I haven't written in awhile because school has begun which affects all of us in the house. Mom goes back to work as do the girls and daddy preps for afternoon homework helper. It's also the time of year we start making muffins again.
This is a staple in our house to take to school for snack time. It makes me feel good because of the volume of veggies that go inside each little muffin. The girls love them, I love them and so does daddy. They are especially yummy the moment they come out of the oven but honestly, they are delicious and moist when cold too.
I usually use a pre-made muffin mix like fiber one mixes because they are easy, and I love the extra fiber that's hidden so well among delicious flavors like banana nut, blueberry and apple spice. I then take approximately 3 cups of shredded veggies (carrots, zucchinni or both), and throw it into the mix. Continue to follow baking directions. It might take longer for the muffins to finish cooking and you will need to ignore the desire to up the temperature because you don't want to burn the bottoms of the delectable treats. I usually leave them in the pan to solidify a little before removing them to a cooling rack.
They are so moist and the kids know that the vegetables are in there and they believe, because I have told them so, that it's the veggies that make them so moist and wonderful so they don't shy away from eating them.
A wonderful, portable healthy snack that is fun for all to make together in the kitchen. I firmly believe kids are more likely to eat it if they have had a hand in making it.
Enjoy!
Bells
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Pizza, Pigs, and Poetry: How to Write a Poem
I bought this book several months ago but just read it today. Written by Jack Prelutsky, this cross between an autobiography, poetry how to, and funny, family anectdotals, is a rare find. Mr. Prelutsky opens his childhood memory box and allows his readers to understand where his inspiration for stories originate. Not only does he share what gave him the idea for each of the poems in this book, he gives a craft lesson as well. He somehow manages to do all of this great teaching within a simple framework that will have students and adults laughing until they cry. Interspersed throughout the book, he slides in statements about revision and never giving up on a piece of writing. Mr. Prelutsky repeatedly shares the importance of a writers notebook and makes writing seem very much like a guy thing to do. Overall, a great book that I highly recommend.
Grade Recommendation: Some of the vocabulary can be tough at times but if a student has strategies for handling unfamiliar words, then this charming book would do well with students from second grade through eighth grade. It's really ageless since it is an adult making reference to (and making fun of) his childhood, students of most ages will be able to connect and identify with the stories.
Read Aloud Discussion: A perfect read aloud while introducing poetry or writers workshop. Definitely inspiring students to write while entertaining them at the same time.
Mentor Text: As mentioned in the read aloud comments, this book is a perfect introduction to both poetry and writer's workshop. I plan to use it this next year while introducing writer's workshop. We may revisit it again during our poetry unit.
Grade Recommendation: Some of the vocabulary can be tough at times but if a student has strategies for handling unfamiliar words, then this charming book would do well with students from second grade through eighth grade. It's really ageless since it is an adult making reference to (and making fun of) his childhood, students of most ages will be able to connect and identify with the stories.
Read Aloud Discussion: A perfect read aloud while introducing poetry or writers workshop. Definitely inspiring students to write while entertaining them at the same time.
Mentor Text: As mentioned in the read aloud comments, this book is a perfect introduction to both poetry and writer's workshop. I plan to use it this next year while introducing writer's workshop. We may revisit it again during our poetry unit.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Under the Dome
While I appreciate the writing of Stephen King, I have to say I'm not usually a fan of his genre choice. I can't handle i! He writes so darn well that it.... scares me. I had read a review of this book and something about it intrigued me so I gave it a try and it makes me wonder if I have changed or if he has. His writing is still tremendous and the visuals he creates as well as the diaogue is spot on dynamic. But it's the web of characters and his unique ability to hold a large story together that I find so fascinating. I had to re-read the beginning a few times to grasp all of the characters that were being thrown at me but once I grasped who the central players were I let the others drift from my mind and was honestly surprised to revisit them later in the story. I'm making it sound like it was a difficult read and it truly wasn't but I did have to pay attention to keep it all straight.
The premise of the story is that an large invisible dome drops down on a small town community and then we are given the opportunity to glimpse this community at work and how they react to such conditions. It's a little Lord of the Flies meets Friday Night Lights. We all support the team is a common mantra throughout the tale with a varried opinion of what that actually means. Throw in some crooked politicians, a serial killer or two and you have a big book with a lot of characters that I couldn't put down. My husband was reading this one at the same time as I was and it was a great couples book to discuss. There was plenty of violence for him and unsuspecting romance for me. Or, is that there was plenty of violence for me and some subtle romance for him? Either way, we both loved it and would highly recommend this for a science fiction escape.
