tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277569442024-03-14T07:46:09.809-07:00Belly Acre FarmWe named our place after the huge garden and 22 fruit trees that fill our bellies, and our spread is just over an acre. Oh, and sometimes we bellyache. But mostly we enjoy our semi-rural lifestyle. You can email us at bellyacrefarm@gmail.comChristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.comBlogger406125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-79493319088179056212022-06-04T06:45:00.003-07:002022-06-04T06:50:03.736-07:00I Will Miss You, Dad!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/6NaTBgmUEBopyna-nhIpWMyKuMS5HZ9a4Ywq-RsX7aJrAAA6OFZkn9elRDYfmbCIajMnk5FURJhrbLc=s400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/6NaTBgmUEBopyna-nhIpWMyKuMS5HZ9a4Ywq-RsX7aJrAAA6OFZkn9elRDYfmbCIajMnk5FURJhrbLc=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">The other day I saw a mug that said:</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-8c6b75b1-7fff-3af1-663b-848eeb34147c"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Dad, thanks for teaching me how to be a man . . . even though I’m your daughter.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That pretty much sums up being raised by Dad.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">When it came to us kids, Dad’s goal was, as he put it, “to raise FULLY FUNCTIONING INDIVIDUALS.” This meant:</span></p><br /><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We were raised to NOT BE AFRAID – of anything, but especially bugs</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. As small girls, Sherri and I held the crickets that would eventually be fed to the black widow in a mason jar kept on top of the fridge. A favorite family activity was watching a huge Cat Face spider catch and wrap up moths attracted to its web by our front porch light.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It meant . . . learning how to correctly throw a punch and a baseball.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No one was allowed to be a picky eater.</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> When we were dating, Dad even told Eric, “You haven’t tried Leslie’s gravy,” and then made him take a bite.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As an Austin, we all became a good shot</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> – be it BB gun, shotgun or rifle.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A fully functioning individual could </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">not be delicate</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. At our house, </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">delicate was a bad word</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Unsavory things could be discussed at the dinner table, and we were not allowed to be grossed out. Dad pulled our teeth . . loose or otherwise if the orthodontist said they needed to come out and assured us that they didn’t have roots. Yeah, right. Dad was known to say, “I would have made a good dentist,” or “I would have made a good doctor,” depending on what needed attention.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We were often encouraged to, </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Gird up your dad-burn loins!”</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We were raised to </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WORK HARD and PLAY HARD</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. If feeling low, Dad’s remedy was to get out and DO something – usually work.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ours was a home where we</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b> regularly heard and said, “I love you.”</b></span></p></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></div>I would like to share a few of Dad's lesser known talents:</span></span><div><span><br /><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dad could wiggle his ears.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He made a good show of “blowing up” his bicep.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He was excellent at pulling funny faces.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But perhaps </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">his greatest talent was throwing himself fully into the things he LOVED and teaching us to love them too.</span></p></li></ul><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dad loved:</span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Concrete</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dogs</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Black licorice</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Golfing</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Guns</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Excel spreadsheets</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hunting</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Designing and building things</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being in the mountains</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A good map</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Attention to detail</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gardening</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A good container – especially boxes</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And the Gospel of Jesus Christ</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="display: inline-block; position: relative; width: 100px;"></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’d like to end with my own re-make of the Sound of Music classic, “Favorite Things.” (Don’t worry, I won’t be singing.)</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Few of Dad’s Favorite Things</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Neoprene waders and brand new goose decoys,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hiking and hunting with Chip and his two boys,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Horse rides in the mountains when it’s newly spring – </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These were a few of Dad’s favorite things.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fresh homemade cookies and hot apple pie,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Camping with his kids in early July,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Double barrel shotguns and birds on the wing – </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These were a few of Dad’s favorite things.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When the blues strike, when we miss him,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When we’re feeling sad – </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We’ll simply enjoy some of his favorite things,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And then we won’t feel so bad.</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We will miss you, Dad.</span></p></span></div>Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-48206214876472981832020-03-19T08:23:00.000-07:002020-03-19T08:23:04.641-07:00Perspective on Corona Virus Craziness - Is it possible to find joy?<br />
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Hehehe. I’m a little chagrined to admit that the woman who
would like to write a book about Laughter and Lemons has not been laughing much
in the past week. COVID-19 social distancing precautions have this extrovert
feeling more than a little glum.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was looking over the cards where I’ve written goals for the
year in five separate categories, and the top goal on my Spiritual goals card struck
me as really being a challenge during these strange pandemic times. It says, “Radiate
joy at home, at work, at play – be a SUNBEAM!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let me tell you, I have not been radiating joy. Last night
when Hubby was scrolling through channels trying to find something to watch
unrelated to the corona virus, his options were slim. And why is that? Because
sports, in all their forms, have basically been cancelled. Hah! Which made me
laugh out loud. You see, in normal times I put up with Hubby’s sports watching
but feel just a wee bit resentful. And now that he’d really like something distracting
to watch, there’s not even sports. Double hah!<o:p></o:p></div>
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And, yes, I was sitting there beside him on the couch when I
started to laugh. And, yes, I told him exactly why I was laughing <i>at</i>
him. Clearly I have a long way to go before being able to credibly advise
others on how to find happiness amidst the struggles of life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Or maybe it just means that I’m 100% human and can offer a sincere
and heart-felt perspective on just how hard it is to be cheery when times are
tough. I’m going with that second option.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s today’s plan – set my next round of 10-day goals around
the single yearly goal of being a sunbeam that I listed above. The question is,
<b><i>what are the things I do daily that enable me to feel joy</i></b>? <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m in the process of brainstorming. Will you brainstorm
too? I’d be VERY interested to know what you do that sparks joy. (And, yes, Marie
Kondo’s tidying techniques definitely give me a boost.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-34613093620512486652017-10-11T19:56:00.001-07:002017-10-11T20:38:48.778-07:00Reinventing Myself . . .<em>Note: I wrote this over 8 years ago. It was a draft that I just published because I want to remember the idea of fictionalizing my life. I don't know if I'll ever actually do what I talk about in this post, but it still intrigues me.</em><br />
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I couldn’t sleep last night. I’m not sure if I woke up because my stomach hurt or because I had a business idea in my dream and needed to think about it in the non-sleep world.<br />
<br />
Either way, I was awake at 1:40 A.M. and finally got out of bed at 2:30 A.M. My head didn’t hit the pillow again until 6:30 A.M., but don’t cry for me Ike and Tina. After all, I’m not a sleep-deprived mother of a new baby. (Although sometimes I think a baby sounds nice. Physically impossible, but nice.)<br />
<br />
So back to this business idea I had during my dream . . . (anyone is welcome to it)<br />
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In my dream I was visiting a girlfriend out-of-state who owned an interior décor store. It was filled with everything I love – antiques, country paraphernalia, old, used and distressed utilitarian items, handiwork from by-gone eras -- beautiful stuff! She had a friend, Anna Jones, who was also visiting from out of town. We were talking about our love of the beautiful items we were surrounded by.<br />
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Anna mentioned that she was from Indiana, and that’s when my brain went into overdrive.<br />
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“You live in Indiana, and your last name is Jones?” I asked. “You should open a shop and call it ‘Indiana Jones’ with the advertising hook , ‘Always a shopping adventure.’”<br />
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In my dream last night it sounded like a great idea. Now it’s the light of day, I realize it’s not stellar. Even in the wee hours of the morning I knew that pursuing that idea wasn’t for me. Instead, I became fascinated with the name of Anna Jones. That’s what really kept me up.<br />
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In the end, I created a new writing persona – Anna Jones. Fictionally speaking, she’s me. <br />
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If my dreams were to come true, I’d write as Anna Jones for on-line magazines like parents.com and readers would click over to my blog and become loyal followers. Soon I’d have a reading base that would make it possible for me to approach a publisher/newspaper syndicate/agent and start a real writing career.<br />
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I’m thinking this new little writing persona might be a good thing on many levels. For starters, it may prevent me from having dreams that I’m pregnant. (Where do those come from when you’re youngest is nine?) I can live as Anna Jones who will be discovering she’s pregnant with Naomi in April.<br />
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I will be writing fiction -- finally! And with fiction the rule is, "Write what you know." Check.<br />
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I can relive those funny/exasperating/touching moments from my children’s childhood. Jeremiah (Bug) is four, Abigail (Lou) turns two in April, and Naomi (Beans) will be born in early December. As I write about the Jones children, my own kids might enjoy looking back on their younger years too.<br />
<br />
Plus, I’ll have an outlet for all those “From the Trenches” columns I wrote when my kids were younger. In fact, I’ll pretty much be altering them to reflect Anna’s life. And I’ll make them better. Hipper. More fun. Real must-read stuff! Who knows, maybe the Chicken Soup publishers will run a few of my new-and-improved pieces in upcoming books.<br />
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One thing is for sure – I’ll be staying busy!Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-21246805904137170042017-10-11T19:52:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:52:55.144-07:00My Journey with Depression: Part IWednesday is a good day to write about depression. Fifteen years ago I never would have imagined that I’d have anything personal to write about depression. I had formed my views on it from television, movies, and novels, and I guess that’s why it took me over three years to even figure out what it was that I was suffering from.<br />
<br />
In my early 20s I associated depression with crying, staying in bed all day, suicidal thoughts, grief and having a negative outlook. I’d been taught that anyone could overcome mental illnesses by pulling themselves up by the boot straps and by making up their mind to conquer it. All my life I’d been told that effort yields results.<br />
<br />
Then I had children. And while having children didn’t cause my depression, the onset of the illness coincided so closely with childbearing that sometimes I wondered if being a mother made me miserable. I no longer felt like the woman my husband had married. She became buried in a sea of fatigue, irritability and frustration.<br />
<br />
I went to doctors with my complaints and symptoms. They seemed to think that once my children were sleeping better, I would too. They suggested exercise. I upped what I’d already been doing. I kept a gratitude journal which was a wonderful experience, but still didn’t solve my depression. One doctor finally diagnosed an under-active thyroid. And while taking synthroid helped, something still wasn’t right.<br />
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I felt stressed out all the time. Little things became monumental. I read articles and books and tried everything they suggested as a means to reduce my stress. Relief came in an unexpected way.<br />
<br />
I had gone in for a follow-up appointment with my family practice doctor regarding some dizziness I’d been experiencing. Towards the end of the exam, he asked, "So how do you think you’re doing?"<br />
<br />
"Fine," I said.<br />
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"And how are you doing up here?" he asked and pointed to his head.<br />
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I thought a moment and began to tear up. "Probably not fine."<br />
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"Look," he said, "I know you haven’t been feeling great, and everything we’ve tested for comes out normal. I’d like to have you try some anti-depressants and see if they help at all." Noticing my hesitancy, he continued, "They have few side effects. Try them for a month and see if you notice a difference. If not, we’ll take you off them."<br />
<br />
I left his office with a month’s worth of samples and began taking them that very day. When I told my husband that I was taking anti-depressants, he was a little puzzled. Like me, he didn’t think that my problems were related to depression. We were both wrong.<br />
<br />
The doctor said that I would probably notice a difference in as soon as two weeks, and I did. I no longer felt overwhelmed. I was sleeping all through the night. I didn’t wake up with puffy feet, hardly able to hobble to the bathroom. And I felt happy.<br />
<br />
I asked my husband if he’d noticed a difference. "Yeah," he said, "you’re just a lot nicer."<br />
<br />
Only hindsight made it possible for me to see that I had been suffering from depression for almost four years. Once I was feeling better I wanted to know more about my illness. That was over six years ago, and my life has been a constant learning experience ever since.Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-88719842228885594662017-10-11T19:50:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:50:43.609-07:00Depression Journey #2 -- Medication SoapboxIn today’s log of my journey with depression, I’d like to say a little something from my soapbox about medication for depression. I have two words for those with on-going depression symptoms wondering whether or not to take prescription medication. Take it!<br />
<br />
Most health professionals recommend staying on anti-depressants for at least one year. For 75% of treated patients, going off the medication after a year seems to keep depression at bay. But 25% of those who tried medication for a year and then went off it will need to take medication again. And statistics show that if you’re in that group of 25% like I am, you’ll probably need to stay on anti-depressants for the rest of your life.<br />
<br />
I’m constantly surprised by the comments I hear from people with depression. One woman explained that she took medication for high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes but that she just didn’t want to take another medication. Instead, she tried to manage her symptoms with exercise and St. John’s Wort. Her efforts weren’t always effective.<br />
<br />
Another friend I have hit the year mark for taking his anti-depressants and then went off of them. He acknowledges that while he was on them he was more patient with his family, and now has trouble controlling his frustration and irritability. He’s looking to other health issues as the root cause of his symptoms and is not open to trying anti-depressants again.<br />
<br />
And finally, another woman I know seems to feel that she can conquer depression on her own. A therapist said things about her family members that offended her, so she quit going. Didn’t look for a new therapist, just quit going. And she took herself off anti-depressants too. I’ve watched her withdraw from social interactions and activities that she used to enjoy.<br />
<br />
It took me four years of suffering with depression before I tried medication. My hesitancy was partly due to not recognizing my symptoms as depression, and partly because of my upbringing. I was taught to only take medication when absolutely necessary. For instance, if we had a headache we were advised to lay down and rest, even nap. If the headache still persisted, then we’d take medicine. Also, my family was raised to be up and doing. I never had PMS before I was married -- I wasn’t allowed to. Bad moods and off days were something to get over. Pull yourself up by the bootstraps and move on. No wallowing, no how!<br />
<br />
Once I began taking anti-depressants, I could see that I hadn’t been the only one suffering from depression. My family had suffered too. Because two of my main symptoms were irritability and frustration, my six-year-old son’s self-esteem was in the gutter. I remember him saying, "I’m stupid. I can’t do anything right. I wish I were dirt."<br />
<br />
Because my depression left me wiped out, I’m afraid my interactions with him were often tense and nit-picky. Thank goodness I got help. I’m happy to report that grace applies to parenting. When we’re doing all we can do, the Lord makes up the rest. My son is now a happy and healthy 13-year-old. He occasionally has age-related angst, but usually has plenty of self-confidence and some to spare.<br />
<br />
