Ian Morgan Cron

To re-cap, here is a full list of what I read this year- I love seeing other people's reading lists, so I will include my own. If you have read any of them, or need some suggestions and want to chat about books let me know- I have a few friends who are a great source for reading inspiration (you know who you are) and I LOVE talking books with you ladies! Oh, and here is a link to a useful list of children's books (that adults enjoy) as well.

Also, for other ideas, here is a list of what I read in 2010 and several of the books I read in 2009 (before I kept better track). Looking forward to lots of reading in 2012!

What I Read in 2011:

The Hunger Games Trilogy, by Suzanne Collins

   The Hunger Games (x2)
   Catching Fire (x2)
   Mocking Jay (x2)

The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne

Art and the Bible (Ivp Classics) by Francis A. Schaeffer

Generous Justice: How God's Grace Makes Us Just, by Timothy Keller

A Retrospect, by James Hudson Taylor

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream, by David Platt

The Story of God, the Story of Us: Getting Lost and Found in the Bible, by Sean Gladding

Besides the Bible: 100 Books that Have, Should, or Will Create Christian Culture, Dan Gibson

Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen

The Life of Harriet Beecher Stowe by Charles Edward Stowe

Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte

Harry Potter, Books 1-7, by J.K. Rowling

   Socerer’s Stone (x2)
   Chamber of Secrets (x2)
   Prisoner of Azkaban (x2)
   Goblet of Fire (x2)
   Order of the Phoenix (x2)
   Half-Blood Prince (x2)
   Deathly Hallows (x2)

The Prodigal God, by Timothy Keller

The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, by Mark A. Noll

The Diary of an Old Soul, by George MacDonald

Phantastes, by George MacDonald

Looking for God in Harry Potter, by John Granger

Spoken from the Heart, by Laura Bush

Love Wins, by Rob Bell

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, by J.K. Rowling

Restless Spirit: The Life and Work of Dorothea Lange, by Elizabeth Partridge

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, by Eric Metaxas

How Harry Cast His Spell: The Meaning Behind the Mania for J. K. Rowling's Bestselling Books, by John Granger (x2)

Evolving in Monkey Town, by Rachel Held Evans

50 Photographers You Should Know, by Peter Stephan

The Poor Will Be Glad: Joining the Revolution to Lift the World Out of Poverty, by Peter Greer and Phil Smith

Jayber Crow, by Wendell Berry

Leavings, by Wendell Berry

Eat This Book, by Eugene H. Peterson

What I Eat: Around the World in 80 Diets, by Peter Menzel

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, by Amy Chua

Veganist, by Kathy Fretson

Bossypants, by Tina Fey (x2)

Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art, by Madeleine L'Engle (x2)

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett

Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte

The Giver, by Lois Lowry

Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher

The Complete Stories, by Flannery O’Connor

Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer

Breaking Dawn, by Stephenie Meyer (½ of it)

I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar, by Sharon Eliza Nichols

Wicked, by Gregory Maguire (½ of it)

Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis

Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas

Nice Girls Don’t Change the World, by Lynne Hybels

Y is for Yorick: A Slightly Irreverent Shakespearean ABC Book for Grown -Ups, by Jennifer Adams

Jesus, My Father, the CIA and Me, by Ian Morgan Cron

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), by Mindy Kaling

Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen, by Julie Powell

Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom, by Julia Child

My Life in France, by Julia Child and Alex Prud’Homme

2011-12-27T09:11:00.000-06:00

Here is a great little shot of life at the Choma Academy of Music, and some words from my friend Richman.

Choma Academy of Music from Ryan Humm on Vimeo.

2011 Top 10 List: Photograph Edition

2011-12-27T05:00:00.032-06:00

2011 is almost done. I'm beginning to make our annual photo book, which makes me nostalgic and weepy.

I thought to close out the year I'd build a Top 10 list of my favorite photos from 2011. It's a practice in reflection.

I might have chosen it because it's a special memory, or because I'm very glad I caught it, or because I just love it.

In no particular order............................

1. I love this photograph. This is the exact definition of twilight, isn't it? Day and night at once.

2. Hudson loves Jim. And loves to wake Jim up on the weekends. It's a nice bit of every day.

3. Even when she's being spun upside down, if there is a camera present, Grace is working the mature-grown-up picture face.

4. I shot this long-exposure at the lake- leaves whipping in the wind before a storm. To me, it looks like an oil painting. I LOVE IT.

5. My muddy puppies. It's not just a picture of Pippen (left) and Bebo (right). Bebo is the alpha. Incredibly devoted and loving to us, and a razor sharp, super smart watchdog. See how he's tracking something on the ground? Pippen, on the other hand, acts EXACTLY like "Doug" in the movie Up. And I love this shot because Pippen's pose reminds me of when Doug "points".

6. I took this photograph in an "ugly" place. It reminds me to keep my eyes open.

7. I took this shot of the horizon on a cold and bright January afternoon. When I saw the snowy horizon and the bright blue sky I thought of this Georgia O'Keeffe painting. Not only do I love this photograph, but this little experiment began my obsession with creatively non-focused shots.

8. I love this one because of the conversation we had while I took it. It's a lovely memory.

(and this one will tie for this spot for the same reason...)

9. I love this picture of Jim looking just exactly like who he is.

10. Lily has "ruined" so many pictures this way. I can't help but laugh every time I look at a picture like this. She just can't help herself. Smiling on cue would make me so happy she can't possibly do it. But guess what kid? That face is so "you" I absolutely love it. Your spicy attitude has made the Top 10!

Calling Angel.

2011-12-26T21:49:00.000-06:00

Barn Cats.

2011-12-26T21:35:00.000-06:00

Happy Christmas.

2011-12-24T09:14:00.000-06:00

Coconut Bombs

2011-12-20T10:54:00.003-06:00

A friend linked to a recipe for peppermint patties made with coconut oil yesterday, and it looked interesting.

I was diagnosed with hypothyroid disease about 10 years ago, and one of the things I now do to boost my own metabolism is take four to six tablespoons of coconut oil a day (like this one or this one).

I commonly melt it in coconut milk, or saute vegetables in it, or spread it on a piece of toast, etc. I tried ONCE to eat it straight up when I was in a hurry to get out the door, and I totally wretched. Don't try that. Don't get me wrong, it can be very good, but not out of the container.

How do I explain my love affair with coconut oil to you? It has tons of benefits and uses and is basically a miracle food. Essentially, I love coconut oil like Greek fathers love Windex.

I threw together my own version of this recipe this morning, making some changes. I used almond flavoring because I didn't have any peppermint (and almond lends well to coconut too- note- you could also add an almond on top for this version). I substituted agave for honey, and rather than fully immerse them in chocolate, I used just a dab on the bottom. I also portioned them to 1T each so it's easy to know how much I'm eating.

Here is the recipe as I received it (this link is actually a version of someone else's version), and my amended version is below. I made a double batch because this one is small, and plan to make the batch x4 next time because I'll eat a couple every day. I also changed the name, because these are the bomb.