I wouldn't recommend this book for children, however high school students would love it if they could stick with it for the duration of this lengthy story.
The premise of the story is that an large invisible dome drops down on a small town community and then we are given the opportunity to glimpse this community at work and how they react to such conditions. It's a little Lord of the Flies meets Friday Night Lights. We all support the team is a common mantra throughout the tale with a varried opinion of what that actually means. Throw in some crooked politicians, a serial killer or two and you have a big book with a lot of characters that I couldn't put down. My husband was reading this one at the same time as I was and it was a great couples book to discuss. There was plenty of violence for him and unsuspecting romance for me. Or, is that there was plenty of violence for me and some subtle romance for him? Either way, we both loved it and would highly recommend this for a science fiction escape.
I wouldn't recommend this book for children, however high school students would love it if they could stick with it for the duration of this lengthy story.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Taco Salad
We had dinner with friends last night and had what has become our favorite meal with this family. They have several dietary restrictions; no dairy, no wheat, no eggs, and we have the picky eater. This wonderful meal meets all of our needs and can be prepared ahead of time leaving us plenty of visit time. The other wonderful point to this meal is you can get elaborate with choices if you are feeling spunky or you can keep it basic to a few items. We usually fall somewhere in between. Besides the meat, it's a matter of chopping veggies and putting them out for everyone. For the meat, we usually chop an onion, brown some ground beef and add taco seasoning of choice. Kids make nachos and we all have salads. It couldn't be simpler. Here are our favorite sides:
Corn Chips
Guacomole
Sour Cream
Tomatoes
White ONion
Cheddar Cheese
A Melted Velveeta Cheese
Hot Peppers
Green Chilies
Lettuce
Various Salsas (Peach is the stand by)
Refried Beans
Corn
Black Beans
Other Options:
Black Olives
Dressings
Crunchy Toppings: nuts, croutons
Anything you would put on a salad
Corn Chips
Guacomole
Sour Cream
Tomatoes
White ONion
Cheddar Cheese
A Melted Velveeta Cheese
Hot Peppers
Green Chilies
Lettuce
Various Salsas (Peach is the stand by)
Refried Beans
Corn
Black Beans
Other Options:
Black Olives
Dressings
Crunchy Toppings: nuts, croutons
Anything you would put on a salad
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Lucy's Zuchinni and Corn Casserole
Twas the night before departure, and all through the kitchen;
mom and Lucy were slicing, dicing and fixin.
Food they could find;
no matter the kind
and threw it all together and said Amen.
As we were getting ready to leave on holliday, we wanted to use up some of the fresh food we had in the house. We found several ears of grilled corn; leftover brown rice from beans and rice the other night; cream cheese in the fridge; about 10 slices of bread; a little cheese and about 2 gigantic zucchinis and it was one of the best dishes I've had in a long time. Lucy just beamed at her creation and said nothing is better than cooking with Mommy in the kitchen. The picture I always saw in my head when we bought this house I realized comes true a lot. Everyone in the kitchen loving, laughing, bickering; being a family.
Ingredients:
@ 3 ears of corn (grilled)
@ 3 cups of shredded zucchini
@ 16 ounces of cream cheese (about half of ours was flavored garlic and chives)
@ 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese
@ 10 slices of bread in food processor
Olive oil
First we shredded the zucchini and cut the corn off the cobs, mixed that all together and put it in a 9x13 pan. We spread the rice evenly over the corn and zucchini mixture, and then dollopped the cream cheese over the casserole. Afterwards, we sprinkled the cheese, topped it off with the bread crumbs and drizzled olive oil over the whole thing. Baked it for 40 minutes in a 350 degree oven, and then turned the oven on broil and watched closely while we browned the top. Yummy!!
mom and Lucy were slicing, dicing and fixin.
Food they could find;
no matter the kind
and threw it all together and said Amen.