I stayed on my first round of anti-depressants for a year and a half. (My doctor felt that given our long, dark winters it would be best to go off the medication in the spring.) After four months unmedicated, it became obvious that depression had returned. I had enjoyed eliminating one prescription from my list and would have been delighted to keep it that way, but my particular brand of depression requires more than therapy, exercise and a good tug on the bootstraps.<br />
<br />
I’ve found it helpful to compare depression with diabetes. For diabetics, lifestyle modifications can help regulate blood sugar, but even with lifestyle modifications some patients require medication and often insulin. We would never dream of advising a diabetic under the care of a physician to ditch their insulin. "Just gut it out and think yourself well," is advice that won’t miraculously make the pancreas function properly. Same goes for depression. While lifestyle modifications and counseling are helpful for depression, for some it comes down to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Because of this, taking anti-depressants should not be viewed any differently than taking insulin.<br />
<br />
There will always be a few people who will believe that someone suffering from depression brought it upon themselves. But the fewer who believe that, the better!Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-986728032385499662016-01-22T19:10:00.001-07:002017-10-11T20:36:35.089-07:00Start Keeping a Compliment Container<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcMwjCh6mmWblcjuTJZQsI8qMj_Te24-n00RCDaBH5zvdQv_0dRir1vRozDZ9O_oyGMLHQYkAvm0UFvYq8wWxAykGVeAv3AcCaGw_DiRWEc7Hgz82ity0bBBdd4BRM2l29fn0/s400/Compliment+Container.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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Let's be honest. Everyone can use a pick-me-up now and then. One of the best ways I've found to get a mental boost when I'm feeling low is to re-read the cards in my compliment container.</div>
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What is a compliment container? Simply a place where you write down the nice things people say about you to read again when you need them most. I've chosen to keep mine in a button-covered old mint container, but almost any receptacle will do. </div>
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Remember, compliments are elusive. Be sure to jot yours down before they slip from your memory bank. The Notes app on most smart phones is a great place to quickly catch a compliment in print. In fact, if you're uber techie, you may want to just create a Notes category called "compliments" and keep them on your phone.</div>
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Me, I'm a tactile person. Making the custom-cut papers was part of the fun of keeping a compliment container for me!</div>
Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-21866994384785705342015-09-16T08:26:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:15:06.006-07:00Student Recommended BOOKS FOR GIRLS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlgnmcyDHc990CxDzJ9As2SfHLGs0lghEzsaXHCwb76nPrHs4zdqGeSfDN_C50wYhI9MAG6Lh0umHsCXwXKhFia9wuujIBQw4miWtg7S6gNLEO_TjDc_DpNysG5oqAgW_WDoLug/s1600/books4girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlgnmcyDHc990CxDzJ9As2SfHLGs0lghEzsaXHCwb76nPrHs4zdqGeSfDN_C50wYhI9MAG6Lh0umHsCXwXKhFia9wuujIBQw4miWtg7S6gNLEO_TjDc_DpNysG5oqAgW_WDoLug/s320/books4girls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">2014 / 2015 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Favorite Books of Mrs. Hansen’s students</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>GIRLS’ TOP 10</u> (in order of popularity)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><i>The Hunger Games</i> (series), by Suzanne Collins<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><i>Divergent</i> (series), by Veronica Roth<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><i>Fablehaven</i> (series), by Brandon Mull <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><i>The Fault in Our Stars</i>, by John Greene<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal">The Heroes of Olympus series, by Rick Riordan <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal">Harry Potter series, by J. K. Rowling<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><i>House of the Scorpion/Lord of Opium</i>, by Nancy Farmer<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><i>Matched</i> Trilogy, by Ally Condie<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><i>Wonder</i>, by R. J. Palacio<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><i>Uglies</i> (series), by Scott Westerfield<o:p></o:p></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>All Others</u> (in alphabetical order)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>39 Clues</i> (series), by various authors<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The 5<sup>th</sup>Wave</i> (series), by Rick Yancey<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Ascendance Trilogy (<i>False Prince</i>), by Jennifer A. Neilsen<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Because of Winn Dixie</i>, by Kate DiCamillo<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Beyonders</i> (series), by Brandon Mull<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Big Nate</i> (series), by Lincoln Pierce<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Candy Shop War</i>, by Brandon Mull<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Charlie Bone</i>(series), by Jenny Nimmo<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Chasing Vermeer</i>, by Blue Balliett<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Close to Famous</i>, by Joan Bauer<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Crazy</i>, by Han Nolan<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Crossover</i>, by Kwame Alexander<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Diary of a Wimpy Kid</i>(series), by Jeff Kinney<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Dork Diaries</i>(series), by Rachel Renee Russell<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Double Fudge</i>, by Judy Blume<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Ever After High</i>(series), by Shannon Hale<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Feathers</i>, by Jacqueline Woodson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Fifteenth Summer</i>, by Michelle Dalton<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Giver</i>, by Lois Lowry<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Goddess Girls series, by Joan Holub<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Goose Girl</i>(series), by Shannon Hale<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>±</b> <i>The Guardian</i>, by Nicholas Sparks<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Hope Was Here</i>, by Joan Bauer<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>If I Stay</i>(series), by Gayle Forman<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Infernal Devices series, by Cassandra Clare<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Invention of Hugo Cabret</i>, by Brian Selznick<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Jabberwocky</i>, by Daniel Coleman<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Janitors</i> (series), by Tyler Whitesides<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Wishing Spell</i>(series), by Chris Colfer<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles</i>, by Julie Edwards Andrews<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Leven Thumps</i>(series), by Obert Skye</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Mare in the Meadow</i>, by Ben M. Baglio</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Maze Runner</i>(series), by James Dashner<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Michael Vey</i>(series), by Richard Paul Evans<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane</i>, by Kate DiCamillo<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Missing series (<i>Found</i>), by Margaret Peterson Haddix<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Mortal Instruments</i>(series), by Cassandra Clare<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>My Fair Godmother</i>(series), by Janette Rallison<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Reawakened</i> (Once Upon a Time series), by Odette Beane<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Out of My Mind</i>, by Sharon M Draper<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Out of the Dust</i>, by Karen Hesse<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Pay it Forward</i>(young readers edition), by Catherine Ryan Hyde<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Peter and the Starcatchers</i> (series), by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Poison Study</i>(series), by Maria V. Snyder<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Princess Academy</i>(series), by Shannon Hale<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Rangers Apprentice series, by John Flanagan<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Remaining</i>(series), by D. J. Molles<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Savvy</i>, by Ingrid Law<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Seeing Cinderella</i>, by Jenny Lundquist<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Selection</i> (series), by Kiera Cass<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Shadow of the Dragon series, by Tielle St. Clare<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Silence </i>(series), by Natasha Preston<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Stay</i> (series), by Emily Goodwin<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites</i> (series), by Chris <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Heimerdinger<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>To Kill a Mockingbird,</i>by Harper Lee<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>True … Sort of</i>, by Katherine Hannigan<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>‡ </b><i>Twilight</i> (series), by Stephenie Meyer<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>±</b> <i>Unbroken</i>, by Laura Hilenbrand<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Warriors series, by Erin Hunter<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Wednesday Wars</i>, by Gary D. Schmidt<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Where the Red Fern Grows</i>, by Wilson Rawls<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Wide Awake Princess</i> (series), by E. D. Baker<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Witch of Blackbird Pond</i>, by Elizabeth George Speare<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Where the Sidewalk Ends</i>, by Shel Silverstein<o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Wonderstruc</i>k, by Brian Selznick<o:p></o:p></div>Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-86676656521123874812015-09-16T08:17:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:15:06.027-07:00Student Recommended BOOKS FOR BOYS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="138" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3805/13349681555_ff5beaeb07_b.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">2014 / 2015 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Favorite Books of Mrs. Hansen’s students<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>BOYS’ TOP 10</u> (in order of popularity)<o:p></o:p></div><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal"><i>Michael Vey</i> (series), by Richard Paul Evans <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal">Fablehaven (series), by Brandon Mull<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><i>House of the Scorpion/Lord of Opium</i>, by Nancy Farmer <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal">Harry Potter series, by J. K. Rowling <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal">The Heroes of Olympus series, by Rick Riordan<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><i>The Hunger Games</i> (series), by Suzanne Collins<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><i>Diary of a Wimpy Kid</i> (series), by Jeff Kinney<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><i>Divergent</i> (series), by Veronica Roth<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><i>The Maze Runner</i> (series), by James Dashner<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal">Alex Rider series, by Anthony Horowitz<o:p></o:p></li></ol><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>All Others</u> (in alphabetical order)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>39 Clues</i> (series), by various authors<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Adventurers Wanted series, by M. L. Forman<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Artemis Fowl</i>(series), by Eoin Colfer<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Ascendance Trilogy (<i>False Prince</i>), by Jennifer A. Neilsen<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Beyonders</i>(series), by Brandon Mull<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Big Nate</i> (series), by Lincoln Pierce<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Book of Mormon<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Bud, Not Buddy,</i> by Christopher Paul Curtis<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Candy Shop War</i>, by Brandon Mull<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Charlie Bone</i>(series), by Jenny Nimmo<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Cirque Du Freak series, by Darren Shan<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Conspiracy 365 series, by Gabrielle Lord<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Crossover</i>, by Kwame Alexander<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Dead End in Norvelt</i>, by Jack Gantos<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Ender’s Game</i>(series), by Orson Scott Card<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Eragon</i> (series), by Christopher Paolini<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Gregor the Overlander</i>(series), by Suzanne Collins<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Hatchett</i> (series), by Gary Paulsen<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Hobbit</i>, by J. R. R. Tolkien<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Holes</i>, by Louis Sachar<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>I Funny</i> (series), by James Patterson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I Survived series, by Lauren Tarshis<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>I Am Number Four</i>(series), by James Dashner<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Janitors </i>(series), by Tyler Whitesides<i> <o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>±</b> <i>Jurassic Park</i>, by Michael Crichton<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Kane Chronicles series, by Rick Riordan<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Legend</i> (series), by Marie Lu<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Leven Thumps</i>(series), by Obert Skye<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lord of the Rings</i>(series), by J. R. R. Tolkien<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Loser</i>, by Jerry Spinelli<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lost Hero</i>(series), by Rick Riordan<o:p></o:p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Maximum Ride</i>(series), by James Patterson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Middle School – Get Me Out of Here!</i> by James Patterson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series, by Ranson Riggs<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Mistborn series, by Brandon Sanderson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Ephraim Chroni</i>cles , by Lee Nelson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Pendragon series, by D. J. MacHale<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Rangers Apprentice series, by John Flanagan<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Rascal</i>, by Sterling North<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Redwall</i> (series), by Brian Jacques<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Secret Zoo</i>(series), by Bryan Chick<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series, by Michael Scott<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Septimus Heap series, by Angie Sage<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Series of Unfortunate Events, by Lemony Snickett<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Spiderwick Chronicles series, by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Spook’s Apprentice</i>(series), by Joseph Delaney<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Steelheart, by Brandon Sanderson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Storm Testament</i>(series), by Lee Nelson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Summer Ball</i> (and others), by Mike Lucia<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites</i> (series), by Chris <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Heimerdinger<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Theodor Boone series, by John Grisham<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Three Investigators series, by Willlam Arden<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Treasure Island</i>, by Robert Louis Stephenson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea</i>, by Jules Verne <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>±</b> <i>Unbroken</i>, by Laura Hilenbrand<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Ungifted</i>, by Gordon Korman<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Unwanteds</i>(series), by Lisa McMann<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Vietnam series by Chris Lynch<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Way of Kings</i>, by Brandon Sanderson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Wonder</i>, by R. J. Palacio<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Wool</i> (series), by Hugh Howey<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Wednesday Wars</i>, by Gary D. Schmidt<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>±</b> Represents a book written for adults<o:p></o:p></div>Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-37067812193664763352015-07-16T08:55:00.000-07:002015-07-16T08:55:05.989-07:00I am a Polar Bear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am a Polar Bear. This epiphany came to me shortly after a
Relief Society workshop I attended in Layton, Utah almost 20 years ago. A woman
who was a registered dietitian and worked with professional sports players was
talking to our stake about nutrition and body image.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She began her presentation in a novel way. On the projector
she displayed beautiful photos of animals – they were National Geographic
quality pictures. She encouraged us to think about them as creations of our
Heavenly Father and to note the variety and individuality of each different
species. As a lover of the outdoors and a watcher of PBS nature specials, she
had me hooked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Perhaps you’ve already guessed where she was going with her
presentation. I, however, was simply caught up in the beauty of all those
amazing animals. She concluded her slide show with a giraffe and asked the
women in attendance to switch gears. She said something along the lines of,
“This is a giraffe. We’ve been enjoying looking at various animals created by
our Heavenly Father. We would never expect any one of those creatures to try to
look like a giraffe, but that’s exactly what we do as people. Instead of
enjoying the variety and individuality of the human race, we’ve fallen into the
trap of thinking that somehow we should all look alike. That somehow, as women,
we can all fit the physique of the giraffe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In that moment I saw the absurdness of the ruse I’d fallen
under. There was no way I was ever going to be a giraffe! After only a moment
of thought, I knew exactly what animal was a fit for me metaphorically – the
polar bear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First of all, I’m pale. Really pale. Back when I was engaged
to be married I was adjusting my pant leg and my soon-to-be sister-in-law
noticed how white my leg was. “Is that your leg?” she asked. “Or are you
wearing white nylons?” A little embarrassed, I assured her that it was
definitely my leg. The polar bears and I have paleness in common.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next on my list of similarities to the polar bear is my
size. Of course I’m not really the size of an adult polar bear (300 to 500 lbs.