Coconut Bombs

1/2 cup coconut oil (solid state – firm at temperatures below 76 degrees)
1/4 cup raw honey, agave, or maple syrup
3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (almond works well too- just about any flavoring will complement the coconut oil)
1/2-1 cup dark or milk chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly. You MUST cool it until it's as cool as it can be and still be workable, because it will otherwise instantly melt the coconut oil and the two won't stick together.

1. Combine the coconut oil, honey/agave/maple syrup, and extract in a food processor or blender till silky and smooth.

2. Chill the bowl in the freezer for about 10 minutes, if you'd like (I skipped this step).

3. Scoop into even balls and place on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. A small cookie scoop works well for this. Place these back into the freezer for another 15 minutes until solid.

4. You can now use your hand to quickly press these flat, or keep them in the current shape. Perfection is not possible or necessary. Work fast, as your hands will begin to melt the oil. Transfer back to the freezer to solidify again if needed.

5. Spoon a small amount of chocolate onto the lined baking sheet and place the balls on top. You could also dip the entire ball into the chocolate, or simply drizzle it.

6. Return to the freezer to set the chocolate. Keep these stored in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve.

Please Watch This (Without Your Children)

2011-12-18T17:31:00.000-06:00

Livingstone, Zambia from Ryan Humm on Vimeo.

Fine Arts for Free

2011-12-13T10:20:00.000-06:00

So many people think it's neat that I decided to take classes about art and music.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret.... I just finished up my semester and it's official- I could have watched a few documentaries and implemented a couple of great websites and learned it all without the work and headaches.

Ok, let's get real. That's not quite true. It wouldn't be exactly the same, but, if YOU want to learn more about art or musicals or jazz, here are a few resources that encapsulate most of what I've taken away from this semester.

Musicals.

From Cohan to Sondheim to Larson you can dive into the evolution of American musical theater by watching this documentary (narrated by Julie Andrews, no less). Follow through the documentary (available at your local library) and then watch many of the musicals yourself (also available at your local library) and in no time you will be amazed at how much you know, and how much you love theatre.

Art History.

This site is a GOLDMINE of quality information, examples, and analysis. And the art is presented beautifully. I can't recommend it enough, and it's also a wonderful tool for homeschoolers, if you are one of those. Want to see the Last Supper in its own context? Click here.

Jazz.

Don't know Dixieland from Birdland? Watch this Ken Burns documentary closely, listen to samples of the music online, see clips on YouTube, and explore the vast selection of Jazz music in all its genres available at your local library. The documentary is available on Netflix Instant Streaming and also at your library.

See? Knowledge is exciting! And accessible! And thanks to technology and your public library, it has a very very low price tag.

2011-12-12T15:43:00.000-06:00

A few people from out of town have asked me if there were any survivors in the crash last week. All four men on board were lost, and, once identities were released, I discovered that I did know one of them.

Josh attended our church with his wife Stacy, but I met them for the first time when they booked a family portrait session with me a year and a half ago. After a long engagement, they were married just six months ago, last June.

Stacy also has two children- a bright, sunny, and incredibly smart daughter, and an energetic and charming son. And they honestly do like each other just as much as the photo implies.

Obviously this is a horrible season for this family, and we are praying for them, and I hope I can find a way to support Stacy after the phone calls and meals and first wave of support goes away.

So, love your family, stay awake and alert and don't waste your life, and take lots of pictures.

Crash.

2011-12-09T21:42:00.001-06:00

This afternoon, as Hudson and I drove out of our neighborhood to pick up the girls from school, I watched a small plane fly away from the airport, take a weird swoop, and dip suddenly. It startled me, but I thought the pilot was pulling a stunt. But instead, I watched it barrel to the earth, bursting into flames in the middle of a field. It was absolutely horrible. I instantly called 911, knowing the airport had to have seen it, but this is just what you do in an emergency.

As I approached the wreck, black smoke and bright fire were billowing out of the place the plane should be, but all I could see were two wings, sticking up oddly from the pile. I was kind of in the middle of nowhere, all alone on the road. I felt helpless, in shock, and Hudson saw it all. Of course the fire department and ambulances would be on their way by now, and there was nothing I could do but turn around, and drive to the school. I called Jim to settle me down, it was just such a huge shock.

I was so upset for these people, who couldn't possibly have survived it, and for their families. And of course they've been on my heart all night tonight.

I made a decision right in the car that I wasn't going to tell the girls about it- Grace especially has a big fear of flying, thanks to her God-given frantic imagination with a bent toward the terrible (which, of course, I have as well). When I went to Zambia last year, she was in constant concern for my safety. And plane crashes are rare, and you just need to go for it even if you're afraid. I'm always reassuring her these things. I, myself, hold my breath until I'm in the air- I've heard it's the take-off and landings you need to worry about, much more than the time you're suspended. Once I'm in the air, I still hate it, but can exhale.

On the subject of constant vivid-imagination worrying, one of my personal favorite fears is of a plane crashing into our house. And in this case, if the plane had travelled just maybe 30 seconds further before attempting to turn back to the runway, it could have easily nose-dived into our neighborhood. And so, my irrational fear has fuel for future fruitless worry.

I didn't want the girls to hear about it. Hudson hadn't said anything about it while we waited for the girls, so I thought maybe it didn't all register for him (thankfully).

Of course the first thing Hudson said when they piled into the van was, "WE SAW A PLANE CRASH. THERE WAS A BIG FIRE!!!"

The girls looked to me for confirmation.

Confirmation given, without missing a beat Grace said, "Well, I'm really glad that didn't happen to your plane in Africa."

She is my girl.

All this to say, I know there are families grieving tonight, and my heart is hurting for them. It was an intense thing to experience as a bystander, but I know this is a horrible day for these families.

Peanut Butter Patties

2011-12-09T15:44:00.000-06:00

These sort of make me want to harf, but they are also good, and turn out just like you think they would. Most importantly, my kids loved them. Recipe here.

I've got something like 17 people coming here next weekend for my family's Christmas- lots of treats and drinks, and then we're heading to Great Bear or.... a movie, if it's cold.

Bake on!

The Gift of the Magi

2011-12-09T05:00:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, in the shower (where all great ideas are formed), I was thinking about O. Henry's short story The Gift of the Magi.

I was hoping to read it and thought perhaps it would be free for Kindle- like most great books are- and it was.

Peanut Blossoms.

2011-12-08T10:11:00.000-06:00

Great recipe here.

Booking.

2011-12-06T16:47:00.000-06:00

I took four classes online this semester (Art History, History of Musical Theatre, History of Jazz, and Adulthood), and eventually many of the extras in life have had to be busted to the back of my list so I could concentrate on that. So, if it wasn't a person (make time for people!) or groceries, or some other thing that can't be ignored, I pretty much haven't spent time with it since August. That includes cleaning my house.

The classes have been fun (for the most part), and full of interesting information (a LOT of information) and while they are enriching and useful and all of that, they are also a lot of work. I will especially appreciate them when they are over (I'm taking three more next semester). Then I can exhale and enjoy how much smarter I am for the rest of my life.