As we were getting ready to leave on holliday, we wanted to use up some of the fresh food we had in the house. We found several ears of grilled corn; leftover brown rice from beans and rice the other night; cream cheese in the fridge; about 10 slices of bread; a little cheese and about 2 gigantic zucchinis and it was one of the best dishes I've had in a long time. Lucy just beamed at her creation and said nothing is better than cooking with Mommy in the kitchen. The picture I always saw in my head when we bought this house I realized comes true a lot. Everyone in the kitchen loving, laughing, bickering; being a family.
Ingredients:
@ 3 ears of corn (grilled)
@ 3 cups of shredded zucchini
@ 16 ounces of cream cheese (about half of ours was flavored garlic and chives)
@ 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese
@ 10 slices of bread in food processor
Olive oil
First we shredded the zucchini and cut the corn off the cobs, mixed that all together and put it in a 9x13 pan. We spread the rice evenly over the corn and zucchini mixture, and then dollopped the cream cheese over the casserole. Afterwards, we sprinkled the cheese, topped it off with the bread crumbs and drizzled olive oil over the whole thing. Baked it for 40 minutes in a 350 degree oven, and then turned the oven on broil and watched closely while we browned the top. Yummy!!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Love Aubrey
Love Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur was recommended to me by my little reader-junkie daughter who is going into 4th grade. It was funny to hear her tell me about the book as she was reading it; a girl is left at home all alone to take care of herself. "Honey, there is no way a little girl could be at home by herself, someone would know, " I say. "She was... her dad and sister die in an accident and her mom leaves," she urges. I felt compelled to read the story after that to alleviate any fears of abandonment but she was right, that's exactly how this book begins.
Aubrey is left alone after a tragic car accident taking her dad and sister and then her mom goes off her rocker and just leaves poor Aubrey to defend for herself who manages, to feed herself, go shopping by herself etc. But don't worry, that's just the beginning.
The real meat of the story is when her grandmother finds her in that state and snatches her up and takes her home and the relationship they develop. Aubrey has to learn to trust adults and make new friends and what it means to open up and deal with one of lifes tragedies. My favorite aspect of this book is by far the ending.... the choices she is asked to make and the grace with which she does. A wonderful girl story about loss and discovering yourself.
Grade Recommendation: I wouldn't recommend this below 3rd grade even as a read aloud because of the very real death of family members. It could be a touch subject for some. I think easily up through 6th grade would enjoy this novel and possibly 7th (younger character). Students often don't like to read about characters younger than themselves but they miss a lot of great books because of it.
Read Aloud: Love Aubrey does a fantastic job dealing with the loss of family members and how it's okay if everything isn't okay immediately but that it can be.... I don't know if I would read it if anyone has directly lost a family member but it would be excellent for friends of individuals who have suffered loss to explain how difficult it is for them to open up and talk about it with others.
Mentor Text: The ending by far. I love how the ending is not what we expected it to be but allowed the main character to really make some grown up decisions. You could almost summarize the whole book and get down to the last chapter and then talk about possible choices and they would affect the feeling of the story.
Aubrey is left alone after a tragic car accident taking her dad and sister and then her mom goes off her rocker and just leaves poor Aubrey to defend for herself who manages, to feed herself, go shopping by herself etc. But don't worry, that's just the beginning.
The real meat of the story is when her grandmother finds her in that state and snatches her up and takes her home and the relationship they develop. Aubrey has to learn to trust adults and make new friends and what it means to open up and deal with one of lifes tragedies. My favorite aspect of this book is by far the ending.... the choices she is asked to make and the grace with which she does. A wonderful girl story about loss and discovering yourself.
Grade Recommendation: I wouldn't recommend this below 3rd grade even as a read aloud because of the very real death of family members. It could be a touch subject for some. I think easily up through 6th grade would enjoy this novel and possibly 7th (younger character). Students often don't like to read about characters younger than themselves but they miss a lot of great books because of it.
Read Aloud: Love Aubrey does a fantastic job dealing with the loss of family members and how it's okay if everything isn't okay immediately but that it can be.... I don't know if I would read it if anyone has directly lost a family member but it would be excellent for friends of individuals who have suffered loss to explain how difficult it is for them to open up and talk about it with others.