for a female), but polar bears are the largest species of bear. And I am a
rather large person. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also learned that polar bears have very large paws. Which
fits my M.O. as well. They use theirs for swimming. I use mine for anything but
swimming. (Alas, designers have not come up with a swimming suit that is
flattering for this polar bear.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finally, I definitely have an over-developed mother bear
instinct. You do not want to see me react if I feel that one of my bears
(children, students, friends, family members) is being threatened. It is
ferocious!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So there you have it. I am a polar bear, metaphorically
speaking. And to tell you the truth, I’m just fine with being a polar bear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-75193789811625936522014-08-28T21:07:00.001-07:002014-08-28T21:07:37.201-07:00Accident Girl and Safety Man do the Ice Bucket Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jeanine David issued the challenge, and I responded. . . as Accident Girl, my alter-ego. Fortunately, my husband's boss had also challenged him so that we were able to do it together. I do think that wearing his helmet as Safety Man protected him from a lot of the water. I was not so lucky, and boy was it cold!<br />
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The ice bucket challenge was a great excuse to blacken my eye and create a cut on my forehead. Sorry to say, but we are fully stocked on crutches, ace bandages, wrist braces and steri-strips.<br />
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It's no mystery why Eric is called Safety Man. It's his job at the USU Research Foundation and his personality as well. He wears his seat belt, drives the speed limit, and always wears his bike helmet.<br />
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What you may not know is why I'm called Accident Girl. It probably started in 9th grade when I tore my ACL in a skiing wreck. It doesn't help that I've also rolled our 4-wheeler over myself at the sand dunes a few years ago. I've tripped on a lifted sidewalk and managed to complete a perfect barrel roll on newly installed mulch. And last November I crashed my bike while on a ride with my dog. Let's not even talk about fender benders in reverse!Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-52178838620116425522014-06-10T09:30:00.002-07:002014-06-10T09:30:28.448-07:00Patience and Perspective on I-15Today on my drive to a 3-day conference, I had just passed Willard when traffic came to a halt. Both lanes of vehicles that were just going 75-mile-per-hour stopped.<br />
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I looked at the clock, and looked ahead. I couldn't see anything. I hoped that we'd get moving soon, or I'd be late for my conference. I put the car in park, drumming my fingers on the steering wheel impatiently. <br />
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Five minutes passed. No one moved an inch.<br />
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Ten minutes passed. I've turned my car off now. No change.<br />
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And then a Life Flight helicopter landed. And my impatience vanished.<br />
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Oh, I thought, someone is really hurt. I sure hope they'll be okay.<br />
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And as I continued to sit at a standstill in traffic, I began thinking about these cocoons of steel that we hurtle down the road in at mind-boggling speeds. At any moment any of us are just moments away from disaster. Obviously someone ahead had experienced just such a moment.<br />
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It sobered me.<br />
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Was it going to be so bad to be a little late for my conference? No.<br />
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Would being impatient effect any change? No.<br />
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Would sending up silent prayers hurt? No. And, if nothing else, it would help me realize my own blessings and remain calm.<br />
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After 25 minutes, traffic began to move. As I inched by the accident scene, there was Life Flight, an ambulance, an extra-large incident vehicle, and numerous police cars. And off to the far right, through the barrow pit and through the chain-link fence and into a parked tanker truck was a mooshed red sports car. No one was near the decimated car. Instead, they were gathered some 20 feet away attending to someone unseen lying in the grass.<br />
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As I passed I said one more prayer for the driver and resolved to slow down and be more aware.Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-32185261266637110412014-06-02T13:03:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:21:55.125-07:00Finding (and enjoying) Your Niche in LifeLong ago in high school and college biology, I learned about <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/e/ecological_niche.htm" target="_blank">niches</a> -- where a species fits in the ecological scheme of things. Here I am, some 20 years later, making metaphorical connections and figuring out where my niche is in life.<br /><br />I have been able to rule out a few niches that aren't a fit for me. They include:<br /><ul><li>syndicated parenting columnist</li><li>skinny person</li><li>reading aide</li><li>downhill skiing enthusiast</li><li>runner</li><li>golfer</li><li>Mary Kay beauty consultant</li><li>tan-skinned person</li><li>hot dot eater</li><li>celebrity blogger</li></ul>Whenever I find myself trying to occupy a niche that isn't really a fit, I end up feeling frustrated, uncomfortable, overwhelmed, and generally miserable. I've also noticed that in every circumstance there is always someone else filling that niche with skills far exceeding my own.<br /><br />Is it a mistake to try on a new niche? No. A little trial and error is a great tool for self-discovery. But what I've noticed is that much of my niche failures are often prompted by discontent -- either being dissatisfied with myself or my current place in life. I'm learning that seeking a new niche due to insecurity is almost always a recipe for an unhappy ending.<br /><br />What's the solution? Finding and reveling in a niche that is uniquely suited to you. Here are a few niches that are a fit for me:<br /><ul><li>7th grade reading and language arts teacher</li><li>walker and talker</li><li>gluten-free eater</li><li>wife to Eric</li><li>mother to Jared, Amanda and Natalie</li><li>interval cycler</li><li>journal keeper</li><li>occasional blogger</li></ul>I know that a niche is a fit when it meets at least one of these criteria: only I can do it, it's highly enjoyable, it brings positive results, and makes me happy.<br /><br />Good luck finding the niches that fit in your own life!Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-8812987730758812152014-04-28T15:36:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:21:55.168-07:00Exercise To Earn More at Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/Gym_Cardio_Area_Overlooking_Greenery.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/Gym_Cardio_Area_Overlooking_Greenery.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>According to researchers at <a href="http://www.csuohio.edu/class/economics/abstracts#15" target="_blank">Cleveland State University</a>, women who exercise at least 3 times a week earn up to 10% more than their non-exercising counterparts.<br /><br />Wow! I think I'll set the alarm a bit earlier and go to the gym before work this week. And I'm going to post that stat wherever I will see it a lot.<br /><br /><br /><br />When do you think I should inform my boss about my new exercise habit?Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-83261542861276235132014-04-25T12:29:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:15:06.044-07:00My favorite formative assessment – The Pit of Despair<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZw942_iUFGbSoWqTeQK0JpkLG62KWAD2sTLYJR6yTTSDugIBeMym9I4fy7TO-iGId_sNq7dc81l1PKVczIvbMi8U-RpNuDMNlOk9-gu88T7tXrUpfkCY7ClFX81jYZr2MIyDXA/s1600/picture003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZw942_iUFGbSoWqTeQK0JpkLG62KWAD2sTLYJR6yTTSDugIBeMym9I4fy7TO-iGId_sNq7dc81l1PKVczIvbMi8U-RpNuDMNlOk9-gu88T7tXrUpfkCY7ClFX81jYZr2MIyDXA/s1600/picture003.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m reading the book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Focus-Elevating-Essentials-Radically-Learning/dp/1416611304" target="_blank">Focus</a></i>by Mike Schmoker. One of the keys, he says, to improving learning in schools is for teachers to make checks for understanding often – multiple times in each class period.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some common teacher practices to check for understanding that are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not </i>effective, according to Schmoker are:<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Asking the class a question and only calling on those with their hands raised.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Asking students to raise their hands if they have a question.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Waiting until the end of a unit to give a quiz or test.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fortunately, the methods of daily formative assessment that <em>are</em> effective are very doable. They include:<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wandering amongst students as they work on a new concept, checking their work. Offering additional, individualized instruction when you find a student doesn’t understand.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Asking the class a question and having them use prearranged hand signals to respond. I sometimes use a “thumb vote” – up, down, or in between. Sometimes I ask students to raise the appropriate number of fingers for the answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Asking the class a question and randomly calling on students. For this I use what I call, “The Pit of Despair.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Each class that I teach has a pit – a repurposed frosting can with a tongue depressor for each student with their name on it. Anytime I want to randomly choose a student, I draw a name from the pit. I do this to randomly check for understanding, as Schmoker advocates, or perhaps to simply choose a student to run an errand to the main office. Either way, I’ve found that all students pay attention when I’m about to draw a student’s name from the pit.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZw942_iUFGbSoWqTeQK0JpkLG62KWAD2sTLYJR6yTTSDugIBeMym9I4fy7TO-iGId_sNq7dc81l1PKVczIvbMi8U-RpNuDMNlOk9-gu88T7tXrUpfkCY7ClFX81jYZr2MIyDXA/s1600/picture003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>. . . And the pit says that Sommer would like to answer. Sommer, what did you put down on that question? . . .</em></span></div>Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-147012056424316992014-04-11T21:19:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:43:13.704-07:00A List of Free Kindle BooksHey everyone! Amanda here.<br /><br />I've been using my kindle a lot lately, and I've been dying for some cheap e-books, and I thought that a compiled list of free kindle books would be really helpful, so here goes nothing. I've sorted them by type. If anyone has any recommendations or additions, please comment/link them down below! (:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3Xbm8y4ZItEqyMXct3xY8Vr-Kx9HjHj7Sm0syDDImc9gu9Pk4S-cufO60zYyUpuiC3JIYqe3sx0ibRlDJPS274LhkQ3wycJVOlgDtWv-BmmZuWbzStbnq-EgZj-pYIv8yBQr/s1600/Kindle+Picture+Blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim3Xbm8y4ZItEqyMXct3xY8Vr-Kx9HjHj7Sm0syDDImc9gu9Pk4S-cufO60zYyUpuiC3JIYqe3sx0ibRlDJPS274LhkQ3wycJVOlgDtWv-BmmZuWbzStbnq-EgZj-pYIv8yBQr/s1600/Kindle+Picture+Blog.png" height="311" width="400" /></a></div><br />Please note, I have not read most of these books, so I can't personally recommend them. The ones I do recommend (that I've been able to read so far) will be marked with a star *<br /><br /><b><u>Classics</u></b><br />*Les Miserables, Victor Hugo - this is the unabridged version, which takes a long time to read, but is worth it in the end.<br />Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte<br />Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, Lewis Carroll<br />A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens<br />Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Jules Verne<br />David Copperfield, Charles Dickens<br />Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoyevsky<br />A Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Jules Verne<br />"Familiar Quotations", various authors<br />Love and Friendship, Jane Austen<br /><h3 class="newaps" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="lrg bold" style="text-decoration: none;">The Communist Manifesto</span> <span class="med reg">by</span></span><span class="med reg"><span style="font-size: small;"> Karl Marx and Friedrich Engles</span></span></span></h3><h3 class="newaps" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 6px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The Art of War, Henry Jomini</span></h3><div>The Odyssey, Homer, Samuel Henry Butcher, and Alexander Pope</div><div>My Life and Work, Henry Ford</div><div>The Blue Lagoon: A Romance, Henry de Vere</div><div>Writings of Abraham Lincoln (3 volumes)</div><div>Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens</div><div>*The Phantom of the Opera, Gaston Leroux</div><div>*Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen</div><div>Gargantua and Pantagruel, <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">François Rabelais, Gustave Doré, Peter Anthony Motteux and Thomas Urquhart</span></div><div><span class="med reg"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Uncle Tom's Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">White Fang, Jack London</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Little Women, Louisa May Alcott (again, unabridged)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Scarlet Pimpernel, Baroness Emmuska Orczy</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Jungle Book, Rudyard Kipling</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Frankenstein, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Return of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Dracula, Bram Stoker</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Around the World in 80 days, Jules Verne</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, Howard Pyle</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Treasure Island, Robert Louis Stevenson</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Mystery (thriller, suspense)</u></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Anybody's Daughter, Pamela