Right now I'm heading into finals week with 4 A's (thankyouverymuch) and my compulsive desire for positive reinforcement is being fed nicely. After so many years of work without instant rewards, I had no idea just how much I'd LOVE being evaluated constantly. It's a rush, and so much easier than the other (more complicated) parts of my life.

Every weekday has been pretty much the same... 5:30 wake up call, morning routines, drop off, Yoga, shower, random tasks, class, lunch, Hudson's Quiet Time while I work on class, pick up the girls, snacks and all the stuff the kids need to do, spend time together, make dinner, go to swimming lessons etc, eat dinner when Jim gets home at 6:45, Jim puts the kids to bed, spend time with Jim, collapse into bed, rinse and repeat the next day. Saturdays are our designated Sabbath, and so we work very hard to keep it clear, and Sundays are for church and Life Group and catching up on random things and usually I have class work or papers to write. And that's my life!

So- I haven't had a lot of variety. At first I carved out time for blogging a bit, because it's important to me, but that eventually got set aside as well. Because it's getting colder and there's less happening and honestly, after reading and writing for class all week, the last thing I feel like doing is sitting at the computer, thinking of what to write, and then writing about it.

But books- books are welcome here. They provide variety, and in this season fiction, especially, has a dear place in my day. The older I get, the more I understand how crucial good fiction is. I fantasize regularly about Christmas break and all the fun things we'll do together, and aaaaall that time I'll get for books- I'm currently getting my reading list ready, but any suggestions are welcome from those of you out there in the void who've read a good book.

So all that to say, I'm looking at Christmas vacation and gearing up for some extra reading. On that note, here is what I have read in my free time this fall....

I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar, by Sharon Eliza Nichols

Wicked, by Gregory Maguire (½ of it)

Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis

Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas

Nice Girls Don’t Change the World, by Lynne Hybels

aaand...

I re-read The Hunger Games Trilogy over the last week or so (initial thoughts here). I read it for the first time last December, and something about the Christmas tree and the cold...I had an itch to read it again. Oh, and the trailer I saw a few weeks ago had a bit to do with it too. Looks so well-done.

(FYI, it is JUST as addictive and thoughtful the second time through.)

2011-12-06T15:55:00.000-06:00

“The place God calls you to

is the place where your deep gladness

and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

― Frederick Buechner

A Good Excuse.

2011-11-10T05:00:00.000-06:00

Two weekends ago, a stomach bug moved through the house. So, while some were sick and some were just waiting for it, we laid low, hung out at home, and didn't go anywhere. We did little projects, I made ornaments, and on Saturday we all watched My Fair Lady and The Sound of Music, back-to-back. Sunday night we watched Hello Dolly. What was great was how much we all enjoyed it together- the musicals, the mellow time, the excuse to say no to everything and stay home.

This much down time wouldn't work every weekend, but last weekend (subtract the vomiting) it really was bliss.

Very Special.

2011-11-09T16:31:00.000-06:00

If my life were an '80s Saturday morning sit com, this entire year would just be one long "very special episode".

I told someone that today. It's actually true. It's unreal.

You know what I'm thankful for? Real life, honest friendships, brave friends, a faithful husband, humor, a dissatisfaction with easy answers, peace in the tension, and a God who was here before all things and holds all things together.

And now, the very special-est of all special episodes...

Mwanaments

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-06:00

We've been a part of the Monthly Mwana coffee program since it's beginnings (but you can also buy it by the bag). I began saving the bags thinking I'd reuse them somehow. At 2 bags a month, since this summer, I collected a lot of bags for myself.

In the end I decided to make Christmas ornaments out of them (exhibit above). Altogether, I made 16, then got bored and dropped it. I'm calling them "mwanaments".

They are not perfect. They have that nice, handmade, lots-of-love-if-not-skill quality to them.

Hobo Day 2011, or, as Grace Says, "SDSU: Home of the Mad Rabbits"

2011-11-06T19:56:00.000-06:00

Cloudy, windy, and cold but not that bad for November- check.

Randomly running in to random people- check.

Listing off memories as we passed by buildings etc.- check.

Java City- check.

Feeling a little old- check.

Free lunch from ASAE (which included SDSU Cookies and Cream ice cream)- check.

Making sure our kids remembered who invented Cookies and Cream ice cream- check.

Tons of nostalgia and Jacks pride- check.

Enjoying walking around campus so much I forgot to take pictures of actual SDSU landmarks that would have made this post better- check.

Grace practicing with the camera with me- check.

Methodically indoctrinating our four children with Jacks pride- check check.

Dairy Bar (for extra ice cream)....

Closed on weekends. Even on Hobo Day.

No Thanks.

2011-11-04T09:09:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago a couple of our kids were given Operation Christmas Child boxes at church. On our way out, the other two were offered boxes too- and I politely declined, I think I said something about having other commitments for extra giving this holiday season (true).

But I also have reservations about the program- caveat for the instant-reactors- it's not all bad. But I feel like there are too many aspects to this giving concept that this family wants to take a thoughtful step back from- and I think churches and businesses sign up for this all-too-quickly because it fills our desire to give a small offering to the guilt-gods around this time of year. It's a non-sacrifice for most families who participate- giving them a momentary feeling of satisfaction because they gave to those sweet children in the pictures.... While turning around to give extravagantly to their own family.

I just don't want to do this one. Which people don't always understand. Declining something like this can be communicated as selfishness- as if I don't want to give to others, or don't support the spreading of the Gospel in this way (which, well, maybe I don't...I don't know). Anyway- we don't do it. It's complicated.

And this Sojourner's article encapsulates many of my reservations about it.

Living of Love

2011-11-03T05:00:00.002-05:00

For just one chance to find
Love was someone that you love to find
For just the sense to try
To walk ahead and leave the pain behind
If the days aren’t easy and the nights are rough
When they ask you what you’re thinking of
Say love, say for me love
Say love, say for me love

Your heart says not again
What kind of mess have you got me in
But when the feelings there
It can lift you up and take you anywhere
But the gravel beneath you and the limbs above
If anybody asks you where your coming from
Say love, say for me love
Say love, say for me love

Say yes we live uncertainty
And disappointments have to be
And everyday we might be facing more
And yes we live in desperate times
But fading words and shaking rhymes
There’s only one thing here worth hoping for
With Lucifer beneath you and God above
If either one of them asks you what your living of
Say love, say for me love

Living of Love, The Avett Brothers

Love the Pug.

2011-11-01T05:00:00.001-05:00

Yuck.

(But she did ask for it...)

Help?

2011-10-31T15:32:00.000-05:00

Source: etsy.com via Megan on Pinterest

Do I have any friends that can make me something like this? (And some for the girls?)

A Bit of Patience.

2011-10-31T10:09:00.000-05:00

Oh, Patience.

You were sitting on my bedroom floor, telling me all about your day, and you're just so incredibly sweet I took a picture so it would last longer.

Your voice is gentle. Confident, but never demanding. Sometimes you are extra quiet when you tell a story- so involved in telling it all that you forget to project so we can hear too.