Mentor Text: The ending by far. I love how the ending is not what we expected it to be but allowed the main character to really make some grown up decisions. You could almost summarize the whole book and get down to the last chapter and then talk about possible choices and they would affect the feeling of the story.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
11 Birthdays
I've read two books this week and loved them both. I had gotten stuck on a book for about two months which is never a good sign for me so it feels good to be back on a roll. Do I dare blog about the one that stopped me dead in my tracks? I would except it wasn't horrible; it just didn't motivate me to keep going but 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass was fun and moved at a fast enough pace that kept my attention and left me wondering.... what would it be like to turn 11 over and over and over again?
The book follows the familiar format of what would it be like to repeat a day; in the footsteps of films such as Groundhog Day with Bill Murray and 50 First Dates with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. It gives you the chance to try new moves, say something differently and basically be a different person. The moral of the story is of course that our lives are pretty special as they are and really, we need to live them as such because there aren't "do-overs" very often.
So why was I taken with this formulaic book? Because it made me think! Is there a day in my life that I would have liked to have a do-over and what would I have done differently. Would those differences have had consequences that I can't see? Do-overs are a dream come true for many kids and the opportunity to see that some of those do-overs have dire results is a valid lesson. Additionally, I think the basic repeat of one day with some differences thrown in allows readers the chance to really understand and predict what is happening and more importantly what is coming. I also love the characters and felt like they were well developed. A strong and caring boy and a girl who learns to trust herself, create a friendship that is very powerful and real. Not an easy thing to do at this age when the opposite sex is either the enemy or something of interest and they don't know what to do about it.
Grade Recommendation: A great book for 3rd through 5th. It would be appropriate lower if the student is a strong reader and would be entertaining up to 6th grade if they could move beyond the age of the main characters.
Read Aloud Discussion: A great read aloud as it has both male and female leads with plenty to talk about as far as social situations and the value of friendship.
Mentor Text: A great text to use when working with prediction because of the repeptive nature of the story. It would also be a good text to demonstrate narrowing the focus to a particular moment in time.
The book follows the familiar format of what would it be like to repeat a day; in the footsteps of films such as Groundhog Day with Bill Murray and 50 First Dates with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. It gives you the chance to try new moves, say something differently and basically be a different person. The moral of the story is of course that our lives are pretty special as they are and really, we need to live them as such because there aren't "do-overs" very often.
So why was I taken with this formulaic book? Because it made me think! Is there a day in my life that I would have liked to have a do-over and what would I have done differently. Would those differences have had consequences that I can't see? Do-overs are a dream come true for many kids and the opportunity to see that some of those do-overs have dire results is a valid lesson. Additionally, I think the basic repeat of one day with some differences thrown in allows readers the chance to really understand and predict what is happening and more importantly what is coming. I also love the characters and felt like they were well developed. A strong and caring boy and a girl who learns to trust herself, create a friendship that is very powerful and real. Not an easy thing to do at this age when the opposite sex is either the enemy or something of interest and they don't know what to do about it.
Grade Recommendation: A great book for 3rd through 5th. It would be appropriate lower if the student is a strong reader and would be entertaining up to 6th grade if they could move beyond the age of the main characters.
Read Aloud Discussion: A great read aloud as it has both male and female leads with plenty to talk about as far as social situations and the value of friendship.
Mentor Text: A great text to use when working with prediction because of the repeptive nature of the story. It would also be a good text to demonstrate narrowing the focus to a particular moment in time.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Pesto with Pals and Cobbler with Kids
The other night we had a couple over for dinner and made yummy burgers and a side of pesto fresh from the garden. I love involving everyone in the preparation of a meal so when you come to dinner at our house, be prepared to pick up a knife. We made an amazing pesto by stepping out into the unbearable heat to clip our basil. I usually plant about three plants in a giant pot and that keeps me going all summer. Just about the time it's ready for me to cut, I'm ready to eat it. Make sure you clip it before it blooms or your leaves won't taste as good. The girls were making pesto while the boys were doing everything else. Pesto is fun because there are so many variations but here's a basic recipe that I follow:
Pesto:
About 4 cups of fresh basil (chopped up in a food processor)
@ 1 cup olive oil and 1/2 cup lemon or lime juice
@2 cups of nuts (pine nuts are traditional but I used walnuts the other night and will use anything)
@ 2 cups parmesan cheese (again I play with different cheeses - goats cheese is a unique experience)
@ 2 tbsp sea salt ( I actually used Himalayan pink crystals - what a hoot - my first time)
1 whole garlic (optional)
Mix it all up and enjoy the fragrance as you go.... I also taste as I go to see if it needs more of anything. If you have leftovers, you can put them in an ice cube tray - then ziplock the cubes when frozen for a fresh burst of spring all winter....