Samuels Young</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ratcatcher, Tim Stevens</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Seven, Eight... Gonna Stay Up Late, Willow Rose</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Deadly Discovery, Suzanna E. Nielson</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Enemy We Know, Donna White Glaser</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Death In the Beginning, Gary Williams</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Murder Passes the Buck: A Gertie Johnson Murder Mystery, Deb Baker</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Saving Grace, Pamela Fagan Hutchins</span><br />The Man With the Blue Hat, Wendy Potocki<br />The Rosetta Coin, Dana Lyons<br />Brainstorm, Margaret Belle<br />Blood Forest, Jonathon Taylor<br />The Chelsea Project, Jack Stamp<br />Rushed, Brian Harmon<br />Absolution, Susan A. Fleet<br />The Force, Alexandra Swann<br />Taboo (CSI Reilly Steel #1), Casey Hill<br />Darkness Once More, Grant Fieldgrove<br />Blindsided, Jay Giles<br />Lost and Found, Lorhainne Eckhart<br /><br /><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Nonfiction</u></b><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Strange Year of Vanessa M., Filipa Fonseca Silva</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">How to Stop Procrastination and Become Disciplined: A Clear Cut Guide to Eliminating PRocrastination for Good, Dalton Block</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Murder of the Mind, L.L. Bartlett</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Nikola Testla, Sean Patrick</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">That is That: Essays About True Nature, Nirmala</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Exotic Northern Garden, Florence Hoyt</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Always Know What to Say - Easy Ways to Approach and Talk to Anyone, Peter W. Murphy</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A Little Bit of Everything For Dummies, John Wiley and Sons</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And plenty of recipe books</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Teen and Young Adult</u></b><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Gatekeeper, Jason D. Morrow</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Remembrance, Michelle MAdow</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Legend of the Firewlkaer, Steve Bevil</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Star Chase - The Lost Prince, Saxon Andrew</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My Frankenstein, Michael Lee</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The sentinel, Holly Martin</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Evolution, Kelly Carrero</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Lake, AnnaLisa Grant</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">River's Recruit, Charlotte Abel</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Apocalypse, Kyle West</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Mind Readers, Lori Brighton</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Delicate Rain, Mitch Goth</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Invisible, Cecily Anne Paterson</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Exhale, Jennifer Snyder</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Investigating the Hottie, Juil Alexander</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Summer Unplugged, Amy SParling</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Entangled, Nikki Jefford</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Key, Jennifer Anne Davis</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Soulkeepers, G. P. Ching</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Emerald Talisman, Brenda Pandos</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Just Jeans and Jealousy, Tammy Falkner</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Crush, Lacey Weatherford</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Instinct, Mattie Dunman</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Fallen Star, Jessica Sorenson</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Travel</u></b><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Elusive, Sara Rosett</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">True Irish Ghost Stories, St. John D Seymour</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Life on the Mississippi, Mark Twain</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ten Must-See Sights: Edinburgh, Mark Green</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Me & Gus on the Roof of the World, Danny Breslin</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Charles Dickens</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Philippines, Lonely Planet</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Taking Off, Ty F. Clemens</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Europe Essentials, Lonely Planet</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Queen Victoria, Giles Lytton Strachey</span><br />My Top Five: Bangkok, Josh White<br />Top Ten Must-See Sights: Vienna, Mark Green<br />The Cricket on the Hearth, Charles Dickens<br />Adam Bede, George Elliot<br /><br /><br />Annnd that pretty much sums it up! A lot of the books cross over into different categories. I didn't want to go too in depth in this article, but if you have any other free must reads, please comment them down below! Hope you enjoyed them!<br /><br />Amanda</div><div><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><br /><br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-73522484534695019302013-09-26T09:44:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:15:06.065-07:00Favorite Books for 7th Grade Girls -- 2013At the end of every school year I ask my students to hand in a list of their top five books. I compile these into a recommended reading list for 7th graders. Here is the girls' list for 2013.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><u>GIRLS’ TOP 10</u> (in order of popularity)<i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The Hunger Games</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by Suzanne Collins</span><br /><br /><ol><li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Fablehaven</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by Brandon Mull</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Percy Jackson</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by Rick Riordan</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Heroes of Olympus series, by Rick Riordan</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Matched</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by Ally Condie</span></li><li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The Candyshop War</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by Brandon Mull</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Harry Potter</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by J.K. Rowling</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Janitors</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by Brandon Mull</span></li><li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Michael Vey: Prisoner of Cell 25</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by Richard </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Paul Evans</span></li><li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Beyonders</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by Brandon Mull</span></li></ol></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>All Others</u> (in alphabetical order)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The 13<sup>th</sup>Clue</i>, by Ann Jonas<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>± </b><i>A Child Called It</i>, by Dave Pelzer<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Alex Rider series, by Anthony Horowitz<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Artemis Fowl</i>series, by Eoin Colfer<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Beyonders</i> series, by Brandon Mull<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Book of Mormon<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><i>Books of Bayern</i> series (Goose Girl), by Shannon Hale<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><i>Bud, Not Buddy</i>, by Christopher Paul Curtis<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Close to Famous</i>, by Joan Bauer<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Crazy</i>, by Han Nolan<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Delirium</i> series, by Lauren Oliver<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Dragon Rider</i>, by Cornelia Funke<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Fire Girl</i>, by Tony Abbott<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Flipped</i>, by Wendelin Van Drannen<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Frindle</i>, by Andrew Clements<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Generation Dead</i>series, by Daniel Waters<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Giver</i> series, by Lois Lowry<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Gregor the Overlander</i>series, by Suzanne Collins<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>± </b><i>The Guardian</i>, by Nicholas Sparks<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Hobbit / The Lord of the Rings</i> series, by J.R.R. Tolkien<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Hope Was Here</i>, by Joan Bauer<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Host</i>, by Stefanie Meyer<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Ida B.: And Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and </i><i style="text-indent: 0.5in;">(Possibly) Save the World</i><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">, by Katherine Hannigan</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><i>Inheritance</i> series (<i>Eragon</i>), by Christopher Paolini<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><i>Island of the Blue Dolphins</i>, by Scott O’Dell<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><i>Janitors</i>, by Tyler Whitesides<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">Kindom Keepers series, by Ridley Pearson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><i>The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles</i>, by Julie <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Andrews</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><i>Lemonade War</i>, by Jacqueline Davies<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><b>± </b><i>The Lost Boy</i>, by Dave Pelzer<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><i>The Lions of Littlerock</i>, by Kristen Levine<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><i>A Long Way From Chicago / A Year Down Yonder</i>, by Richard Peck</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><i>The Magic Thief</i> series, by Sarah Prineas<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Missing series (<i>Found</i>), by Margaret Peterson Haddix<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Missing Children</i>(Light Traveler Adventure series), <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">by Brent Rowley</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Mother Daughter Book Club</i> series, by Heather Vogel <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Frederick</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Mysterious Benedict Society</i> series, by Trenton Lee Stewart</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Okay For Now</i>, by Gary D. Schmidt<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Old Yeller</i>, by Fred Gipson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Out of My Mind</i>, by Sharon M. Draper<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Paint the Wind</i>, by Pam Munoz Ryan<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Palace of Mirrors</i>, by Margaret Peterson Haddix<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Peeled</i>, by Joan Bauer<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Peter and the Starcatchers</i> series, by Dave Barry and <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Ridley Pearson</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Princess Academy </i>series, by Shannon Hale<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Princess of the Midnight Ball</i>, by Jessica Day George<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Pretty Little Liars</i>series, by Sara Shepard<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Ranger’s Apprentice</i> series, by John Flanagan<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Red Pyramid</i>series, by Rick Riordan<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Riding Freedom</i>, by Pam Munoz Ryan<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>±</b><i> Safe Haven</i>, by Nicholas Sparks<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Savvy</i> series, by Ingrid Law<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Science Fair</i>, by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Selection</i>series, by Kiera Cass<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Septimus Heap</i>series (Magyk), by Angie Sage<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Shadow Children</i>series, by Margaret Peterson Haddix<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Spiderwick Chronicles series, by Holly Black<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Swindle</i> series, by Gordon Korman<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Treasure Island</i>, by Robert Louis Stephenson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>‡</b><i>Twilight</i> series, by Stefanie Meyers<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><i>Uglies</i> series, by Scott Westerfield<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><i>The Underneath</i>, by Kathi Appelt<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;">Vladimir Tod series, by Heather Brewer<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Way to Be! 9 Ways to be Happy and Make Something of Y</i><i>our Life</i>, by Gordon B. Hinkley</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Wednesday Wars</i>, by Gary D. Schmidt<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>What Happened to Goodbye</i>, by Sarah Dessen<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Where the Red Fern Grows</i>, by Wilson Rawls<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>White Fang</i>, by Jack London<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Witch and Wizard</i>series, by James Patterson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>±</b> Represents a book written for adults<o:p></o:p></div><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">‡ </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Represents a book that I CAN NOT recommend for this age