Last week you told me, "Tons of people ask me what my real name is, I think they think Patience is just what Mr. Yeager calls me to be funny. Like ten people have asked me that." You weren't offended by it at all, because you're too secure and matter-of-fact for that- and you like your name- so you said you just tell them Patience is your real name. And it does fit you very well.

You had your first sleepover last Friday night and it was awesome- but we had to cut it short the next morning because you inexplicably broke out into hives. I took you to Urgent Care just to be sure we'd covered all the bases, and downloaded the Angry Birds app for you to play while we waited. (We'd never played it until this weekend.)

You are very, very good at Angry Birds- you're diligent, logical, methodical, and you love how cute and funny the birds are. Your sisters get flustered and emotional when the game gets tough. You just quietly plug on through the levels, like your dad, giggling occasionally at the funny birds and pigs.

In about an hour and a half, your hives had gone down and you'd gotten through to level 19, unassisted. You got stuck on that level for a while, and after several attempts out of nowhere you blurted out, "AGH! THAT PIG IS SO WELL-PROTECTED!"

We googled it and you got through no problem.

A few weeks ago, your teacher read King Bidgood's in the Bathtub to your class. He stopped short of the ending and had all of you imagine how you think they finally got the King out of the tub, and write your answers down secretly (none of you had read it before).

The story is really funny, and escalates in craziness- making you imagine far-fetched crazy scenarios for extracting the king. Kids came up with ALL KINDS of insane stories- starting the castle on fire to force him out, constructing an army of people to come in scary costumes to scare the king out, etc...

Mr. Yeager said just one person in the class guessed it right- you.

You simply wrote, "I'd unplug the tub."

That speaks volumes about who you are.

Love you Pinkie Pie.

Welcome to America.

2011-10-28T10:56:00.001-05:00

The other day I saw a bumper sticker that read, "Welcome to America- SPEAK ENGLISH". I was offended, but busy with the kids so I passed it by. But hours later it came to mind again and instantly tears were streaming down my face- which shocked me. But I just felt particularly frustrated and hurt- because we are friends with a family who moved here from Africa about a year ago, with absolutely NO English knowledge, and I've seen how incredibly hard it has been for them to learn. Their children are seemingly effortless in their work to learn English- they've actually begun to forget French completely. But for the parents, it is very, very hard. And it is a matter of absolute NECESSITY to learn it, so they can work.

I'm so impressed with how much they've learned- they are huge role models for me to not ever complain or limit myself about ANYTHING- because they are doing what they have to do, and doing it well, so I can too. I have learned SO MUCH from the refugee families I've met this year.

But that bumper sticker implies things that are small-minded, and misinformed. And now that our good friends are learning English, they'll be able to read it too.

I don't need to explain why the sticker made me angry. I just needed to post about it so I can get it out of my mind. Done.

2011-10-28T10:36:00.001-05:00

Day in Autumn
BY Rainer Maria Rilke

After the summer's yield, Lord, it is time

to let your shadow lengthen on the sundials
and in the pastures let the rough winds fly.

As for the final fruits, coax them to roundness.
Direct on them two days of warmer light
to hale them golden toward their term, and harry
the last few drops of sweetness through the wine.

Whoever's homeless now, will build no shelter;
who lives alone will live indefinitely so,
waking up to read a little, draft long letters,
and, along the city's avenues,
fitfully wander, when the wild leaves loosen.

Martha Stewart Prison Apples

2011-10-28T10:27:00.000-05:00

I remember back to when Martha Stewart had just left prison and started her talk show, she shared about how she'd get apples from outside on the prison grounds, and carve into them somehow (I think with a plastic fork?) to remove the core, and she'd heat them in the microwave to make a simple baked apple while she was incarcerated.

That was a really great idea. Thanks Martha.

In the summer, cold crisp apples sound awesome, any time of day. Now that it's getting cooler, hot baked cinnamon apples sound really good, any time of day.

I thought I'd share a quick tutorial on my own personal take on what I affectionately call "Martha Stewart Prison Apples". Or, "M-Stewed Apples" for short. I only say this in my head- my kids just call them microwaved apples, and no one else ever asks me about it.

1. Take a good apple (Granny Smith's are great for baking this time of year- they hold up well- some reds will fall apart on you). Cut it into quarters. Carve out the core, then dice it (I like to leave the skin on).

2. Put it in a microwave-safe bowl- I use a ramekin when I make this just for myself. It just has to be big enough to fit the apple, that's all. Add a tiny bit of water and cover well.

3. Microwave for 2.5 or 3 minutes- until apples are soft, but not decimated.

4. Drain off a bit of water if you want, then sprinkle on cinnamon to taste (I, personally, heap on cinnamon). You can sprinkle on some sugar, too, but I find it's sweet enough as it is.

5. I mash them up a bit but leave some chunks. You can do that to taste as well.

It's good. Go try it.

Pip and the Bear.

2011-10-24T05:00:00.001-05:00

Lily left Beary out the other day- Pippen found a good use for him.

Patience on Saturdays.

2011-10-22T13:06:00.000-05:00

Me, too.

Until then,

2011-10-21T06:21:00.001-05:00

I hope to get some time this weekend to upload pictures, and who knows, even blog some. Until then, watch this- it's amazing.

Faber Castell from eric yeo on Vimeo.

He created a copy of a Vermeer, with one pen, in one continuous loop- never picking it up. Incredible right? What am I going to do with my creativity today?

Homemade Halloween

2011-10-14T18:03:00.000-05:00

Jim made these for the girls this week.

He built them out of old moving boxes, and reinforced them with a wooden frame made from scraps from old projects. He went out and picked the pink, and sparkly red paint himself at Home Depot (American Girl box in-hand for guidance), and like the rockstar father that he is, spent two nights this week assembling them in the garage. He built straps (like a backwards backpack) out of old blinds, and they work great- We're off to a school party in a few minutes...I love that we went the homemade, quirky, imperfectly-charming route with costumes this year...and the girls LOVE it!

THANK YOU DADDY!

Fire and Music

2011-10-10T05:00:00.003-05:00

By reading the scriptures I am so renewed that all nature seems renewed around me and with me. The sky seems to be a pure, a cooler blue, the trees a deeper green. The whole world is charged with the glory of God and I feel fire and music under my feet. -Thomas Merton

Lazy Saturday.

2011-10-08T22:52:00.000-05:00

Our kids are in MN this weekend with Jim's parents, and we spent our day doing nothing, and something.

We slept in, and had a late breakfast at HyVee. Went shoe shopping (it wasn't bad). Did things at home. Drank coffee. Watched two episodes of This Old House, and some of Ken Burns' new documentary. We went out to find some milkweed so we could attract more Monarchs next year....

Then Jim decided he wanted to go fishing. So we packed up for that, grabbed some Subway, and took the dogs to the lake.

It was wet, but great. No bites, that's OK.

Saw a frog with one good leg- thought of you Gracie. You would have loved to have seen it. He had a sad and crazy hop. He gets around fine.