My oldest is headed off to her first sleep away camp tomorrow. In celebration, we decided to use up the blackberries we've been saving the past few days from our wild blackberry bush. We had about 4 cups of blackberries and were rarin' to go.
My 11 year old made the cobbler by tossing the berries with some cornstarch. She coated them well and placed them on the bottom of a 9 x 13 cake pan. She was really wanting to break eggs but no luck today. This cobbler was a cinch and just about 45 minutes from being eaten. We sprinkled @ 1 1/2 cups of sugar over the whole thing and then topped it with some pie crust. I like to use the crust you buy in a box and mix with water as it makes a sort of dumpling like crust. She dolloped the crust over the berries and sprinkled it with sugar and baked uncovered for about 40 minutes or until the crust looks done. I turned off the oven and let it set for another 10 minutes. Once done, we rang the dinner bell (hence my name) and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Amazing!!!
Pesto:
About 4 cups of fresh basil (chopped up in a food processor)
@ 1 cup olive oil and 1/2 cup lemon or lime juice
@2 cups of nuts (pine nuts are traditional but I used walnuts the other night and will use anything)
@ 2 cups parmesan cheese (again I play with different cheeses - goats cheese is a unique experience)
@ 2 tbsp sea salt ( I actually used Himalayan pink crystals - what a hoot - my first time)
1 whole garlic (optional)
Mix it all up and enjoy the fragrance as you go.... I also taste as I go to see if it needs more of anything. If you have leftovers, you can put them in an ice cube tray - then ziplock the cubes when frozen for a fresh burst of spring all winter....
My oldest is headed off to her first sleep away camp tomorrow. In celebration, we decided to use up the blackberries we've been saving the past few days from our wild blackberry bush. We had about 4 cups of blackberries and were rarin' to go.
My 11 year old made the cobbler by tossing the berries with some cornstarch. She coated them well and placed them on the bottom of a 9 x 13 cake pan. She was really wanting to break eggs but no luck today. This cobbler was a cinch and just about 45 minutes from being eaten. We sprinkled @ 1 1/2 cups of sugar over the whole thing and then topped it with some pie crust. I like to use the crust you buy in a box and mix with water as it makes a sort of dumpling like crust. She dolloped the crust over the berries and sprinkled it with sugar and baked uncovered for about 40 minutes or until the crust looks done. I turned off the oven and let it set for another 10 minutes. Once done, we rang the dinner bell (hence my name) and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Amazing!!!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
What Are You Reading?
I posted on my Facebook page that I have gathered all of my reading in one place on my igoogle page and now I know why I don't have time to work out in the mornings.... In a typical morning here is my reading list:
NPR News
CNN News
Reading Lady
Writing Twins
2 Sisters
Eat and Read With Me
Imagination Kid
Tennis News
Baseball News
A Recipe or Two....
Facebook
Scattergood
Whatever professional book I'm reading at the time...
Whatever children's lit book I'm reading at the moment...
ET Weekly (love my celebrity gossip)
What's on T.V.
My Email (2 accounts)
Whew!!
No wonder I'm tired before breakfast ..... Here's hoping all of you read something interesting today!!
NPR News
CNN News
Reading Lady
Writing Twins
2 Sisters
Eat and Read With Me
Imagination Kid
Tennis News
Baseball News
A Recipe or Two....
Scattergood
Whatever professional book I'm reading at the time...
Whatever children's lit book I'm reading at the moment...
ET Weekly (love my celebrity gossip)
What's on T.V.
My Email (2 accounts)
Whew!!
No wonder I'm tired before breakfast ..... Here's hoping all of you read something interesting today!!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Zuchinni and Blogs
My oldest daughter Lily and I are in the midst of making zuchinni bread and creating blogs together. Mine, I've decided will be about fixing food for my family as well as just navigating the parenting and teaching world while hers will be about sharing her creativity. We are trying out the recipe from the Silver Palate Cookbook and can smell the cinnamon floating through the kitchen. I always wanted the kittchen to be a place of family but little did I know that it would involve my daughter and I making our escapades public.
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