group. </span>Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-48352827194773520312013-09-26T09:39:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:15:06.080-07:00Favorite Books for 7th Grade Boys -- 2013At the end of every school year I ask my students to hand in a list of their top five books. I compile these into a recommended reading list for 7th graders. Here is the boys' list for 2013<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><u>BOYS’ TOP 11</u> (in order of popularity)</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ol><li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The Percy Jackson</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by Rick Riordan</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Beyonders</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by Brandon Mull</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Fablehaven</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by Brandon Mull</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Hunger Games</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by Suzanne Collins</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Heroes of Olympus</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by Rick Riordan</span></li><li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Diary of a Wimpy Kid</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by Jeff Kinney</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Harry Potter</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by J.K. Rowling</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Inheritance</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series (</span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Eragon</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">), by Christopher Paolini</span></li><li><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The Candy Shop War</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by Brandon Mull</span></li><li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Alex</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Rider series, by Anthony Horrowitz</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;">39 Clues</i><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> series, by various authors</span></li></ol><br /><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>All Others</u> (in alphabetical order)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>‡ </b><i>Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter</i>, by Seth<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Grahame-Smith</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Adventurers Wanted</i>series, by M. L. Forman<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>All Things Bright and Beautiful</i> series, by James Herriot</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Bartimaeus Trilogy, by Jonathan Stroud</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Big Field</i>, by Mike Lupica<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Book of Mormon<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Bone</i> graphic novels series, by Jeff Smith<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Cardturner</i>, by Louis Sachar<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Chaos Walking</i>series, by Patrick Ness<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Charlie Bone series, by E. Rogers<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Conspiracy 365</i>series, by Gabrielle Lord<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Dragonlance Chronicles (trilogy), by Margaret Weis<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage</i>, by Alfred <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Lansing</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Farworld series, by J. Scott Savage<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Freak the Mighty</i>, by Rodman Philbrick<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Guinness Book of World Records 2013<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Glass</i> series, by Maria v. Snyder<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Gregor the Overlander</i>series, by Suzanne Collins<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Gross Jokes</i>, published by Scholastic<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Hope Was Here</i>, by Joan Bauer<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Hunger but Mainly Death Games: a Parody</i>, by Bratniss Everclean</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>‡</b><i>I Am a Seal Team Six Warrior: Memoir of an American </i><i style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Soldier</i><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">, by Howard E. Wasdin and Stephen Templin</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>I Am Number Four</i>, by Pittacus Lore<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Hobbit / The Lord of the Rings</i> series, by J.R.R. Tolkien<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Holes</i>, by Louis Sachar<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Insignia series, by S. J. Kincaid<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>James and the Giant Peach</i>, by Roald Dahl<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Janitors</i> series, by Brandon Mull<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>‡</b><i>The Kite Runner</i>, by Khaled Hosseini<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Leven Thumps</i>series, by Obert Skye<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Life of Pi</i>, by Yann Martel </div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>‡ </b><i>Lone Survivor: the Eyewitness Account of Operation </i><i style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Redwing and the Lost Heroes of Seal Team 10</i><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">, by </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Marcus Luttrell with Patrick Robinson</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Lorax</i>, by Dr. Seuss<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Loser</i>, by Jerry Spinelli <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><i>Matched</i> series, by Ally Condie<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Maze Runner</i>series, by James Dashner<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Michael Vey: Prisoner of Cell 25</i> series, by Richard Paul Evans</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Missing series (<i>Found</i>), by Margaret Peterson Haddix<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Old Man and the Sea</i>, by Ernest Hemmingway<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Old Yeller</i>, by Fred Gipson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Pendragon series, by D. J. MacHale<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Peter and the Starcatchers</i> series, by Dave Barry and <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Ridley Pearson</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Poison Study</i>series, by Maria V. Snyder<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Rangers Apprentice</i>series, by John Flanagan<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Red Pyramid</i>series, by Rick Riordan<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>School Jokes</i>, published by Scholastic<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Science Fair</i>, by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Shadow Children</i>series, by Margaret Peterson Haddix<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Septimus Heap</i>series (Magyk), by Angie Sage<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Sign of the Beaver</i>, by Elizabeth George Speare<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Soldier X</i>, by Don L. Wulffsonn<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Star Wars: Last of the Jedi</i> series, by Jude Watson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Stoneheart</i>trilogy, by Charlie Fletcher<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Storm Testament</i>series, by Lee Nelson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Tale of Despereaux</i>, by Kate DiCamillo<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Ten True Tales: Heroes of 9/11</i>, by Allan Zullo<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Through My Eyes</i>, by Tim Tebow and Nathan Whitaker<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Travel Team</i>, by Mike Lupica<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Treasure Island</i>, by Robert Louis Stephenson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Unwanteds</i>series, by Lisa McMann<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Wednesday Wars</i>, by Gary D. Schmidt<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Where the Red Fern Grows</i>, by Wilson Rawls<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Witch and Wizard</i>series, by James Patterson<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the<o:p></o:p></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><i>Living Dead</i>, by Max Brooks<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>‡ </b>Represents a book that I CAN NOT recommend for this age group.<o:p></o:p></div>Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-27432472379299294532013-08-06T09:08:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:21:55.195-07:00Turning to the Lord for help in controlling appetites . . .<i>Note: The following is an entry that I originally wrote in my personal journal on June 11, 2013. It's not ordinarily something I'd publish online, but I'm learning that sharing my struggles helps me realize that I'm not the only one battling to be happy with who I am and how I look. This entry also references my religious faith. (I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) I don't know why, but it's taken me a loooong time to realize that I don't have to face my health and wellness issues on my own.</i><br />--------------------<br /><br />Tonight I was reading Elder David A. Bednar's April 2013 conference talk, "<a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/05/we-believe-in-being-chaste?lang=eng">We Believe in Being Chaste</a>." Although Elder Bednar was talking about chastity, his comments had a lot to do with our physical bodies and our spiritual well-being. I found his words to apply to my own struggle with physical health and overeating. Here are a few quotes from his talk that I found meaningful.<br /><br /><br /><ul><li>"Our physical bodies make possible a breadth, a depth, and an intensity of experience that simply could not be obtained in our premortal existence."</li><li>"... The man [or woman] of Christ is spiritual and bridles all passions, is temperate, and restrained, and is benevolent and selfless."</li><li>"We are dual beings, for our spirit that is the eternal part of us is tabernacles in a physical body that is subject to the Fall. As Jesus emphasized to the Apostle Peter, 'The spirit indeed is willing, but the flish is weak.' (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/26?lang=eng">Matthew 26:41</a>)"</li><li>"The precise nature of the test of mortality, then, can be summarized in the following question: <i>Will I respond to the inclinations of the natural man, or will I yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and put off the natural man and become a saint through the Atonement of Christ the Lord?</i> That is the test."</li><li>"Every appetite, desire, propensity, and impulse of the natural man may be overcome by and through the atonement of Jesus Christ."</li><li>"Because a physical body is so central to the Father's plan of happiness and our spiritual development, Lucifer seeks to frustrate our progression by tempting us to use our bodies improperly. One of the ultimate ironies of eternity is that the adversary, who is miserable precisely because he has no physical body, entices us to share in his misery through the improper use of our bodies. The very tool he does not have is thus the primary target of his attempts to lure us to spiritual destruction."</li><li>"Significantly, disciplining the natural man in each of us makes possible a richer, a deeper, and a more enduring Love of God and of His children. Love increases through righteous restraint and decreases through impulsize indulgence." (<i>Note: This applies to 'love of self' as well -- said the woman who impulsively indulged in six Creamies -- the entire box -- today.</i>)</li><li>"The Savior is often referred to as the Great Physician, and this title has both symbolic and literal significance . . . . From the Atonement of the Savior flows the soothing salve that can heal our spiritual wounds and remove guilt."</li></ul><div>Elder Bednar's talk really spoke to me and helped me see that I can turn to the Lord and draw on His Atonement to help me overcome overeating. Like so much else in life, I have to find the personalized and specific tools that will help me overcome physical appetites.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just like it says in<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/34?lang=eng"> Alma 34: 21-26, </a>I can:</div><div>21) "Cry unto him in [my] house, yea, over all [my] household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.</div><div>22) "Yea, cry unto him against the power of [my] enemies. (treats and sweets)</div><div>23) "Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.</div><div>24) "Cry unto him over the crops of your fields . . . .</div><div>25) "... But this is not all: ye must pout out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness."</div><div><br /></div><div>And the way my clothes fit lately, crying in the closet is a definite possibility. It should say, "Cry unto him in the kitchen" . . . That's what I'll be doing. I'll ask for peace and contentment as I eat, that I can be filled with gratitude and open to the subtle feelings of fulness.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a thought -- when I over-do it on eating, I wonder if the Lord looks at me like my husband does? I'm sure that they both want what's best for me, and they're probably both going to be delighted to see me nourishing myself just enough and not too much.</div><div><br /></div><div>My prayers will be different. They may include these phrases:</div><div><ul><li>Give me the determination and will to awake and get out of bed and EXERCISE. Help me to remember how good I always feel whenever I go to the gym or work up a sweat.</li><li>I need thy help to spiritually create a day where I treat my body with the love and respect it deserves.</li><li>As I feed my body, help me to be thankful for the food I eat -- for its taste, texture, smell; for those who grew it, processed it, and prepared it.</li><li>Please help me get the nutrition and nourishment I need from the food before me, but help me to realize when I've had enough. Please give me the strength to put down my utensils and step away from the table -- even if there's still food remaining on my plate.</li></ul><div>Of course part of overcoming the "natural woman" also means finding and engaging in activities to help me not eat out of boredom. I'm sure that the Lord can inspire me to come up with all sorts of great activities.