We came back, and decided we wanted cheesecake for dinner. We grabbed the essential ingredients at HyVee, and we did, in fact, eat cheesecake for dinner. Watched another documentary (about Conan), and then Jim watched Tron while I sorted through pictures and listened to the soundtrack to Wicked.

So, it was a lazy Saturday. We did lots of things, and nothing, and it was great.

Last Fruits.

2011-10-08T21:38:00.001-05:00

Thanks!

2011-10-07T11:14:00.000-05:00

I got a package from UPS last night. I'd just gotten a new set of resistance bands from Amazon the day before, and judging from the size of the package I thought they'd messed up and sent me another set, and I was already saying in my head how annoying this was, and now I'd have to straighten it out with Amazon and send it back and.... WAIT. This wasn't from Amazon at all! It was from the WB shop...which sells a little silly something I'd just put on a wishlist....

A sweet friend sent me this rad mug in the mail and it absolutely made my week- thank you!

Scarfing

2011-10-05T10:14:00.000-05:00

This video has been everywhere this week, and when I saw it a few days ago, I was of course impressed- it's fun, creative, useful, you want to watch it over and over because it's cool and because it's instructional. The companion tutorials are also really great and helpful.

I wouldn't normally have shared it beyond facebook, but, it has been so fun for the girls, I wanted to remember it. Last night I showed them the main video (below) and they were instantly like, I have to get a scarf and try this. Which they all did (we have a lot of scarves).

They ended up working through every single tutorial, and to exemplify how great of a teacher she is, my 8, 6, and 5 year old could do almost all of them without help.

Bethel in the Violet Hour

2011-10-01T17:17:00.000-05:00

I don't like cemeteries. I know, I know, how weird of me.

They don't make me afraid- it's more that they make me uncomfortable, thanks to my vivid imagination.

I don't like thinking about bodies under my feet. But I also wonder about who they were, the stories.

And that is the draw for me. It's good to force myself to visit them.

I live on the edge of the city, with open spaces a five minute walk from my house, which is nice.

Last night I went down the road to a familiar cemetery just to see what I'd see.

It's a quiet place, and a particularly sad place.

Whenever I see a cemetery like this I think of Edgar Lee Masters and Spoon River.

And I just found out you can read it all here.

2011-09-30T22:02:00.000-05:00

The young moon has fed

Her exhausted horn

With the sunset's fire.

-Percy Bysshe Shelley

Autumn Abstraction

2011-09-29T00:45:00.000-05:00

I have been reminding myself to play more with my camera this year.

I use it a lot for archiving, but carving out time to get outside, dare I say, alone, when the light is good, for no purpose but to mess around doesn't happen easily. We're always eating dinner then, you know?

Tonight the kids were at Awana and Jim was working late, so I did a little of that thing I keep reminding myself to do. It didn't take all the other work I need to do away, but, it was refreshing nonetheless.

I didn't go far, just across the street from the church.

I took and ordinary scene

and slowly began abstracting it.

Gourd Bird

2011-09-27T10:54:00.001-05:00

We saw this gourd in a bin at HyVee yesterday afternoon.

The kids and I instantly saw a swan.

Jim sees a goose.

See the wings?

Do you see what we see?

2011-09-26T16:29:00.000-05:00

Upcycling

2011-09-24T13:23:00.000-05:00

I'm making scarves out of old t-shirts today. I've been wanting to do it for a long time. See more here. There are tons more t-shirt ideas to be found on Pinterest. Happy Saturday.

Grace's Journals

2011-09-24T09:44:00.000-05:00

Grace has a passion for animals and nature. Remember her dream?

She has razor sharp eyes for detail- in one nature hike she can find several little treasures no one else would see- interesting rocks, shells, leaves that look like something else, feathers, seed pods with neat stuff inside. Last week, she found a tiny wood chip at school in the shape of a bear cave with a door and everything- and it really does look like one. She finds tiny bugs, birds high in trees, little green caterpillars in a sea of carrot leaves.

And for the last few years she has been obsessed with animal science books from the library. She devours information about animals in the Jungle, the Savannah, Antarctica, Sea Creatures, Deserts, the Northern Woods, the Rainforest, and of course Insects and Arachnids and Fish. She reads all the details, and tries to share as much of it as she can with us, because, shouldn't we be as fascinated with it as she is?

She's got an insatiable appetite for the life cycle of the butterfly, the hunting patterns of cheetahs, how elephants live in families, how a mother otter takes care of her babies.

She is not afraid to touch anything- she grabs up all kinds of bugs, snakes, snake skins, frogs, dead birds (if I don't catch her and tell her not to in time)- she doesn't like getting dirty in general, but her compulsion to see and experience all the stuff she finds outside trumps any gross-factors of dirt or mud. A couple of days ago she found a dead, hard frog on the ground- of course she grabbed it right up to inspect it and shoved it in my face for me to look. I try to suppress my reactions, so I don't discourage her discoveries. Within reason. Please stop picking up dead animals Grace!

She hates to lose the information she's learning, so a couple of years ago she started filling "field" journals with information and sketches of the animals she loves before she returned them to the library. Journals and journals. Filled with all kinds of natural gold.

A Farewell.

2011-09-23T21:13:00.000-05:00

Driving through the prairie, Summer 2011

So long, Summer. You were short, but sweet.

Patie's "Fossil"

2011-09-23T19:58:00.000-05:00

"I have learned that what I have not drawn, I have never really seen, and that when I start drawing an ordinary thing I realize how extraordinary it is, sheer miracle: the branching of a tree, the structure of a dandelion's seed puff." - Frederick Franck

Patie found this "fossil" washed up in the sand on the beach last week. It's from a cow's spine, as far as I can guess- Jim concurs. She was so excited she yelled out, "Mommy! I found something REALLY cool!" They were so excited. It's like digging like a real paleontologist. So exiting.

I don't know if it creeps you out, but, I grew up hiking through hills scattered with random animal bones, it doesn't bother me.

In fact, once we brought it home and I scoured it with bleach, it fascinates me- the form, the movement, abstraction. Simply moving it into new positions completely changes what I see. I see a sea creature, a charging elephant, a ballet dancer, a sumo wrestler, and something surely out of Super Mario Brothers. I also see an old bone, that used to be alive, and now it's here- beautiful in it's own way, on my desk. It affirms that beauty is everywhere, that life is finite, and that it is always a wonderful idea to spend an afternoon in the crisp air,exploring.

All in one.

2011-09-19T05:00:00.002-05:00

I'm glad you're the type of man who watched a football game, fixed a bike,

took care of a sick kid, and made us an apple crisp all in one day.

Tasting Party

2011-09-17T13:22:00.000-05:00

I hosted a little wine and cheese tasting last night. As always, it was refreshing and fun and it got late really fast. We didn't even get to all the wines last night, because we talked too much. I have so many rockstar friends.

I thought I'd post the menu- I love learning about cheese and wine! The people at The Market on Phillips are very happy to educate and help you find something new, and parties like this are a great time to try many different things- their individual properties really shine when combined with other foods, and when compared to one another.