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm won't be on a diet. I may lose weight, but that will be secondary to nourishing my body and using it in a way to fully enjoy this time in mortality that I'll spend with it. It really is all abou health and happiness.</div><div><br /></div><div>I truly believe that the Lord expects me to pray and then do. I'll continue to learn about tips and strategies that fit in with caring for my physical and spiritual well-being.</div><div><br /></div>Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-42033474080504728852013-07-30T11:00:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:15:06.096-07:00Quotes for Teachers and Students -- vol. 1I use part of my back whiteboard to post weekly quotes. They motivate me, and I'm hopeful that they rub off on my 7th graders too. Here are a few that I'd like to use.<br /><br />--------------------<br /><br />"I have yet to find a man, whatever his situation in life, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than he ever would do under a spirit of criticism." -- Charles M. Schwab<br /><br />"If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again!" -- William E. Hickson<br /><br />"Never cut what you can untie." -- Joseph Joubert<br /><br />"To lose patience is to lose the battle." -- Mahatma Gandhi<br /><br />"The future belongs to him who knows how to wait." -- Russian Proverb<br /><br />"The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment." -- Dorothy Nevill<br /><br />"What should not be heard by little ears should not be said by big mouths." -- Author Unknown<br /><br />"Let us be patient, tender, wise, forgiving, in this strange task of living." -- Martin Armstrong<br /><br />"Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world." -- George Bernard Shaw<br /><br />"The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind." -- William James<br /><br />"I used to think of inpatience as simply a natural part of some people's personality, but over the years I have come to conclude that habitual impatience is a mark of immaturity." -- Dr. Harold Lee Snow<br /><br />"When angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, count a hundred." -- Thomas Jefferson<br /><br />"Anybody can become angry -- that is easy; but to be angry with the right person, and to the right degree, and at the right time, and for the right purpose, and in the right way -- that is not within everybody's power and is not easy." -- Aristotle<br /><br />"We can do anything we want to if we stick to it long enough." -- Helen Keller<br /><br />"I do the very best I know how -- the very best I can; and I mean to keep on doing so." -- Abraham Lincoln<br /><br />"The best thing about the future is that is comes only one day at a time." -- Abraham Lincoln<br /><br />"Nothing valuable can be lost by taking time." -- Abraham Lincoln<br /><br />"The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just." -- Abraham Lincoln<br /><br />"As long as you live, keep learning how to live." -- Seneca<br /><br />"Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits." -- Thomas A. Edison<br /><br />"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." -- Thomas A. Edison<br /><br />"I never did anything worth doing by accident, nor did any of my inventions come by accident; they came by work." -- Thomas A. Edison<br /><br />"In any contest between power and patience, bet on patience." -- W. B. Prescott<br /><br />"Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself." -- St. Francis de Sales<br /><br />"Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling." -- Margaret Lee Runbeck<br /><br />"If happiness truly consisted in physical ease and freedom from care, then the happiest individual would not be either a man or a woman; it would be, I think, an American cow." -- William Lyon Phelps<br /><br />"Whoever is happy will make others happy too." -- Anne Frank<br /><br />"Your best shot at happiness, self-worth, and personal satisfaction -- the things that constitute real sucess -- is not in earning as much as you can but in performing as well as you can something that you consider worthwhile. Whether that is healing the sick, giving hope to the hopeless, adding to the beauty of the world, or saving the world from nuclear holocaust, I cannot tell you." -- William Raspberry<br /><br />"The U.S. Constitution doesn't guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up to it yourself." -- Benjamin Franklin<br /><br />"You have to sniff out joy, keep your nose to the joy-trail." -- Buffy Sainte-Marie<br /><br />"The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up." -- Mark Twain<br /><br />"We all have come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now." -- Martin Luther King, Jr.<br /><br />"This will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." -- Elmer Davis<br /><br />"The wishbone will never replace the backbone." -- Will Henry<br /><br />"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face . . . You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." -- Eleanor Roosevelt<br /><br />"All adventures, especially into new territory, are scary." -- Sally Ride<br /><br />"What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight -- it's the size of the fight in the dog." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower<br /><br />"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else." -- Booker T. Washington<br /><br />"If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart." -- Arab Proverb<br /><br />"I expect to pass throught life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again." -- William Penn<br /><br />"A word of kindness if better than a fat pie." -- Russian Proverb<br /><br />"One kind word can warm three winter months." -- Japanese Proverb<br /><br />"Never lose a chance of saying a kind word." William Makepeace Thackeray<br /><br />"The way to get things done is not to mind who gets the credit of doing them." -- Benjamin Jewett<br /><br />"Our life is frittered away by detail. . . . Simplify, simplify." -- Henry David Thoreau<br /><br />"A man who both spends and saves money is the happiest man, because he has both enjoyments." -- Samuel Johnson<br /><br />"Saving is greater than earning." -- German Proverb<br /><br />"The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to his commitment to excellence, regardless of his chosen field of endeavor." -- Vince Lombardi<br /><br />"Never lef the fear of striking out get in your way." -- Babe Ruth<br /><br />"It's so important to believe in yourself. Believe that you can do it, under any circumstances. Because if you believe you can, you really will. That belief just keeps you searching for the answers, and then pretty soon you get it." -- Wally "Famous" Amos<br /><br />"No farmer ever plowed a field by turning it over in his mind." -- George E. Woodbury<br /><br />"Big shots are only little shots who keep shooting." -- Dale Carnegie<br /><br />"Get a good idea and stay with it. Dog it, and work at it until it's done, and done right." -- Walt Disney<br /><br />"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." -- Beverly Sills<br /><br />"Strong people are made by opposition like kites that go up agains the wind." -- Frank Harris<br /><div><br /></div>Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-74677780807177153492013-07-14T19:29:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:43:13.739-07:00Homemade Doughnut (holes)Hey! Natalie and Amanda here.<br /><br />We got kind of bored today, and we were craving a treat, so we decided to make doughnuts. Which later just became doughnut holes. <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Crispy-and-Creamy-Doughnuts/Detail.aspx?prop24=hn_slide1_Crispy-and-Creamy-Doughnuts&evt19=1" target="_blank">This is where we got the recipe.</a>It was really delicious and the doughnuts turned out wonderfully!<br /><br /><u>You will need:</u><br /><br /><ul><li>.25 oz active,dry yeast</li><li>1/4 cup warm water </li><li>1 1/2 cups lukewarm milk</li><li>1/2 cup white sugar</li><li>1 tsp salt</li><li>2 eggs</li><li>1/3 cup shortening</li><li>5 cups all-purpose flour</li><li>1 quart vegetable oil for frying</li></ul><div><u>If you choose to make your doughnuts with a glaze, here are the ingredients.</u></div><div> (We just made ours with powdered sugar which we will explain later.)</div><div><ul><li>1/3 cup butter</li><li>2 cups confectioners' sugar</li><li>1 1/2 tsp vanilla</li><li>4 tbsp hot water or as needed</li></ul><div><u>Step 1</u></div></div><div>Weigh/measure the yeast</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJQPH37gHpw/UeNOppd0FcI/AAAAAAAAAIM/s8wX2KPW9oI/s1600/DSC_0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJQPH37gHpw/UeNOppd0FcI/AAAAAAAAAIM/s8wX2KPW9oI/s320/DSC_0436.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Step 2</u></div><div>Add it to the warm water, and let stand for 5 minutes, or until it's kind of foamy. We put our mixture outside on the front porch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SVg0BoTWJAI/UeNOqavyI4I/AAAAAAAAAIk/5zskhk5abzg/s1600/DSC_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SVg0BoTWJAI/UeNOqavyI4I/AAAAAAAAAIk/5zskhk5abzg/s320/DSC_0440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Step 3</u></div><div>In a large bow, mix together all the dough ingredients, including the yeast/water mix. Mix at low speed. We had to use a pastry blender to mix all the shortening in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Step 4</u></div><div>Beat in the remaining flour (3 cups) 1/2 cup at a time, or until the dough no longer sticks to the bowl and is smooth/elastic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YcSZnq7IhrA/UeNOrXNuisI/AAAAAAAAAI8/rxWok6QX8B8/s1600/DSC_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YcSZnq7IhrA/UeNOrXNuisI/AAAAAAAAAI8/rxWok6QX8B8/s320/DSC_0444.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Step 5</u></div><div>Put the dough into a greased bowl, place it somewhere warm, and let it rise. The actual recipe says to let it double in size, but ours wasn't going to ever double, so we just let it sit for 20 minutes, which worked out great.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VSfRrrtdBTw/UeNOvofJKkI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/7sXIcsI_CrA/s1600/DSC_0452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VSfRrrtdBTw/UeNOvofJKkI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/7sXIcsI_CrA/s320/DSC_0452.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Step 6</u></div><div>Put the dough on a slightly floured surface and roll out until it is about 1/2 inch in thickness.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kE49bvcPulc/UeNOwzaRUaI/AAAAAAAAAKI/bLmJgTjaByA/s1600/DSC_0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kE49bvcPulc/UeNOwzaRUaI/AAAAAAAAAKI/bLmJgTjaByA/s320/DSC_0455.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Step 7</u></div><div>Cut the shapes of your doughnuts out. The recipe then says to let them double in size again, but Natalie and I didn't do this, and ours turned out great!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXzRtkab-6w/UeNOxYS0DuI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/yIPN_rYL8fc/s1600/DSC_0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JXzRtkab-6w/UeNOxYS0DuI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/yIPN_rYL8fc/s320/DSC_0456.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Step 8</u></div><div>Heat up the oil in a fryer or heavy skillet up to 350 degrees. Once it's heated up, begin to cook the doughnuts. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SuXafR1a7gw/UeNOxxG3LMI/AAAAAAAAAKc/4a9-LYSSCJQ/s1600/DSC_0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SuXafR1a7gw/UeNOxxG3LMI/AAAAAAAAAKc/4a9-LYSSCJQ/s320/DSC_0457.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Step 9</u></div><div>Make sure to turn them over so they are evenly brown (we recommend using tongs to turn them). When they're done, use the tongs to take them out, and put them on a plate covered in paper towels. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgwsTkbmNk8/UeNOyEYlXcI/AAAAAAAAAKg/o6lPPe_tUqM/s1600/DSC_0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgwsTkbmNk8/UeNOyEYlXcI/AAAAAAAAAKg/o6lPPe_tUqM/s320/DSC_0458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><u>Step 10</u></div><div>When the doughnuts are no longer steaming hot, roll them/dust them in powdered sugar if you would like. That's what we did, and they were great! Though we also discovered they were <i>delicious</i> if you put a little bit of peanut butter and raspberry jam on them. Or honey. Or cinnamon sugar. Again, if you just want a simple glaze, the instructions are <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Crispy-and-Creamy-Doughnuts/Detail.aspx?prop24=hn_slide1_Crispy-and-Creamy-Doughnuts&evt19=1" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xL-rAeYmMtg/UeNOzsqblZI/AAAAAAAAAK4/BLlSNJ2tMeQ/s1600/DSC_0463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xL-rAeYmMtg/UeNOzsqblZI/AAAAAAAAAK4/BLlSNJ2tMeQ/s320/DSC_0463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(this is when we sprinkled the powdered sugar on, it didn't work out too well)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nf4L0jUP8uI/UeNO0s1rlmI/AAAAAAAAALI/Ar4f5vFdlqc/s1600/DSC_0466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nf4L0jUP8uI/UeNO0s1rlmI/AAAAAAAAALI/Ar4f5vFdlqc/s320/DSC_0466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(we recommend rolling it, because the sugar ended up sticking better to the doughnut holes)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qms_BqnmQYk/UeNeIRZbcNI/AAAAAAAAALY/fExcpKzG0MY/s1600/How+to+Make+Homemade+Doughnut+holes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qms_BqnmQYk/UeNeIRZbcNI/AAAAAAAAALY/fExcpKzG0MY/s320/How+to+Make+Homemade+Doughnut+holes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And thanks to Khrys Bosland for the cute font used in the previous image!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bafj_sT4uqQ/UeNeWA8IL8I/AAAAAAAAALg/LUm3LHwvV2Y/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bafj_sT4uqQ/UeNeWA8IL8I/AAAAAAAAALg/LUm3LHwvV2Y/s200/Picture1.png" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><div>-Amanda and Natalie</div>Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-3136779862714651372013-07-11T14:54:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:43:13.757-07:00How to take pictures of sparkler images/wordsHey! Amanda here.<br /><br />Since it's the summer season and many of you are lighting/watching fireworks, I figured it would be useful to write a post about how to take the long-exposure shots.<br /><br /><u>You will need:</u><br /><ul><li>A digital camera- one that has "bulb" mode</li><li>Sparklers</li><li>A tri-pod</li><li>People to help take the pictures</li></ul>First off, set your camera to bulb mode, with the ISO set to 100.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Set up your tripod and make sure your camera is in focus- I know it's really tempting just to start taking pictures as soon as the sparklers are lit, but take a second and make sure it's focused, otherwise, the entire batch of pictures will be garbage quality.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next, light a sparkler. When they start to draw or write, push down the shutter button and hold it down until they're done (it's helpful to have them say start and stop) or until the sparkler goes out. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's it! Here are some of the pictures we took with sparklers! Enjoy! Please comment down below with any questions you may have!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />*This method (bulb mode) also works great for fireworks!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr65iVmmw1rIdSTnsaqhak4ol1ATriO6V7g_9Y9V1J65_OQ2u0DZ-YVlUkrnod5n6dUwxmrHV0fUhemo7LLzJl_7lNTCYFU81B91nnzaskQCKZCwsIifiCSnp5eWuzsVNoCd91/s1600/Sparkler+Pictures+023_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr65iVmmw1rIdSTnsaqhak4ol1ATriO6V7g_9Y9V1J65_OQ2u0DZ-YVlUkrnod5n6dUwxmrHV0fUhemo7LLzJl_7lNTCYFU81B91nnzaskQCKZCwsIifiCSnp5eWuzsVNoCd91/s1600/Sparkler+Pictures+023_edited-1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmBJ6WSkcjfkV2rmVwL_vOinE-Sx80uLFwx9aQo1nMBuTeuUPTDjex13FlxrR4eFyR3CCac0OatShIm-68IPV6mG_HGrVKQBHci0uTa2qmE5OXYBmAOLpFZou790rsd5-J7_E/s1600/clothes+and+sparklers+pt+2+035_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmBJ6WSkcjfkV2rmVwL_vOinE-Sx80uLFwx9aQo1nMBuTeuUPTDjex13FlxrR4eFyR3CCac0OatShIm-68IPV6mG_HGrVKQBHci0uTa2qmE5OXYBmAOLpFZou790rsd5-J7_E/s1600/clothes+and+sparklers+pt+2+035_edited-1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9UHtFHq4lFx-RtFIZ688GrtdEJQX6B7cyP04jRh1P-iIgzmX-8pmAxbjsWX-GiVbIOeFzaDxpbveaZ2-lIW8fWLu14ItX5BdhuWuYkaXgw2MAuQ7MXlFKPX9_93Edor30JLC/s1600/clothes+and+sparklers+pt+2+037_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9UHtFHq4lFx-RtFIZ688GrtdEJQX6B7cyP04jRh1P-iIgzmX-8pmAxbjsWX-GiVbIOeFzaDxpbveaZ2-lIW8fWLu14ItX5BdhuWuYkaXgw2MAuQ7MXlFKPX9_93Edor30JLC/s1600/clothes+and+sparklers+pt+2+037_edited-1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbukCwpg2TixwquolINfagOSLLcEzg1Ux0BBWtoBomirr_0krsuSla5XQOM1oBDhGnKK8ATcvLKTC73KrHTsYGxQz9h2WqOPMcafBloaQ9nGKtiWTIyXfGTyarb9MB7xV97Qd/s1600/clothes+and+sparklers+pt+2+045_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbukCwpg2TixwquolINfagOSLLcEzg1Ux0BBWtoBomirr_0krsuSla5XQOM1oBDhGnKK8ATcvLKTC73KrHTsYGxQz9h2WqOPMcafBloaQ9nGKtiWTIyXfGTyarb9MB7xV97Qd/s1600/clothes+and+sparklers+pt+2+045_edited-1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXt_vrRRtG8mNNAliXzxMmXOcFOD2vu0WMbJwENXtST1qlKwX_ascCrV0BNaFmd_Tp0iLSUEp_O6nzSuwdiQVnJbANwZAiLqAZ2fSXsTooJIlbGAezlrHntKbmQl9RYnd-BQ3/s1600/clothes+and+sparklers+pt+2+053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXt_vrRRtG8mNNAliXzxMmXOcFOD2vu0WMbJwENXtST1qlKwX_ascCrV0BNaFmd_Tp0iLSUEp_O6nzSuwdiQVnJbANwZAiLqAZ2fSXsTooJIlbGAezlrHntKbmQl9RYnd-BQ3/s1600/clothes+and+sparklers+pt+2+053.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div>Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-25372381781593433852013-07-11T11:15:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:43:13.774-07:00Dill Pickle Recipe -- a family favorite<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANB-0efeLMfvbBDhCf4399eCalKo3hTI76tC4KLX4aNDw8ome1lZwrfSJEKCBmqQezpr45_Q2zd1RoUMi7IZpxg34WlQCfdt7fjZIcQh4gfBpt3_GsMqfp8zGue2Nac-nWs75Gw/s1600/IMG_0654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANB-0efeLMfvbBDhCf4399eCalKo3hTI76tC4KLX4aNDw8ome1lZwrfSJEKCBmqQezpr45_Q2zd1RoUMi7IZpxg34WlQCfdt7fjZIcQh4gfBpt3_GsMqfp8zGue2Nac-nWs75Gw/s320/IMG_0654.JPG" width="208" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I'll be the first to admit that I usually complain about canning season. That is, about everything except canning pickles. These are my favorite thing to can! Perhaps it's because I can do it in small batches, and it doesn't consume a whole day. Or perhaps it's because all the ingredients are fresh and home-grown.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I only use whole cucumbers for my pickles. I pick and store my baby cucumbers, up to a week, in plastic bags in the fridge -- UNWASHED -- until I have enough for a batch. (Washing them causes them not to store as well.) Also, if you're as addicted to canning pickles as I am, I suggest planting at least 3 hills of pickling cukes (we plant Pioneer Pickler). That way, when the cucumbers begin coming on, you can accumulate enough for a batch quickly. And, once you have canned enough pickles, you simple pull up the plants.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Happy pickling!</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><u>Dill Pickles</u></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">8 pounds cucumbers (I can whole cucumbers -- baby size. I think they stay crisper that way.)</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1/2 c. sugar</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1/2 c. canning salt (I don't know what canning salt is. I just use regular iodized table salt.)</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 quart vinegar (4 c.)</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1 quart water (4 c.)</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">3 Tablespoons mixed pickling spices (in a tea diffuser or tied up in cheesecloth)</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">fresh or dried heads of dill -- 1 per jar</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">cayenne pepper or pieces of hot pepper</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">whole garlic cloves, peeled -- one per pint jar</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">ground mustard, fine</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Wash cucumbers well; drain. Combine sugar, salt, vinegar and water in a large saucepot. Add spice bag to mixture; simmer 15 minutes. </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">In clean pint jars place: head of dill, 1 clove garlic, 1/4 tsp. ground mustard, 1/2 inch piece of hot pepper (no seeds) or 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper. Next, pack in clean, fresh cucumbers leaving 1/4-inch headspace.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Ladle hot liquid over cucumbers, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Adjust 2-piece canning lids. (I like to soak my lids in just barely simmering water for 5 minutes before putting them on the jars.) </div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Process pints and quarts 25 minutes in a boiling-water canner.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Note: After canning the pickles, allow 6 weeks before eating them so they'll reach their full flavor.<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgbLgcIEiJo3PgOYah_H6Xu0dz1qdVzS0cTbDVjbMZZwUd-qcKZqPGjwruILSBJQ3o7LCRac-nhmwW5mR33sY5R0t8tXaDK9IQqChCQ7FxC8wJZVJUancciRQj_5aa1vF0-hPoQ/s1600/IMG_0649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgbLgcIEiJo3PgOYah_H6Xu0dz1qdVzS0cTbDVjbMZZwUd-qcKZqPGjwruILSBJQ3o7LCRac-nhmwW5mR33sY5R0t8tXaDK9IQqChCQ7FxC8wJZVJUancciRQj_5aa1vF0-hPoQ/s320/IMG_0649.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yzZNTAnRo5CZ_ofU3vhR2zXOWWVGoVoT4BooWwNwZG7gXeDfJs0Vc7RcrH521J6jkbZbvgXqcdgldlmdtiVsOnZx2IcMUeLZ9CFTujB0C6NbuU6o3aFWjg8IiZc_sSmv5dvQcQ/s1600/DSC_0437_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yzZNTAnRo5CZ_ofU3vhR2zXOWWVGoVoT4BooWwNwZG7gXeDfJs0Vc7RcrH521J6jkbZbvgXqcdgldlmdtiVsOnZx2IcMUeLZ9CFTujB0C6NbuU6o3aFWjg8IiZc_sSmv5dvQcQ/s320/DSC_0437_edited-1.jpg" width="290" /></a>Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-75072000869230973822013-07-08T06:46:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:21:55.222-07:00LOVE this article! Exercise isn't always about losing weight . . .In this weekend's <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/home/">Deseret News</a>, there was <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865581488/Weight-loss-never-promised-peace-Why-I-exercise-without-expectations.html">one article</a> in particular that I loved.<br /><br />I could really relate with what C. Jane Kendrick <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865581488/Weight-loss-never-promised-peace-Why-I-exercise-without-expectations.html">wrote</a> about exercising for health and mental wellness but not necessarily for weight loss.<br /><br />It's been quite a while since I've posted on this blog, but <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865581488/Weight-loss-never-promised-peace-Why-I-exercise-without-expectations.html">this article</a> is something that I'm sure I"ll go back to again and again for reassurance that I'm not alone in being a curvaceous exerciser.<br /><br />Thanks, C. Jane Kendrick!Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-34230624492394758392013-06-24T20:22:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:43:13.791-07:00All-American Dessert: Patriotic PieChristie here, sharing my signature dessert for the first time on the internet.<br /><br />Anytime is a great time to make a delicious <b>raspberry pie</b>, but when you add a few blueberries atop the whipped cream, you have an <b><span style="font-size: large;">All-American Dessert</span></b> perfect for the 4th of July!<br /><br />Let's start with <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">the crust</span></i></b>.<br /><br />You will need:<br /><br /><ul><li>1/4 c. cold water, (with 1 ice cube in it)</li><li>1 egg</li><li>1 tbsp. vinegar</li><li>2 1/2 c. flour</li><li>1 c. shortening</li><li>1 tsp. salt</li></ul><br /><br /><u>Crust - Step 1</u><br />(Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.)<br /><br />Add all the liquid ingredients together in a small bowl. Stir well with a fork. Let sit (must have the ice cube) while you gather the rest of the ingredients.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bz6Iuwzh6yfO16q-GUiwNmBXKsQ7QKcDvhpT7cXDKhrKTgF_ZSfcT6ugfH2ZokxLWWDfP-OurP8j3cZneq1Jm4sA9-MQj2ANwir3UJMpahUFsn4zAb3vcy7ypIHo823VzMWyqw/s1600/IMG_0611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5bz6Iuwzh6yfO16q-GUiwNmBXKsQ7QKcDvhpT7cXDKhrKTgF_ZSfcT6ugfH2ZokxLWWDfP-OurP8j3cZneq1Jm4sA9-MQj2ANwir3UJMpahUFsn4zAb3vcy7ypIHo823VzMWyqw/s320/IMG_0611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Crust - Step 2</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add only 2 cups of the flour and the teaspoon of salt. Stir together. Then measure 1 cup of shortening and add to the flour mixture. You will be cutting the shortening into the flour mixture until the shortening pieces are about pea-size.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note: I use my Kitchenaid mixer, but you can also use a pastry blender or two butter knives.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the bowl before cutting in the shortening.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEAnPdx2GPDZqyobQDUuQ4gHw1yOf1tv3eHcANj1ojNqSz53JtBoz-k197eFdJrC4qYn-U2_CKbGc1WbaH3O719R0Nb-YKJfJ-D2IAxr6qx9pH9yZl8dtfoxWTAqBAEcXQnuEcQ/s1600/IMG_0616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEAnPdx2GPDZqyobQDUuQ4gHw1yOf1tv3eHcANj1ojNqSz53JtBoz-k197eFdJrC4qYn-U2_CKbGc1WbaH3O719R0Nb-YKJfJ-D2IAxr6qx9pH9yZl8dtfoxWTAqBAEcXQnuEcQ/s320/IMG_0616.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the bowl when the shortening is in sufficiently small pieces.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1pWPA9-5FlnIg-KooBv9o7tZNi3ZK__BpMyAOxxJFNa0vSBVKo5-Nsw1QS8vAmePUTMuVKJTFWUJM1MONIvCpwazpyaZE8KW46UZr1-hN4JwksnnOZFnGYfw_MU9IGfZz2XJsg/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1pWPA9-5FlnIg-KooBv9o7tZNi3ZK__BpMyAOxxJFNa0vSBVKo5-Nsw1QS8vAmePUTMuVKJTFWUJM1MONIvCpwazpyaZE8KW46UZr1-hN4JwksnnOZFnGYfw_MU9IGfZz2XJsg/s320/IMG_0619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Crust - Step 3</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remove the icecube from your wet ingredients and add the liquid to your flour/shortening bowl and stir together until just moist. DO NOT overmix! The secret to flaky pie crust lies in not over-working the dough.</div><br />Once the dough is hanging together, form into two, fist-sized balls. These will be your pie shells.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVXGwNbPpPhYqNO7X6paqKJilR0IxMkGUKc86Tn7FCySziwnqDu5pJrqa78nrWRXD6bfrSHr7ugbS9m63_9l91PUFrmKzuZdoE2aWmq95pnfzgjYqwIuaH45pcL9TTvfeW2xwvA/s1600/IMG_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVXGwNbPpPhYqNO7X6paqKJilR0IxMkGUKc86Tn7FCySziwnqDu5pJrqa78nrWRXD6bfrSHr7ugbS9m63_9l91PUFrmKzuZdoE2aWmq95pnfzgjYqwIuaH45pcL9TTvfeW2xwvA/s320/IMG_0620.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><u>Crust - Step 4</u><br />When we were making the pie dough, we only added 2 cups of the 2 1/2 cups of flour that the recipe called for. That's because during the crust rolling-out process you want to USE PLENTY OF FLOUR. I like to roll out my crusts on a Tupperware plastic sheet, but the counter top works fine too. For each ball of dough I use approx. 1/2 cup of flour on my surface. Then I roll the dough ball around in the flour, and begin rolling it out with my rolling pin.<br /><br />As I'm rolling, I sprinkle on more flour as needed, being careful not to allow the crust to stick to my rolling pin. (Yeah. There's nothing like weilding a rolling pin to make one feel like a real woman!)<br /><br />There's not rush to rolling out the crust. Go slowly, rolling out the dough into a rough circle. I like to roll my crust until I can just read the lines of my Tupperware sheet through the crust -- that's when I know that I've rolled it thin enough.<br /><br />If your crust doesn't cooperate, and sticks to everything, gather up all the dough, sprinkle more flour on your surface, and start that crust again. Note: I don't roll out a piece of dough more than twice. It's just too tough after that, so I start over from step one if roll-out number two goes kaput.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiLvQwGFxj1b0L3hBT4Zt6DJywU3hjbFcIDQZJ-6T3qSfTXbHUGcINgJvgtJasMlEzvZDxavY-lNvQK9acz3WVDOytF30tmhmxFs-sv3NicSNbw5Yig4A_3FCEq4JynxlQGaH7Q/s1600/IMG_0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuiLvQwGFxj1b0L3hBT4Zt6DJywU3hjbFcIDQZJ-6T3qSfTXbHUGcINgJvgtJasMlEzvZDxavY-lNvQK9acz3WVDOytF30tmhmxFs-sv3NicSNbw5Yig4A_3FCEq4JynxlQGaH7Q/s320/IMG_0621.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><u>Crust - Step 5</u><br />Now comes the tricky part -- getting your dough from the rolling surface to your pie pan. I use a metal spatula and carefully go under the edges of my dough. Then I ever-so-carefully fold the crust in half, carefully using the spatula to lift the center of the crust off the surface without tearing. Once the crust is completely unstuck, I carefully lift it into my pie pan and then un-fold it.<br /><br />I mend any tears in the dough by overlapping them and pressing them together. It's also important to firmly press the dough into the bottom and edges of the pie pan. As you can see in the picture below, I like a lot of crust to work with around the top, so I fold the dough under itself around the rim, pressing as I go. Once the dough is firmly pressed into the pan, and I've got plenty of dough around the top, I trip off the excess with a butter knife.