We also had tea, coffee, and steamed coconut milk (which was not planned) to drink, as well as pears, nuts, chocolate, dried cherries, biscotti, marinated kalamata and green olives, and focaccia to eat (I think all of us ate "too much" bread, but it was not a mistake).

If you think this sounds fun, there's nothing stopping you from hosting your own tasting! I gave a little advice about how to do it last year, but just a couple more things to say:

1. It's simple. Pair simple foods and if you can, serve only foods you can eat with your hands- it makes the evening and clean up very easy. It's not about a lot of work for you.

2. Serving a sampling of wine and cheese is very, very pricey- but it doesn't have to all be on you. For instance, this year, I provided two bottles, and friends volunteered to bring the other two. Also, friends who did not bring wine each gave a suggested $5 to the party fund, meaning I recouped almost the entire cost of the cheese (full disclosure, I spent $60 on cheese, and it was really fun to try them together). You don't have to feel awkward about suggesting for your friends to chip in- it means you all enjoy an incredible night, which would have cost much more in other settings.

3. Don't be afraid to make it clear that absolutely no children are invited. Save for my pregnant friends- they get a free pass. Enough said on topic.

4. If you feel like you don't know a lot about wine or cheese, that is fine. The whole reason you should do this is to have fun and get educated a bit with your friends. It's not about posing as a sommelier. Don't be intimidated.

SO- The Menu....

The Cheeses

Caciotta dei Boschi: An elegant Italian table cheese made from scarce Roman ewe’s milk and rare black truffle shavings. Quite tangy and sharp. Highly aromatic with a distinctive, lingering aftertaste, thanks to the truffles. Porcini mushrooms serve to further augment the earthy character of this Italian masterpiece. Earthy, smoky, warm.

Basiron Rosso: A Dutch Gouda full of delicious red tomatoes and fresh Italian herbs. Rich, Creamy.

Conciato in Barrique con Foglie di Noce: Ewe’s milk gives this Italian cheese its unique taste. This artisanal cheese is “Barricato” or “aged in barrels” in layers of walnut leaves and the rind is rubbed in EVOO. Quite unusual, with an interesting and pleasant taste reminiscent of the walnut leaves. Nutty. Delicious with sliced pear.

Sharp Cheddar: A seriously sharp Cabot cheese from Vermont. Naturally aged. Pair with a honey drizzle.

Gouda: An orange, cow’s milk cheese. Sweet, salty, smooth.

The Wines

Prairie Berry Phat Hogg Chardonnay: This unoaked white has a buttery, mango-citrus nose. Sweet, simple.

Chateau Ste Michelle 2008 Pinot Gris: Fruity, crisp and floral. Notes of orange peel, melon, honeysuckle, spice and green apple.

Seven Daughters Red Winemaker’s Blend: A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Carignane and Sangiovese. Dark red fruit on the palate, complemented by aromas of vanilla and lavender with a peppery finish.

Mark West 2009 Pinot Noir: Intense color, layers of fruit with a touch of earthy minerality. Notes of wild blackberry, black cherry, and delicate herbal flavors show against French oak notes of toast and chocolate.

Flair.

2011-09-17T12:52:00.000-05:00

Lily has a flair for eccentricity and fashion. It shows up in lots of little ways.

One case in point: Last week Lily's kindergarten class colored booklets about fall, and were instructed to use the traditional autumn colors of brown, yellow, red and orange exclusively throughout the book.

I love how Lily managed to get out of the box and display individuality and creativity, while staying within the boundaries of the assignment.

Very indicative of her personality.

Four.

2011-09-09T05:00:00.002-05:00

You're sweet and simple, charming and always funny. You say honest, outright things, and were born an encourager- you find so many nice things to complement us on, and it's precious.

If you're ever a stinker, your siblings probably had something to do with it. Your Dad is everything you want to be someday and you LOVE the farm (Daddy would tell you it wouldn't have mattered to him if you didn't, but, he's not-so-secretly thrilled about that).

You got a black eye while chasing a frog last week, and you LOVE IT when people ask you about it.

And today, you're four.

Happy Birthday Buddy.

Love,
Mom

Waiting...

2011-09-08T08:36:00.000-05:00

Labor Day Weekend (Sort of) Campout

2011-09-06T17:43:00.000-05:00

Just a few shots from Labor Day weekend, hanging out in our backyard with our neighbors who are also our friends.

The camping part, not so much fun. We just wanted to get the tent out one more time- but it was chilly, in the 40s, and our kids have cheap sleeping bags. And at around midnight, one of them got up to go to the bathroom, couldn't get the door unzipped, and proceeded to have an accident, standing up, half-asleep, in the middle of the tent. And that is all I have to say about that.

Lifelight 2011

2011-09-06T17:37:00.002-05:00

It was a little cold, a little breezy, a lot of fun. Here are some snapshots from Lifelight 2011.

So Glad She's Home.

2011-09-02T16:13:00.002-05:00

Katydid.

2011-09-02T05:00:00.002-05:00

We spent a spell with a katydid last night. These are bold, brave insects- much more willing to stand their ground than the elusive grasshopper. That makes them very fun to observe (and hold).

I love that the color matches the green rim of the leaves.

Books.

2011-09-01T05:00:00.002-05:00

I realized yesterday that I haven't posted any books for a while. Here's what I've read lately-

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett

Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte

The Giver, by Lois Lowry

Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher

The Complete Stories, by Flannery O'Connor

And I'm about to start reading...

The Woman in White, by Wilkie Collins

Patience.

2011-08-31T19:14:00.002-05:00

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Formally Evited...

2011-08-31T14:04:00.000-05:00

I am so busy this month, I almost postponed it...but I just couldn't. Sioux Falls friends, find all the info here.

Cupcakes.

2011-08-26T12:57:00.000-05:00

Hudson and I made some cupcakes this morning to surprise the girls after school. (They are espresso, by the way, so we'll see if I regret the choice at about 4 pm...)

While making them, I realized that I can only come up with three kinds of people when it comes to cakes:

1. They hate cake.

2. They like cake OK, as long as it doesn't have "too much" frosting, and "too much" is relative.

3. They view the cake as a mere vehicle to the true adventure that is the frosting.

Hudson is a 3, and, I might be one too. Depends on the type of cake, for sure.

An (Almost) Autumn Dinner

2011-08-25T19:21:00.001-05:00

Tonight we had Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder, Salad Greens, and Baked Apples for dinner.

The pork just needs to sit in the oven all afternoon, and then needs to rest for an hour before cutting in.

And so in that hour, you have just the right amount of time to create and bake the apples.

It's a lovely (pre) Autumn meal (with lots of leftover apple cider- no complaints here).

Also, is it Friday tomorrow? Bring that on.

Recipe for Said Bread

2011-08-24T13:38:00.001-05:00

You can find the recipe for this Rosemary Focaccia for free at America's Test Kitchen. (Yes you do need to register, but it's free.)

And even better, you can watch the episode for free as well.

It's just right on it's own, no dipping oil etc. required. Perfect next to the Tuscan White Bean Soup we're having tonight.