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6WwMX3zp-w6c9Onwse1abUpwA2EOb5dE2gyG9QNwJ2UCVWRTCZYqS0RtnM6y7_oyLY-DNkHH6tfwotO0JLo46Y4HjYvPNTgRz_7u3RTxLwhyphenhypheny_6b9JY8teTH5ruO0pasdT_sOg/s1600/IMG_0623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6WwMX3zp-w6c9Onwse1abUpwA2EOb5dE2gyG9QNwJ2UCVWRTCZYqS0RtnM6y7_oyLY-DNkHH6tfwotO0JLo46Y4HjYvPNTgRz_7u3RTxLwhyphenhypheny_6b9JY8teTH5ruO0pasdT_sOg/s320/IMG_0623.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>After fluting the edges, I poke holes in the crust with a fork, and<b> place the crust in the freezer for at least 6 minutes</b>. (This helps prevent shrinking when baking the crust.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEThkAlvtMoDt0yg0DWVkYXeSgdrJflyOjFy4WhLH3ODkyt53TCp3dSncM23HkYd02nCHUyAZAUl7K1rQN8GBPhA9lQT7QaJBXmBqieHr-USN-f4-RonzSa22dPjOSmbAXXe97w/s1600/IMG_0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEThkAlvtMoDt0yg0DWVkYXeSgdrJflyOjFy4WhLH3ODkyt53TCp3dSncM23HkYd02nCHUyAZAUl7K1rQN8GBPhA9lQT7QaJBXmBqieHr-USN-f4-RonzSa22dPjOSmbAXXe97w/s320/IMG_0624.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><u>Crust - Step 6</u><br />Now you're ready to bake your pie crust. Place it on the center rack of an oven that's preheated to 400 degrees F. It bakes for approximately 15 minutes or until a light, golden brown. (Time varies depending your individual oven.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0xN0LIC1TyUz8OBvd2JpC6zzz_91CXKJGPMfNPWlZpMWfK0AhVBR5rVT4AU4nLiWbEpUxhUNJpeUsVqm3cutbxACpyMA_6yMbh8MgYKWrS66O4hAbUxFS73NLmSn74A8vqjDcg/s1600/IMG_0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0xN0LIC1TyUz8OBvd2JpC6zzz_91CXKJGPMfNPWlZpMWfK0AhVBR5rVT4AU4nLiWbEpUxhUNJpeUsVqm3cutbxACpyMA_6yMbh8MgYKWrS66O4hAbUxFS73NLmSn74A8vqjDcg/s320/IMG_0625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNAfah_-IoaaUGRfZsISPGEBZK6Nk0icqUfAvHfirEJ4jIqgkGcW5iUpqRzwSuQXw-jjqsctBPtkk2ufXNMlzHocZAi1wpL-X7JADiYjTqhZ17G_EtIEDleaQdexDaXbCOnB5kA/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNAfah_-IoaaUGRfZsISPGEBZK6Nk0icqUfAvHfirEJ4jIqgkGcW5iUpqRzwSuQXw-jjqsctBPtkk2ufXNMlzHocZAi1wpL-X7JADiYjTqhZ17G_EtIEDleaQdexDaXbCOnB5kA/s320/IMG_0633.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Note: This recipe makes two generous 9" pie crusts. You'll also have some dough leftover. I like to scrunch in into a ball, put it in a sandwich bag, and freeze it to use later as the top of a chicken-pot-pie.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3hd42IHlQRvRB6bxMPm8o-TU35mPxY2xHepZlkpi3_5Mf2hbdvwXFp74CqazNp6uQyuG9WyalxWUSm2IrLUENOvSKQKHgxnblpmMy86vlOTIN6xs-_2nmkpdgNJUFynpPkRmzA/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3hd42IHlQRvRB6bxMPm8o-TU35mPxY2xHepZlkpi3_5Mf2hbdvwXFp74CqazNp6uQyuG9WyalxWUSm2IrLUENOvSKQKHgxnblpmMy86vlOTIN6xs-_2nmkpdgNJUFynpPkRmzA/s320/IMG_0627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Once your pie shells are out of the oven, you can start working on the <b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>raspberry pie filling</i></span></b>.<br /><br />You will need:<br /><br /><ul><li>1, 3-oz. box of raspberry flavored gelatin</li><li>1 c. sugar</li><li>1/4 tsp. salt</li><li>1/4 c. cornstarch (a tad more if fruit is from frozen)</li><li>2 c. water (1 3/4 c. if fruit is frozen)</li><li>2 Tbsp. lemon juice</li><li>3 to 4 c. fresh raspberries / 4 c. frozen raspberries</li></ul><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYFdAFcuUSklEjep9ChuqoIHlUAphgwbarrux_YDTWotS4xzSmYT8XIZC4zxu4PsOX2kmkXKmpJrEQnghIfIJ0RxO1mzxwlTIZdbSv5XPqYZqna9K4yIW9-j5jazbVnDiCXfZmQ/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYFdAFcuUSklEjep9ChuqoIHlUAphgwbarrux_YDTWotS4xzSmYT8XIZC4zxu4PsOX2kmkXKmpJrEQnghIfIJ0RxO1mzxwlTIZdbSv5XPqYZqna9K4yIW9-j5jazbVnDiCXfZmQ/s320/IMG_0629.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><u>Filling - Step 1</u><br />In a medium saucepan, add dry ingredients (gelatin, sugar, salt, cornstarch) and stir well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlOcTreghLHrzZ9LbIk8tHTZytQ8U37ELSRPBQtonqNFFm4hD38mC4WSRwLp8URf0v1ys_7gj_xhqfVaRfwNBLYUeuqYazdx9asmpc8_VRw34IQb3HE2rV3zrmtdj1d-InzOZZA/s1600/IMG_0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIlOcTreghLHrzZ9LbIk8tHTZytQ8U37ELSRPBQtonqNFFm4hD38mC4WSRwLp8URf0v1ys_7gj_xhqfVaRfwNBLYUeuqYazdx9asmpc8_VRw34IQb3HE2rV3zrmtdj1d-InzOZZA/s320/IMG_0632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><u>Filling - Step 2</u><br />Next, add 2 cups of water if using fresh raspberries, or 1 3/4 cups of water if raspberries are frozen and two tablespoons of lemon juice.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1N9jVRhaF0sy30lsQQosSRJSRTyMiVqOpR_HkBKRARoPFR4opxKLA8wZxYKAZ2ZAicEHrj7ypWsDP2eddn_MPsxvYDtw9NGtLP4FFmtZYrra7k-nTI37pEkLrZwb7VcvG6KDNA/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1N9jVRhaF0sy30lsQQosSRJSRTyMiVqOpR_HkBKRARoPFR4opxKLA8wZxYKAZ2ZAicEHrj7ypWsDP2eddn_MPsxvYDtw9NGtLP4FFmtZYrra7k-nTI37pEkLrZwb7VcvG6KDNA/s320/IMG_0634.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Filling - Step 3</u></div><div style="text-align: left;">Cook mixture on medium-high heat, stirring constantly until it comes to a full boil. Remove from heat, and let filling cool slightly.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOSqeN6UvvbUEH3EK7v05wyrvL5m9JZhgxNYoLvmsOXdguD_c8cfTMYkrqGm4repugcdgAxTagCxluMygVYdofKfoljONjaU28HYHx2p6Nebs3Tp6o0t5SnPj-V1nw0qy-C0FFA/s1600/IMG_0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOSqeN6UvvbUEH3EK7v05wyrvL5m9JZhgxNYoLvmsOXdguD_c8cfTMYkrqGm4repugcdgAxTagCxluMygVYdofKfoljONjaU28HYHx2p6Nebs3Tp6o0t5SnPj-V1nw0qy-C0FFA/s320/IMG_0635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><u>Filling - Step 4</u><br />If using fresh berries, let gelatin mixture cool for at least 30 minutes before adding berries. For frozen berries, let the gelatin mixture cool for 10 minutes or so, and add berries to the saucepan, stirring well.<br /><br />Once berries are combined with gelatin mixture, divide the filling evenly into your two pie shells and refrigerate for approximately four hours.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHt5IxUDk22TwTDYkS2g5i_NWoxlofvb_IxR0Ob4bCtlfVVh66QMzgxQCf465XcGKddbeBMEZJoK3OsRrBL0pgE0YkBg-kddDmo_y5jxlm28-VuRmBloaVSX_3ECap9PE9Az9BA/s1600/IMG_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbHt5IxUDk22TwTDYkS2g5i_NWoxlofvb_IxR0Ob4bCtlfVVh66QMzgxQCf465XcGKddbeBMEZJoK3OsRrBL0pgE0YkBg-kddDmo_y5jxlm28-VuRmBloaVSX_3ECap9PE9Az9BA/s320/IMG_0636.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><u>Topping</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Only real whipping cream for an all-American pie. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before whipping cream, place the bowl, beaters, and rubber scraper in the freezer for at least 5 minutes -- this makes for no-fail whipped cream every time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In your chilled bowl, dump in a 1/2 pint (8 oz.) of heavy whipping cream and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Beat with chilled beaters on medium-high until the cream is stiff and forms peaks that are firm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Divide whipped cream onto pies and garnish with fresh blueberries for a red, white, and blue dessert.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Note: You can make this pie with a variety of fresh or frozen fruits. We also like:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">strawberries and strawberry flavored gelatin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">peaches and peach flavored gelatin.</div><br /><br />Hope you enjoy it!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvK2rVyMhKfv8Jdop5LOfUCEOkmZYctdHkxMkagWjEAH0eYrsrDJJdGLnNGyZIF5caimoanO-OxoiuEMiWZP_6uagi6sREMv2pfLJwQfYZp1WbL8Yp9S83HuYkpIX4x17Vmcgr4A/s1600/patriotic+pie+final.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvK2rVyMhKfv8Jdop5LOfUCEOkmZYctdHkxMkagWjEAH0eYrsrDJJdGLnNGyZIF5caimoanO-OxoiuEMiWZP_6uagi6sREMv2pfLJwQfYZp1WbL8Yp9S83HuYkpIX4x17Vmcgr4A/s320/patriotic+pie+final.png" width="233" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27756944.post-12903066827498916362013-06-22T16:47:00.000-07:002017-10-11T19:43:13.812-07:00Benefits and Uses of Coconut Oil<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLiRzkyYcAHvxHP33NtCLOE5SjtNUDWjNZBs4KVhFYk4wWWB3Y8xchN2vIJ25oqIREYOfvt5B2lYSVSrSFrMQ_bXHkltykxLJzUBpXTTn_221sCqVaNLQY_9NyfwSDBm6Carlaw/s1600/cco.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLiRzkyYcAHvxHP33NtCLOE5SjtNUDWjNZBs4KVhFYk4wWWB3Y8xchN2vIJ25oqIREYOfvt5B2lYSVSrSFrMQ_bXHkltykxLJzUBpXTTn_221sCqVaNLQY_9NyfwSDBm6Carlaw/s320/cco.png" width="285"></a></div>Hi, Natalie here.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} b\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style><![endif]--></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Today's post is going to be about coconut oil! I recently bought some <a href="http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/nature%27s-way-efagold-coconut-oil-dietary-supplement/ID=prod6037538-product" target="_blank">EfaGold Coconut Oil.</a> And let me say, I LOVE it!! It's not particularly cheap, but for the amount you get, it's a pretty good deal. Especially because it should last a long time, too. I found this great <a href="http://www.deliciousobsessions.com/2012/05/122-uses-for-coconut-oil-even-more-of-the-simple-the-strange-and-the-downright-odd/" target="_blank">website</a> with 122 uses for coconut oil! Check it out! I'm going to share just a few of my favorite ways to use this amazing stuff.<br><br>1. On your face- Some days this is all I use on my face. Nothing else! You may think, cleansing my skin with oil?! Won't that make my skin worse? Oil is actually a great way to clean your skin! It can clear blemishes, fade scars, moisturize, remove make-up, and it makes your face <i>su-u-u-per </i>soft, and glowy!<br><br>I like to use coconut oil to exfoliate my skin, and it's super easy and fast to make. All you have to do is mix 1/2 cup of oil with 1/4 cup of baking soda!<br><br>In the past I've used Castor Oil to wash my face, and it's worked pretty well. So if you have that or any other oil, you could mix it with the coconut oil. Before I put the coconut oil on my face, I splash warm water on my face to open my pores. Then massage the oil on your skin for a few minutes. After that, cover your face with a warm wash cloth; take if off once it's cooled down. Then wash it off and moisturize! (If needed).<br><br>To moisturize with coconut oil pretty straight forward, just apply a thin layer to your entire face. Lips, eyebrows, and eyelashes included!<br><br><br>Another great way to use coconut oil is as a body scrub! Afterwards you'll smell like coconut! And not like artificial coconut, but <u>real</u> coconut. In my scrub I used peppermint, vanilla, and sugar. But you can add salt or brown sugar and any essential oil if you choose to use one. I just estimated how much sugar I wanted to add, but a guideline is 1 part oil to 2 parts sugar or salt. I use mine in the shower and afterwards, you will smell SO good!! Plus your skin will feel baby soft.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsOCT4O6y0UTYgvB7ut5CNzneXCrW1tqRInfiJ8_UPsoDSlwz6R_V24HxMdBxxMGp7XL0sDgS4nF_SNPMQYLari3oVmfPMFd_LkYKeqIBHHdaZ_SZMqmBP9mEw8KGSzX7raUZVQ/s1600/277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBsOCT4O6y0UTYgvB7ut5CNzneXCrW1tqRInfiJ8_UPsoDSlwz6R_V24HxMdBxxMGp7XL0sDgS4nF_SNPMQYLari3oVmfPMFd_LkYKeqIBHHdaZ_SZMqmBP9mEw8KGSzX7raUZVQ/s320/277.JPG" width="320"></a></div>Besides using in on your face and body, you can use coconut oil on your hair. The oil actually penetrates the hair shaft, not just coating it.<br><br>Before applying the oil to your hair, melt some of it by placing it in warm water.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4r6M9y0kz_tcC0BoCxbJTJ4VfEBsxAB-1mqM1BCQpaD_8LcEGFdKJV2fhpNNn7ds41EC6CccsWXbYv4dmYc7WbkWlrtP5LWUZYkYx07vFngQ2e1HM50ZG5gpNK9Y7UfsYfaRWmA/s1600/278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4r6M9y0kz_tcC0BoCxbJTJ4VfEBsxAB-1mqM1BCQpaD_8LcEGFdKJV2fhpNNn7ds41EC6CccsWXbYv4dmYc7WbkWlrtP5LWUZYkYx07vFngQ2e1HM50ZG5gpNK9Y7UfsYfaRWmA/s320/278.JPG" width="320"></a></div>Once some of it is melted, just put it all over your hair. I combed it through to evenly distribute it, then wrapped my head in a warm towel. You can leave it in 30 minutes to hours! Leaving it in overnight nourishes your hair best, but be careful not to apply to much and to thoroughly wash it out. I didn't, and my hair looked pretty greasy, so I put in some dry shampoo. If you have cornstarch, that will work too because it's absorbent. You can add essential oil to the coconut oil if you want, but I didn't.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbOTyrE-qM5dYlNwkTk0L9MefKyMntYNPBW79yUpfFStBShz5JU1C5GBkq9pp7lxNMn3O7HuR0Uq8_3pytD2X0zDoCRNJuIxYAgYhmEYIIh1sSuQ2fXFeWGyD6Nh6xANYQzydeg/s1600/279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbOTyrE-qM5dYlNwkTk0L9MefKyMntYNPBW79yUpfFStBShz5JU1C5GBkq9pp7lxNMn3O7HuR0Uq8_3pytD2X0zDoCRNJuIxYAgYhmEYIIh1sSuQ2fXFeWGyD6Nh6xANYQzydeg/s320/279.JPG" width="240"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <u>To promote growth</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Peppermint, Lavender, Rosemary, Basil, and (Clary) sage.<u> </u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Oily Hair</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tea Tree oil, Lemon, Basil and Rosemary.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Dry Hair</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Peppermint, Olive, and Myrrh<u>.</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Dandruff</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tea Tree, Aloe Vera, Chamomile, and Eucalyptus.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lastly I use coconut oil for eating! I used organic, pure, cold pressed coconut oil. If you don't, it's not going to taste and smell like coconut as I learned. I bought <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/10535750?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=&wl3=21486607510&wl4=&wl5=pla&veh=sem" target="_blank">Spectrum</a> coconut oil because it was cheap and looked like what I wanted. It wasn't. Whoops. . . Coconut oil is actually very good for you. (If taken in proper amounts.) It's also good for cooking, and for. . . animals! I fed some to the cats and they loved it! Maybe it'll help Oreo (the black one) lose some weight. . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m00mD3gGs8-dpqMQCIFNWqydXnL-u090YDJZ3oQHbtREqK8dD-OjUIXFYor3Ra4MEMw_G8TuY4aeDyU1RcoH71ZDIy4aM82NZKcN4D1IfyGAJIIv30l7mIzKjZ33vcY9Q7wJ3w/s1600/merge+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m00mD3gGs8-dpqMQCIFNWqydXnL-u090YDJZ3oQHbtREqK8dD-OjUIXFYor3Ra4MEMw_G8TuY4aeDyU1RcoH71ZDIy4aM82NZKcN4D1IfyGAJIIv30l7mIzKjZ33vcY9Q7wJ3w/s400/merge+pic.png" width="400"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hopefully if you have some coconut oil sitting unused you found some new ways to use it! If you try any of the above uses, tell me how they worked out for you. Good luck! Comment your favorite ways to use coconut oil!</div><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Christiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01447684647722772526noreply@blogger.com0