I like fresh basil for the top- no one in our family prefers rosemary. And if I were you, I'd use a smidge less salt in the pan, that's just me.

(It's very, very good. I made sure to try some before I posted this...)

Update

2011-08-24T10:31:00.000-05:00

So, an update, on this day three of life-after-school-started.

Everything is extremely simple. The school routine, life at home with Hudson, all of it.

The girls (of course) love their new school. No one is surprised at that- we've been excited and prepared for it for months.

Hudson doesn't mind being home with me at all- he loves it. He's feeling very grown up, and loves having the school room, the CD player, the cats, the dogs, the toys, the books, the colored pencils, the paintbrushes, the puzzles, me, and the Wii all to himself. At his core, he's very sweet and relational- he loves to talk to me all day, about everything, but that's nice- otherwise the house would get a little lonely. He's never, ever, done anything (besides sleep) alone, and while he does love it when his sisters come home, he really likes this change.

Speaking of after school, I really get excited to pick up the girls and hear all about their day. They are home by three, and we've got plenty of time to snack, play, read, and etc. before dinnertime at 6:30, so in many ways life doesn't feel that different to them. They were all amazed at how little actual work they do at school, they're making lots of friends, they all have superstar teachers, and think their packed lunches are the bee's knees (though Patie was impressed that they serve corn dogs at school).

When sibling conflict is eliminated, parenting becomes a breeze. Amen?

We now have a LOT of "free space" in our day, since it's just H and me. So, we are still exploring all that can mean- everything is just so much simpler when a) I only have one child and b) I'm not in charge of teaching four children anymore. We have always had tons of time in our day to be creative, to play, etc, but now I've got so much more flexibility in just about everything (running errands, etc) with such a free schedule.

Today we dropped the girls off, got all of our groceries for the week, came home, and had everything put away by 9 AM. Now we're spending the morning listening to The Decemberists, making focaccia, finishing some work I needed to do, and also we ate a tangelo. Next we might go to the park or maybe paint like yesterday, who knows. It's not bad.

First Day.

2011-08-22T13:27:00.000-05:00

Sharpen your pencils!

We decided last January that we would finish up school at home and transition to public school this fall. Everything just seemed to align in that direction, so it was actually a very simple decision. So- we've had a looong time to look forward to today and it was really, really exciting to get going this morning. I was maybe more sentimental about it a couple of weeks ago but by today, man, we were just ready to do this thing.

I've felt so grateful as we've made this transition, looking back on four priceless years of homeschooling and how essential they've been to our family's identity, our minds, our relationships with one another, and the culture of our home, and I'm grateful to be in a place where all of our kids seem so ready to move on together to a new season of life, building on that foundation.

Frankly, my kids are amazing people. I am SO PROUD of them! I can't wait to hear all about their first day this afternoon.

Life is going to change- a ton- but I do still have this guy at home for 2 more years, and that's fine with me.

Grasshoppers (are creepy).

2011-08-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

Trimming

2011-08-18T16:23:00.000-05:00

I took the girls to get their hair cut this afternoon with our friend Katie.

Lily requested a shorter hair cut and she wanted bangs (so her hair wouldn't be in her face so much at school).

She absolutely LOVES it. She's told me over and over how much she likes it, and that she feels pretty and cute and "a little bit funky".

Grace opted for a shorter cut too, which really surprised me, but I'm glad she went for it- I love how her curls bounce up with a shorter cut.

Patie DOUBLE surprised me by saying she wanted exactly what Grace got (except she had Katie blow dry it a bit, so it's a different style today).

And Hudson? He just waited around for them to be done.

Weekend.

2011-08-18T05:00:00.001-05:00

Jim planned a four day weekend last week. The kids (and the dogs) went to Grandpa and Grandma's Minnesota farm for one last hoo-rah in the country before school starts next week. We went out Friday night, slept in Saturday morning, and then packed up and drove to Omaha for the weekend.

We hung out in the Old Market on Saturday afternoon,

Then went to the Balloon and Wine Festival that night.

It was crowded, but fun- and nice to get away.

Monday we worked on things at home, and the kids were back in time for Lily to attend Kindergarten Orientation that night, and then for Grace and Patie to meet their teachers Tuesday night (the girls are attending a local elementary school this fall). We really like all of their teachers a lot and we're all excited for a new school year to start (but a few more days of summer are OK too).

Up.

2011-08-14T17:09:00.000-05:00

Stretching Out.

2011-08-08T05:00:00.001-05:00

We've got just two short weeks of summer vacation left. Kids, no matter how busy we are, I promise I'll do everything I can to make them great.

Save the Date!

2011-08-06T22:15:00.000-05:00

Save the date! I'll be hosting the second annual autumn wine and cheese tasting on the evening of Friday, September 16.

Formal e-vites to follow in a few weeks.

(You may now return to your regularly scheduled summer plans.)

Overcome

2011-08-04T12:59:00.000-05:00

Ten thousand glimmering like coals in our chest
Ball bearings drawn to the magnetic breath
Of ten thousand weeping with wings on their tears
Amidst ten thousand voices for ten thousand years
For ten thousand graves yawning unlocked and unlatched
Now ten thousand holes with rocks on their backs
Ten thousand tombs gaping wide singing the praise
Of ten thousand bodies unlaced and unlaid

As the ten thousand highways unfold their doors
For the ten thousand standing on Nineveh's shores
Where the blood of a husband silences wars
For the girl who rises to meet him
And she sings

World, I have overcome you
World, I have overcome you
World, I have overcome
By my song and the blood of a son

Ten thousand rivers
Run red like my veins
Where the bones of men hum
Like a rattling cage
For sinew to cling to
And wind to remain
In ten thousand lungs
For ten thousand days
Breathing like a choir
Of holes in the ground
Where the cynical have lain
Where the cynical go down
Save the gravity of time
Lets go of her drowned
Like ten thousand sparrows
Unlocked and unwound

As the ten thousand highways unfold their doors
For the ten thousand standing on Nineveh's shores
Where the blood of a husband silences wars
For the girl who rises to meet him
And she sings

World, I have overcome you
World, I have overcome you
World, I have overcome
By my song and the blood of a son

Ten Thousand, by John Mark McMillan

Keeping Watch

2011-08-04T09:12:00.000-05:00

Our carrots are behind a bit (like everything else in our garden after a late Spring). But we're checking them every day, hoping to catch more of this.

Girls' Trip 2011

2011-08-03T08:04:00.001-05:00

The girls and I took a trip to MSP last weekend. We did the same thing last year, except Daddy came along. This year we made it just us. Jim and Hudson stayed home and did guy stuff.

It was 100% lovely. Just relaxed time together, a great drive, with the girls reading books to themselves or out loud to one another most of the time, and just talking for the rest. Grace navigated the GPS and we made sure to take our time everywhere we went, because that was the point. We ate girl food, took the Impala, not the Voyager, I drank a lot of coffee and didn't lug the Canon with me, we swam at the hotel pool, and we had plenty of time to try out every single thing at Ikea. Of course we wrapped up with a stop at American Girl, with long-saved money in Velcro wallets ready to spend on things that have been debated, long-considered, and long-awaited for from worn out catalogs. We spent two hours in the store with Jane, our very sweet and accommodating personal shopper, and left thrilled.

It was not one of those vacations that leave me feeling a need for a vacation from my vacation before I get back to real life. It was actually really relaxing.

It's a nice little tradition- just a little time to get away before school starts.

Almost Four.

2011-08-03T05:00:00.001-05:00

Raw Apple Cake with Warm Caramel Sauce

2011-08-02T15:16:00.000-05:00

Understand that this Raw Apple Cake Recipe contains some very warm memories for me- my Great Aunt Mary didn't have children, and did not like children, and did not let us touch anything in her house, but she made amazing apple cake.

Here's an old recipe I found for this excellent, good, basic cake... Note the baking times. Ah, for the days of non-exact cooking. (Just bake it for 35-45 minutes- checking after 35. Take it out when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few crumbs attached.)

I don't know what she used, but if I were you, I'd use 2 apples for one batch- one Granny Smith, and one sweeter apple, here I used a Fuji.

And then, there is the warm caramel sauce. Find a recipe online or use a favorite- it's simple, don't buy a jar of caramel- You can do it! It's just cream, butter, brown sugar, maybe a little salt, and a dash of this or that.

Apple season is nearly here in South Dakota.... this cake is perfect for a spur of the moment Saturday afternoon of baking, and it makes good muffins too.

It's very hard to screw this up. Let me know if you try it.

Last Dates of the Summer

2011-08-02T14:43:00.000-05:00

Alas, the coffee drink was not mine.

Here are the remaining class dates for the summer- if you've been putting it off, join us! I won't be offering classes again until later this fall.

Classes at the MoVM are fun, relaxed and friendly little groups, and the classes are held here, in beautiful Downtown Sioux Falls.

DSLR Basics - Technical introduction to your DSLR camera - Tuesday, August 9.

Creative Basics - Creative inspiration and skills for anyone with a camera - Tuesday, August 16.

Natural Light and Portraiture - Introduction to seeing and using light, and photographing people, for anyone with a camera - Tuesday, August 23.

All MoVM classes are held from 7-9 PM and cost $25. Contact Jessica at the Museum to register at 605.271.9500.

Want to just DO THIS THING all in one day??

You can attend one, two, or all three sessions of the next Workshop for Zambia, right here in Sioux Falls. Click here for complete details, and click here to find and share the event on Facebook. All donations are tax deductible and support Zambia missions.

Have a great week!

Watch This.

2011-08-01T17:15:00.000-05:00

The Wall.

2011-07-29T05:00:00.001-05:00

The goal for these boards is to have one place where our whole family can know what's up for the week, what we're eating, and read messages, quotes, etc, that will change randomly. I thought it would be fun since Grace and Patie are both more than able to read "anything" now, and Lily is working on it, so I thought they'd like the idea. They really do- they've been really into it, which makes me happy and glad I went for it.

Also, I had the idea that I could take a snapshot of the board every week, for archiving. I think it will be fun to look back on.

Blue.

2011-07-28T11:01:00.000-05:00

One of my goals to finish by the end of the summer was to paint this dresser blue. Well, it's been a goal to paint it for a long, long time. But I made it a priority to FINALLY finish it before school starts.

I went back and forth on the new color for a while- between a deep, burned orange and blue. Any friend I asked said they liked it as-is. I really like this color too, but couldn't make peace with it with my current curtains, which are a taupe/olive faux silk. I really, really liked those as-is. At first when I painted the dresser, I'd thought those drapes would go to my bedroom, but then that went a different direction, and I really like them where they are so....the dresser needed to change. It wasn't a glaring problem, or I would have done this, say....2 years ago.

So, the back and forth, and then I saw this and this, and my mind was SET on the blue- I like this blue, but have almost nothing in that color, and it will really pop well with the types of colors I typically have out. It's interesting, but not crazy. Seasonless.

So.... to finish it quickly, and cheaply, and try out the new shade, I used spray paint- Krylon Oxford Blue in Satin finish. (I've spray painted before with good, lasting results.) The entire project took three hours (including all the drying times between coats) from start of dismantling the dresser and contents, to putting the stuff back in. This is my kind of hands-on project.

The only thing I would do differently is not apply the clear coat afterwards, which dries unevenly, no matter what I do, any time I use it. Apparently it doesn't reliably do what it's supposed to do, or, I am doing it wrong, despite following directions. The paint looked best before I clear coated it- but since taking these shots, I "sanded" the clear coat down a bit with paper towels and that actually helped a ton.

This is what the dresser looked like originally, when I saved it from the trash.

This is how it looked yesterday...

And three hours later....

We keep useful and ugly things inside, like a drawer full of DVDs, a drawer full of kids' games, and a drawer full of Wii remotes and games, etc.

Dining Room

2011-07-27T05:00:00.048-05:00

I've been aiming to change up my dining room wall for a long time.

I wanted to add a large-scale chalkboard, and begin extending the gallery wall in our living room into the dining room- just the beginning stage- so it can grow and evolve over time.

You can see what used to be on this wall here at Pinterest.

And you can see this pin board for the things that inspired me as I decided what to do with the projects I've done lately, as well as the after-shots.

I ended up with this (please excuse the non-artistic wide angle shots from my point and shoot that you are about to see....)

In the future, I can write all kids of things up there- quotes, a menu, notes and messages, whatever. I like that there are two and they are divided- I can use them as one, or do two different things.

See, I'm wanting the wall from the Living Room to flow into the Dining Room, with room to grow and evolve over time, eventually rising higher and bridging the gap above the doorway up the vault...

I also didn't want to spend any money on these projects I've been doing. Other than the chalk boards, so far so good.

This is my Mom's rolling pin, which she barely used, but I have fond memories of it (and pie crust) when I was young. I used my picture-hanging kit and attached a claw hood to the back of it so it's secure on the wall. Originally I didn't know how I'd display it, then I saw this and had a lightbulb/why didn't I think of that moment.

This is the platter my Mom always put turkey on at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I thought I'd write messages etc. on it with glass markers (which I originally have for this).

I purchased the vinyl chalkboard panels here, and Jim put them up for me last weekend. They stay where you put them, clean off with ease, and create very little dust because they're softer than a regular chalkboard. I highly recommend them.

And that is all.

Recipes.

2011-07-26T05:00:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I sorted through all the recipes from my Mom's recipe box...

And placed some of the more interesting/treasured ones here in our kitchen.

I will not mince words. My mother was a terrible cook.

But she was surrounded by generations of wonderful cooks- and incredibly good recipes.

Funnels of Cake

2011-07-25T14:47:00.000-05:00

While I was sorting through my Mom's recipes, I found this old photocopy and thought, "Hey, that's really simple."

Not 10 minutes later, we had these...

Extremely simple- not that we'll be making them often- whew!

Grandest

2011-07-25T14:36:00.000-05:00

We have five or six different types of lilies in our garden. These large, white ones are by far the grandest. The first one bloomed this morning.